REFLECTIONS FROM THE BENCH: THE TIME OF TRANSFORMATION

"It’s not from the known, but the unknown, that creativity and inventiveness are born." I’m rather certain that is not my quote, but it has been with me throughout different periods of my life. As we pass through this time of great uncertainty and pain, I try to hold on to idea this more than ever.
Many days, I am working alone and I try to put my finger on what is bothering me the most. Our political divisiveness? The fact that there are good people who cannot afford to keep a roof over their families or even feed them without assistance? The unbearable way humans can treat each other? The fact that I have no dog love in my life right now?
How can we transform the myriad of emotions and actions coming at us daily -- through our social media channels, the 24 hour news cycles and our own struggles -- into a catalyst to move us forward?

Kindness Matters

We may be on the path into the unknown, but at the same time I see massive acts of gentleness and kindness. The last time I was acutely aware of this was in NYC, after 911. And yet it breaks my heart to think it takes a disaster or a pandemic to make us reach a place we should always be. Kindness matters. Let's all practice it more.

Keep Your Eye on the Big Picture

Last week I posted I felt there were many days I was not accomplishing much. The dozens of responses and personal messages were touching. All sorts of people reached out to see if I was OK and to offer suggestions on what might help. In the big picture, I am fine. Some days are better than others. Some I am just plain lazy and am learning I don’t have to always be on the go and filled with adrenaline. Remembering the big picture puts the day to day moments in perspective so I don't give in to negativity. Give that a try, the big picture doesn't have to be accomplished in a day.

Keep Growing Where You're Planted

I believe everyone is experiencing their own personal struggles and epiphanies. Grow where you are planted has taken on new meaning. My conclusion? I have dubbed this the Time of Transformation. And the most difficult part is not knowing what is on the other end. But perhaps we can look at it as a time of great shifting and have faith there is something positive ahead. Something good is coming. This isn’t Pollyanna talking (and if you know me well, you should be laughing at that image!). It is the way I chose to live so as not to sink to the lowest common denominator of fear or despair.
So, are you looking to stay in the cocoon during this time, or turn into a butterfly?
The Time of Transformation . . . I like it. But as Dennis Miller says, "...it's just my opinion, I could be wrong.". I hope each of you is finding joy in your life – as for me, it's time to get back to the workbench.
Hasta la-bye-bye
Q
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