"For Annie..."
Once upon a time, there was this woman with whom I was involved... I will call her Jan, because that was her name. I was spending a weekend with her... and if you know me at all, you know that I journal. I started journaling the day my Dad had his stroke, and have continued on through this day.
On this particular morning, we were sitting on her deck having coffee, and I was writing... she looked at me and asked what it was that required my full attention.
This is what I had written:
"Life is easy... I make it hard."
"Life is hard... I over-simplify it.."
I handed her the journal, she read it, and commented that the two comments I had written were polar opposites.
I agreed with her assessment. They were polar opposites... these were to be my hypotheses... statements that I wanted to test in order to determine which of the two statements were true for me.
I'm not sure what it was that I was looking for earlier when I found that image above, but it caused me to remember this morning.
The first statement is the one that I try to embrace... that Life is indeed easy. That isn't to say that there aren't tough times, because there just are. Sometimes, we have to act in a manner that is difficult for us, but, in reality it may well be the best way to handle that situation.
By taking the easy routes out of difficult situations, we make things messier, more difficult in the long run, and maybe that is what causes us to feel that Life is indeed difficult.
Sometimes, we need to... no, have to make a difficult decision that will make Life easier. Once, we've figured that out, and act on it, we've won half the battle.
Sometimes, we need to... no, have to make a difficult decision that will make Life easier. Once, we've figured that out, and act on it, we've won half the battle.
If you've read this blog from the beginning, I've been on a journey for Inner Peace...
I think that such a journey is Life-Long...
Maybe we don't get there until the End...
~shoes~
'I will call her Jan, because that was her name...' You're the first one to make me loud out loud, Shoes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, Shoes. Right now I lean toward your first hypothesis. I'm like a plane now... letting the wind carry me and aerodynamic enough (don't laugh) to let problem slide off my back. But that in itself ain't easy.
Hey there, Grumpster!
DeleteThese days, we have to laugh at things that are funny to offset those things that make us sit down and wonder, 'WTF?!?!?!?!'
One hundred years from now, the crap going on today will not have mattered much at all...
Let it all slide, Grumpster!!
~shoes~
*laugh (What's wrong with my mind-hand coordination these days? Too much boot camp?)
ReplyDeleteEasily, hand-eye issues...
Deletebut I'm just guessing... ;oD
~shoes~
Hahahahahaha good one... though I'm slightly biased.
DeleteP.S. Of course you've got mail. (V.I.P. US Mail/Male)
I am with you Red... I am, lately, looking, longing and working myself in order to achieve that understanding, that life is simple, that I should not take myself so seriously...
ReplyDeleteHi, Ana...
ReplyDeleteI sincerely believe that Life could be that easy. As I said above, there are times we have to make some difficult decisions, and do somethings that might be difficult, but it would make our Lives easier, I think.
How is your work coming along??
~shoes~
"Long is the way, and hard that out of hell leads up to light"
ReplyDeleteSitsn aroun on my duffs and thankin wtf, I's had to do dat a lots lately, da mo you knows, da mo you donts be wantin ta knows. Ya know?
I know...
Delete~shoes~
I think u are right, WE don't get it until the end... As far as life being easy and we make it hard.. goes w/the quote: "No pain, no gain".. I think humans can't believe when an answer to something CAN be easy... We're taught we have to work for it, or fight for it... Reminds me of the turtle and the hare, eh?
ReplyDeleteI was told that when my Dad knew he was dying he said " I've had a good life".... wth would a prejudiced, insecure, verbally abusive man say that? If that ain't denial, I don't know what is. Guess if he confessed/realized how he was it would of crushed him sooner or he would of blamed it on the situations that caused him to be that way- be it society, way he was raised, etc...
I can't even begin to imagine that I would know why your Dad would make that comment, Chris... other than the realization that maybe things weren't as bad as he thought.
DeleteI would think it would be best if we came to such a realization before we move on to whatever is next.
~shoes~
I do think that the circumstances that we face change. Some are harder. Some are easier. We don't have much control over that. The one thing that we do have control over is our attitude. If we maintain a positive attitude than no matter what the circumstances, it is always easier to navigate through the territory. The challenge is maintaining that positive attitude when you are really out there in the trenches. Of course, that is when you need it the most.
ReplyDeleteWe also have control over telling someone how we feel about situations. It may be difficult to say what is bothering us, but we do need to do it!
DeleteHow is everything, Robin? :o)
~shoes~
I think most of us make things significantly harder than they need to be. How to make it easier, without oversimplifying, is the challenge. I'm pretty sure that path doesn't have an end.
ReplyDeleteNamaste.
Hi there, Max!
DeleteHow is everything??
In reality, I think things do swing back and forth between the two extremes listed...
I prefer the position where Life tends to be Easy... :oD
How's that Casino doing??
~shoes~
I really enjoyed this post as well as the inspirational message you posted. Part of it reminds me of the Law Of Attraction-- about staying focused and trusting the process.
ReplyDeleteLife is a journey, and I think we do sometimes over complicate things. We just need to sometimes slow down & take it one day at a time and try to be positive. Some things in life have a way of working out for themselves. :)
Good morning, Princess!
