Collaborating with others is very easy for me thru my involvement with my community projects that sometimes overwhelming but it gets done. This week’s Tuesday Reflection brought up so much of my past medical experiences and everyone on this platform reads about it. What I am refusing to do is to never give up . This past eight years I was going through life in an eternal battle. I got tired of feeling sorry for myself and I decided I should be a warrior princess instead… little did I know that was even more exhausting. But I love proclaiming myself as a warrior. It’s what I ‘had to because that’s life’. Because no one else will do it for you, or so I thought. But I was done , I had enough. I was done carrying a heavy shields and sword. I am a miracle and I chose to flow life , with others, with love,with compassion, with harmony, with detachment. I chose to be grateful. To accept what I can not change and have the courage to change the things I can. I chose to be happy, to be resilient, to live in alignment. I’m a warrior no more , time has come to lay down my weapons. The greatest battle I have won in my life was when I surrendered and put God first in my life. Cheers!
The past two days I have spent time digesting and thinking about the three areas of my life that you wrote and talked about, Graham.
I’m going to start with sharing about collaboration, I enjoy collaborating with others. I find it feeds my creative, problem solving and “ let’s do this”, nature. When I was teaching we had weekly meetings to collaborate on projects, ideas, ways to present material, it was an inspiring time. I still enjoy working with others, sharing/ receiving input on projects.
Why am I on my current path and what am I refusing to do for myself, for me these two ideas are working together. There were two other paths in my life, the first one was a wife and mother. It was a great path, I enjoyed walking that path. That path ended when my husband passed away, a new path began for me one of starting down the path by myself. It was the path of thinking of myself in the role of a teacher, which I loved. My nurturing/ guiding side became my focus both in teaching and being a mom and grandmother. This was also a path I enjoyed, and knew I was guided to follow it.
When I retired, another path began, the path I’m currently walking. This has been a harder path for me. At first I was walking along fairly smooth, but then I thought what am I supposed to do on this path…who am I, why am I here? This past year, I’ve thought a lot about what am I not doing to make myself happy? It’s been difficult to be motivated to do the things I enjoyed doing in the past, like quilting, getting together with friends, or walking, spending time enjoying nature. As I was reflecting this week, I need to change my mindset, focus on getting back to doing those things, to push myself…I am responsible for making the change/ effort to find joy on the path I’m on. My faith tells me I have been guided to this current path, now I need to really start walking it.
This post has been “spot on” for me. I, too, was a teacher which I loved! My husband was my biggest cheerleader and when he passed I felt so down trodden. Your words have described my feelings perfectly! My son , his wife, and my grandchildren are my encouragers to do what I love and do it often. Lots to think about and to engage in !
Mr. Wardle I don’t typically comment on your posts much, but I had to make the time to do so today and thank you! This poem is an incredibly challenging one that requires deep honesty with one’s self and willingness to be open to critique every part of one’s life to make decisions for the betterment of life and our happiness with the journey we are on, the people we share our journey with and our purpose here, for me at least is what I got from this one.
I’ve been reflecting and journaling so much since listening to your video companion for the poem yesterday. Not going to share much because I came to some deeply personal reflections, hard truths and more that I still have so much to learn and grow from without publicly sharing. This helped me realize the areas of my life I need to be a little more honest with myself about, relationships I need to let go of and my need to reflect on my life and find more purpose for my journey.
This poem was a much needed blessing and challenge in my life this week-thank you greatly sir, your work is appreciated more than I can express🙏🏻 Wishing you a blessed and beautiful week on your journey always Graham, take care :)✌🏻
I already shared my comments on Graham's questions on the Time Has Come site, but would like to keep in touch with this Substack Community -- so I'll share here too. I really enjoy reading your comments that are only posted here.
