Even if you’re having a good life, you’re bound to have mixed feelings.
Today, I have mixed feelings about July 4th, working on my music, writing an article about my groups, skipping celebrations because of the heat, and so much more.
Over my long life, I’ve learned to tolerate and accept mixed feelings without judgment.
Do you see mixed feelings in my images for today?
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Here’s what I find when I search for mixed feelings on YouTube:
Thanks to all who have mixed feelings, including YOU!
Because I let them talk about whatever they want, one of my group members told us on Christmas Eve day about the latest book by Mel Robbins — The Let Them Theory.
We were discussing how to deal with other people’s actions (as we often do) when this group member said, “Mel Robbins writes that we should just let them be who they are and do whatever they do, because they will anyway. Whatever it is, let them.”
“Let them” sounds like the wisdom of radical acceptance. And whenever I say “you can’t control what others do but you can control how you react,” I am essentially saying “let them.”
I know it’s going to be difficult for me to let them do things to my country and the world during the next US administration, starting very soon. My guess is that The Let Them Theory probably has elements of the serenity prayer — encouraging the serenity to accept the things we cannot change (let them), the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Instead of explaining my images for today, I’m going to let them speak for themselves.
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If people want to go back to church (or not), eat fruit cake, or visit the zoo, let them.
Here’s what I find when I search for “let them” on YouTube:
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If you have some responses that want to come out in the comments section, let them.
Thanks to all who are here for this “let them” post, including YOU!
Human beings tend to see patterns. For example, I see the repeating pattern in today’s blog post number.
Our proclivity for patterns might explain people’s inclinations for conspiracy theories and other misguided cause-and-effect thinking (“gas prices and inflation are higher since Joe Biden took office, it’s his fault!”) Because there are pros and cons to everything (a pattern I see in the world), the tendency to see patterns can give us a sense of connection and it definitely serves artists well.
Do you see patterns in the many images in today’s post?
Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “patterns.”
I also find this.
I have a pattern of noticing and expressing gratitude, so thanks to all who help me create these daily posts, including YOU.
I’m human and I’m worried about nature.
My concern is that human nature — which resists change, bad news, and working together with people perceived to be different — will not allow for the decisive action needed to avert climate disaster.
Do you see human nature in my other images for today?
On National Rice Pudding, Veep, and Book Lovers Day, this is what I find when I search for “human nature” on YouTube:
While I worry about human nature, I’m also naturally grateful for all the humans who read this blog, including YOU.
I AM in New York City while I AM writing today’s blog.
I AM a fan of the Off Broadway one-man performance In & Of Itself by magician Derek DelGaudio, which has the subtitle “Identity is an illusion.”
I AM telling you that I, like every other audience member, needed to choose an identity before last night’s performance of In & Of Itself.
I AM happy that I chose that identity, but I AM more than just a blogger. I AM also a mother.
I AM a photographer.
I AM also a Social Worker, among many other things.
I AM curious about what you would say you are.
I AM sharing this interview of Derek DelGaudio by Stephen Colbert, which inspired me to see In & Of Itself last night.
I AM grateful to all who help me be a blogger every day, including you, no matter who or what you are.
… and I AM adding this, here and now.
