Tag: let go

So cliche, but I pick negativity. That includes hearing the mumblings of other people’s petty comments under their breath. Perhaps I’m too sensitive but not everything needs to be a sarcastic joke at someone’s expense. Some jokes can end up alienating someone accidentally. If you notice it, just apologize to them in private, especially if you saw that person make a cringy face or excuse themselves for the restroom right after something’s said at the table. Wouldn’t hurt, right?

Growing up, having “tough skin” was applauded which gave way to lowering assertiveness on the priority list of skills to practice and gain. Defending myself would’ve been taken as disrespectful or talking back to someone. Then, in another group, it would be taken as being a “doormat”. Which is right? Who knows? I guess you have to be there and know the people involved to understand the situation.

Sometimes, history can come into play too. When someone gets too comfortable and assumes everyone gets their sense of humor, they can think everybody’s fair game. Not the case at all. So please…let’s observe others’ facial expressions and body language. It’ll help so much in the long run for someone who attempts to let things roll off their shoulder but actually feels awkward, but doesn’t want to cause tension and draw attention.

What about you? What do you want to let go?

I would move away to a different state or country and live somewhere completely new. Although I grew up in mild weather, I prefer the colder side of mild. I’m imagining a low of 30 degrees to a high of 80 degrees. California is the perfect state for us because he enjoys warmer, tropical weather (Hawaii, anyone?). In California, we drive to our desired weather conditions. With a vast range of climates throughout our coastal states, we can visit different areas to enjoy seasonal changes.

International travel and road trips are my favorite because we get to immerse ourselves briefly into the local culture. It’s fun and exciting to see the local attractions, sights, and food! It takes us out of the bubble of daily routines and opens up a new perspective and lifestyle while creating memories.

Is there anything you’d like to do if you weren’t afraid?

I’ve found peace for my purpose in life. For so many years, I’ve wondered and questioned my purpose in life. All this time, I’ve overcomplicated the meaning.

My purpose is primarily to stay connected to God. Establishing and maintaining a strong connection to God will lead me to living a purposeful life. Staying true to who I am further confirms that I am a child of God.

Having shared this, life is not going to be easy breezy forever. All I can do is to navigate the storms calmly and compassionately. Compassion for the situation, for others, and for myself.

I spend a lot of time watching TV and I love it! It gives me an opportunity to observe the lives of others with zero to no risk of emotional vulnerability. Let’s take the example of reality TV. I personally avoid confrontations and conflict like a death-inducing allergy. As a fan of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise, I can watch other women have conflicts and somewhat resolve them on screen. The conflict and resolution styles spark conversations with my own friends when we chat about the show. I get to learn more about my friend and their perspective through these chats.

But most of the time, I enjoy watching for the sake of imagination and traveling into a world of fantasy. If I’m in the mood, I would select a documentary and learn more about a certain subject.

After all the hours spent in front of the TV, I’ve enjoyed every minute and look forward to watching more in the future.

From my biggest regret, I learned to forgive myself. I spent time carrying guilt and shame that no longer belongs to me because I’ve acknowledged my part and asked for forgiveness. The thing about regret is that there’s no way to undo it. That part is the hardest to accept. I can’t undo the regret but I can try to avoid making another.

Living without regrets is challenging. It takes constant self awareness and wisdom that may not be readily available at decisive moments. It’s possible though challenging. Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, takes sympathy and empathy for yourself and for others. With that, I challenge myself to make better decisions with the choices that are given.

Do you have any regrets? What have you learned from it?