In and out.

We misfits are the ones with the ability to enter grief. Death. Trauma. And emerge. ~ Lidia Yuknavitch.

My first thought when I read this was that the key word here is “emerge.”So many people get stuck after they enter these foreign places and can’t seem to find their way out.

But others–and I’m thinking about a really close friend–can walk through fire and still emerge carrying buckets of water for someone else.

If you’re lucky enough to know someone like this, pay attention, appreciate and take the inspiration. For truly, we never know what this life of ours will hold.

Attitude

Has anyone ever told you that “attitude is everything?”

It might not be everything, but the importance of attitude can not be underestimated. In anything.

I know people who say they’ve always been pessimists and can’t change.

Well, ok then. Don’t be surprised when your life is dark–because that’s all you allow yourself to see.

(And don’t forget my supportive grief tools, found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AHealingSpirit

Stuff

I’ve got a lot of “stuff.” Somehow, it just accumulated over the years. But as I age, I am less willing to bring stuff into my life. And I find I have less “need” for stuff.

During some work I’ve been doing on manifestation and spirituality, I found my thoughts did not go to stuff and luxury. It went to basic comforts and love of all kinds.

Turns out, those are the most important things to me.

There was a day for “stuff” and that day has now passed.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to me. I’ve never longed for what others had, even when I didn’t have anything close to it. Just not who I have ever been.

That’s not to say I don’t like a cute outfit. Just bought a new one yesterday. But the desire to accumulate stuff for its own sake is gone.

Aging

One day you feel young and the next day you realize you’re not. That’s how quickly it can happen. No warning.

Your hair turns grey. People sometimes treat you differently. Your big fear is now falling. Your peers are having parts replaced, dying or being diagnosed with some awful disease.

Don’t let anyone kid you: aging is not for the faint of heart.

Compliments

Another thing we should not underestimate: the power of acknowledging people for…whatever! Their outfit. Something nice they did. Something they accomplished. Or just who they are.

“Just.”

Who they are is maybe the most important compliment you can give.

Peaceful contemplation

I was never that much of a partier but these days I find that I value peaceful contemplation even more.

I find no pleasure in going out to crowded cocktail lounges or in a big party. Put me in a lounge chair alone or next to a compatible friend for a quiet chat, and I’m good.

Laughter

That’s not to say that laughter doesn’t have its place in my life.

I try to have at least one good belly laugh each day. More if I can. Laughing is so much fun and if you can make me laugh, I’m yours forever.

Spirituality

I find that I neglect this side of life at my own peril. When I feel a spiritual void my mood suffers. It’s important to take time for this in my life. Meditation. Connecting with stuff we can not see or feel.

I’m back in the spirituality groove again these days and it helps tremendously.

Writing

For many years I wrote here every day. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that.

I still write a lot. But I think a lot more.

I wish that meant I’ve become wiser, but I don’t think it does. It just means the way I spend my time has changed.

Those are my thoughts, this early morning. What comes to your mind? I’d love to hear in the comments below.