Changes

Do you readily embrace change?

Are you comfortable adapting to sudden shifts in your life, even when they’re beyond your control? Or do you cling to old habits and resist change at every turn?

The world around us is constantly evolving – are you open to it? Do you have alternative strategies to navigate through change?

In my interactions with people, I often encounter various responses to change. Some individuals welcome change, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Others may dislike change but feel powerless to resist it. And then there are those who recognize change as inevitable, though they may not necessarily embrace it with enthusiasm.

I can empathize with each perspective and perhaps more. While there are changes I may initially resist, I’ve learned to give them a chance before deciding whether to accept or oppose them. This approach stems from recognizing that, like many, I may not always welcome the disruption that change brings.

I encourage you to give change a chance. Rather than rejecting it outright, consider embracing it – it might be precisely what you need. And if you’ve given it a fair shot and it still doesn’t align with your goals, then perhaps it wasn’t meant to be. But by remaining open to change, you might just encounter opportunities that could shape your life in ways you never imagined.

Almost Spring

I recently took some time off to reflect on myself and my life. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I realized I had become caught up in the rush, neglecting to appreciate the simple joys and blessings around me.

My focus was on making everyone feel better, wearing a smile, offering guidance, and being a mentor. However, in the midst of it all, I neglected to pause and express gratitude for my own life – my family, friends, and the positive experiences that have shaped me.

There came a moment when I felt drained, prompting me to recognize the importance of self-reflection and gratitude. Witnessing someone who once battled depression and anxiety now finding solace and joy in life fills me with pride and immense satisfaction.

I forgot to allocate time for myself, to introspect and acknowledge my own thoughts and emotions. We all experience moments of exhaustion – from work, social interactions, solitude, unfulfilled desires, and more.

Do you have someone in your life who can gently remind you to take a break and prioritize self-care? If not, I’m here for you. I’m ready to listen without judgment whenever you need to talk. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Holidays and Loneliness

During this time of the year, we all experience various feelings and emotions.

Some of us feel happy, some pretend to be happy, and some are unhappy and lonely.

In the past two weeks, I’ve spoken to many people about their feelings regarding the holidays, and unfortunately, more than ever, people are not in the mood for celebrating. The reasons are too many to name, but here are a few: economic challenges, layoffs, job insecurity, and, most significantly, loneliness.

Loneliness doesn’t only mean being physically alone; for some, loneliness is feeling isolated in a room full of family, people, or at a party.

We’ve all experienced this loneliness at some point—I certainly have, numerous times.

I recall a specific event, a large Christmas party at a friend’s house filled with music, dancing, laughter, and people talking—a seemingly joyous occasion. However, at one point, I looked around and realized that in the room full of people I know and love, I felt lonely. All I wanted to do was leave.

Nevertheless, I stayed and listened to myself, attempting to understand why I was feeling this way, what thoughts were going through my head, and what I was experiencing in that specific moment.

Did I find a solution to this? NO.

However, I identified what I was feeling and experiencing at that moment. I could turn around and immerse myself in the happiness of the occasion. It’s not easy to pinpoint the exact reason for feeling lonely, but by listening to ourselves and truly hearing our inner thoughts, it becomes a little easier.

I’m also here to listen, and perhaps in the moment when you share your thoughts and feelings, you’ll discover what makes you feel lonely.

Love yourself

I skipped my October post due to so many emotions, feelings, and controversies…

Today, I’ve decided to write about love. The first step to happiness is loving yourself. As the saying goes, “If you don’t love yourself, you won’t allow others to love you.” In my personal experience and in my interactions with people, this statement is almost always true.

Love life. Wake up and smile. No matter your circumstances, the fact that you are waking up means you are alive. Learn to look around and appreciate your surroundings—the moon, the sun, trees, flowers, and your loved ones who are still with you.

Remember to hug your family and friends and tell them you love them because tomorrow might be too late. Love is a powerful word that can bring a smile even when you feel down. Think about that person (whether it’s a spouse, child, parent, or animal) and smile, feeling the warmth in your heart.

Always remember that there is love in this world; just let it in. Learn to love yourself first—that’s the most important step. I’m here to help.

If you need to talk, I’m here, ready to listen.

Complaining vs Sharing

A friend called me today and began discussing some issues he was facing at work. During our conversation, he kept saying, “I don’t want to complain to you, you have so much you are going through.” I couldn’t help but reflect on that phrase, “I don’t want to complain,” and it struck a chord with me. I asked him to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and consider the true meaning behind this phrase. Was he genuinely complaining, or was he simply sharing his worries and concerns with me, expressing what was currently troubling him? I already understood the situation, but I wanted him to recognize it for himself.

We delved into the distinction between complaining and sharing, and the results were truly remarkable. What defines complaining, and what characterizes sharing? Sometimes, they might seem similar, but understanding the nuances between these emotions can make a significant difference. Once he grasped this concept, he felt more at ease opening up and sharing what was bothering him about his current circumstances.

I want you to know that I’m here for you, ready to listen as you share your thoughts, feelings, and innermost concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and together, we can explore where our conversation might lead.

