Day 12: Two words or phrases that make you laugh
Really? Gah! I don't know!!
Maybe...
Don't laugh!!!
Contrary creature that I can be...that may just work.
Otherwise it might be two clever words or phrases creating a punchline for a great joke...
Perhaps...
You won!!
Especially if it was that elusive lotto win.
Or...
Happy Birthday!!
Maybe I'm over-thinking this one but I am honestly completely stuck.
Do tell me...two words or phrases that make you laugh...I can't wait to hear.
Cheers for now - hope you've had a very grand weekend!
Kerry x
Sunday, 1 November 2015
30DWC - Fruit and relationship
Day 10 (Yesterday) : A fruit you dislike and why
This is yesterday's challenge and one I didn't write about because I came home after work and went straight to bed with another of those lousy headaches. I think headaches are my least favourite fruit. I write this with the confidence that I can choose anything I like to be fruit as I clearly remember the day my boyfriend (who was later to be my husband - it all feels like a past life now) announced that lamb was his favourite fruit. So if that can be so, my declaration for least favourite can also be. I have no need to explain why I dislike headaches do I? No, I thought not. Thank you.
I fall victim to this desperate ploy as I honestly cannot remember trying a fruit I didn't enjoy unless I call upon an unripe pawpaw I ventured to try in my long distant past. But that wasn't the pawpaw's fault. I've heard lots of people say they don't like avocado. I think this might be because they've never eaten a properly ripened, creamy, delicious, fresh avocado. Likewise, until I ate a properly ripened fresh, sweet, delicious pawpaw in New Caledonia back in my sailing days, I thought I didn't like pawpaw. But then I discovered that I do...I LOVE them!! So, that's the fruit thing dealt with. All fruits are delicious if eaten at their optimum ripeness, free of disease or damage. Simple really. They are made that way so that we will spread the seed. Mother nature at her best. And so that we'll eat lots of them to fatten us up ready for the winter months and some form of hibernation (or at least lack, something we nowadays don't understand due to supermarkets and the global economy).
Day 11 (Today) : Your current relationship; if single, discuss that too
What a shame it didn't say currant or I could just have written about fruit again. Alas no. My current relationship is indeed being at one with myself. It is a happy affair where I can get upset with myself but usually manage to get over it before the sun goes down so that it won't affect my digestion or my sleep. Really though, I've been single for seven out of the past ten years or so.
I'll be honest and say that a lot of that time hasn't been easy as there is a kind of stigma attached to being single. It's a bit like no one wants you while you're stuck in that rut of thinking that being on your own is not being in relationship. That it is being alone. That it is being lonely. I've walked around the block all teary and thinking about how long I've been alone and dreading what might be years alone or possibly the rest of my lifetime. I've felt miserable and sorry for myself. I've invested in books on relationships and listened to CDs about relationships and thought about my past relationships and what I can learn from them and how I might do things differently. I've thought about what's wrong with me...and through it all I've slowly come to understand something quite simple and quite remarkable and incredibly valuable.
I like being by myself. I enjoy my own company. I am happy to go to the pictures or out for a meal on my own. I don't mind being on my own. Being 'unattached' doesn't mean I'm unloved or unlovable. I have grown to understand that love comes at me from so many directions that I never need to feel lonely. I have come to understand that much of the sadness I felt was actually due to my life not meeting up with 'expectations'. These expectations are planted in each of us from a young age via social conditioning and media such as storytelling, television, movies, books and comics. And of course, life doesn't always fit those patterns so we can feel somehow 'less' or that we've missed out.
Each one of us has the gift of a life to live. We can choose how we live it. Not always the circumstances, but always the way we respond to those circumstances. I believe now that I can't possibly give my best in a relationship until I can be happy on my own. It's taken me a long time to find this place. I am happy being on my own. That is not to say that I wouldn't be delighted to find a mate who would be happy to share my life and who would be happy to share his life with me. That would be a whole new adventure. I think I might be kind of sad not to have the opportunity to put all the learning I've done into practice. But the thing is, we don't always get to choose the circumstances. And it's important to be able to choose to be happy either way. I really believe that is the gift I've found for myself now.
Just in case there is anyone out there newly single who is not quite at the being happy with it state yet, or someone who has been single for a long time and still hasn't discovered the things that are properly awesome about it I'm giving you a list to consider:
Benefits of Singlehood
What do you love or hate about being single? What do you love or hate about being part of a couple?
