Congratulations on running the marathon! My father died suddenly a month and a half ago. He was a devoted Catholic and really wanted me to try going to mass again. Since he died, I've been going (ha ha--you win, Dad?!). I am participating but I am mostly listening. And--almost against my will--each week I get a little insight or idea that sticks with me and I mull it over.
I don't know if I want to be a Catholic again but I hear my Dad echoing in the mass--and so much of it repeats what your newsletter is titled this week: "I love you, keep going, keep trying, see the best in yourself and others, help one another." As I reflect on him and his life, so much of it was about big, persistent, boundless love. So, I am listening and trying to love as big as he did.
Thanks Yvonne! I got a note from a coworker (a person I don't really even know that well) and it was so comforting. I am going to share a snippet here in case it helps anyone else:
"Even though it's a natural and normal part of life, I still found it kind of disorienting to have that foundation of support that you've been used to your entire life suddenly be gone. But trust that he prepared you for it. And you are in a way part of a club now--not one that you would choose necessarily, but one where there is comfort and understanding. I can tell you that you won't stop missing him, but there will come a time when the thoughts bring a smile instead of automatic tears."
Congrats, Caroline! Such an amazing accomplishment! Hope you’re enjoying some well-deserved rest and looking an equally inspiring list of “things to say to yourself after you’ve done a hard thing and kicked butt.” :)
I like to think of balance in life in two separate but associated ways.
As we live each day we are building the foundation for our future. In this we need a sound foundation, not one built on sand or mud. Balance is essential here in maintaining an even keel so that we don’t tilt one way or the other and slip off our base.
This sense of equilibrium is also essential when we view our likes and dislikes, our work/play balance and the amount of time and effort we spend on ourselves as compared to those around us.
Often when we eat, for example, it becomes tempting to eat less vegetables, for example, and snarf down more ice cream. Or, conversely, if we’re extremely health conscious we may eat too much fiber and not drink enough liquids.
Americans seem to have this erroneous notion that if a little is good then a lot must be better. Yes, we need sugar, fats and fiber in our diet but even too much of a good thing is detrimental to our health.
caroline, congratulations on running such a huge race and i hope your recovery is speedy. and thank you to all who shared their mantras. sometimes the hard part is remembering what helps/how to get help when things are bleak or dark.
Thank you so much for sharing the rituals, mantras and philosophies shared by others. I will share them with others and put some in plain view. Lots of sharing LOL! Congratulations on running the marathon! Caroline, YOU can do hard things! One of my mantras is ''This too shall pass.'' Everything is impermanent. I like what you wrote: Put down the heavy load, if only for a moment. Feel the ground beneath you and the sky above. I will have to remember that put it into practice.
I love all your writing Caroline. Two mantras I use:
For years I have borrowed my best friend's mother's mantra: You are strong, you are wise, you are loved.
Recently, going through a tough parenting phase, I was reminded of Loris Malaguzzi's The Hundred Languages of Children poem, and especially the line "nothing without joy." It has helped ground me in what is important about childhood: the joy and wonder, not following manners and schedules.
I am honoured that my little slice of wisdom has been shared. I have learnt so much reading the other 'how to do hard things' and I am going to be sharing this to all the people I know who are having a hard time. Thank you :)
Congratulations on running the marathon! My father died suddenly a month and a half ago. He was a devoted Catholic and really wanted me to try going to mass again. Since he died, I've been going (ha ha--you win, Dad?!). I am participating but I am mostly listening. And--almost against my will--each week I get a little insight or idea that sticks with me and I mull it over.
I don't know if I want to be a Catholic again but I hear my Dad echoing in the mass--and so much of it repeats what your newsletter is titled this week: "I love you, keep going, keep trying, see the best in yourself and others, help one another." As I reflect on him and his life, so much of it was about big, persistent, boundless love. So, I am listening and trying to love as big as he did.
So sorry about your loss.
Thanks Yvonne! I got a note from a coworker (a person I don't really even know that well) and it was so comforting. I am going to share a snippet here in case it helps anyone else:
"Even though it's a natural and normal part of life, I still found it kind of disorienting to have that foundation of support that you've been used to your entire life suddenly be gone. But trust that he prepared you for it. And you are in a way part of a club now--not one that you would choose necessarily, but one where there is comfort and understanding. I can tell you that you won't stop missing him, but there will come a time when the thoughts bring a smile instead of automatic tears."
Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Congrats, Caroline! Such an amazing accomplishment! Hope you’re enjoying some well-deserved rest and looking an equally inspiring list of “things to say to yourself after you’ve done a hard thing and kicked butt.” :)
Saving this one to come back to :) so many gems!
I like to think of balance in life in two separate but associated ways.
As we live each day we are building the foundation for our future. In this we need a sound foundation, not one built on sand or mud. Balance is essential here in maintaining an even keel so that we don’t tilt one way or the other and slip off our base.
This sense of equilibrium is also essential when we view our likes and dislikes, our work/play balance and the amount of time and effort we spend on ourselves as compared to those around us.
Often when we eat, for example, it becomes tempting to eat less vegetables, for example, and snarf down more ice cream. Or, conversely, if we’re extremely health conscious we may eat too much fiber and not drink enough liquids.
Americans seem to have this erroneous notion that if a little is good then a lot must be better. Yes, we need sugar, fats and fiber in our diet but even too much of a good thing is detrimental to our health.
Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment, Caroline! Hope you enjoy some rest and recovery and truly celebrate your hard work and effort!
Whoo Hooo!!!😀
You did it!
YAAAY!!!
"it’s impossible to devote yourself to everything, everywhere, all at once."
Ain't that the truth!? ... says she who has spread herself way too thin lately.
Love this!!
caroline, congratulations on running such a huge race and i hope your recovery is speedy. and thank you to all who shared their mantras. sometimes the hard part is remembering what helps/how to get help when things are bleak or dark.
Thank you so much for sharing the rituals, mantras and philosophies shared by others. I will share them with others and put some in plain view. Lots of sharing LOL! Congratulations on running the marathon! Caroline, YOU can do hard things! One of my mantras is ''This too shall pass.'' Everything is impermanent. I like what you wrote: Put down the heavy load, if only for a moment. Feel the ground beneath you and the sky above. I will have to remember that put it into practice.
I love all your writing Caroline. Two mantras I use:
For years I have borrowed my best friend's mother's mantra: You are strong, you are wise, you are loved.
Recently, going through a tough parenting phase, I was reminded of Loris Malaguzzi's The Hundred Languages of Children poem, and especially the line "nothing without joy." It has helped ground me in what is important about childhood: the joy and wonder, not following manners and schedules.
I am honoured that my little slice of wisdom has been shared. I have learnt so much reading the other 'how to do hard things' and I am going to be sharing this to all the people I know who are having a hard time. Thank you :)