DeleteWe do have to stay focused and TRUST the process!!! TRUST ourselves!!! TRUST others!!! Of course, that's the kicker...
Life is, indeed, a journey... I'm a firm believer in slowing Life down when things get complicated, and most do work themselves out.
I trust you are having a great weekend!!
~shoes~
Hi Shoes!
ReplyDeleteFor me, there is much to learn. I think how we let go is the last lesson of our journey. My fathers running buddy died on the 27th. He was the last of them to go. He was 84. He never retired. His heart simply stopped one morning on his way to work. He was happy because it was spring and he loved to watch the birds. He was always laughing and smiling. He made life easy.
Good morning, Monkey!!
DeleteThere is so much more to know... and to learn!
We should all go the way your Father's running buddy did!
It seems he was very happy and content.
I do think whether Life is Hard or Easy is within OUR control, and who we let into our Lives.
Did you have fun down in Nola??
~shoes~
I USED to try and control situations around me. The key words in that last sentence is "USED TO". I don't do that anymore. I have found that I can't make things happen either they will or they won't. I can do my part but nothing more.
ReplyDeleteI also journal and it is eye opening to go back and read what I felt or was going through. My best friend, Micky, is the only one who has access to them. The instructions are that she can read them if she chooses after I die but no one else. I think it is very healthy to journal about what u r feeling. Then going back and reading and either u are still are experiencing those things or how they are not so important as they seemed to be anymore.
Journaling, Yoga, Massage and Puppy Walking are ways for me do destress.
The only thing I think we need to worry about is our health and having money to survive and by that I mean roof over the head, electric, medical and food. If we have extra great.
I am experiencing three parents with health issues. So I understand the importance of appreciating my good health and taking care of one self.
Never go to bed angry either. Lately, we have had a few issues in our office but what I have learned is don't take it personally. I am now back in good with my gal secretaries and I aim to stay that way by "minding my own business" and "sorting out my own issues". I've learned a lot.
I don't worry about relationships with men anymore either. I seem to be one of the ones whom is different. So I just go with the flow nowadays.
As long as my pup is healthy and I am healthy and I can pay my bills, life is good.
I think I have finally figured out how to find peace even in the middle of the storms of my life.
Quote: Storms make oaks take root.
I hope u do get to travel soon. It seems like ur soul wants and desires it.
Have a blessed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hi there, Stormy...
DeleteTravelin' will be upon me soon... I just have to decide if I'm heading to Utah or to the Florida Keys...
How are things going in Memphis??
~shoes~
Shoes: You can really over-simplify the easy life you made hard. However, you are right. It is a lifetime journey toward peace. Maybe, you should re-define "peace" for a smoother ride.
ReplyDeleteHi there, JJ... yeah, from time to time, we do have to evaluate/re-evaluate our goals to make sure we are going in the right direction!
DeleteHow is everything with you??
~shoes~
Journey of Inner Peace?? Crap! I thought it was about trying to get a piece!
ReplyDeleteMy bad!
;)
HAR!! Of course, it's all about trying to get a piece!!! You have to get in her to... well... you get the drift... ;oD
Delete~shoes~
Great food for thought here... Quite inspiring post in many ways! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood evening, dear...
DeleteI due to break out of this slump soon!!!
How are you, dear??
~shoes~
Life can be very hard. Even more so when I act stupidly. I think Red converse all stars are cool. But yesterday I saw a guy at the VA in a pair of red docksiders and they were so gay
ReplyDeleteKurt...
DeleteLMBO!!!!
Oh, God... do I have to reconsider this look??
HAR!!!
~shoes~
Yes, it is all hard, but we should be proud of our resilience and courage and keep putting one foot in front of the other. In my case,a nicely pedicured foot would be outstanding...
DeleteHi there, Linnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....
ReplyDeleteWe have a Korean foote shoppe out in the Walmart Shopping center that would love to help you with your feet!!!!
All in all, we are rather resilient, aren't we? Of course, some moreso than others...
~shoes~
I live by those last words " the choice is yours"
ReplyDeleteHeck isn't that what we tell our kids!
Great post!
Hi there, Liz...
DeleteThat is what we tell our kids!! Sometimes, however, we fall out of the loop when it actually comes to implementing it in our own lives...
~shoes~
Good morning, DixieBelle!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a perception... isn't it?
How are things in your world this morning??
~shoes~
Life is crazy and wonderful.... exactly what I'm making of it at any rate =)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day!
Good morning, Dixiebelle...
ReplyDeleteI agree... it IS what we make of it!!
Crazy AND wonderful sound great!!!!
~shoes~
I'd like to believe that we find our "inner-peace" here on earth, rather than after we've left this life. I long for happiness, true happiness, with myself, with my life. That's it. Sounds simple yes? Well, it's not. It's a constant battle for me, but like you, my quest continues. I believe everyone deserves to find whatever it is they are searching for. We all have purpose.
ReplyDeleteHi there, Yvonne... I think happiness has to start with ourselves... and I think we do find it, sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you.
~shoes~