Do share - it's all part of the fun!
Kerry x
This is yesterday's challenge and one I didn't write about because I came home after work and went straight to bed with another of those lousy headaches. I think headaches are my least favourite fruit. I write this with the confidence that I can choose anything I like to be fruit as I clearly remember the day my boyfriend (who was later to be my husband - it all feels like a past life now) announced that lamb was his favourite fruit. So if that can be so, my declaration for least favourite can also be. I have no need to explain why I dislike headaches do I? No, I thought not. Thank you.
I fall victim to this desperate ploy as I honestly cannot remember trying a fruit I didn't enjoy unless I call upon an unripe pawpaw I ventured to try in my long distant past. But that wasn't the pawpaw's fault. I've heard lots of people say they don't like avocado. I think this might be because they've never eaten a properly ripened, creamy, delicious, fresh avocado. Likewise, until I ate a properly ripened fresh, sweet, delicious pawpaw in New Caledonia back in my sailing days, I thought I didn't like pawpaw. But then I discovered that I do...I LOVE them!! So, that's the fruit thing dealt with. All fruits are delicious if eaten at their optimum ripeness, free of disease or damage. Simple really. They are made that way so that we will spread the seed. Mother nature at her best. And so that we'll eat lots of them to fatten us up ready for the winter months and some form of hibernation (or at least lack, something we nowadays don't understand due to supermarkets and the global economy).
Day 11 (Today) : Your current relationship; if single, discuss that too
What a shame it didn't say currant or I could just have written about fruit again. Alas no. My current relationship is indeed being at one with myself. It is a happy affair where I can get upset with myself but usually manage to get over it before the sun goes down so that it won't affect my digestion or my sleep. Really though, I've been single for seven out of the past ten years or so.
I'll be honest and say that a lot of that time hasn't been easy as there is a kind of stigma attached to being single. It's a bit like no one wants you while you're stuck in that rut of thinking that being on your own is not being in relationship. That it is being alone. That it is being lonely. I've walked around the block all teary and thinking about how long I've been alone and dreading what might be years alone or possibly the rest of my lifetime. I've felt miserable and sorry for myself. I've invested in books on relationships and listened to CDs about relationships and thought about my past relationships and what I can learn from them and how I might do things differently. I've thought about what's wrong with me...and through it all I've slowly come to understand something quite simple and quite remarkable and incredibly valuable.
I like being by myself. I enjoy my own company. I am happy to go to the pictures or out for a meal on my own. I don't mind being on my own. Being 'unattached' doesn't mean I'm unloved or unlovable. I have grown to understand that love comes at me from so many directions that I never need to feel lonely. I have come to understand that much of the sadness I felt was actually due to my life not meeting up with 'expectations'. These expectations are planted in each of us from a young age via social conditioning and media such as storytelling, television, movies, books and comics. And of course, life doesn't always fit those patterns so we can feel somehow 'less' or that we've missed out.
Each one of us has the gift of a life to live. We can choose how we live it. Not always the circumstances, but always the way we respond to those circumstances. I believe now that I can't possibly give my best in a relationship until I can be happy on my own. It's taken me a long time to find this place. I am happy being on my own. That is not to say that I wouldn't be delighted to find a mate who would be happy to share my life and who would be happy to share his life with me. That would be a whole new adventure. I think I might be kind of sad not to have the opportunity to put all the learning I've done into practice. But the thing is, we don't always get to choose the circumstances. And it's important to be able to choose to be happy either way. I really believe that is the gift I've found for myself now.
Just in case there is anyone out there newly single who is not quite at the being happy with it state yet, or someone who has been single for a long time and still hasn't discovered the things that are properly awesome about it I'm giving you a list to consider:
Benefits of Singlehood
- If you're clever enough not to have pets (yes they are lovable and gorgeous but they are also a tie) then you can just up and go where you like and when you like without having to wait for someone else to be organised too.
- And without them being secretly unhappy about accompanying you because they'd rather watch the footy.
- And return when you feel like it sometimes via completely unplanned detours. Awesome!
- You can leave the dishes all day or all week if you like...or you can wash up everything as you go, dry it and put it away.
- You can sleep on both sides of the bed - at the same time if you wish.
- A hot water bottle is a very fine bed companion that doesn't moan if you chuck it out when things get too hot and sweaty.
