Here’s to You – thanks to Julie Barton and Jan Falls

Janice Falls Heart Poem of the week

Here’s To You by Julie Barton

 janfalls

Who got out of bed today,
who maybe put on shoes,
got dressed, ate food,
drank water, walked.
Here’s to you who made
something–a doodle,
a loaf of bread, a poem.
Or maybe you planted
seeds like you still have
hope that things will grow
despite it all. Here’s to
you who listened to the
news then turned it off and
smiled at the next stranger,
because you know better
than to buy into despair.
Here’s to you, hopestars,
the ones who will bring
us back from the brink
with love, with kindness.

Liberty

I have taken the liberty to repost this poem that Janice Falls chose today. I love it, and, with the poet Julie Barton’s angle of view, it says in 20 short lines how I tend to view daily living – responding as best we can to the needs of the situation and doing so with some cheerfulness and kindness.

And if you click on Janfalls it will take you to her short commentary, which I think will resonate. I know some of you read her weekly blog, but not all of you do, so I wanted to share a reason why it is worth looking in on Wednesdays to see what poem she chose and why.

Coincidentally, I had started out writing about the potential downsides to the big life purpose and the upside to the small, doable purposes that we can begin right now, with things as they are. And then I read Jan’s post and decided I didn’t need to say anything more. This is enough for today.

However, I do want to mention that two of the guidelines from Ikigai Ryoho (Meaningful Life Therapy), and what I have adapted and labelled  Living Well with Illness, are about purpose and doing things for others – nothing to do with a big life purpose. Rather, participants are asked to create small, short-term purposes. Things that interest them and that they can do right away. These short-term purposes have both meaning and the satisfaction of accomplishment.

The bottom line is that purpose, like everything else, can be co-opted, misused and distorted to encourage a hamster-wheel culture of productivity. Still, having small everyday purposes appears to be foundational in cultivating well-being and a good quality of life. And for some who search for a life purpose, it is more apt to happen as we apply ourselves to the everyday.

Notes

1) Today, despite my internal resistance, I took the plunge and began my renewed swimming with the hope that it will become a habit. It is the first time in over a year, yet when I slipped into the pool, a familiar sense of homecoming arose and reminded me of how much I enjoy it. Starting with twice a week for now – sustainability and slow time is my focus, not distance and bragging rights. 

2) Back home in Ottawa, the magical autumn continues. Took these photos in the last 24 hours at my grandson’s rowing club and his route to school. Beauty everywhere.

3) Yes, I will watch the Jays and the Dodgers Friday night. I think the entire continent is on the edge of its seats with anticipation. (even though I am not known for my interest or knowledge in sports, I am caught up in the collective effervescence of the moment)

4) This is a short and surprising little post for the end of October. But it seems enough for today. Thank you for reading my blog. With appreciation and all my best wishes. May you be safe and at ease with lots of joyful and meaningful moments strung together. Best wishes always, Trudy