I think having emotional intelligence and being able to take those pauses to readjust our thinking are key to the pro-democracy movement. For me the key word was gratitude. I carried a lot of anger and grievance with me for most of my life because of some things I lived through as a kid, but thankfully I met the right people and they taught me to focus on the gratitude I feel for the things I have, not wallow in bitterness for the things I lost. It changed my life, and it finally allowed me to look beyond myself. I wanted to share this gratitude with others, and that's why I started trying to get involved in improving our society. I was so damn miserable before, and now that I've largely managed to get past that I want to share my newfound joy and appreciation for life with others, just as others originally shared it with me. The Republican party as it stands is run on grievance, and gratitude is its polar opposite. If only a few of these rich billionaires would take a moment to appreciate what they've been given in life, maybe they'd spend a bit less time trying to take everything from everyone else.
Last week I spent time alone with my adult son over 6 days while he was in town for the retirement of an old friend. No matter which way the day took him, we managed conversation, a long walk, a dinner or two. It was a gift I didn’t know I needed. The great moments are unexpected.
I think having emotional intelligence and being able to take those pauses to readjust our thinking are key to the pro-democracy movement. For me the key word was gratitude. I carried a lot of anger and grievance with me for most of my life because of some things I lived through as a kid, but thankfully I met the right people and they taught me to focus on the gratitude I feel for the things I have, not wallow in bitterness for the things I lost. It changed my life, and it finally allowed me to look beyond myself. I wanted to share this gratitude with others, and that's why I started trying to get involved in improving our society. I was so damn miserable before, and now that I've largely managed to get past that I want to share my newfound joy and appreciation for life with others, just as others originally shared it with me. The Republican party as it stands is run on grievance, and gratitude is its polar opposite. If only a few of these rich billionaires would take a moment to appreciate what they've been given in life, maybe they'd spend a bit less time trying to take everything from everyone else.
Thanks. This was my moment to reflect and savor.
Last week I spent time alone with my adult son over 6 days while he was in town for the retirement of an old friend. No matter which way the day took him, we managed conversation, a long walk, a dinner or two. It was a gift I didn’t know I needed. The great moments are unexpected.
Glad that you had some time to breathe, Mr. Wellman. Summer (by far my favourite season) is the perfect time to do it.
Thank you. Thought provoking for me.