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.
Oh, Susan, I love this so much!!!! Those damned curve balls, and yes, being younger made them hit harder, didn't it? I am (with your permission) going to imbed the mantra, "Shake that shit off" for times when I too feel a "twinge". Thank you for your writing and for cruising down"Highway 61" with me.
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!
Ahhh..." that look". It's awful, isn't it? "Yes" to being ourselves, as the looks on our faces will be joyous. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. Sylvie asked when I was going to write, and I said, "Only when something comes to me. I don't force it." It's so interesting how the creative process works.
Love this! So good. And I loved the audio too. So well read. I always loved the Island of misfit Toys, as I felt like I belonged there too. Thank you for this good & short read today!
Thank you, Christina! I'm really glad you listened to the audio too. I enjoy making them. Aww...The Island of Misfit Toys-they are "my people". Thank you for being among them.
Thanks, Ape! Sounds like the opening line of a book, "She was a quadrilateral in a world of squares and rectangles". I love your writing and always have. I so appreciate your support and know that you "have my back". (Oh, and I have yours).
Good question...was it, Whitman? It's a great quote whoever came up with it. Thank you-it means so much to me that you read "my stuff" (or listen to it).
And that is why you are writing here, Mary. So the gatekeepers cannot keep your words from us. Keep writing. Keep being you because I love your stories!
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.
Oh, Susan, I love this so much!!!! Those damned curve balls, and yes, being younger made them hit harder, didn't it? I am (with your permission) going to imbed the mantra, "Shake that shit off" for times when I too feel a "twinge". Thank you for your writing and for cruising down"Highway 61" with me.
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!
Ahhh..." that look". It's awful, isn't it? "Yes" to being ourselves, as the looks on our faces will be joyous. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. Sylvie asked when I was going to write, and I said, "Only when something comes to me. I don't force it." It's so interesting how the creative process works.
Love this! So good. And I loved the audio too. So well read. I always loved the Island of misfit Toys, as I felt like I belonged there too. Thank you for this good & short read today!
Thank you, Christina! I'm really glad you listened to the audio too. I enjoy making them. Aww...The Island of Misfit Toys-they are "my people". Thank you for being among them.
You are a quadrilateral, and should feel free to be a trapezoid in a world of squares and rectangles!
Way ta "Bam-" the experts, "-Boo"!
Thanks, Ape! Sounds like the opening line of a book, "She was a quadrilateral in a world of squares and rectangles". I love your writing and always have. I so appreciate your support and know that you "have my back". (Oh, and I have yours).
Thanks, 'Boo :-)
My mom used to quote (was it Whitman?) often: To thine own self be true. Looks like you are doing exactly that. Good for you!
Good question...was it, Whitman? It's a great quote whoever came up with it. Thank you-it means so much to me that you read "my stuff" (or listen to it).
that quote is from Hamlet.
And that is why you are writing here, Mary. So the gatekeepers cannot keep your words from us. Keep writing. Keep being you because I love your stories!