Tag Archives: musings

06/14/12

Thoughts On Life by Chaelwest

 

Thoughts On Life

 

Life is not always what it may appear to be. There are times when our perceptions are truly off kilter, and we struggle to understand how we did not or could not see or anticipate the events that color our lives. Our comfort zones are built around absolutes in our existence–things, people, and institutions that we hope will always be there to hold us up and to form a foundation beneath us.

 

This hope is not always realized. Time is a master of change, and change can bring discomfort. The most reliable course of action is to accept the fact that change does come into our lives and those things which we have relied on to set and maintain our course can sometimes be blown into another sea.

 

Setting our sails for a straight course can prove to be hazardous. The winds of change can blow and cause the bow to swing to another point on the compass. This change of direction can be good or bad depending upon the destination to which the compass is leading. It is up to us as the passengers to decide whether or not to approach the captain with a petition to return to the original course, or to accept the new direction and the challenges it may bring.

 

Change is inevitable. How we react to change is the variable. We can face challenges head-on and defeat them through sheer force of will, or we can use a gentler approach and allow change to lead us to greener pastures, and better opportunities. When the door closes on one endeavor, look for the new door that is before you. Face your challenges, gather your resources, and forge something new.

 

credit: chaelwest@charlene’sattic

 

This entry was posted in My Look at the World and tagged change, discomfort, growth, new horizons.

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02/20/12

Charlene's Thoughts: A Belated Look At Valentines Day

Charlene’s Thoughts: A Belated Look At Valentines Day

     Holidays are wonderful. They take the drab out of our existence and give us opportunity to relate to loved ones and friends. For some, however, holidays can be a hurting time. Singles, especially, may find Valentines Day to be a hard holiday to embrace.

I can remember being single. It was a lonely existence with time spent working; visiting family and friends; fishing and bowling–just in an attempt to fill my hours and keep my thoughts off of going home to my empty house. I can remember driving down to the ocean and staring out at the water while bemoaning my single state. I am an extreme extravert–and being alone for me was not a good thing then or now.

I listen to my daughters, both single, and realize that they also struggle with this love holiday. While they are searching and praying for their special person, it is emotionally trying to view everyone else around them in relationships. They struggle with the decision to attend a valentine’s party, or not? What they do not realize is that the state of being single also has it’s own merit.

When you are single you can choose to make your own agenda. You can motor to a quiet spot on a whim; go shopping without extreme guilt, or sleep in (a rare privilege for us married folk). There are none to argue with your politics unless you choose to allow them. You can invest and save for a rainy day and…you can buy a luxury car or a sports car because you are usually the only occupant. In other words you have more freedom. On the down side–you may experience less social interaction.

There are some single people who love being single. They surround themselves with family and/or friends and choose to live a single lifestyle. They are happy in the knowledge that this is their choice, and many are true nurturers. They become the aunties and uncles that shower love on everyone.

I guess this all boils down to realizing that the old axiom, “grass is always greener on the other side” may not always be true. Not all singles want married bliss, although I can safely say that most do, and not all marrieds want to stay married. Marriage is hard work and extreme commitment,and is definitely not for the faint of heart!!

That said, Valentines Day can be painful for singles and marrieds alike. So the next time you bemoan your fate as a single on Valentines Day, please remember that there are widow(ers), divorced persons, and people in abuse situations out there. Valentines Day is a struggle for them also.

credit: Charlene @charlenesattic.com

Be Blessed

This entry was posted on Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 10:12 am and is filed under My Look at the World.