Tag Archives: life

Stereotypical Walls

Stereotypes propagate a full spectrum of negative, divisive, and destructive effects. We know the usual ones, based on race, color, gender, economics, political affiliation, etc. The list is long and goes on.

It feels like society is intent on building more walls lately, not tearing them down. As much as there is a narrative about overcoming them, some of the tactics being used are actually reinforcing them.

It is a challenge for each of us, every day, to acknowledge and see past the stereotypes we carry within us. When we subscribe to stereotypes and labeling, we are not only doing an injustice to others, we also are to ourselves.

When we can personally overcome this sort of thinking and behavior, we become expansive and growing, big rather than small.

Let’s commit to adopting bigger thinking, wider perspectives, and to building bridges rather than walls.

Inspirational Quotes:

“….. it would be interesting to find out what goes on in that moment when someone looks at you and draws all sorts of conclusions.” ~ Malcolm Gladwell

“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” ~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“Once you label me you negate me.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard

“A stereotype becomes a stereotype when a significant percentage of the population appears to conform to it.” ~ Kelley Armstrong

Stereotypical Walls © Susan L Hart 2021 | Friendly comments welcome | Photo courtesy u_m5d2lywo, PIxabay

Polishing Your Mirror

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Have you noticed the way that some experiences seem to repeat themselves in your life? You become irritated and perhaps even angry, wishing they would just “go away”. But here’s the rub…

When we resist our lessons, they simply come around again in another form. Learn it now or learn it later, it’s your choice. If you choose later, the lesson will likely be more extreme, until you just cannot ignore any more that it is something you are trying to learn.

When we become wise enough to see that life is not just “happening to us”, but that we attract the experiences and lessons we need to grow our souls, then it becomes somewhat smoother. The head bashing stops.

Observation and reflection are key to beginning to unlock and solve your life lessons.

Polishing Your Mirror © Susan L Hart 2021 | Friendly comments welcome | Photos courtesy Lisa, Pexels and Bessi, Pixabay

Sweetness of Life

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Lately have you been tasting the sweetness of life upon your tongue? Or have the events and challenges of the past year(+) left you consuming too much bitter?

Even in the “most normal” of times (what does that even mean anymore?), we all can do better at seeing, appreciating, and tasting the sweetness of life. It’s all around us, all the time. But when we become mesmerized and overwhelmed by the bitter, it can become almost impossible to taste the sweet. This requires requires intention and focus.

Today take the time to taste and savor the sweet aspects of your life. (Children are very good at this. Observe and remember.)

Even if you can only find one small thing to do so, it’s a start. Focus on it and let it expand in your heart and mind. This is one of the important tools for living life consciously and deeply.

Let yourself fall in love with life, all over again.

Inspirational Quotes:

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ~ John Steinbeck

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” ~ Shauna Niequist

“Experience life in all possible ways – good-bad, bitter-sweet, dark-light, summer-winter. Experience all the dualities. Don’t be afraid of experience, because the more experience you have, the more mature you become.” ~ Osho

Sweetness of Life © Susan L Hart 2021 | Friendly comments welcome | Photos courtesy Pitsch and bhuwanpurohit, Pixabay

Live Fully Today

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There are many lessons being learned by humanity in these uncertain times. In the long run, the biggest one might prove to be, “Live life today and every day to the fullest extent possible.”

The events of the past year and a half have brought life into pinpoint focus. We all tend to live in the past or future too much. The more we are able to live in the moment, the fuller and richer life becomes.

It is important to learn from the past, but then let it go. When we hang on to regrets related to past hurts and mistakes, we are just wasting our precious time. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

On the other side of the coin, it is important to envision and intend to create the future you desire, but then let it go. Relax and don’t push at the universe. If your intention does not waver and your actions match it, then trust that the universe will help bring it to you.

Step back and enjoy today while you are in the process of creating your tomorrow. Life is indeed short, and every day, every step of the way on your life path is a treasure.

Inspirational Quotes:

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ~ Oscar Wilde

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

“I was smiling yesterday, I am smiling today and I will smile tomorrow, simply because life is too short to cry for anything.” ~ Santosh Kalwar

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ~ Mother Theresa

“The future depends on what you do today.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Susan L Hart / Author