Thinks I find along the way
There are two types of people out there in the dating universe: People who believe that long-distance relationships will work and people who do not.
Source: Why Long-Distance Couples Have Happier Relationships, According To Research | YourTango
I find the third instance most interesting: “Not acknowledging your feelings and thoughts and trivializing your emotions is a technique that allows a gaslighter to emotionally exploit you and gain control over your actions. When they see you being upset and emotional over something — especially something they did or said — they’ll rush to tell you “you’re overthinking it” and that “you should get over it”. That might give you the impression your partner is just trying to make you relax and feel better, but in reality, it’s an attempt to trivialize your feelings and make you question them as well as yourself. Over time, you might become hesitant of expressing your thoughts and feelings to anyone close to you, out of fear they’ll trivialize them just like your partner does. And that’s exactly what a gaslighter wants: to make you feel insecure and isolated.” Source: 5 Times Your Partner Gaslighted You Without You Noticing | by Margaret Pan | Hello, Love | Medium
Don’t. Let. Them. Win. Source: Ghostlighting Is The New WTF Dating Trend That Can Mess With Your Head And Heart
Do you have a version of this rule in your house?
“A lover asked his beloved, Do you love yourself more than you love me? The beloved replied, I have died to myself and I live for you…” ~ Rumi
Source: Do You Love Me? A Deep and Meaningful Poem by Rumi – Purpose Fairy
There’s no one like Elton John, especially 1970-75 Elton John. YouTuber Jon Blackstone loves him in a way I really appreciate. Treat yourself…
Expectations can be a double-edged sword in our lives. On one hand, they provide us with a sense of hope and anticipation. On the other hand, when expectations are not met, they can quickly turn into seeds of resentment. In this blog post, we will explore the notion that “expectations are future resentments” and how managing our expectations can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Expectations are innate to our human nature. We constantly form expectations about various aspects of our personal and professional lives. We expect things to go a certain way, people to behave in a particular manner, and situations to unfold as we imagine. These expectations can stem from societal norms, personal beliefs, past experiences, or our own desires and aspirations.
When our expectations are not met, it can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even resentment. We may feel let down by others or ourselves, and it can have a negative impact on our emotional well-being. The cycle begins when we set an expectation, and whether consciously or unconsciously, we attach our happiness or fulfillment to its fulfillment. However, life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned.
While it may be difficult, managing our expectations is crucial for our own mental and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies to consider:
Expectations have the potential to shape our experiences and relationships. By acknowledging that “expectations are future resentments,” we can strive to manage them effectively. Embracing acceptance, clear communication, flexibility, and gratitude can lead to a more harmonious and peaceful existence. Remember, life is full of surprises, and it is up to us to navigate them with resilience and optimism.
So, let go of rigid expectations, embrace the beauty of uncertainty, and cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Free yourself from the burden of future resentments and allow life to unfold in its own magical way.
Remember, expectations are merely illusions of control – let them go and set yourself free!
Stay tuned for more insights into personal growth and well-being.
Note: Expectations are normal, but the excessive or unrealistic expectations can impact mental health. If you find yourself struggling with unmet expectations and it is affecting your well-being, it may be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional.
A new study synthesizing information from almost 1 million people gives answers. Source: Does Facebook Make People Unhappy?
Ryan speaks with Greg Harden about how Stoicism influenced his new book Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive, the techniques that he has used to coach so many sports greats to the highest levels of success, the difference between confidence and ego, why Tom Brady likes The Obstacle Is The Way, and more.
My biological father was a ‘sperm donor’. I can relate to this author: “After my father left, I struggled with abandonment issues, people-pleasing, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Here’s how I found my worth. Source: How I Found My Worth in Spite of My Father’s Abandonment – Tiny Buddha”
Here are 10 questions to assess the state of your union. Source: Maybe It’s Time for Your Relationship Check-Up
Ryan Holiday says ‘We all need a little motivation from time to time. A swift kick when we’re feeling a bit uninspired.’
