Monday Musings & Motivations — Part 68 — Wherever You Go, There You Are

I haven’t written much on my blog over the past few years. I try, and then go back to the old habit of simply not trying. It’s easier not to do something, isn’t it? Not doing requires less effort, little thinking, no creative concepts, and very little insight. I’m rusty at this because most of my writing has been work-related for some time, so I thought I’d give this a whirl again. 

The thing is, when I blogged, I made it a habit, I really enjoyed it. I’d imagine that maybe my words could impact someone—in a good way. The same way that you go out into the world and encounter someone who appears to be sad or mad, and you smile at her or him. Offer a kind word. When you do that, more often than not, it gives them something—they may feel a bit better, smile themselves, bringing them into the now. Which is where we all should try to do better at being. Because truly, that’s all we have. 

Guilty 

As I read over some of my past posts and more recent ones, I noted my tone changed; it became cynical. The very thing I did not want to do. I don’t know what has happened, but I am making a concerted effort to change that. Since I was a little girl, I was positive—saw the good way more than the bad. Content, happy, quiet, curious—that was me. I knew it mattered how I treated people, and since I was ultra-sensitive, there were probably other people that were too. I sensed that there was more to people than appearances, and I still do.

By the way, for those of you who get from people— “you’re too sensitive” that’s a good thing. That’s not a weakness; it’s a strength. It means you’re paying attention. 

As an idealistic young woman, I thought there was good in everyone. I felt I could change the world if I just projected what I wanted to get back. I don’t know what happened, but I do know that getting down into negativity, assuming the worst, and having an attitude of “us against them” is not a road I want to travel. Yes, there’s evil in the world, but, I believe there is truly more good, and I believe that most of us want the same things: to provide for our loved ones or ourselves, be safe, have opportunities to better ourselves (whatever that means to an individual), realize our hopes and dreams, to be listened to, and to be treated with respect. 

I think it’s always been that. And I’m not talking politics because we all get enough of that. I’m talking about what makes us human, our humanity. The connection we have to one another, and the sheer goodness of that. 

Our Giants 

Since I could read, I absolutely loved reading about what others wrote. It was a peek inside someone’s soul. I could read what someone else’s brain was thinking at a particular point in their lives. Think about that. How we can pick up a book and step into another person’s psyche or a character they invented. Even hundreds of years ago. It’s miraculous. 

How their words can literally transform the way you feel, the way you move through your life. It’s astonishing to me. So often, I looked to words to inspire, motivate, or soothe me. 

I kept a notebook of quotes from my favorite authors or poets from the time I could comprehend, which, to my credit, was quite young. I still do. Here are some of my favorites.

Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? – Mary Oliver

the world is mud-luscious and puddle wonderful. – e.e. cummings

There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou

The mind is everything. What you think you become. – Buddha

My giant goes with me wherever I go. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. – Jesus Christ

Wherever you go, there you are. — Jon Kabat-Zinn

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. – David Bowie

There are countless others. I could fill pages with them—I have!

Just as I’ve just filled this page with some of my own musings. I hope that if you’re reading this, it made you feel something, in a good way. At the very least, the quotes provided most certainly vibrated that iron string of yours, didn’t they?

Be well. And remember, “Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam.

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What quotes resonate with your soul, make your heart sing, settle you into your happy place?