Entitled?

Are you entitled? What does ‘entitled’ really mean?

Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘entitled’ as: having a right to certain benefits or privileges. As Mark Twain put it, ‘After having saved the country, aren’t they entitled to help themselves to just as much of it as they want?’

According to Wikipedia, entitlements are typically based on principles (‘rights’), which are themselves rooted in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement. In psychology, an entitlement mentality is described as a sense of deservingness or the feeling of being owed a favor when little or nothing has been done to merit special treatment.

How do you personally understand the word ‘entitled’? The meaning of entitlement varies among individuals and society nowadays. We all believe we’re entitled to love, happiness, and success, but is this something earned or given?

Numerous definitions can be found across various websites and dictionaries, making the exploration endless. I am keen on hearing your opinion on this matter. Please feel free to share your comments and thoughts here.

Taking Life for Granted?

Do we take life for granted? 

Speaking for myself, I can answer with a resounding yes. We often overlook the value of our health, the simple ability to wake up, walk, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. We forget to express our love to those who mean the most to us.

But then, suddenly, something happens that shifts our priorities and perspectives. It serves as a stark reminder to cherish everything we have, regardless of its quantity. Recently, I was involved in a car accident, and while the outcome was frightening, it could have been much worse.

Within half an hour, I started experiencing migraines, sensitivity to light, nausea, double vision, and excruciating pain on the right side of my body. My right arm became non-functional. It was a terrifying ordeal. I couldn’t go for my morning walks, use the computer or phone due to the agony caused by looking at screens, and even speaking became a torture.

It was during this challenging time that I realized my appreciation for the simple pleasures of life had faded into a routine. Though I used to pause and admire the flowers and my surroundings, it had become mundane. I had stopped truly appreciating it.

Now, as I write this blog, I want to remind each and every one of you to embrace each day, to wholeheartedly appreciate what you have, and to smile just because. When you smile at others, they will smile back, regardless of their own struggles at that moment.

Take a moment to appreciate yourself, your loved ones, and all that surrounds you. Remember, I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to and find solace in.

Wishing you an amazing day, every day.

June’s Magic

June is a magical month when summer takes over, bringing the warm scent of the sun and its rays kissing our skin. 

But what exactly is magic? It’s something we believe in as children, only to lose that feeling and belief as we grow older. We believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and more, depending on our backgrounds.

I’ve always tried to keep magic close and remain open to it. I see it not as magic, per se, but as the universe sending us messages. Today, something magical happened. My plum tree, which has been giving us plums for over 5 years, suddenly had separate branches bearing cherries. Cherries, for the first time! It was a moment of awe-inspiring wonder.

This experience made me realize that if we open ourselves to magic and allow it into our lives, it’s always there. We just need to reach out and embrace it. Life is truly beautiful and amazing if we allow it to be. When we welcome magic into our lives, incredible things can happen.

So remember, if you allow magic to happen, life will unveil its wondrous and enchanting aspects. Stay open, embrace the beauty around you, and let the magic unfold.

June Pride Month LGBTQ+

June is Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. I feel fortunate and proud to live in a time where we can openly celebrate this occasion. Pride Month represents a celebration of acceptance and embracing one another.

He sat across from me, holding a cigarette and a cup of coffee. His family had finally reached out to him after many years, bringing back all the hurt, anger, and pain. At just 16 years old, he came out to his parents as gay. The relationship with his family was never strong, but this revelation, as he described it, was the storm of the century.

He was disowned and kicked out of their home, left with nothing but the clothes on his back, discarded like an unwanted towel. We spoke for hours about his journey through drug addiction, the hardships he faced to survive, and how everything changed when he met his partner—the love they shared. As he delved into that part of his life, I saw his eyes transform from pain to happiness.

I have witnessed the struggles of close friends who confided in me, sharing their experiences of rejection from family and friends. Seeing the pain in their eyes and the brokenness in their hearts was difficult. All I could do was listen, provide comfort, and wipe away their tears.

I am proud because I have consistently stood for equality, and I will continue to do so.

May – Mental Health Awareness Month

May holds significance for me, not only because it marks my birthday, but also because it is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, it is crucial to delve into the true meaning of mental health. While mental illness and addictions form a significant aspect of it, I believe it encompasses more. Mental health includes experiencing burnout from work, grappling with the challenges unfolding in the world, feeling overwhelmed, enduring a pervasive sense of exhaustion, and even encountering bouts of anger and irritation.

We all encounter moments of feeling adrift, as if we don’t quite belong, or uncertain about what lies ahead. In my observation, these emotions and thoughts have become more prevalent, particularly after the pandemic and the recent wave of tech layoffs. I witness them in my family, my friends, my children’s acquaintances, and even in strangers I encounter during my hikes or while shopping.

It is crucial for us to embrace and acknowledge our feelings without shame, whether they manifest as sadness or anxiety. We all experience these emotions; some more frequently than others. Personally, I understand these sentiments all too well—I have experienced burnout, anxiety, and irritability. However, I have also learned how to distinguish between these feelings, embrace them, and allow them to pass through me.