When I was young, I thought I had to find my purpose. I was Ego-driven. So I started off on that path, setting goals & achieving them. Searching…Unfulfilled... Then as I aged, I noticed a pattern to my life – that I was really good at encouraging others, bringing enthusiasm to a classroom or project. I realized then that I didn’t have just one Big Purpose, but that God had equipped me with certain talents, and He kept presenting me with opportunities (a purpose) to use those gifts – to serve others; to collaborate with other -- over & over. If I had not be self-aware, quieted my Ego or listened to God, I think I could have struggled “in the wilderness” much longer. I’m always excited to see what opportunities – big or small -- God will present me with next… And, I always wonder if I will choose to say yes or no??? xoxo
Wow! I really enjoyed your poem - short but profound! I fully intend to do some serious thinking about what you have given us to ponder. I am anxious to think about the questions that you have challenged us with. Thank you, sincerely, for your meaningful words that helps us to think deeply and honestly assess our lives .
Graham, this is deep, but a good deep. I definitely have a habit, good or bad, of reflecting. I’ve pondered these thoughts throughout my entire life. Being a very independent and prideful person that I am, it can be a challenge for me personally to “collaborate” with people. On the job, it’s not too hard, but personally, I’m more careful as I don’t too appear to needy. Sometimes you need to bring others into the dynamics of what you may be facing as they may be able to either bring another opinion or give advice depending of course on what it is you’re questioning, etc. Coming out of so many comfort zones this past year has helped me realize how much I need and how lucky I am to have this THC community. It has helped me to come out of my shell and realize there are people who have your back and when you ask for support whether it’s through prayer, etc., they will listen. In those ways are where I love the “collaboration” aspect. The other questions I will ponder on for the days and weeks ahead through the ebb and flow of life. Enjoy your time in nature! Thanks Graham! Thank you THC community. So glad to be here.
Thank you Debbie! Amen, God is our strength. I know he provides my guidance even when I fail. So many within this community have encouraged me and comments such as yours is why I know God led me to THC, and I am so humbled and so grateful. Take care and God bless you.
Nope! My path in life was a Caregiver for decades to family, friends and strangers. I took in teenagers who had no place to call home, got them back in school or a trade school so they could start off fresh once they graduated. I took in adults needing assistance on just about anything that comes up in their life once they become homeless, especially if children are involved. Of course, nothing works overnight, so it does take a few weeks or more to get them in the right government programs that they qualify for and send them on their merry way. I listen to their problems, offer advice if they ask, they can take it or leave it, and whatever their circumstances were that brought them to me in the first place, I let them shoulder that responsibility on their way back out the door, I didn't take that responsibility from them. At the same time, we also opened up a food pantry for those needing help feeding their families. I'm a Jack of All Trades, with some College, but no Degree! This was all done at my expense for FREE! Now my path is the Freedom to travel the United States, Canada and Mexico, by car or RV, visiting family and friends along the way. Going to enjoy every bit of it. Happy Trails!!!
What I refuse to do for myself is follow another person out of any other reason except love. I will not compete for the affection of another. I’m not prone to jealousy. My path chose me I didn’t choose my path alone because I might have spent my path alone. I love to be open to people so that thoughts of both can be heard. My path is my path, my space. I can stand strong and use that strength to encourage and love others. They are truly my spaces some I share but some I don’t necessarily share.
It's amazing how you can speak directly to my heart.
It's a short poem, but it addresses 3 themes that complete our life...
-- I refuse to live my life, I've been living someone else's life for years...
-- Helping others is what I do most, This blooms my garden, makes me happy and complete... ( I need to learn to help myself).
-- My path was chosen for loving too much, love led me and took me...
Sometimes the road is flowery, other times it has thorns, but I follow with perseverance, and it becomes easy, when we have faith and God as our guide.
Thank you Graham, for this extra time you take, from you intense work, to be with us, sharing your heart, your writing.
I love the way you are always with us, encouraging us, and giving us strength so we can move forward... Cheers🥂
I love this poem as it was so meaningful and reminded me very much of a poem I wrote for myself months ago. The thought process you outline is very similar to my thoughts in this poem.
Outward appearances, inward turmoil: Look into your soul, look deep inside your soul
The truth is buried there, find it, search for it, dig deeper.
Special,unique, blessed, loved, it is all there embrace it:
Believe it, live it, love it, no more doubts, no more fear: reach into your soul.”