- You can read all night if you're into a good book.
- This is a fantastic chance to get to know yourself really well. I'll bet there are things you don't know about yourself yet. Hobbies and interests undiscovered. Go seeking and you will find all sorts of new delights to fill your time with.
- Cooking is something you do only if you feel like it - how awesome is that!!
- You can get a pet if you want one - and it can be any kind you like - but you will have to take full responsibility.
- The bathroom IS ALL YOURS :)
- Did I mention the cooking - ONLY if you FEEL like it!
- I can give up my happy singlehood any time I get a better offer!
What do you love or hate about being single? What do you love or hate about being part of a couple?
Do share - it's all part of the fun!
Kerry x
Thursday, 29 October 2015
30DWC - Your feelings on ageism
Day 9: Your feelings on ageism
Well, this is going to be tough one as I thought I'd already done today but apparently not and really I'm just ready to go to bed and sleep. But. But I have promised myself that I'll do this so here it is all in a rush before I pass out for the night!!
My feelings on ageism are pretty simple really. Surely we can measure a person's worth, their character, their suitability for a job or as a friend or partner by getting to know them. By finding out about them. By meeting them as a person and not as a number.
People vary so much in their indefinable qualities such as intelligence, adaptability, tact, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, empathy, commitment, integrity, imagination, empathy, originality, common sense, warmth, honesty, assertiveness, openness, creativity and energy. These qualities can be found in people of all ages.
Ageism is to discriminate or be prejudiced against someone simply because of their age. I suppose it is most prevalent in the employment sector where many are considered too old to employ. Their wealth of experience is often overlooked in favour of youthful enthusiasm. Both of course have their place in the workforce and in the world at large. If I was an employer I'd be most interested in creating a team of people who would be respectful of each other. Age ought not come into that at all really. I would be keen to have some older people to bring some stability and wisdom (not to say that these qualities are not possible in younger people) and some younger people to bring enthusiasm and freshness (not to say that these qualities are not possible in older people).
I wonder if ageism has come about as a result of the tradition of schooling people from a young age in groups designated by age alone. Perhaps that instills a certain attitude that excludes others from the group simply on the basis of age. It's a little bit crazy in my opinion. I have so many different people in my life, from tinies to oldies and they all have something wonderful to offer other human beings.
I'd love to see the ages mixing more. I'd love to see more young people involving themselves in community movements that seem to have become the realm of older folk. I'd love to see more of the older folk bringing their patience and kindness to help support the younger ones as they work out who they are in the world.
Smile at everyone you meet. Every old person has once been young. They understand way more than you might think. Listen to their stories and give them the gift of your time. You will be well rewarded with wrinkled smiles and twinkling eyes. Some of our young ones may never make it to old age. Have empathy for them as they journey through a world that might be very different to the one you grew up in. They really are just trying to find their way. Give them the gift of your time and understanding. Most of us need someone to tell us that everything is going to be alright. Things get tough sometimes but we are strong and with some support we can get through most challenges.
Try to be more forgiving and allow people to show you who they are. Each one of us deserves way more than being judged or excluded on the grounds of our age. Maybe we need a few changes in our culture to allow us to be more inclusive and to learn to enjoy being together in mixed age groups. We might need some changes in our culture in order to honour both the old and the young rather than the middle years being seen as the 'prime of life' and the early years and the late years as times of being somewhat useless.
My challenge for you today - spend some time listening and talking with someone you wouldn't normally socialise with because they are too old or too young to be of interest to you. You just might make a new friend in the process. You will almost certainly learn something new and you will probably feel pretty good for having done something for someone else.
Cheers to all young and old.
We are all human beings. We don't have room for isms.
Kerry x
Well, this is going to be tough one as I thought I'd already done today but apparently not and really I'm just ready to go to bed and sleep. But. But I have promised myself that I'll do this so here it is all in a rush before I pass out for the night!!
My feelings on ageism are pretty simple really. Surely we can measure a person's worth, their character, their suitability for a job or as a friend or partner by getting to know them. By finding out about them. By meeting them as a person and not as a number.
People vary so much in their indefinable qualities such as intelligence, adaptability, tact, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, empathy, commitment, integrity, imagination, empathy, originality, common sense, warmth, honesty, assertiveness, openness, creativity and energy. These qualities can be found in people of all ages.