How to make the right choice for your future when values don’t match. Source: Love vs Values
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), also known as compassionate communication, is a communication approach developed by psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg. It is a method based on principles of empathy, honesty, and mutual respect, with the goal of fostering understanding and harmony in relationships.
NVC encourages individuals to express themselves honestly while empathetically listening to others. It focuses on identifying and communicating feelings and needs as a way to resolve conflicts peacefully. The four key components of nonviolent communication are:
By using this approach, individuals can cultivate deeper connections, resolve conflicts, and find mutually satisfying solutions. Nonviolent communication can be applied in various settings, including personal relationships, workplaces, and communities as a means of promoting understanding and fostering compassion.
I gotta love this guy! I can’t find the clip but he actually went to work at Costco to continue to pursue his dream of fame as a county music star…
“Walker Hayes is a talented American country singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Hayes discovered his passion for music at a young age. Influenced by various genres, including country, pop, and hip-hop, he developed a unique sound that captivates audiences.
Hayes, a determined individual, pursued his dream of becoming a musician while working in real estate. He released his debut album, “Reason to Rhyme,” in 2010, showcasing his exceptional songwriting skills. Despite initial challenges, Hayes persevered and gained a devoted following with his heartfelt music.
Hayes gained significant recognition with his breakthrough single, “You Broke Up with Me,” which reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song’s infectious melody and catchy lyrics helped establish him as a rising star in the country music scene. Since then, he has released several other successful singles, including “90’s Country” and “Craig.”
Known for his compelling storytelling and honest lyrics, Hayes brings a fresh and contemporary approach to country music. His music reflects his own life experiences, and he often draws inspiration from his family and personal struggles. Hayes’ ability to connect with his audience through his heartfelt songs has endeared him to fans worldwide.”
In addition to his musical talents, Hayes is also a devoted family man. He often credits his wife and their six children as his biggest inspirations in both life and music. This dedication to his family is evident in his emotional and introspective songwriting.
As Walker Hayes continues to evolve as an artist and create music that pushes boundaries, he remains an influential figure in the country music industry. With his distinctive sound, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy, Hayes has established himself as one of the brightest stars in the genre. His passion for music and genuine connection with his fans make him an artist to watch as he continues to make his mark on the world of country music.”
Effin’ love this guy!
Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-born American poet, writer, and artist, is widely recognized as one of the most influential literary figures of the early 20th century. He is known for his profound wisdom and lyrical prose, with his most famous work being the timeless book “The Prophet.” Gibran’s writings explore themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience, resonating with readers worldwide. His unique blend of Eastern and Western influences continues to inspire and touch hearts, reminding us of the enduring power of love and beauty.
“When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions
may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and
caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and
shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred
fire, that you may become sacred bread for
God’s sacred feast.
But if in your fear you would seek only
love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover
your nakedness and pass out of love’s
threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you
shall laugh, but not all of your laughter,
and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes
naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,
“God is in my heart,” but rather,
“I am in the heart of God.”
And think not you can direct the course
of love, for love, if it finds you worthy,
directs your course.”
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have
desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook
that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart
and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the
beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
Richard Rohr writes “we each carry a certain amount of pain from our very birth. If that pain is not healed and transformed, it actually increases as we grow older, and we transmit it to people around us. We can become violent in our attitudes, gestures, words, and actions.” Source: A Loving Inner Witness
I start a new job tomorrow for what I hope will be the last time. I asked AI to synthesize some thoughts on how to get off to a great start and this is what I got:
“Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting. Here are some tips to help you get off to a great start:
Remember, starting a new job is a learning process. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek…”
Personality tests and horoscopes promise a deeper understanding of who we are. But do these categorizations serve—or just limit—us? Source: Why Are We so Fascinated by Ourselves?
Me personally? These tests can be useful as a tool for understanding but we have to remember what M. Scott Peck said about ‘the map is not the territory’. Please comment!
Bright, shiny objects! 
You must be logged in to post a comment.