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Susan O'Rourke's avatar

I too am 61 and for the first time since I was like 11, I can just be. At times in my life I cared way too much about how other's saw me. I would evolve and think that "I no longer care about what others think of me ." The universe would then test that theory by throwing me some curve ball that demonstrated otherwise. 61 and I want nothing to do with expectation and judgment. I have lost friends and loved ones and yet here I am. I still get to experience life and have such gratitude for that life and the energy and enthusiam I have for it. Others are in their lane and I am in mine and I am free to let them be and to just be me. I see beginner's mind as a mind that is present and willing to experience the moment - to take it in and appreciate it. Every once in a while I feel a twinge of judgment like when I see an unflattering picture of myself or if I find myself having an unkind judgment about someone else but I quickly shake that shit off.

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Jocelind Julien's avatar

I have always been known to go left when everyone else was going right! This story shines for me! Funny, though, as I grew, I held onto that need for the different, while “falling in line” behind the others. I did not want to see “that look” on other people’s face, like that of your Svengali man! I’m striving to break free of those chains to once again be just me! I love this story, Mary! Thank you!

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