Generational Reflections

:)
Wrote some cool stuff on my blog of 6-2-07
about livin in the 60's-70's. Would love your input if so inclined….found a cool 70's 7-up ad too…

Blessings

Aley

Re: Generational Reflections

I enjoyed that. And with your post, I decided to organize this pod into boards. It's good to share what we do outside zaadz and within it!

Many things resonate…that you like being what you are; would never like to be 20 again-
though we may've faced different issues, I just feel one isn't quite ready for 20s, is one? And then they just go by. Actually, no, the 20s twisted me into shape, in a way!

But actually for me- I do feel 51; and very much so. No other age seems right for me. No idea how it'll be next year, of course.

Re: Generational Reflections

Agreed. I saw the whole time as nothing but struggle! Married, no money, babies, poor pay at a job, trying to be-come an adult…etc.

Thirties were a bit better, 40's I had teens….ahem….ARGH!

Fifites, empty nest, and wanting to fly!!

:)

Re: Generational Reflections

The 60's and 70's were a tramitic time for me, but I think that some of the things that happened were for the better because it gave me the ability to have more compassion on people and to see how really strong I was even then. At age 16 I was able to free myself from an abusive situation . I got there at age 11 due to the blindness(willing or unwilling I have yet to figure out) of social services. I was finally able to stand up and say “ENOUGH!!!”
This experence shaped the way I delt with male/female realtionships for a while and for the most part, kept me out of abusive ones. My one and only marriage lasted for a month(when my daughter was five) because I realized that I has in essence married my former abuser.
The 80's and 90's were parenting, working and making sure that my kid had  a roof and did not go hungry.
So now today I feel more freedom than I ever had in my whole life.

Re: Generational Reflections

Wonder if anyone feels LESS FREE after 50 than they did before 50?

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

I had some thoughts this morning that I wanted to share with someone been there, is doing that and still going and doing at 70*s Plus, more or less.

All my stuff (which includes the whole person that I have become during 71 years and 6 months.) is here with me at my new address. I don’t know where but it sure looks like it is all here somewhere.

Today’s thought that prompts this writing.

“I love to create.” As I write my uncontrollable humor keeps interfering. I can think and talk in multiple-speak.

For instance: The second paragraph above. Loaded with metaphor. But I intend to stay on track, here.

I am very tired. I am alone but not lonely because I can find pleasant people anywhere I choose to be.

I am tired because of the moving, unpacking, arranging. Pathways within the clutter change several times each day.

But, even the smallest act or job accomplished becomes incentive to keep on.

There are little inconveniences here and there in this house. The bathroom is one. The lighted, mirrored bathroom cabinet is too high. I can see my face only from my nose up. The small towel rack to the right of the sink and cabinet is not very practical in size or placement. The color of the room is dark forest green and the size is large enough to be functional.

Somethings I can do something about. Others, I can’t or don’t care.

I’m thinking maybe I can find someone to lower the mirrored cabinet on the wall or get a wooden step/box to stand on. Whichever is easier.

I got a big boost of incentive this morning when I loosened the screws at one end of the impractical towel rack, lifted the rod and placed a roll of paper towel on it. Placed the loosened end of the rod back on the screws and Whalaa! I’ts clever. I LOVE IT!

I thought: Here I am in this incredible situation being this incredible person. (I really mean many people people keep a little distance. I think it’s my conduct.)

Look! At 71years and 6months, I did something new.

I am going to keep at it! YES, YES, YES!
I am freer now than I have ever been in my life.

But noticeably slower. I go at my own speed.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

Grinning, ah yes, shifting gears….

Okay, back spin to 1975 which puts me in my 40s, back then… terrible time!!!!!
Way too much to list so just a few…

2nd daughter angry with me because I am divorcing her step-dad and because I am returning to school (because if I don't do something with me I'll go nuts!!) so she is not speaking to me, essentially, from then till, never I guess…

Far too much else to say….. But I finised my B.A. in women's studies & bla bla bla & went to India & thus my life was perm. turned around - for the better! But, eldest son eliminates me because, I've gone nuts:)! His term for my spiritual seeking.

That eliminates two. Eldest daughter & I part-ways because I can no longer accept her hammering me for my becoming a Buddhist… well on & on…

Today? I smile… life is so good in spite of losses, or because of losses, because I found the 80s & true love! And me! And my path! And stepped into a deep commited relationship with who I am, the part of me I never knew. True love & I went our different ways afteer 6 wonderful years… & that was right & good to do… oh the suffering & attachment, another good lesson.

I have lived alone since 1986 & I have never felt better about a choice that this… Being a spiritual hermit.

Today? I am not sad about the past, I am wiser & kinder because of it… I am very much here today & not in the past anymore…. it is boring to me now… I have processed it, drawn it, written it all to a glorious death…

I am settled into who I am - all of it - and settled into where I physically live, for ten years now….

