Have you ever wondered… about nostalgia? I have. I find nostalgia to be one of those magical practices where balance of its use is key; else, it becomes too easy to abuse. Think of it like candy – a little bit here and there as a reward or a treat can be good, but if […]
Author: a sugjester
Mournday – 082624
I mourn for the loss of loved ones. Will any of us fully and truly avoid these experiences? I doubt it; grief is one of the toughest battles we each face. How we rise to those challenges says so much about our values. Do we honor their memories well, or do we selfishly fight against […]
Smarturday – 082424
avid vs. vapid avid (adjective) – showing great enthusiasm for or interest in; eager vapid (adjective) – without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; flat Gratitude energizes appreciation for life. It helps you feel avid instead of vapid. The change can be quite rapid if you shift your mindset and count your blessings. Gratitude enlivens […]
Thanksday – 082224
I choose to diffuse the topic for Thanksday this cycle. After all, gratitude is all about being thankful for everything that you do have, so I will steep that idea for a greater degree of flexibilitea this time. I am thankful for tea. It is an easy pleasure that I can look forward to enjoying […]
Soulday – 081824
Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. -Maya Angelou How often do you slow down or stop to appreciate everything around you? “Moment to pause” is another DBT skill that can be valuable here. When you go to sleep, do you think about all of the things that […]
Freeday – 081624
We often talk about resting in peace once we pass on from this world or earthly life. What about LIP? Live in peace, right here and right now. You can do it if you so choose – prioritize, possess, and spread peaceful power. When we have peace in our hearts and minds, we draw peace […]
Wondersday – 081424
Have you ever wondered… about hakuna matata? I have. This phrase, while widely well known now, has its origins rooted within Swahili. It means no worries, for the rest of your days. Literally, hakuna matata translates into English as “there are no worries.” How nice, pleasant, and wonderful, right? Do you know what it sounds […]
Mournday – 081224
I mourn for Thích Nhât Hanh; he is nicknamed the father of mindfulness, and he had many other labels and names attributed to him over the years, some good, some bad. No matter what others tried to say or do to him, though, he kept pushing for world peace. Shunned from his home country of […]
Smarturday – 081024
irenic vs. ironic irenic (adjective) – tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory ironic (adjective) – using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; coincidental; unexpected These two words do not contrast inherently; irenic and ironic can […]
Thanksday – 080824
I am thankful for they/them pronouns. To be fully truthful with y’all, I initially balked at the idea of the singular they when I first encountered this new concept. It was different and foreign from what I grew up with and was used to or familiar and comfortable with. However, once I accepted that initial […]
Truceday – 080624
We must seek, above all, a world of peace; a world in which peoples dwell together in mutual respect and work together in mutual regard. -John F. Kennedy We are two months and one day away from the first annual anniversary of the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas. That day was horrible. What Israel […]
Soulday – 080424
You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life,but by realizing who you are at the deepest level. -Eckhart Tolle Truth paves the way to peace. If you are not truthful with yourself, then how can you be at peace? You may think you can still be happy, but delusions deceive you. Your […]
Freeday – 080224
How much truth do you speak? Lately, I often circle back to how much I hate the greeting or opening phrase of “what’s up?” What is up? Probably the same for you as for me (the sky or ceiling above each of us), so what point does it truly serve? Instead of inane starts, let […]
Wondersday – 073124
Have you ever wondered… about sacca-kiriya (or saccha kiriya)? I have. It is an act of truth within the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. In fact, this concept exists across established and folk religions alike. I think of it as the equivalent of biblical miracles. After all, a parting of water shows up as an example […]
Mournday – 072924
When did fake news and alternative facts become a thing? When did we decide it was better to battle disbeliefs rather than rally our reality for real? There are many reasons why I choose to mourn for truth. You can find any answer or support online these days. Does that mean it is all right […]
Smarturday – 072724
logic vs. logorrhea logic (noun) – the science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference; the system or principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge or study; reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions; convincing forcefulness; inexorable truth or persuasiveness logorrhea (noun) – pathologically incoherent, repetitious speech; incessant or […]
