handwritten on February 2, 2019
Today, I found this quote that I thought was worth sharing. “In the midst of challenge, we must believe that our behavior matters” – Michelle Gielan
This quote truly is the exact definition of rational optimism. Ironically, I have always thought of myself as possessing rational optimism. Sometimes, I do. However, this may be one competency in which I struggle just as much as I succeed. This does excite me. The quote above is a beautiful example of this paradox. We acknowledge challenge but at the same time we must understand that our behavior matters and may make a difference. Notice that I used the word “may.” Use the word will instead of may, and I think the optimism loses its...
handwritten on February 1, 2019
As many of you witnessed on Friday, the travel to work in the city of Pittsburgh and beyond was less than desirable. It was interesting because the snow this time slipped in so quietly. It was almost as if it did not want to be heard or known or interrupted by anyone. As I stepped outside with my boots and two giant school bags, careful not to break my body on the way down the stairs, I immedietely noticed the snow and the roads. Oh. My. These were the two words that continued to repeat inside my head over and over again. I strapped on my seatbelt, took a deep breath and began to remind myself to breath for the next 35 to 40 minutes as I made my way to school.
Truly, I have never seen the...
handwritten on January 31, 2019
At least once or twice a week I visit Carnegie Main Library in Oakland. I just adore this library. I have always found comfort studying with the books of the world. Books are not judgmental but filled with the hope of the future and knowledge not yet held onto. The people there are simply beautiful people. I have called so many times due to missing books, overdue books or needing to order books, and every single time they respond with kindness and grace. Embarrassingly, I am at the library so often that most people behind the desk know me by name or at least, they recognize my face. But hey, at the end of my life if I am famous only at the Main Library, that is all I need. I consider my...
handwritten on January 30, 2019
Today is going to be a rather brief entry. Due to cold weather, all the schools had off today and thus I found myself with my mother and my brother's fiance enjoying a nice and relaxing lunch at Eatn'Park. Actually, it was qute lovely to see families, elders and young alike flock to such a warm place on such a cold day. It is no secret that there is joy found in sharing a meal with another.
Towards the end of the meal, I watched as a young boy and his grandmother enjoyed a nice meal together. There were no electronics but just good old fashioned talking. I thought to myself that this is a rarity nowadays when most of the time individuals are texting on their phones as an adult or friend is...
handwritten on January 29, 2019
How often do we use these words before going to bed at night: "I wish I had more time..." "If only this would hurry up and finish I could do A. B. and C." "Can it just be Friday already?" I think half of our lives (though I am not a statitician) are spent wishing we were somewhere else in time. Most of the time, we wish we were in the future (not the past.) Truly, very rarely do I hear people say, "Gosh. I wish it was last Friday again." "I wish it that day 10 years ago again." If we aren't careful you know, we will simply wish away our time. However, I do find myself doing the same thing sometimes. In fact, lately I have been refusing to think about the future but rather trying to live in...
