- My husband. He has seen the worst and best of me, and still loves me through all of it. He is also a great dad to our
- Children. Even the acts of bringing them into this world were profoundly life changing (they have amazing birth stories), and they continue to teach me about what's important, and even more importantly, act as mirrors to my own
- Values, beliefs, and habits. There's nothing like a child to make one aware of one's own faults and foibles. They are reflections of my best and worst behavior, and keep me mindful that my words are less powerful than my
- Actions. Remember that old saying about how people won't remember what you said, but they'll remember how you made them feel? Actions and attitudes speak louder than lectures delivered at multi-digit decibels. The older I get, the more I realize that the people I love and the things I care about need my active
- Attention. Nowadays, my family gets my attention. So do my friends, my students, my administrators, my colleagues, and issues that engage my passion for education, equality, and human rights. But attention isn't only an outward action; it also involves
- Mindfulness. Amid all these demands for my attention, I am learning to cherish the inner quiet and engage in activities that feed my soul, like reading and crocheting. In a state of mindfulness, I can revel in
- Gratitude. I have so many wonderful blessings in my life--nuclear and extended family, friends, home, job, books, yarn, trees, sunshine, rain....I'm even grateful for my washer and dryer, and indoor plumbing, and coffee with creamer!
There is so much loving and learning to do. That's what I'm living for. What's your motivation?
Your writing flows very smoothly. It made me think of my own life. Thank you for making me think.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope they are good and happy thoughts. :-)
DeleteI like what you live for, and how you laid it all out smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammy! I think that's the benefit of growing older; a lot of stuff just starts to make sense and hones our purpose.
DeleteI like how you arranged your living words to flow from one into the next...very smooth transitioning! I will be thinking about my motivation-maybe me next slice!
ReplyDeleteAmy, there are days when I'm sure I'll need to reread this piece to keep me motivated as well, ha! Thanks for your positive critique!
DeleteI the way you wove this together. I didn't want it to end.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori! Couldn't quite work up the nerve to write the next bullet on creamer, lol. Though it does play a big part in making for a happier morning.
DeleteWhat a great idea for a slice - allowing a word to unpack all that it is we live for. Sometimes I feel like I lose track and sight of these core things. That I allow possessions and expectations, judgement and fear creep in a little too closely, this is a great reminder, yet like me, I can't help but notice there isn't much focus on yourself ... perhaps one day?
ReplyDeleteWell said, nf. And yes, I'm slowly inching toward truly living for myself! For now, the mindfulness and gratitude will have to suffice. :-)
DeleteYes, I like how you transitioned from one item to the next. I am motivated by joy. I want to be kind, and have people feel valued.
ReplyDeleteI like to make people laugh.
Thank you, Pamela. I, too, need to practice making people feel valued--and I wish I could be more humorous! I can be too serious sometimes.
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