Thanksday – 072524
I am thankful for Queen Lear. Truthfully, it is Lear deBessonet who I am thankful for, but I did not want to pass up on that playful possibility. First, I believe, early on in her life, Lear predicted and persistently pursued her passion as a theater director. That is a wonderful truth in and of […]
Soulday – 072124
Truthfully, I did not know what this next cycle’s theme would entail as of the last post on Friday, so I could not allude to or foreshadow it like I prefer. I was honestly exhausted, mentally drained by a magnitude or two. Delving into forgiveness was challenging and heavy for me. I still have plenty […]
Freeday – 071924
Until we have seen someone’s darkness, we don’t really know who they are.Until we have forgiven someone’s darkness, we don’t really know what love is. -Marianne Williamson There is an extreme concept that I enjoy considering and attempting to practice – radical forgiveness. It confirms my thought from earlier this cycle about whether we should […]
Wondersday – 071724
Have you ever wondered… about kintsugi? I have. It is a Japanese art form known as golden joinery or golden repair. Rather than throwing out a bowl, cup, or plate as soon as it breaks, they turn it into an art project. I think that is so lovely. They spend the time and invest the […]
Mournday – 071524
Everyone in this world is somehow connected. So why not just be nice to everybody? -Richard Simmons Today, I mourn for the loss of Richard Simmons. While I have yet to find any sources or quotes of him advocating for forgiveness specifically, especially for self-forgiveness, I think he epitomized the idea, at least indirectly. A […]
Smarturday – 071324
magnanimous (adjective) – generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed? -bell hooks […]
Thanksday – 071124
I am very thankful for Mayo Clinic. If given the choice between researching a topic via Mayo or WebMD, I hope we will always trust the more credible resource. That is Mayo, in case it needs to be said for anyone. After all, you should “be careful about reading health books. You may die of […]
Soulday – 070724
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Mahatma Gandhi Forgiveness is a strong pillar with which to build your bridge upon; it can provide solid support. When established and strengthened, it can open up your potential to accept more and live freely. You do not have to become great at […]
Freeday – 070524
Earlier this week, one of the teachers in my life randomly told me about the root form of courage. Cuer in Old French or Cor in Latin both refer to the heart. An obsolete definition of courage even describes the heart as the source of emotion. To be courageous, we must have heart and feel […]
Wondersday – 070324
Have you ever wondered… about mind over matter? I have. Zen do. Life go(al IMO). Yea. Seriously, though, being able to better handle pain by processing it less (or not at all as some people courageously claim)? If we do not notice it, then it cannot affect our current state of being since we […]
Mournday – 070124
Today, I choose to mourn for the untimely and early death of Michael King, Jr. When I think of courage, he is on the list. Even his father practiced courage after a trip abroad. After feeling inspired by a religious revival in Germany, he courageously chose to change his own name as well as that of […]
Smarturday – 062924
diffident vs. effulgent diffident – adjective – lacking confidence in one’s own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. Also, restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc. effulgent – adjective – shining forth brilliantly; radiant When I think about these two words, my mind jumps to indifferent and effusive: indifferent – adjective – without interest or […]
Thanksday – 062724
How many years ago did we assign seats for adults in America? Fewer than a hundred. Even now in some places across the world, we essentially still observe this practice. In my opinion, I think it is absurd and outdated; I think it never deserved a place in society. Why should skin complexion enter the […]
Soulday – 062324
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. -Walt Disney I dream of world peace; I dream of no more needless suffering; I dream of freedom for all. Lofty? Definitely. Unattainable? I hope not. Time will tell, though. What do you dream of? If you want to change the […]
Freeday – 062124
Curiouser and curiouser! -Alice “She was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English.” It is like having the wind knocked out of you; it is being caught off guard. You are unprepared; your mind is blown. Curiosity can be so powerful and life-changing, y’all. One can’t believe […]
Wondersday – 061924
Have you ever wondered… about the expression “great minds think alike”? I have. Why do you think that expression exists? I think it exists because great minds are aligned. They are often the most curious of minds, yet they share similarities. I think great minds sync up for a higher purpose and tap into the […]