Ageism is to discriminate or be prejudiced against someone simply because of their age. I suppose it is most prevalent in the employment sector where many are considered too old to employ. Their wealth of experience is often overlooked in favour of youthful enthusiasm. Both of course have their place in the workforce and in the world at large. If I was an employer I'd be most interested in creating a team of people who would be respectful of each other. Age ought not come into that at all really. I would be keen to have some older people to bring some stability and wisdom (not to say that these qualities are not possible in younger people) and some younger people to bring enthusiasm and freshness (not to say that these qualities are not possible in older people).
I wonder if ageism has come about as a result of the tradition of schooling people from a young age in groups designated by age alone. Perhaps that instills a certain attitude that excludes others from the group simply on the basis of age. It's a little bit crazy in my opinion. I have so many different people in my life, from tinies to oldies and they all have something wonderful to offer other human beings.
I'd love to see the ages mixing more. I'd love to see more young people involving themselves in community movements that seem to have become the realm of older folk. I'd love to see more of the older folk bringing their patience and kindness to help support the younger ones as they work out who they are in the world.
Smile at everyone you meet. Every old person has once been young. They understand way more than you might think. Listen to their stories and give them the gift of your time. You will be well rewarded with wrinkled smiles and twinkling eyes. Some of our young ones may never make it to old age. Have empathy for them as they journey through a world that might be very different to the one you grew up in. They really are just trying to find their way. Give them the gift of your time and understanding. Most of us need someone to tell us that everything is going to be alright. Things get tough sometimes but we are strong and with some support we can get through most challenges.
Try to be more forgiving and allow people to show you who they are. Each one of us deserves way more than being judged or excluded on the grounds of our age. Maybe we need a few changes in our culture to allow us to be more inclusive and to learn to enjoy being together in mixed age groups. We might need some changes in our culture in order to honour both the old and the young rather than the middle years being seen as the 'prime of life' and the early years and the late years as times of being somewhat useless.
My challenge for you today - spend some time listening and talking with someone you wouldn't normally socialise with because they are too old or too young to be of interest to you. You just might make a new friend in the process. You will almost certainly learn something new and you will probably feel pretty good for having done something for someone else.
Cheers to all young and old.
We are all human beings. We don't have room for isms.
Kerry x
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
30DWC - a book you love and one you didn't
Day 8: A book you love and one you didn't
A book. A book. I adore books! I love them! I read them and then pop them on the shelf for a while thinking I'll probably read them again...but mostly I don't get back to them. One, however, that has warranted a second reading is Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Marilee Adams PhD. It was a bit of a life changer in that it gave me a new approach when things didn't seem to be working out in life. It's given me a new perspective on how to work with myself and with other people.
The book is based on the premise that we operate out of one of two different modes - Judger or Learner. When we are in Judger mode we tend to do things like apportion blame for things not working right or find fault in ourselves or others. We can be really stuck in a pit of self-pity and asking "Why me?". In Learner mode we will ask questions like "How else can I look at this?" "What can I learn from this situation?" "What assumptions am I making?" and "What is the other person thinking, feeling, wanting?" I have found that if I am feeling down, grumpy, lacking energy, that I am likely to be in Judger mode. Once I am aware I can switch my thinking and find new answers that change my position and get me moving again. It's pretty cool. Judger is not bad. Judger is useful in lots of different ways but can also trap us if we're not careful. Learner sets us free. That's how it feels to me anyway. So yes, this book has a permanent place on my bookshelf as the title itself serves as a reminder to be aware of the mode I'm in.
Trying to think of a book I didn't like. I'm not really one of those people that will persevere with a book until the bitter end. If I'm not enjoying it or at the very least getting some new knowledge from it then I ditch it and move on. So I guess I'm trying to think of one I started and didn't complete. That's hard because they don't really earn a space in my memory bank with that kind of lack lustre performance. That doesn't mean they're not good books. It just means they didn't connect with me at that time in my life. Still, they don't hang around on my bookshelf unless I got something out of them or I really think I'm the one at fault and it's a classic so I might go back and try again later...when I've grown up a bit more! No, alas, none are coming to mind right now. I might come back and add one if I come up with one through the day.
I'd love to hear about books you've loved or hated. Maybe I'll find a new one to put on my must read list.
