After spending some more time with your book - Here are some of the passages and page # that "hit me hard" as in - deep truth telling:
p. 5 "As far as I can tell, greatness lives at the intersection of none of this matters at all, and this thing I'm doing right now matters more than anything"
p. 21 "The bee works for the collective, but its flight path is uniquely it's own. Freedom, with purpose, in pursuit of the greater good." This almost distills the "meaning of life" question right here!
p. 24 "Worrying about things that may never come will steal your soul away...." this is the single most truthful passage - this relates to the other question of "what is the one thing you would change?" this is it - stop the worrying and fearing future fear and chaos!
p. 25 "Wear your heart like a crown. Be violently proud of who you are."
I have many more which I will comment on but here is the start....I hope we can discuss further.
Regarding your book - a few of the passages that hit me the hardest and ring the truest - page 77 "Equanimity in every moment, that's the ultimate goal- life's toughest battle, granting the greatest reward." This to me is an every moment - as you say here - every single moment battle! WORTH it every time.....
Thanks! And thank you for asking! I was actually inspired by the environment I found myself in and by my observation of the individuals that were around me for the majority of my life so far. To put it as respectfully and empathetically as I can, most people were nay-sayers, so therefore and inevitably dragging the vibe down with them. I feel like some of the main messages I heard growing up was "it's too hard," "it takes too long," "its not good enough," "it's too scary," "it's too late" and "I don't have what it takes," and forms of complaining and just plain nay-saying. Ever since I was a child, I felt such a visceral sensation of those perspective being a challenge, saying "alright, bet," and I would work to accept, allow, process and integrate the very thing they couldn't, wouldn't or didn't yet. This worked for quite some time, but it did not grant me any sort of immunity to the negativity forever, so eventually I fell away from that self prescribed perspective challenge. Getting "Begin Again" tattooed somewhere very much in sight for me (because i work with my hands) almost always is a reminder of that part of me that pulls full steam ahead and locks in no matter the circumstance, it reminds me of the fortitude and integrity that I had as such a young child, and I find that I most often inspire myself because I never thought I would make it this far.... and I wouldn't have if not for beginning again... and again and again and again.
I love that so much! What a gift to have had that sort of perspective from a young age! Have you read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations? Judging by your story, I have a feeling it would really resonate. Also, maybe consider sharing more of your story here on Substack, we need more positive and resiliency-focused thinking in the world!
Thank you! I feel quite fortunate to have that to return to in my toughest moments. And, I have not yet! I am a few pages in into the beginning, and looking forward to more! Is there a specific edition you recommend? Thanks!
After spending some more time with your book - Here are some of the passages and page # that "hit me hard" as in - deep truth telling:
p. 5 "As far as I can tell, greatness lives at the intersection of none of this matters at all, and this thing I'm doing right now matters more than anything"
p. 21 "The bee works for the collective, but its flight path is uniquely it's own. Freedom, with purpose, in pursuit of the greater good." This almost distills the "meaning of life" question right here!
p. 24 "Worrying about things that may never come will steal your soul away...." this is the single most truthful passage - this relates to the other question of "what is the one thing you would change?" this is it - stop the worrying and fearing future fear and chaos!
p. 25 "Wear your heart like a crown. Be violently proud of who you are."
I have many more which I will comment on but here is the start....I hope we can discuss further.
I somehow missed this back when you posted it. Thank you friend, this was beautiful to read and just what I needed today!! ♥️🫂
Regarding your book - a few of the passages that hit me the hardest and ring the truest - page 77 "Equanimity in every moment, that's the ultimate goal- life's toughest battle, granting the greatest reward." This to me is an every moment - as you say here - every single moment battle! WORTH it every time.....
I have "Begin Again" tattooed on my thumbs so there is always a chance I will see it when I need it or want it. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, so cool! What inspired it?
Thanks! And thank you for asking! I was actually inspired by the environment I found myself in and by my observation of the individuals that were around me for the majority of my life so far. To put it as respectfully and empathetically as I can, most people were nay-sayers, so therefore and inevitably dragging the vibe down with them. I feel like some of the main messages I heard growing up was "it's too hard," "it takes too long," "its not good enough," "it's too scary," "it's too late" and "I don't have what it takes," and forms of complaining and just plain nay-saying. Ever since I was a child, I felt such a visceral sensation of those perspective being a challenge, saying "alright, bet," and I would work to accept, allow, process and integrate the very thing they couldn't, wouldn't or didn't yet. This worked for quite some time, but it did not grant me any sort of immunity to the negativity forever, so eventually I fell away from that self prescribed perspective challenge. Getting "Begin Again" tattooed somewhere very much in sight for me (because i work with my hands) almost always is a reminder of that part of me that pulls full steam ahead and locks in no matter the circumstance, it reminds me of the fortitude and integrity that I had as such a young child, and I find that I most often inspire myself because I never thought I would make it this far.... and I wouldn't have if not for beginning again... and again and again and again.
I love that so much! What a gift to have had that sort of perspective from a young age! Have you read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations? Judging by your story, I have a feeling it would really resonate. Also, maybe consider sharing more of your story here on Substack, we need more positive and resiliency-focused thinking in the world!
Thank you! I feel quite fortunate to have that to return to in my toughest moments. And, I have not yet! I am a few pages in into the beginning, and looking forward to more! Is there a specific edition you recommend? Thanks!
The one pictured in the article is my favorite!
Needed this today. Thank you.
That makes me so happy to hear Suzanne. Thank you. 🙏 💛