Mournday – 061724
I mourn for doomers. The term caught me by surprise last week when I heard it in a TED talk. When I realized what the speaker had said, though, after backtracking once, I was in awe. Imagine existing in such a perpetual fear state that you basically stop living your life. You constantly worry and […]
Smarturday – 061524
Inquisitive vs. Indubitable Inquisitive (adjective) – given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious Indubitable (adjective) – that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable I think very few things should be considered indubitable; I choose to remain inquisitive about almost anything and everything. Sure, the sun will rise, and […]
Thanksday – 061324
Today, I am very thankful for curiosity and someone who spends much of their life being extremely curious about… curiosity! Todd Kashdan, thank you for passionately and professionally researching curiosity. I found it very amusing that, during the week prior to this cycle starting, as I began to plan this next theme out, I heard […]
Soulday – 060924
I have no special talents.I am only passionately curious. -Albert Einstein Mr. Einstein did not simply self-identify as a curious individual; no, he described himself as passionately curious. In another quote, he encourages us to possess a “holy curiosity” in order to help “make your life worth living.” I love these enhancements of curiosity; I […]
Freeday – 060724
An 87-year-old world leader apologized within hours to days of his mistake going public. He did not dilly-dally or try to discount or disparage the details. Pope Francis owned his error and brought balance back to the scales, at least on a small scale. How many other “men” in “power” have recently acted similarly with […]
Wondersday – 060524
Have you ever wondered… about forest bathing? I have. Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese word or term for it; this art or practice originated in Japan. It is an idea that you can heal yourself by immersing your body, mind, and soul in the natural world. I do not imply that it will fix all ailments, […]
Mournday – 060324
Today, as the world keeps spinning, I choose to mourn for it. This post is the first time I will talk about it, but I doubt it will be the last time. We, as humans, are destroying Earth. We are currently living in such an imbalanced way as it pertains to this planet. The fact […]
Smarturday – 060124
Kilter vs. Off-kilter Kilter – noun – good condition; working order Off-kilter – adjective – not exactly straight or in perfect balance; not completely well; somewhat ill I find these two definitions to be quite intriguing. To me, their definitions do not strike me as being exact opposites. Why does kilter not also discuss being […]
Thanksday – 053024
Thank you, Jack from La Crosse. This past Saturday, I enjoyed the beautiful, clear, sunny, and warm afternoon by going out and throwing a round of eighteen at my local disc golf course. I suppose I should quickly mention that I am also extremely grateful for the sport of disc golf. I honestly think it […]
Chooseday – 052824
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them. -John F. Kennedy I am very grateful to have set aside Tuesdays as a typical day off each cycle to rest, relax, and balance myself back out as best as I […]
Soulday – 052624
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. -Albert Einstein Albert Einstein sought balance. What do you think relativity deals with? To what percentages are space and time in balance or not? He has a lot of enchanting and fascinating quotes; I look forward to referencing many of them […]
Freeday – 052424
Why do you think people love to read and/or hear stories so much? One – they can be a welcome pause or reprieve from suffering. Two – they can serve as a bridge to other places, even other worlds or realities. I love finding out what I can learn from them, too. Everything’s got a […]
Wondersday – 052224
Have you ever wondered… about catch-22? I have. I think of it as a questionable bridge in logic. I think about 22 a lot, too. For many reasons. As of late, does your mind go where mine does offhand? The woman, the legend, the all-star – Caitlin Clark. She is one of the best shooters to […]
Mournday – 052024
Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes Carlos Daniel Hernández Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera Jose Mynor Lopez Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez Six people died tragically in a terrible bridge collapse on March 26, 2024. We are close to the two-month mark. These people had family and loved ones. I truly hope that the Dali’s owning/managing […]
Smarturday – 051824
Abridged vs. Saga Abridged – adjective – reduced or lessened in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminished or curtailed Saga – noun – any narrative or legend of heroic exploits or any very long story with dramatic events or parts How many bridges are involved in an abridged version versus a saga? I think there would […]