Cheers for now
Kerry x
A book. A book. I adore books! I love them! I read them and then pop them on the shelf for a while thinking I'll probably read them again...but mostly I don't get back to them. One, however, that has warranted a second reading is Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Marilee Adams PhD. It was a bit of a life changer in that it gave me a new approach when things didn't seem to be working out in life. It's given me a new perspective on how to work with myself and with other people.
The book is based on the premise that we operate out of one of two different modes - Judger or Learner. When we are in Judger mode we tend to do things like apportion blame for things not working right or find fault in ourselves or others. We can be really stuck in a pit of self-pity and asking "Why me?". In Learner mode we will ask questions like "How else can I look at this?" "What can I learn from this situation?" "What assumptions am I making?" and "What is the other person thinking, feeling, wanting?" I have found that if I am feeling down, grumpy, lacking energy, that I am likely to be in Judger mode. Once I am aware I can switch my thinking and find new answers that change my position and get me moving again. It's pretty cool. Judger is not bad. Judger is useful in lots of different ways but can also trap us if we're not careful. Learner sets us free. That's how it feels to me anyway. So yes, this book has a permanent place on my bookshelf as the title itself serves as a reminder to be aware of the mode I'm in.
Trying to think of a book I didn't like. I'm not really one of those people that will persevere with a book until the bitter end. If I'm not enjoying it or at the very least getting some new knowledge from it then I ditch it and move on. So I guess I'm trying to think of one I started and didn't complete. That's hard because they don't really earn a space in my memory bank with that kind of lack lustre performance. That doesn't mean they're not good books. It just means they didn't connect with me at that time in my life. Still, they don't hang around on my bookshelf unless I got something out of them or I really think I'm the one at fault and it's a classic so I might go back and try again later...when I've grown up a bit more! No, alas, none are coming to mind right now. I might come back and add one if I come up with one through the day.
I'd love to hear about books you've loved or hated. Maybe I'll find a new one to put on my must read list.
Cheers for now
Kerry x
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
30DWC Tattoos...
Day 7: What tattoos you have and if they have meaning
Tattoos are so common these days that I imagine I may well be in the minority group being a tattoo virgin! That is at least as far as needles and inking and visible results are concerned!
I have a kind of quiet admiration for those who do go and sit for hours enduring discomfort at best and nasty pain at worst (I'm guessing here...do put me right if I'm not getting it) in order to decorate their birthday suits. Some choose a tiny design to show membership of a group or club. Others choose to declare their love for another or others or to commemorate an event or achievement. Tattoos seem to be a mark of belonging in some way; perhaps also proof of tenacity and the power to overcome? Maybe they are a way to show strength and commitment.
I don't have the courage to commit to a design on my skin...I am far too subject to change and redesign. I cringe at the thought of myself adding a visible tattoo with each new love I was sure would last forever, for each belief I thought I would forever believe. I'm happy with my habit of journal writing. I hope it will prove a safer way for me to explore feelings and thoughts intense enough to warrant recording in some way. A journal I can burn if I want to relieve myself of evidence.
My tattoos are of the invisible kind. Images, sounds, scents, textures, tastes; experiences burned with similar permanence into my brain and my very being. Though not visible to be admired or abhorred, my tattoos are markers of life in much the same way as those that can be seen. My tattoos are personal and private and concealed; not be seen unless I choose to share them with those close to me. Sometimes I share a story of something long past but still able to raise tears in my eyes with merely a thought...if the time is right and the company too. In those moments my scars are as visible as any worn outwardly for the world to see.
I have no tattoos to show you today, but I have a life rich with experiences and meaning and memories of loss and gain, grief and merriment, embarrassment and celebration. I am grateful for my invisible tattoos as they are proof of attendance at the School of Life.
Thoughts and insights welcome.
Cheers
Kerry x
Tattoos are so common these days that I imagine I may well be in the minority group being a tattoo virgin! That is at least as far as needles and inking and visible results are concerned!
I have a kind of quiet admiration for those who do go and sit for hours enduring discomfort at best and nasty pain at worst (I'm guessing here...do put me right if I'm not getting it) in order to decorate their birthday suits. Some choose a tiny design to show membership of a group or club. Others choose to declare their love for another or others or to commemorate an event or achievement. Tattoos seem to be a mark of belonging in some way; perhaps also proof of tenacity and the power to overcome? Maybe they are a way to show strength and commitment.