This poem I wrote answers the question that your poem asks. I refuse to rely on my inner self for validation and self love. I collaborate with others to gain or solicit that validation and I choose that path because it is the most comfortable to take. It comes easy for me. It is difficult for me to dig deep and find that same acceptance I get from others. Through taking time for myself, meditation and inspirations of others such as you, I am making progress in making self love the “nature of my reality”. Thank you Graham for another thought provoking and inspirational poem. Blesssings on your continued journey.
Oh my oh my waow beautiful words Graham you’ve touched my heart thank you for sharing that poem, this is a good thing there is gonna be a zoom chat cuz I have been dying to ask you a few questions to you if that’s okay with you it’s been a while that I wanted to ask you I mean I don’t know what’s has gotten into me then I haven’t stepped forward cuz I’m too stubborn that’s who I’m. Since I entered the THC community I have met great people like yourself, Irene, Jane kesser, Anne Wooten, Lucy, Linda and the list can go on... uhm I wanted to thank y’all for your inspirations your work cause you have been helpful for me. I don’t find it hard to share my affection or to give affection to anyone who is in need but when I give too much of my affection people is going to use it all against me that’s way it’s better for me that I don’t let go of my shell anymore cuz it’s just in case I don’t show it more often people would say Ness you have a good heart okay if you say so... in my opinion sharing and opening up to someone are the two things that I refuse to do with myself ... It’s not that I can’t do it or... it’s hard to explain into words. I’m a reserved person yes that’s a fact fair enough but I’m also devoted to people and loyal but with the shell I built for protection something holds me back and I can’t take a step forward which means I can’t trust people, so I’d rather keep things to myself than talking about anything that’s bugging me when the role are reversed like I’m the one whose actually helping here I feel okay but I have to endure the fact that people would help me and I would be the one who’s going to talk about my feelings my insecurities no way. Any path you chose to take any decisions you make you just have to think before you act alright I know it’s not easy that’s always easy to say but to do it it’s hard I can relate I’m not saying I regret any decisions I have made before but I would have made them differently if I have listened to my heart and not my mind you know what I mean cuz I’m way too stubborn you are the only who can change for the better just put God first in everything you do after that everything will be just fine you just have to trust yourself and believe in yourself sometimes it’s hard buts it’s worth the try and the wait. I wanna be more open minded being able to share anything ofc when I do my job helping people there’s a lot of sharing and stuff that’s good cause you do what you love and that’s why you wake up and go to work every day. My work has helped me a lot during my hardest times, not just my work but the people there sometimes life is full of surprises .
To wrap this up , I must say if it wasn’t for the people throughout this community, I wouldn’t be here today and talking to You and I wouldn’t be too proud to be more than myself so thank you,
Have a beautiful day yourselves with family and friends
Graham, upon reflection, I know now and understand what you were saying. I reflected on my past behaviors and the need to adjust them. I loved someone who was broke and in my pridefulness I believed I could fix it. You made me ponder I my need to be the fixer, when I was the one needing the fixing. I wrote this after listening to your poem many, many times. I’m a slow learner!
Hi Graham 🤗 I would like to thank you for this very powerful poem, it really did touch my heart, and making me reflect on what I refuse to do for myself, very inspirational and meaningful, I chose to stay positive and strong, blessings to you always ♥ 🙏
Collaborating with others is very easy for me thru my involvement with my community projects that sometimes overwhelming but it gets done. This week’s Tuesday Reflection brought up so much of my past medical experiences and everyone on this platform reads about it. What I am refusing to do is to never give up . This past eight years I was going through life in an eternal battle. I got tired of feeling sorry for myself and I decided I should be a warrior princess instead… little did I know that was even more exhausting. But I love proclaiming myself as a warrior. It’s what I ‘had to because that’s life’. Because no one else will do it for you, or so I thought. But I was done , I had enough. I was done carrying a heavy shields and sword. I am a miracle and I chose to flow life , with others, with love,with compassion, with harmony, with detachment. I chose to be grateful. To accept what I can not change and have the courage to change the things I can. I chose to be happy, to be resilient, to live in alignment. I’m a warrior no more , time has come to lay down my weapons. The greatest battle I have won in my life was when I surrendered and put God first in my life. Cheers!
