As I’ve mentioned in other posts, we need to start talking about things as they really are. In other words “tax cuts” are really wealth transfers and we should call them that.
On this tenth anniversary of 9/11 perhaps Americans can begin some considered reflection. Can we use the needless pain and suffering caused by 9/11 to think about how the rest of the world views us? Changes need to happen so we are not terrorized and we no longer wage economic terrorism on others.
On this day of remembering, do something for yourself. Listen to the best Catholic theologians have to offer. Click over to Catholic Theological Union’s Learn@CTU website and listen to talks or read articles by their world famous faculty.
Fabulous Friday, even on Saturday. Be good to yourself. Buy yourself some fresh flowers from the Farmers’ Market.
These are usually large bouquets for only $5. You can divide them into two or more arrangements. Give one to a friend or a neighbor. This particular bouquet filled three vases. Now I have flowers in every room.
There’s nothing nicer than coming home to fresh flowers on your table. Enjoy them on Friday and all week long.
Part of good mental health requires having people in our lives with whom we can connect, share and engage in in-depth conversations.
This is not like talks we may have with acquaintances for example. In this case the conversation is more likely to be light and often each party merely recites recent events or transmits necessary information. This is “facebook” interaction. Go for “champagne” instead of “diet soda” in your interactions.
Conversation is the “champagne.” With real conversation there is both sharing and listening. There is acknowledgement of what was shared before moving on to another subject. Statements may be made, but also questions are asked. Both participants are curious about the other. There is reduced or little expectation about what the other will say. This is because the more you know someone the more there is to know. People have depth. People change. They can and do surprise us.
God speaks to us through the thoughtful voice of others in our lives. How can we know when God is speaking? Consider the fruits. Did it surprise you? Does it bring out the best in you? Did it stretch you beyond your comfort zone? Those are cues that the Spirit is at work. God is in relationships.
Mature personal growth and development requires people in our lives whom we trust and with whom we can have thoughtful conversations. We need to share. We need to feel heard. We need to listen and remember.
Limit or eliminate relationships that don’t do this. Especially minimize relationships where you aren’t heard, the talk is negative or only one-way. Interractions like these sap your energy and joy. Overtime they are soul-killing.
Instead, fill your life with fabulous. Build relationships into your life that engage you in deeper conversation. It’s mutual. It’s memorable. It’s enriching, energizing and life-changing.
