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When friendships pause, this can introduce different dynamics in the relationship. Sometimes when a relationship pauses, it ends. (That’s a topic for another time.) Other times, the pause causes a suspension of sorts, but the essence of the bond remains untouched.
When a friendship pauses, you might assume the relationship is at the end of an era. However, the truth might be far more enchanting than you realize. Think of it as a magical journey into the world of the in-between. While the friendship may not progress in a conventional sense, its foundation remains unshaken. Unread messages, missed calls, and incomplete plans all still exist, awaiting the right moment.
I’ve experienced this. When we graduated high school, my best friend and I went our separate ways. We each did life differently, but the essence of our relationship sat patiently in suspension until the moment came for us to reconnect. And you know what? We picked up right where we left off. Sure, we each did some growing up during our pause period, but the essence of who we were as friends never changed. I love that about our relationship. The pause was okay; we still loved each other.
These pauses in relationships can teach us that the ebb and flow of life can affect the bonds we hold dear, but it doesn’t diminish their significance. These friendships whisper to us, “Even in the stillness, I’m here.” Sometimes, life’s responsibilities take precedence, forcing friends to venture down separate paths. Other times, distance or circumstances intervene, creating an invisible wall between two hearts. Yet, when you press the pause button, these friendships become an ethereal presence, a flicker of light in the dark corners of our memories.
Fear not! Friendships that pause have the potential to dance back into our lives. They are the unfinished symphonies, waiting for their grand finale. When the time is right, they reawaken with a burst of color, as if the universe conspires to bring them back together.
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Laughter, the universal language of joy, has an enchanting power to transcend barriers and touch the deepest recesses of our hearts. In a world brimming with responsibilities and challenges, discovering moments of genuine ‘funny’ can be a lifeline.
Life often presents us with a tapestry of experiences – some delightful, others demanding. Amidst it all, the ability to find humor can be a beacon, guiding us through our daily routines. When we stumble upon something funny, a spontaneous burst of laughter bubbles up from some place deep in ourselves. It can feel like a refreshing breeze, momentarily lifting the weight of our worries.
Close friendships are often nurtured through shared laughter. The camaraderie of relishing inside jokes or getting caught in contagious giggles can bond like nothing else. These precious moments become cherished memories that we share with our friends for life.
Yet, the true beauty of laughter lies in its incredible potential to ripple forward. Have you ever been in a crowded room when one person’s infectious laughter sets off a chain reaction? Laughter can be as infectious as a yawn, spreading from person to person until the entire room is caught up in its euphoria.
In times of sorrow or stress, humor might seem distant, but it’s during these moments that finding a glimmer of laughter becomes even more valuable. It’s not about ignoring challenges, but about granting ourselves a reprieve – allowing our hearts to breathe amidst the chaos. Have you ever heard someone burp in church? Ha!
So, how do we find this lovable laughter in life? It’s all about listening. Often, the most mundane situations harbor hidden hilarity. Embracing a lighthearted view can transform the ordinary into bursts of joy that no one can stop. Cultivating a childlike willingness to see the levity in situations enables us to see the whole world through mental smiles, unveiling the comedic moment ready to explode.
Embracing laughter is a choice I make to infuse my life with a touch of enchantment. It’s about seeking out the whimsical, sharing a chuckle with friends, and allowing ourselves to be swept up in the currents of joy. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of life, may we always find the threads of laughter to weave into its fabric.
Jerome Grey, contributing author
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Emotional maturity – what does that mean? Our world is full of both goodness and social unrest. My observations of current world issues lead me to believe there is value in conscious emotional awareness – emotional maturity.
Consider events such as politics, corporate well-being, crimes against others, grief, anger, school shootings, and so on. Conscious or unconscious emotional responses have everything to do with the maturity of our leaders, children, families, and individuals.
Understanding
Emotional maturity means understanding how we experience and respond to feelings. For a simple example, imagine someone speaking harshly toward you. What is the first emotion you feel? Shock, anger, misunderstood, defensive, or something similar. When you feel the emotion, is it conscious or unconscious? For a unique example, remember someone who speaks lovingly to you. How is your immediate emotional feeling different from the first example? Caring, open, understanding, and warm. Again, when you feel the emotion, is it conscious or unconscious?