Very well written Lucy ♥️
Thank you my friend I appreciate you
Amen to that I can feel ya sis you made me cry c’mon
Ness I’m sorry I didn’t meant for you to cry ❤️🙏
The past two days I have spent time digesting and thinking about the three areas of my life that you wrote and talked about, Graham.
I’m going to start with sharing about collaboration, I enjoy collaborating with others. I find it feeds my creative, problem solving and “ let’s do this”, nature. When I was teaching we had weekly meetings to collaborate on projects, ideas, ways to present material, it was an inspiring time. I still enjoy working with others, sharing/ receiving input on projects.
Why am I on my current path and what am I refusing to do for myself, for me these two ideas are working together. There were two other paths in my life, the first one was a wife and mother. It was a great path, I enjoyed walking that path. That path ended when my husband passed away, a new path began for me one of starting down the path by myself. It was the path of thinking of myself in the role of a teacher, which I loved. My nurturing/ guiding side became my focus both in teaching and being a mom and grandmother. This was also a path I enjoyed, and knew I was guided to follow it.
When I retired, another path began, the path I’m currently walking. This has been a harder path for me. At first I was walking along fairly smooth, but then I thought what am I supposed to do on this path…who am I, why am I here? This past year, I’ve thought a lot about what am I not doing to make myself happy? It’s been difficult to be motivated to do the things I enjoyed doing in the past, like quilting, getting together with friends, or walking, spending time enjoying nature. As I was reflecting this week, I need to change my mindset, focus on getting back to doing those things, to push myself…I am responsible for making the change/ effort to find joy on the path I’m on. My faith tells me I have been guided to this current path, now I need to really start walking it.
♥️♥️♥️
This post has been “spot on” for me. I, too, was a teacher which I loved! My husband was my biggest cheerleader and when he passed I felt so down trodden. Your words have described my feelings perfectly! My son , his wife, and my grandchildren are my encouragers to do what I love and do it often. Lots to think about and to engage in !
Mr. Wardle I don’t typically comment on your posts much, but I had to make the time to do so today and thank you! This poem is an incredibly challenging one that requires deep honesty with one’s self and willingness to be open to critique every part of one’s life to make decisions for the betterment of life and our happiness with the journey we are on, the people we share our journey with and our purpose here, for me at least is what I got from this one.
I’ve been reflecting and journaling so much since listening to your video companion for the poem yesterday. Not going to share much because I came to some deeply personal reflections, hard truths and more that I still have so much to learn and grow from without publicly sharing. This helped me realize the areas of my life I need to be a little more honest with myself about, relationships I need to let go of and my need to reflect on my life and find more purpose for my journey.
This poem was a much needed blessing and challenge in my life this week-thank you greatly sir, your work is appreciated more than I can express🙏🏻 Wishing you a blessed and beautiful week on your journey always Graham, take care :)✌🏻
I already shared my comments on Graham's questions on the Time Has Come site, but would like to keep in touch with this Substack Community -- so I'll share here too. I really enjoy reading your comments that are only posted here.
When I was young, I thought I had to find my purpose. I was Ego-driven. So I started off on that path, setting goals & achieving them. Searching…Unfulfilled... Then as I aged, I noticed a pattern to my life – that I was really good at encouraging others, bringing enthusiasm to a classroom or project. I realized then that I didn’t have just one Big Purpose, but that God had equipped me with certain talents, and He kept presenting me with opportunities (a purpose) to use those gifts – to serve others; to collaborate with other -- over & over. If I had not be self-aware, quieted my Ego or listened to God, I think I could have struggled “in the wilderness” much longer. I’m always excited to see what opportunities – big or small -- God will present me with next… And, I always wonder if I will choose to say yes or no??? xoxo
Wow! I really enjoyed your poem - short but profound! I fully intend to do some serious thinking about what you have given us to ponder. I am anxious to think about the questions that you have challenged us with. Thank you, sincerely, for your meaningful words that helps us to think deeply and honestly assess our lives .
