But I did read this quote,
No matter how chaotic the world feels, we can find joy in small beauties and tiny acts of kindness.
—Henneke
I spent a lot of time pondering that quote. First of all, for me the world today is not just chaotic, it’s scary. I’m spending part of my time dealing with feelings of fear. And I’m with Mary Oliver, experiencing joy is a way of fighting back.
Henneke’s “tiny acts of kindness” works for me too, but I don’t think of “small beauties” when I think of joy. What lifts my spirits and makes my heart sing the most are (1) regular exercise, often while watching something on Netflix with Spanish subtitles because I like learning new things, and (2) reading and writing… playing with ideas and trying to express them succinctly (“Easy reading is hard writing”) and connecting with friends and family via the internet. Even though I post something every day, there’s no pressure. I’m retired and allow plenty of time to explore the web looking for ideas, and plenty of time to figure out how to process some of them.
What about you? What’s your reaction to what’s going on in life, the world, and how are you dealing with it?
December 18, 2024
I like the quote and it’s those small things that keep us going. The world is a scary place and the older I get the more there is to worry about. I try to keep busy with drawing, crafting or computer.
Yes! You are in good shape there.
I do love that quote..I don’t even want to admit to how I am dealing with life.
I enjoy reading your blog posts.
…small things are often the big things.
Yes. š
Exercise works best for me, baking, brushing the dogs, small wins like getting Miss Katie to the lab for her bloodwork, keeping up with the dishes, pretty much all small things but they make me feel good, and productive.
That’s great. You are dealing with a lot!
I don’t avoid the news, but neither do I spend too much time listening to others’ opinions and prophecies. ‘Just doing my best to love those who love me — and ignore the joy squashers.
PS – “Easy writing is hard writing” — that resonates!
Good for you!
Just yesterday as I was reading the book I just started, I thought about how some writers just grab me when I read the first page and I read like it’s a marathon and can’t put the book down and others, I am critiquing their writing skills and can’t see to stop putting it down. about a 3rd of the way through, I returned it to Amazon Kindle and started another. I am sure this one that is easy writing was very hard to write. I like that quote.
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I love the phrase, “Easy reading is hard writing.” It’s so true! I could do better in the department of acknowledging the joy in tiny acts of kindness and small beauties. They truly are all around us when we take the time to look.
I agree the world is scary right now and I’ve given myself permission to set that aside until the new year. In the meantime I’m on the look out for ways I want to re-engage in the 2025 to fight back against what’s coming like renew my membership in the ACLU.
I’m glad you’re taking a vacation for the holidays. The new year will be here soon enough.
I am also under the dome of dread, but I’m trying to enjoy the moment. It is all we are guaranteed.
Yes, that is always true.
Watching less news has been my go-to since the election–lol! I watch shows, movies, documentaries…cook…and am finally back to playing with watercolors. I do think of small beauties that bring me joy…like the partridges on my patio clucking and eating seed or Allie purring next to me. Life is good. š
Good for you!
The world seems to be getting more evil and filled with rage every year. It is so sad. If it keeps on this way, I guess I will be glad when we are no longer here to see it and be in it. But what a downer my comment is! There are still wonderful and caring people, ones who light a candle in the darkness! They are a beacon in an escalating dark world.
I don’t think your comment is a downer, but I do think we were lucky to have lived so long in a more peaceful time. And I think that your blog is a great example of lighting a candle to counter the darkness. Little things count!
I need my daily dose of sunshine and yes, sometimes exercise. I think Iām ready for us to all go back to the 50ās and 60ās when life seemed simple. all this new technology stuff and Drones, it is all depressing.
I have only one daughter (over two thousand miles away) and no grandchildren, and most of my friends here have moved away. So the internet is a blessing for me. Also phone calls.
Poetry is a balm. Likewise, exercise, and art. But music is the medicine for me: my playlist right now? *chef’s kiss*
I think a lot of people would pick music…it can be powerful. For some reason it’s not towards the top of my list.
I think the world is getting nutty with our country leading in the most nuts. I just try to stay out of the way.
That’s a good strategy!
I do worry about the direction our world is turning and I so fear for the futures of my children and grandchildren. But then I know it is pretty much out of my control. Small things do bring happiness and I try to look for at least reason to be happy each day.
I figure the best thing I can do is to keep as healthy and happy as I can be so my daughter doesn’t have to worry about me. Like you, I’m more concerned about my her future than my own. (Only one child, no grandchildren.)
As for the world, I generally ignore it, as does SWMBO who was crushed by the November election disaster.
That works too.