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In my experience, both emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are becoming increasingly crucial in our complex world. I find that positivity and social turmoil coexist. Society today has a deeper understanding of conscious emotional awareness, often referred to as emotional maturity and I think is proving to be invaluable for successful living.
In a world grappling with issues spanning from politics to corporate well-being, the impact of emotions on the decisions and behaviors of leaders, families, and individuals cannot be underestimated. Consider instances such as crimes against others, school shootings, and collective grief – all of which highlight the profound influence of emotional responses on our society’s fabric.
When taking a step back and viewing holistically, the core of emotional maturity lies in the comprehension of how we react with our emotions. Imagine encountering someone who speaks harshly to you; instinctively, emotions like shock, anger, or defensiveness arise. In contrast, think about a scenario where someone speaks with kindness and affection. The reactionary emotions, such as warmth and understanding, create a different emotional landscape.
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Work brain versus retirement brain is an idea I’m exploring more about, now that I’m retired. I’m specifically thinking about ways those two mindsets can complement each other, and how they differ from one another. Then, beyond that, how they impact the quality of life.
When I was in the workforce, I understood the focus of a structured routine, a focus on productivity, and the desire to achieve success. I found creative ways to interject my passions into those corporate structures in order to pacify my desire to feel fulfilled and happy with my work. Now that I’m retired, I still define structures for myself, but they are more geared toward living my passions.
Work brain is essential for career growth and advancement. The longer I was in that mindset, though, the more I felt like I was in a tunnel that kept me from living my personal passions and interests. Now that I’m retired, I wonder how I could have elevated that sense of personal fulfillment within the confines of corporate structure.
In an ideal world, wouldn’t it be nice if all our ‘day jobs’ were happily married to our ‘passions?’ There are several people who find that sweet spot and enjoy a whirlwind of success with it. Some people find a palatable job to pay the bills and push their dreams aside. There’s got to be a sweet spot in there somewhere! I suppose this is part of the experiment we all have as we progress through our lives.
What if we could allow our hearts and minds to live for those our fulfilling passions and get paid for that? If you could have the best of both worlds, what does that picture look like for you? I have lived my life largely keeping them separate, but now that I’m retired, I wonder how I might have done that differently. Maybe my musings will stir some ideas in your creative living.
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When you think about feeling serene, what comes to mind? In the hustle of our daily lives, it’s nice to take a moment to feel serene. It has a way of allowing us to grab a perspective outside of rush-rush-rush that centers our hearts. Nature settings come to mind when I think about feeling serene: a nice sunset, a still body of water, a peaceful garden, or seeing a rainbow after a storm.
When I experience this emotion, my body feels content. Everything feels calm and undisturbed. There are moments we feel serene, but when was the last time you put a word on it? Where does serenity gather in your body when you feel it?
As I grow my emotional vocabulary, serenity is important to have on the tip of my tongue. I strive for calm in my life and having a word in place to describe it helps to breed more of what I want. Isn’t it interesting how focusing on something breeds more of it? Mmm, serene. It’s like a refreshing bite of delicious goodness.
Having chaos in my life comes so naturally. I don’t have to ask for it — it just seems to surface around every corner, if I let it. If I’m seeking to feel more calm, what if I look around those corners for serenity?
Do you suppose more of it would show up if I kept my eyes peeled for it? I think so.
I like how we can reach out and grab what we desire with emotions. Serene is one I want to grab more often. I’ve never sat down and tried to write about this emotion before, and I’m finding myself struggling to put words around it. I love the way it feels and want more of it. Never thought about the perspective of using this emotional vocabulary to boost my emotional system.
We can make more of what we want in our lives emotionally…
If you would like to explore more feelings in the Stayin’ in Touch – Positive Emotions book, click here for more information.
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Sometimes, I find an odd sense of kinship with the grass that carpets my yard. In the morning, it stands tall and eager, as if reaching out to soak up the first sunrays of the day. I find myself stretching my limbs as well, waking up with the light streaming through my window with hope to absorb something meaningful from the day ahead.