I don't have the courage to commit to a design on my skin...I am far too subject to change and redesign. I cringe at the thought of myself adding a visible tattoo with each new love I was sure would last forever, for each belief I thought I would forever believe. I'm happy with my habit of journal writing. I hope it will prove a safer way for me to explore feelings and thoughts intense enough to warrant recording in some way. A journal I can burn if I want to relieve myself of evidence.
My tattoos are of the invisible kind. Images, sounds, scents, textures, tastes; experiences burned with similar permanence into my brain and my very being. Though not visible to be admired or abhorred, my tattoos are markers of life in much the same way as those that can be seen. My tattoos are personal and private and concealed; not be seen unless I choose to share them with those close to me. Sometimes I share a story of something long past but still able to raise tears in my eyes with merely a thought...if the time is right and the company too. In those moments my scars are as visible as any worn outwardly for the world to see.
I have no tattoos to show you today, but I have a life rich with experiences and meaning and memories of loss and gain, grief and merriment, embarrassment and celebration. I am grateful for my invisible tattoos as they are proof of attendance at the School of Life.
Thoughts and insights welcome.
Cheers
Kerry x
Monday, 26 October 2015
30DWC - Someone who fascinates me
Day 6: Someone who fascinates you and why
This one is a tough one for me because I find everyone fascinating. Every single living person has a story to tell and most of them have many stories to tell. To try and choose one person from all the people I know or know of is really a challenge. They didn't call this a challenge for nothing!
Going back to the topic and getting into it, around it and reading what it actually says...it is just someone who fascinates me. It needn't be the person who most fascinates me nor one that fascinates me more than the next person. As I've said I find everyone fascinating it doesn't really matter who I choose to write about. Perhaps I ought just to throw names into a hat and pull one out...or open a book and take a wild stab with my eyes closed. Instead I will choose someone you might know too. At least that way you might be willing to agree or disagree on my take. So, who is someone you might all know...or at least have heard of?
It needs to be someone I've paid some special attention to, in order to know enough about them to explain why I find them fascinating. I am drawing blank after blank here trying to think of someone to write about. There is one person but writing about them is fraught with danger. I will no doubt be accused of narcissism or unwarranted self-interest, even unabashed self promotion. But realistically, the person I've spent most time with in my life, and who is a constant source or surprise is indeed my self. Perhaps I could write about why I am fascinated by me. What do you think? Are you fascinated by yourself? And if you're not, why not I would ask.
Your self, or my self is a constant companion and one that if we are willing will be always learning, growing, changing, thinking, adapting, hoping, dreaming, trying new things, getting results, evaluating, changing approaches, looking to the past for direction, looking to the future with fear or excitement, anticipation. There is so much going on in one's own being, it can't help but be utterly fascinating, don't you agree? If you aren't feeling fascinated by being your self, perhaps it's time to start paying more attention to what that actually means. Being your self. How awesome is that. I'll admit to having read an interesting post by Elizabeth Gilbert only today that talks about this very idea from a different angle - more about being kind to one's self and forgiving in attitude towards the same. I'm looking more at just how damned interesting it is to just be alive and a thinking, feeling being. What a gift that is.
So here it is. I find myself fascinating because once I thought I just was...me. That was that. But as I've grown older I've realised that I can reinvent myself every single day - every single minute if I choose to. If I have the desire to change and the energy to do it, it can be done. Others might not even see the change, but I will know it is done. I might change my perspective by putting my self in another's shoes. I might change my mind simply because I have thought about something for one minute longer and have suddenly seen it in a new way. I will not remain rigid in my thinking because perhaps I'll be embarrassed or humiliated by changing. Don't people love to do that..."I thought you said you believed...". People are quick to pick you up if you change ideas. Mostly I think it's because they are afraid to be flexible and malleable. They see some strength in being immovable and unflinching regardless of information that might show their position to be flawed. Ah, humans, we are all so...fascinating!
In finding myself fascinating I find you fascinating too, because I'm sure we're all part of one big mix-up. We're connected by our humanness. We can meet each other with a glance and know each others' knowing. We can know at least some of each others' strengths and weaknesses. We know we are fragile yet powerful and mighty all at once. To be human is to travel in this world in a uniquely wonderful condition. How many of us and how often do we really appreciate how wonderfully amazing and fascinating it really is that we are even alive?
