I’ve spent most of my life obsessed with sacrifice and struggle.  Ironically, when I began to focus on appreciating what’s around me, the goals I sacrificed and struggled for came much easier (and earlier) than I ever thought possible.

Eventually, I realized I only ever wanted to achieve those goals so I could unabashedly appreciate the moment, and ultimately relax into a happier state of being.  So now I try and skip to the end—I try and direct my focus onto appreciation, without hindering my pleasure with arbitrary conditions.


Comments

40 responses to “Musings”

  1. threadbee Avatar
    threadbee

    Gratitude can change so much about ourselves and our attitude. Sometimes it is really hard to do, but it is a must.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. “…without hindering my pleasure with arbitrary conditions.” It’s the trip, not the destination. Getting and Having as happinsess qualifiers is shallower than the gene pool in a two-trailer town in Oklahoma. Or a lifetime collection of Southern Living magazines under every bathroom sink in a widow’s million dollar house.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. That is a beautiful goal and congratulations on that positive attitude. What a go, life sure flows easier that way indeed. Hugs Joni

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    1. Some of your replies have been going in my spam folder. I’m gonna try and make sure to scan it everyday to make sure you’re approved and I give you a reply. Sorry if it seemed like I was being aloof!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Never, we all have issues with that. No problem at all. I think everyone on WP has problems once in a while. They have a lot of balls to juggle there. Hope your Memorial Day is a great one. ❤️🤗🦋

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Of course! Likewise on Memorial Day—hope you get to relax and eat some yummy noms! 😊😄

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Haha you too my friend. Big hugs 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Very well put.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you so very much for always liking my posts! I don’t know how to send messages through WordPress so I thought I would say hello here. I’m very grateful for your attention but if I could ask a small favor: do you have any thoughts on my work – critique and suchlike (lol)?

    Thanks again.

    Also, short post but the point is perfectly made. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I can’t speak much to the poetry, since I don’t really know too much about poetry structure or technique, so I took a look at your short story lonzig. I would say if there’s something fantastical, make sure you describe it so it has some character. When andrea sees the monster in the mirror, all the reader has to go on is a dark monster face, horrible horns, and bright eyes. Hope that helps!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you so very much for always liking my posts! I don’t know how to send messages through WordPress so I thought I would say hello here. I’m very grateful for your attention but if I could ask a small favor: do you have any thoughts on my work – critique and suchlike (lol)?

    Thanks again.

    Also, short post but the point is perfectly made. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Daily Poetry Avatar
    Daily Poetry

    Contentment is the key. True happiness is but a fleeting moment. But to be happy with your life is worth everything.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Indeed. Peaks and valleys come and go, world champions rise and fall. And even they’re not guaranteed happiness in their dominance.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. That is a good road to travel, there are a good number of byways on the journey you can stop at and enjoy too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. For me, a few of those byways became the main journey. I almost see it as destiny, but even if it isn’t, it’s way better than what I was doing before: trying to force my life onto a heading that wasn’t working.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. mariethebibliophile Avatar
        mariethebibliophile

        Yeah, I was a scientist for way to long and it definitely wasn’t working lol

        I was an arts kid and got forced down the wrong path. I picked microbiology because it was “colorful.” Little did I know I was surrounding myself with people who couldn’t understand how my brain operates, this lifestyle is much more suited to me.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. My take is we all pick a way to frame reality that gives us the most fulfillment at that moment. I’m sure some scientists find the hypothesis and p-values and theory vs experiment immersive, but I’m with you—it doesn’t really trigger any deep-seated feeling for me.

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      3. mariethebibliophile Avatar
        mariethebibliophile

        It was interesting until I got to the point that really they are just best guesses and there are always exceptions to the “rules.” Science isnt black and white, but a lot of scientists cant see that its all shades of grey. Which means any answers can be most correct at any given moment. Most scientist are rigid thinkers who cant see both broadly and microscopically at the same time.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I agree with you there; using watery analogies I tried that too much, swimming against the proverbial tide (or current)
        Sometimes it’s all a river and you have to go with the current keeping an eye out for a likely bank or restful island before journeying on, unless of course you find its an ideal place to stay.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Totally agree. I used to just power right on past those banks and islands. No more!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. mariethebibliophile Avatar
    mariethebibliophile

    I start every morning with a prayer of Thankfulness to God for all sorts of things. Its a good practice, but doesn’t always clear the headspace.
    I am happy with my life and content with my home, however, I can been worn down if I think on others and society at large.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I totally agree. I can spin myself up very easily trying to judge and interpret others. When I’m seeing it with clear eyes, I think:
      judge by what measure? and who knows what they’re really thinking? Quickly becomes a waste of life for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Depends on your ideology! you would be military release….watch what women want you might get the gift! lol lipstick, stockings and heals! Hairdryer in the bath….the love of a strong intelligent woman! lol lets not get to crazy!😜

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I don’t know…crazy is kind of fun! 🤣

        Like

      3. it is an awesome film…the ending is pretty cool lots of potential for expression and adoration all in my direction…i will let you play in my parlour and see what chaos we can cause! 🕷

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I feel like your moans would become pretty chaotic! 😏

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I do not care who hears they are teenagers now, you will be too busy composing yourself from my vice like grip! Pinching you tightly until you explode! lol🤣

        Liked by 1 person

      6. I do love those final moments when the lady is in total control…😏

        Liked by 1 person

      7. I think i could get you to explode… manifesting an example….. shareing in the pleasure! † 😏

        Liked by 1 person

      8. I’m certain you could, but I wonder if you could get me to do it involuntarily while I was trying to hold out…🤔😅

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Challenge accepted i will manifest a friend to take out grandad! a little tantric play you will not be expecting! lol

        Liked by 1 person

      10. Agreed! Mutual manifestation is on the agenda!

        Liked by 1 person

      11. Agreed you need to low jack my husbands body and bring it home so i can F;./! # enjoy myself on my level! grrrr😏 nothing like a little resistance for breakfast….oh if i must!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. […] SONNET 29: PHALLIC POWER; The crazy -cracy words!; Gleefully Unhinged; Struggling to Be; Unmasked; Musings; lost […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the share!

      Like

  11. Love this musing! Focusing on gratitude really changes one’s mindset.

    Liked by 1 person

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