The grass endures the whims of the weather—unfaltering under heavy rain, wilting in scorching heat, yet resiliently bouncing back. It’s a survivor in shades of green. It’s much like how I weather life’s trials. The rains of sadness drench me, the harsh winds of adversity try to uproot me, and there are moments of scalding criticism that make me feel like shriveling away. But much like the grass, I find a way to rise again. I can almost hear the grass’s silent hymn of endurance, a melody I echo in my own life.
Walking barefoot on the lawn, I can’t help but think about the weight the grass carries. From the patter of children’s feet to the trudge of adult steps, it bears it all, recovering its form after each press. It makes me ponder how we, too, are walked on—sometimes gently, sometimes harshly. Yet, it’s how we bounce back that molds and shapes our character.
But the grass isn’t just about endurance; it’s also about growth. With just a little water and sunlight, it sprouts new blades, expanding its green empire inch by inch. Don’t we all grow a little every time we’re nurtured by love and care, spreading our roots further into the world, exploring our own limits?
And when the grass gets cut down, mowed into neat, even lines it must be a shocking moment. Yet, it grows back stronger and fuller. Life cuts me down now and then—sometimes in small snips and at other times in harsh, unforgiving hacks. The feelings of loss are profound, but so is the experience of growing back more resilient.
The next time you see a patch of grass, consider its silent yet poignant life story. You might find that it mirrors your own in ways you’d never expect. It’s a life constantly in flux, and within its blades, I see a reflection of my own struggles, resilience, and quiet triumphs.
Jerome Grey, contributing author
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Life Gifts
- I send you life rafts for navigating the waters of life.
- I send you moments to fill your year with acknowledgment of how truly special you are in this world.
- I send you giggles and chortles to accent all the moments of your day.
- I send you comfy pillows to cradle you in love and comfort.
- I send you delicious caring and big love.
- Sending you the best of birthday wishes and some special binoculars for you to see all the puddles of goodness that follow you around and support you.
- I send you lush green mountain meadows splattered with wildflowers for you to rest and rejuvenate your soul.
- I send you a cuddly blanket of appreciation for the beautiful person you are in this world.
- Sending you pillows of prosperity to share with yourself and others.
- I send you showers of strength as you walk your journey.
- I send you the lightest hint of lilac and a handful of petals.
- I send you patience to allow new things to unfold positively for your life.
- I send you succulent sweet chocolate kisses and delightfully warm hugs.
- I send you the deep, rich colors of berries to paint your soul.
- I send you light to illuminate the places inside you that seem dark.
- I send you permission to be exactly how you are today.
- I send you over-flowing cups of love to restore your heart and soul.
- Sending you loving hands to cradle your tender heart.
- I send you honor and respect as you navigate this wave in your life.
- Sending you a luxury craft to drift in a while you regroup.
- I send you focus as you practice setting up new routines to support your engagement with your true self.
- Sending you sparkly confetti in celebration of your accomplishments today.
- I send you a warm, snuggly kitty to comfort your soul and remind you about the power of love.
- I send you clocks that indicate there is plenty of time.
- I send you flexibility to allow your writing dream to come to life as you live it.
- I send you warm nourishing rays of light.
- I send you different flavored lollipops to quench your craving.
- Sending you love and caring.
- I send you music to make your insides dance.
- I send you warm, comfortable rest.
- Sending you blankets of love to help you feel safe.
- Sending you giggles.
- I send you energetic bursts of joy.
- I send you a path of petals on which to tread as you navigate life.
- I send you fresh, crisp apple bites of life to bite into everyday.
- Sending you quiet mornings to savor nature and listen to the musings of your heart.
- I send you buckets of bubbling, juicy kindness.
- Sending you willing, loving hearts and hands to help you.
- I send you wide open spaces big enough for all your dreams to materialize.
- I send you tender, loving arms to hold you in care and love.
- I send you a warm, relaxing breeze, a comfortable hammock with sounds of water lapping on the shore.
- I send you calm, to remember love and caring.
- Sending you a perfect worry doll to manage your worries.
- I send you joy as I think about how delightful you are.
- I send you inspiration to put thoughts on paper.