Please stop whatever else you might be doing (well, you're reading now but before you go back to whatever else it is that you plan to go on doing) and think about just how fascinating you are. You are an incredible sum of attributes and experiences that are uniquely you and uniquely yours. Please take the time to be fascinated by your self. Not self-centred. Not self-interested. Not self-ish. Just fascinated by your you-ness. Because if you're noticing that, it's going to make the rest of your life just so much more interesting.
Forgive me for not writing about David Bowie or Princess Diana or Chopper Read. You can Google to find out more about them and be fascinated by their lives, character and experiences. Just always remember that they are simply human beings. Just remember to be fascinated by the possibilities of your own existence.
Kerry x
This one is a tough one for me because I find everyone fascinating. Every single living person has a story to tell and most of them have many stories to tell. To try and choose one person from all the people I know or know of is really a challenge. They didn't call this a challenge for nothing!
Going back to the topic and getting into it, around it and reading what it actually says...it is just someone who fascinates me. It needn't be the person who most fascinates me nor one that fascinates me more than the next person. As I've said I find everyone fascinating it doesn't really matter who I choose to write about. Perhaps I ought just to throw names into a hat and pull one out...or open a book and take a wild stab with my eyes closed. Instead I will choose someone you might know too. At least that way you might be willing to agree or disagree on my take. So, who is someone you might all know...or at least have heard of?
It needs to be someone I've paid some special attention to, in order to know enough about them to explain why I find them fascinating. I am drawing blank after blank here trying to think of someone to write about. There is one person but writing about them is fraught with danger. I will no doubt be accused of narcissism or unwarranted self-interest, even unabashed self promotion. But realistically, the person I've spent most time with in my life, and who is a constant source or surprise is indeed my self. Perhaps I could write about why I am fascinated by me. What do you think? Are you fascinated by yourself? And if you're not, why not I would ask.
Your self, or my self is a constant companion and one that if we are willing will be always learning, growing, changing, thinking, adapting, hoping, dreaming, trying new things, getting results, evaluating, changing approaches, looking to the past for direction, looking to the future with fear or excitement, anticipation. There is so much going on in one's own being, it can't help but be utterly fascinating, don't you agree? If you aren't feeling fascinated by being your self, perhaps it's time to start paying more attention to what that actually means. Being your self. How awesome is that. I'll admit to having read an interesting post by Elizabeth Gilbert only today that talks about this very idea from a different angle - more about being kind to one's self and forgiving in attitude towards the same. I'm looking more at just how damned interesting it is to just be alive and a thinking, feeling being. What a gift that is.
So here it is. I find myself fascinating because once I thought I just was...me. That was that. But as I've grown older I've realised that I can reinvent myself every single day - every single minute if I choose to. If I have the desire to change and the energy to do it, it can be done. Others might not even see the change, but I will know it is done. I might change my perspective by putting my self in another's shoes. I might change my mind simply because I have thought about something for one minute longer and have suddenly seen it in a new way. I will not remain rigid in my thinking because perhaps I'll be embarrassed or humiliated by changing. Don't people love to do that..."I thought you said you believed...". People are quick to pick you up if you change ideas. Mostly I think it's because they are afraid to be flexible and malleable. They see some strength in being immovable and unflinching regardless of information that might show their position to be flawed. Ah, humans, we are all so...fascinating!
In finding myself fascinating I find you fascinating too, because I'm sure we're all part of one big mix-up. We're connected by our humanness. We can meet each other with a glance and know each others' knowing. We can know at least some of each others' strengths and weaknesses. We know we are fragile yet powerful and mighty all at once. To be human is to travel in this world in a uniquely wonderful condition. How many of us and how often do we really appreciate how wonderfully amazing and fascinating it really is that we are even alive?
Please stop whatever else you might be doing (well, you're reading now but before you go back to whatever else it is that you plan to go on doing) and think about just how fascinating you are. You are an incredible sum of attributes and experiences that are uniquely you and uniquely yours. Please take the time to be fascinated by your self. Not self-centred. Not self-interested. Not self-ish. Just fascinated by your you-ness. Because if you're noticing that, it's going to make the rest of your life just so much more interesting.
Forgive me for not writing about David Bowie or Princess Diana or Chopper Read. You can Google to find out more about them and be fascinated by their lives, character and experiences. Just always remember that they are simply human beings. Just remember to be fascinated by the possibilities of your own existence.