I hook up my own computer, put together cabinets bought in pieces, I have a tool box all my own & that I use rather than call on a neighbor…. At 73 years I feel in many ways healthier, happier, more as peace with what is than ever in the whole of my life. I do not want to return to any of the past years…. I am enjoying where I am right now.

warm hugs to all… I have really enjoyed these posts.
pj

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

How strange life can be; with the ones that we lose and those who stay with us. No wonder we have to be our own best friend. Once again, I see a lesson we can truly accept only with the passing of years:

“stepped into a deep commited relationship with who I am, the part of me I never knew.”

Peggy, your presence here is really precious.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

Dear pj: You are who I’ve been hoping to meet. So I’m somewhere between 2 or 3 years behind you but since you’ve responded to my discussion, I am encouraged.
I believe I’ve recieved so much more than you were aware of sending. Thank you.

Five daughters, one son. Youngest 42, oldest 50. Two daughters (for now) permanently estranged. Very painful. I recently let go of any hope for healing and the pain has numbed a little. I have grandchildren who do not know me.

But through it all I became a good student.

One disasterous period I noticed that I was causing my own pain by resisting whatever was happening.

So I prayed:

“DEAR GOD, PLEASE MAKE ME SMARTER FASTER SO I DON’T NEED TO HURT SO LONG.”

The answer was: “Okay.”

It was one of my smarter prayers.”

Oh yes. “We grow old too soon and smart too late.”

I too, feel like I have too much Wisdom to take to the grave with me.

What am I going to do with it? Wait for Spirit to sow it.

My brother died this last year, leaving an 85-year old wife.

Since then, she called me one day absolutely thrilled because one of her phones stopped working.
She bought another and HOOKED IT UP ALL BY HERSELF.

I’ve been widowed about four years, now.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

So Mary [JOYOUS], that IS something– a new trick and a new skill!

 I THINK I got the double entendre in your second paragraph!

How come you're alone? I thought your son would be with you?

Did you do any ceremony for clearing the air or energy of your new home? A little private one of your own?

A blessing for your new home:
Touch the lintel and touch the wall,
Nothing but blessings here befall!
Bless the candle that stands by itself,
Bless the book on the mantle shelf,
Bless the pillow for the tired head,
Bless the hearth and the light shed.
Friends who tarry here, let them know
A three fold blessing before they go.
Sleep for weariness - peace for sorrow
Faith in yesterday and tomorrow.
Friends who go from here, let them bear
The blessing of hope, wherever they fare.
Lintel and windows, sill and wall,
Nothing but good, this place befall.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

Thank you, Meenakshi for your loving guidance.

Some pieces floating in space have come together in one cogent thought:

“Pathways through the clutter change frequently in only one day.”

No, I did not know of the special blessing of the humming bird.

What a beautiful (not incredible for believers) story you told about the blessing of the hummers after the hurricane. Has it been published for the world or nation to know? Or, are blessings censored?

I look forward to some snowbound days during this coming winter so I can seize some hours of pleasure researching and incorporating the signs and practices of blessing into my life.

I don’t recall specifically blessing and cleansing this new place but during the leaving of the old I was aware of the power of leaving graces behind for the new residents.

Yes, this is my son’s place too. I am glad for that. Though he has some issues that sometime dominate our relationship.

I have a lifetime of learning to accept such difficulties and have some very strong support and best of all an amazing, thrilling sense of Spirit Guidance. My peace is constant.

This move is good for both of us. I believe this is the first time in his life (43 years) that he is burdened with the serious responsibility of maintaining a place to live for someone else.

Neither of us could do this without the other. He is a strong, good worker and has a very amiable personality. He has good relationships with at least 3 employers and so expects to be able to carry his share of living expenses. He is now with a log home builder and will be home on weekends only.

Because of his personal struggles and earning a living, I am pretty much alone.

He believes that all of life is spiritual but still tries to sieze control and does not recognize the PRESENCE in every event.

As Spirit directs, me and my new home will celebrate a blessing. Thanks for the reminder.

Joyous Mary.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

I didn't respond to this! You said : ” Has it been published for the world or nation to know? Or, are blessings censored?”

Well, it's been published on Gaia–and that's enough for now. That blessing of hummingbirds.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

New Thought for me:  Maybe at age 71 it is time to let go of some hopes.   Holding on can be painful.

Re: Generational Reflections (70*s and adding)

How about this idea? 

“Don't wallow, just swallow.”

Is that a truth or not? 

Re: Generational Reflections

“don't wallow, just swallow”–hmm, seems painful at first.

How about

“don't focus
Defocus”

Sometimes sharp edged things look so beautiful with a halo around them!