Graham, this is deep, but a good deep. I definitely have a habit, good or bad, of reflecting. I’ve pondered these thoughts throughout my entire life. Being a very independent and prideful person that I am, it can be a challenge for me personally to “collaborate” with people. On the job, it’s not too hard, but personally, I’m more careful as I don’t too appear to needy. Sometimes you need to bring others into the dynamics of what you may be facing as they may be able to either bring another opinion or give advice depending of course on what it is you’re questioning, etc. Coming out of so many comfort zones this past year has helped me realize how much I need and how lucky I am to have this THC community. It has helped me to come out of my shell and realize there are people who have your back and when you ask for support whether it’s through prayer, etc., they will listen. In those ways are where I love the “collaboration” aspect. The other questions I will ponder on for the days and weeks ahead through the ebb and flow of life. Enjoy your time in nature! Thanks Graham! Thank you THC community. So glad to be here.
Thank you Debbie! Amen, God is our strength. I know he provides my guidance even when I fail. So many within this community have encouraged me and comments such as yours is why I know God led me to THC, and I am so humbled and so grateful. Take care and God bless you.
Nope! My path in life was a Caregiver for decades to family, friends and strangers. I took in teenagers who had no place to call home, got them back in school or a trade school so they could start off fresh once they graduated. I took in adults needing assistance on just about anything that comes up in their life once they become homeless, especially if children are involved. Of course, nothing works overnight, so it does take a few weeks or more to get them in the right government programs that they qualify for and send them on their merry way. I listen to their problems, offer advice if they ask, they can take it or leave it, and whatever their circumstances were that brought them to me in the first place, I let them shoulder that responsibility on their way back out the door, I didn't take that responsibility from them. At the same time, we also opened up a food pantry for those needing help feeding their families. I'm a Jack of All Trades, with some College, but no Degree! This was all done at my expense for FREE! Now my path is the Freedom to travel the United States, Canada and Mexico, by car or RV, visiting family and friends along the way. Going to enjoy every bit of it. Happy Trails!!!
What I refuse to do for myself is follow another person out of any other reason except love. I will not compete for the affection of another. I’m not prone to jealousy. My path chose me I didn’t choose my path alone because I might have spent my path alone. I love to be open to people so that thoughts of both can be heard. My path is my path, my space. I can stand strong and use that strength to encourage and love others. They are truly my spaces some I share but some I don’t necessarily share.
Graham Hello
From my heart to your heart...
It's amazing how you can speak directly to my heart.
It's a short poem, but it addresses 3 themes that complete our life...
-- I refuse to live my life, I've been living someone else's life for years...
-- Helping others is what I do most, This blooms my garden, makes me happy and complete... ( I need to learn to help myself).
-- My path was chosen for loving too much, love led me and took me...
Sometimes the road is flowery, other times it has thorns, but I follow with perseverance, and it becomes easy, when we have faith and God as our guide.
Thank you Graham, for this extra time you take, from you intense work, to be with us, sharing your heart, your writing.
I love the way you are always with us, encouraging us, and giving us strength so we can move forward... Cheers🥂
Happy Easter Graham 🐇
Infinite blessings 🙏
Love you❤
IndiaFreitas from Brazil 🇧🇷 💙
I love this poem as it was so meaningful and reminded me very much of a poem I wrote for myself months ago. The thought process you outline is very similar to my thoughts in this poem.
“Laughter, confidence, friends, success: despair, doubts, loneliness, failure
Adventures, prosperity, acceptance, recognition: fear, anxiety,rejection, irrelevance
Outward appearances, inward turmoil: Look into your soul, look deep inside your soul
The truth is buried there, find it, search for it, dig deeper.
Special,unique, blessed, loved, it is all there embrace it:
Believe it, live it, love it, no more doubts, no more fear: reach into your soul.”
