More than just focusing on the goal, i learned something - a chapter in some now forgotten book th -at for some reason, i took with me for the rest of my life. When i'm in a line or long waiting room situation i stop to really BE - /o the cellphone, newspaper or anything. Instead u take the time to inspect the whole room as if u are about to draw or paint it- take in each variable from an otherwize boring place, feel whats inside, breath, all that. It's easy to master - u slow yourself down, u can really feel it. U can sense where impatience, anxiety etc come from and u take that time accorded to u now to just enjoy being alive. It's like having a 'Time out' while still existing in real time and if done right, elevates your mood and keeps u grounded. By the time u interact, while others got all annoyed, i get good feelings that i infect the person i'm dealing with thinking i just helped make this persons day a little better
As for # 1, that catches up with all of us if we are privileged to live long enough. I have always enjoyed meeting people in person that I previously knew only online, and hoped to use my retirement to meet some of them. Well... scratch a couple off the list. The one that bothers me is Wally Day. He would sometimes travel to Albany and frequently eat at the Halfmoon Diner - a mere MILE FROM MY HOUSE - but it never happened that we would meet there. Now it never will. RIP, Wally.
# 2 is my rule for dealing with my son's in-laws, who seem like they all like the same things which are the opposite of what I like. (Especially rambunctious dogs.)
The original # 3 was "Stay off Facebook." Ain't gonna happen.
All from your "Facebook friend and longtime acquaintance" who sometimes wishes it could have been more.
Then again, Shelburne to Plattsburgh involves either a ferry trip or a LONG drive. Which brings up two more things: Wally Day worked for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company and would sometimes post about it, and that company discontinued the long Burlington to Port Kent route. I have made that crossing several times since childhood, but I guess life today moves too fast for people to spend that long on the water.
This is perfect. I wish I could spend more time with a lot of people. That is my goal once fully retired.
I was guilty of being negative in posts although I live with a positive attitude. I realized they weren't asking for my opinion, just sharing theirs. Also I realized that is a good thing we don't all like the same thing. That's what makes us each unique and the world beautiful.
I agree with you. One of my rules for life is do always do just a little extra in a positive way. Not only take your shopping cart back to the corral, take an extra one. If someone shares their garden bounty with you, share half with someone else. Always have a smile for a clerk of any kind. Always say Thank You just a little extra sincerely when they help you.
I read this with care, and applaud the thoughts and appreciate the spare (dare I say graceful) way you write (I wish to be less wordy! but can't help myself sometimes!).
More than just focusing on the goal, i learned something - a chapter in some now forgotten book th -at for some reason, i took with me for the rest of my life. When i'm in a line or long waiting room situation i stop to really BE - /o the cellphone, newspaper or anything. Instead u take the time to inspect the whole room as if u are about to draw or paint it- take in each variable from an otherwize boring place, feel whats inside, breath, all that. It's easy to master - u slow yourself down, u can really feel it. U can sense where impatience, anxiety etc come from and u take that time accorded to u now to just enjoy being alive. It's like having a 'Time out' while still existing in real time and if done right, elevates your mood and keeps u grounded. By the time u interact, while others got all annoyed, i get good feelings that i infect the person i'm dealing with thinking i just helped make this persons day a little better
I have to say though, I think Taylor Swift is great, love her music!
wonderful piece, Randy.
I had to learn the "don't be negative" lesson a few times before it stuck, but stick it finally did.
life-changing.
Once again, Randy, very well said.
As for # 1, that catches up with all of us if we are privileged to live long enough. I have always enjoyed meeting people in person that I previously knew only online, and hoped to use my retirement to meet some of them. Well... scratch a couple off the list. The one that bothers me is Wally Day. He would sometimes travel to Albany and frequently eat at the Halfmoon Diner - a mere MILE FROM MY HOUSE - but it never happened that we would meet there. Now it never will. RIP, Wally.
# 2 is my rule for dealing with my son's in-laws, who seem like they all like the same things which are the opposite of what I like. (Especially rambunctious dogs.)
The original # 3 was "Stay off Facebook." Ain't gonna happen.
All from your "Facebook friend and longtime acquaintance" who sometimes wishes it could have been more.
Then again, Shelburne to Plattsburgh involves either a ferry trip or a LONG drive. Which brings up two more things: Wally Day worked for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company and would sometimes post about it, and that company discontinued the long Burlington to Port Kent route. I have made that crossing several times since childhood, but I guess life today moves too fast for people to spend that long on the water.
This is perfect. I wish I could spend more time with a lot of people. That is my goal once fully retired.
I was guilty of being negative in posts although I live with a positive attitude. I realized they weren't asking for my opinion, just sharing theirs. Also I realized that is a good thing we don't all like the same thing. That's what makes us each unique and the world beautiful.
I agree with you. One of my rules for life is do always do just a little extra in a positive way. Not only take your shopping cart back to the corral, take an extra one. If someone shares their garden bounty with you, share half with someone else. Always have a smile for a clerk of any kind. Always say Thank You just a little extra sincerely when they help you.
I read this with care, and applaud the thoughts and appreciate the spare (dare I say graceful) way you write (I wish to be less wordy! but can't help myself sometimes!).
Great article