First of all, I apologize for the lack of thoughts posts this week. It was an exceptionally hectic week at work and when I was completely brain-dead at the end of each day, I decided it was ok to give myself the night off. I still did some art because that’s good for my soul but my brain wasn’t working enough to write. So, I apologize. Though, it’s been quiet here on the blog, too, so maybe the rest of you are on vacation while I work so hard! š
Secondly, I have been doing well on my summer of calm. I’ve had several situations that came up and I was able to keep my cool. I have been better (not great but better) at not yelling and staying calmer in general. I am working on it. Considering the craziness of this week, I am proud of myself.
I’ve also been working on my little changes. Slowly but I’ve made headway on several. I’ve also filled the download I mention here and done some journaling, some of the assignments from Christy’s class, etc. I’ve got a long way to go, but I am making progress. Slowly.
I was thinking today that when I look at myself, I often see the holes in my life. The areas where I am struggling more and wish I were better. Like driving, riding a bike, eating healthier, etc. I just see what’s missing. And I take what’s there and good for granted. My job, husband, kids, whatever it might be. Even the things that were not there but are now. Like being thinner and healthier.
Whereas when I look at others, I do the opposite. I take what’s best about them and don’t even notice anything else. I might see their success where I am struggling and not notice their struggles in an area that’s already well for me.
But that’s what life is. None of us are perfect. We all have holes. I have a friend who used to introduce me as “This is Karen, she speaks seven languages.” And it drove me mad. So I told him that if he had to say that, he had to say it this way, “This is Karen, she speaks seven languages but she can’t ride a bike.” Because then you see my holes. You see that I am far far from perfect. And it sort of evens things out. You tell yourself “ah i might not have learned languages, but I can ride a bike!” and that’s important. It gives much needed perspective to each of us.
Life is mostly a game of chance. Sometimes we get stuff because we put a lot of energy and time into it, and other times we’re just lucky (or unlucky.) And sometimes it’s a combination of both. But none of us can have it all. We each make choices along the way. Sometimes we regret them and other times they turn out way bigger that we’d hoped. Either way, we never have it “all” and if we continue to look for the holes, we will never ever feel good. Or complete. Or done. Or “good enough” as the case is for me.
This is where gratitude plays a big role I think. Where you spend time truly focusing on the great things that you do have. So much of what you probably are taking for granted. Gratitude shows you that you don’t just have holes but you also have these magical, wonderful areas in your life. Areas where you’re soaring. Thriving.
And it’s crucial to pay attention to them.
So while I will continue to work on filling some of the holes in my life, I will also make myself pay more attention to the incredible fullness I have there, too. Life changes in a moment. And I could lose it all. I don’t want to take a moment of my life for granted.
Not one moment.
Thanks Karen – a timely reminder to focus on the good
Wow Karen, your words resonated with me today. I tend to be hard on myself at times and start looking at the holes in my life and begin to only see the strengths of others. Then my friends and husband refocus my attention on the talents and gifts I have. It feels good when they share with me the strengths I possess and how they sometimes would like to be. I suppose most, if not all of us, see the best in others and neglect to do the same for ourselves.
How wonderful that you speak seven languages. I know three are: your native language, English and Japanese. What are the other four? It’s always fun to know that people can speak more than one language. I’m bilingual and can read and speak a little of the third language. I even tried to learn a fourth but it was an entirely different alphabet and took classes for fun. It was difficult to practice with anyone. So now I could only sound out the word but have no idea what it means. Ha, ha . . .Hope you enjoy your Fruday. : >
thank you so much for your kind words. it’s it amazing how we neglect ourselves the most? so sad. i speak turkish, english, french, german, italian, japanese and american sign language. not all of them equally well at all. my german at this point is likely not passable. most of the others are barely passable. i am wildly out of practice.
Hey Karen, very true words š I have just two comments:
1) You speak 7 languages ?!? Holy crap, that’s incredible, congrats! We’re trying to work on Turkish with my son, but so far he will only respond to me in English.
2) Did you take the photo at the top of this post? It’s really beautiful, I love it. It’s almost like a run down doll house. I especially love the colorful clothes hanging to dry and the lady in the balcony. Is it available for purchase?
lol zeynep, i don’t speak them all well. my kids don’t speak anything but english. well the older one is learning spanish at school but it’s slow moving for now.
the photo is taken in istanbul actually, from our recent trip. i am glad you like it! did u want it for a particular purpose?
Yes, the language thing is hard with kids, isn’t it? I really wanted my son to be bi-lingual but it seems that just me speaking Turkish at home is not enough. He really needs a few more people around him other than just me.
As for the picture, I was hoping to hang it up on my wall – there are some other pictures there that I think it would fit in well with. I wasn’t thinking very big.. maybe 9×7? 11×13? something around there.
7 languages?! Forget about those holes, and celebrate your achievements – that’s awesome!
I love this and you are right about seeing ourselves in a uneven light. I also love some of the comments. I remember you mentioning before about the languages but it still makes me go WOW.
Thanks for sharing as ever.
I am constantly amazed by how your blog posts speak in some small way to my own insecurities and challenges I am working through in my own life, and when applicable, my creative process. Thank you so much for sharing š
thank you so much for your kind words š