This poem I wrote answers the question that your poem asks. I refuse to rely on my inner self for validation and self love. I collaborate with others to gain or solicit that validation and I choose that path because it is the most comfortable to take. It comes easy for me. It is difficult for me to dig deep and find that same acceptance I get from others. Through taking time for myself, meditation and inspirations of others such as you, I am making progress in making self love the “nature of my reality”. Thank you Graham for another thought provoking and inspirational poem. Blesssings on your continued journey.
Oh my oh my waow beautiful words Graham you’ve touched my heart thank you for sharing that poem, this is a good thing there is gonna be a zoom chat cuz I have been dying to ask you a few questions to you if that’s okay with you it’s been a while that I wanted to ask you I mean I don’t know what’s has gotten into me then I haven’t stepped forward cuz I’m too stubborn that’s who I’m. Since I entered the THC community I have met great people like yourself, Irene, Jane kesser, Anne Wooten, Lucy, Linda and the list can go on... uhm I wanted to thank y’all for your inspirations your work cause you have been helpful for me. I don’t find it hard to share my affection or to give affection to anyone who is in need but when I give too much of my affection people is going to use it all against me that’s way it’s better for me that I don’t let go of my shell anymore cuz it’s just in case I don’t show it more often people would say Ness you have a good heart okay if you say so... in my opinion sharing and opening up to someone are the two things that I refuse to do with myself ... It’s not that I can’t do it or... it’s hard to explain into words. I’m a reserved person yes that’s a fact fair enough but I’m also devoted to people and loyal but with the shell I built for protection something holds me back and I can’t take a step forward which means I can’t trust people, so I’d rather keep things to myself than talking about anything that’s bugging me when the role are reversed like I’m the one whose actually helping here I feel okay but I have to endure the fact that people would help me and I would be the one who’s going to talk about my feelings my insecurities no way. Any path you chose to take any decisions you make you just have to think before you act alright I know it’s not easy that’s always easy to say but to do it it’s hard I can relate I’m not saying I regret any decisions I have made before but I would have made them differently if I have listened to my heart and not my mind you know what I mean cuz I’m way too stubborn you are the only who can change for the better just put God first in everything you do after that everything will be just fine you just have to trust yourself and believe in yourself sometimes it’s hard buts it’s worth the try and the wait. I wanna be more open minded being able to share anything ofc when I do my job helping people there’s a lot of sharing and stuff that’s good cause you do what you love and that’s why you wake up and go to work every day. My work has helped me a lot during my hardest times, not just my work but the people there sometimes life is full of surprises .
To wrap this up , I must say if it wasn’t for the people throughout this community, I wouldn’t be here today and talking to You and I wouldn’t be too proud to be more than myself so thank you,
Have a beautiful day yourselves with family and friends
God bless you
Sending lots of love and hugs to y’all
Graham, upon reflection, I know now and understand what you were saying. I reflected on my past behaviors and the need to adjust them. I loved someone who was broke and in my pridefulness I believed I could fix it. You made me ponder I my need to be the fixer, when I was the one needing the fixing. I wrote this after listening to your poem many, many times. I’m a slow learner!
I loved you,
Willingly gave
My soul, my heart, my energy.
It wasn’t enough
The brokenness ran too deep
The door to your heart,
To your soul was locked.
It was pride
Believing I
Could heal the brokenness,
Fill the hole,
and scrape the decay away.
I tried to do for you
That which you needed
To do for yourself.
We lived. In an unseen prison
You were lost in your own song
And I, in my delusions
The chains needed to be unlocked,
A new path forged
And love redefined.
I loved this Barbara, good job I get your message!!
Thank you Kathleen.
Hi Graham 🤗 I would like to thank you for this very powerful poem, it really did touch my heart, and making me reflect on what I refuse to do for myself, very inspirational and meaningful, I chose to stay positive and strong, blessings to you always ♥ 🙏
Good question. Life is not always simple. 🙂 Good luck finding your answers Y'All.
Graham very interesting, but I will have to listen to it again and write my comment. Thanks, Graham as always. 🙏🏻❤️
It may be short Graham, however, there is so much to contemplate. Thank you.