Kerry x
Sunday, 25 October 2015
30DWC A place you would live, but have never visited
Day 5: A place you would live, but have never visited
Being a bit of a gypsy at heart I think I would live almost anywhere for a short time...and probably many places for a longer time. I've lived on a cruising yacht and loved visiting different places. I'm not exactly a 'world traveller' but I did enjoy the excitement of moving from place to place. Travelling on a boat has the advantage that you take 'home' with you, so you always feel....'at home'. Not sure about doing that again, but perhaps I would if the right circumstances presented themselves. In the meantime I'm considering a caravan or a campervan both of which offer similar advantages.
I think I'd like to have a go at living in some of the countries in Europe - perhaps Spain or Portugal or Greece. Somewhere that is warm but not tooo hot. I like it not too hot and not too cold but just right. Just call me Goldilocks! I see delicious photos of such exotic places shared by friends on Facebook, and think about how much I would like to live somewhere with old buildings - historical buildings - and to wonder about the lives that went before, and how people lived in centuries past. In the same buildings but without luxuries like electricity and running water.
I'm pretty lucky I guess because I am good at making 'home' wherever I happen to be, so wherever I find myself I will soon settle in and adapt (allowing for the Goldilocks rule though, not sure I would do well in a super hot or super cold environment).
I expect wherever I went to live that I might soon feel restless and then be ready to move to the next place. I don't really have much more I can say on this subject for now. I like a slow pace of life and time to sit and chat with friend and acquaintances. I like warm sunshine and soft breezes. I like to be near the ocean. I like dry air rather than moist - avoid mould so no monsoonal areas. I like open fronted shops and al fresco eateries. I like islands and open fires and long twilight hours leading into starry nights. I like handsome men strumming guitars, haha! Perhaps you know of a place that might suit me well. Please make suggestions just in case I get itchy feet again soon!
I'm feeling a bit tired so won't go on too long today. We've had our 3rd Sunday Club today - a few of us meet up for a movie in town. It's always such a lovely day but it's a long drive in and out. How lucky I am to have such precious and beautiful friends. We all encourage one another and seriously, we're like a bunch of school girls with all of us talking at the same time!! It's such fun!
Cheers to you all out there. Where do you live? Or where would you like to live. It's hard to choose somewhere that you've not been before!
Kerry x
Being a bit of a gypsy at heart I think I would live almost anywhere for a short time...and probably many places for a longer time. I've lived on a cruising yacht and loved visiting different places. I'm not exactly a 'world traveller' but I did enjoy the excitement of moving from place to place. Travelling on a boat has the advantage that you take 'home' with you, so you always feel....'at home'. Not sure about doing that again, but perhaps I would if the right circumstances presented themselves. In the meantime I'm considering a caravan or a campervan both of which offer similar advantages.
I think I'd like to have a go at living in some of the countries in Europe - perhaps Spain or Portugal or Greece. Somewhere that is warm but not tooo hot. I like it not too hot and not too cold but just right. Just call me Goldilocks! I see delicious photos of such exotic places shared by friends on Facebook, and think about how much I would like to live somewhere with old buildings - historical buildings - and to wonder about the lives that went before, and how people lived in centuries past. In the same buildings but without luxuries like electricity and running water.
I'm pretty lucky I guess because I am good at making 'home' wherever I happen to be, so wherever I find myself I will soon settle in and adapt (allowing for the Goldilocks rule though, not sure I would do well in a super hot or super cold environment).
I expect wherever I went to live that I might soon feel restless and then be ready to move to the next place. I don't really have much more I can say on this subject for now. I like a slow pace of life and time to sit and chat with friend and acquaintances. I like warm sunshine and soft breezes. I like to be near the ocean. I like dry air rather than moist - avoid mould so no monsoonal areas. I like open fronted shops and al fresco eateries. I like islands and open fires and long twilight hours leading into starry nights. I like handsome men strumming guitars, haha! Perhaps you know of a place that might suit me well. Please make suggestions just in case I get itchy feet again soon!
I'm feeling a bit tired so won't go on too long today. We've had our 3rd Sunday Club today - a few of us meet up for a movie in town. It's always such a lovely day but it's a long drive in and out. How lucky I am to have such precious and beautiful friends. We all encourage one another and seriously, we're like a bunch of school girls with all of us talking at the same time!! It's such fun!
Cheers to you all out there. Where do you live? Or where would you like to live. It's hard to choose somewhere that you've not been before!
Kerry x
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