Thanksday – 051624
When I think about bridges and who or what I am thankful for, I think it would be a little too “on the nose” to express gratitude for a famous architect. It would also be difficult to pick from among the many great bridge-builders. Instead, I choose to be metaphorical. :) I am thankful for […]
Soulday – 051224
I ended last cycle with eight great speeches. Now, to bridge the gap, I want to start with one of my all-time favorite opening scenes. It gives me goosebumps every time I see it. It also helps drive me forward to strive for better change by trying my best to bridge the gap. I think […]
Freeday – 051024
Bees are so cool. I may eventually write more about them in detail, but I love this sports story so much that I want to highlight it this Freeday. Evidently, honeybees are a sign of good luck from ancient times. A full team win resulted from teamwork and cooperation. This seemingly-random first paragraph is in […]
Wondersday – 050824
Have you ever wondered… about Karma? I have. A lot actually. Maybe that word eeks or irks you. At a recent lecture that I attended, a guest speaker described karma as cause and effect. So, do you at least believe in that? In another way, it was described to me as reaping what you sow, […]
Mournday – 050624
So it begins…1 – Théoden, Lord of the Mark and King of Rohan …and so it ends. One beacon is no longer lit. I had started planning for a different post this Mournday, but I changed course when I saw the unfortunate news yesterday that Bernard Hill passed on from this life. I stand by […]
Smarturday – 050424
Word vs. Sword Wordsmith vs. Swordsmith Wordsman vs. Swordsman I think swordsman is such a cool word, aside from its masculine default. If you drop the first letter off it, what do you get? Wordsman. Why is that not also a word currently? Conversely, wordsmith exists yet swordsmith does not? Some bizarre differences… I think […]
Thanksday – 050224
For this next ThankSday, I ThinkS I need to honor a person who, IMHO, is a SainT of modern pop – TSwift, Taylor Swift. Thank you for all that you do, and thanks for being (mostly) unapologetically you. I used to feel weird about identifying as one for far too long, but, at the end […]
Soulday – 042824
How are you? Good. How ya doin? Fine. What’s up? Not much. I hate these exchanges so much. More often than not, they are simply not true at all. First and foremost, there is so much up above us! Yes, it is cheeky, but it is also quite accurate. Inauthentic answers align with apathy. Why […]
Freeday – 042624
Given the theme of this cycle, I choose to immediately start this post with this sugjestion: Where is the love? To finish this cycle this Freeday, I want to stress how important I feel self-love should be for all of us. If you cannot love yourself, can you truly love others? Perhaps you are trying […]
Wondersday – 042424
Have you ever wondered… about soulmates? I have. I honestly believe that I am bonded and/or bound, maybe for life. Time will tell, but I know I am bonded/bound here and now. Different beliefs and cultures talk about a red thread or an invisible string between two people as two examples. Maybe it is not […]
Mournday – 042224
I mourn the loss of true love – real, authentic, soul-bonding&binding, ever-lasting LOVE. We all seek it or should seek it IMHO. Maybe you realize you have it with yourself. I am not sure there because I do not feel that way myself, yet I am trying to consider how to fully include the asexual […]
Smarturday – 042024
hot vs. HOT I am redefining, for myself at minimum, what it means to be hot. I no longer care about trying to be hot for others as in worrying about whether or not people find me physically appealing or attractive. Instead, I now choose to focus on being HOT – Honest, Open, and Transparent. […]
Thanksday – 041824
Now that we have the silly circus/parody post over and done with from two weeks ago, please allow me to introduce the current and possibly-permanent plan for Thursdays: Thankful Thursdays – Thanksday THis first official one, THough, will be THanksday. ;) I am thankful for Tom Hanks <3 To me, it sounds like he connects […]
Soulday – 041424
IMHO, it can be so easy to get swept up in anger and hate. I know all too well how quickly those strong emotions can take over and override the system. It can be blinding. In extreme rage situations, why do you think the term “seeing red” exists? That is what Kate Martin felt after […]
Freeday – 041224
I like to think of Friday as my day to freestyle – Freeday. In my head, I keep picturing the Wild card from Uno. Each 2-week cycle, I want one oddball day/post. Some cycles may have more of that type, sure. Carving out a dedicated day, though, is still appealing. It feels right to me. […]
Wondersday – 041024
What if you wake up each Wednesday morning and simply shout (aloud or internally): “Wondrous!” Please don’t try to scare anyone else because then it defeats the purpose (you jumped beyond your lane IMO), but, just think with me for a moment please… how silly. How ridiculous. Yet how much fun if you get a […]