Recognize the strides

On the heels of my restlessness—see “Circumnavigating discontent”—I do recognize the strides I’ve achieved along the path toward self-discovery. I’m slow to anger and less hurried, fearful and guilt-ridden; more in tune with the present and accepting of my weaknesses; filled with greater appreciation for life in its myriad ups and downs, as well as a deeper understanding that change triggers more—and better—and that we all have something within our hearts spurring us on. For me, writing is the catalyst (view “Preparing for Extreme Weather on the Jobsite,” recently published in Construction Superintendent eNews). Finally, an observation that every person we meet can teach us something—about the world or about ourselves—and that we are separate parts of one whole. A girlfriend shared that ‘uni’ means one and ‘verse’ is song. Which translates into each of us contributing our one-of-a-kind music notes to the universe, a collective symphony of light and love. At least that’s my hope.

What strides have you taken lately?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

When enough is enough

[Image credit: Keerati]

Unfortunately, some people in our lives turn out to be users, takers or simply neutral parties.  They may find our weakness(es) and milk us for all we’re worth without even trying.  Or perhaps it’s our giving nature which attracts a co-dependent personality.  Until one day, we’re all tapped out and have nothing left to give.  I think this is when enough is enough.  Because if we continue draining our buckets without replenishing them, then we’ll end up possessing little to nil for the friend struggling with a health scare, or our child who wants to share with us the mysteries in their heads.  I’m learning there are a select few who just don’t have it in them to give back or compromise.  But that it’s okay for me to stop trying to breathe life into something I can’t maintain by myself.  There’s only so much one person can do if the other isn’t willing.

How do you handle relationships where you’re mostly on the giving side of things?