There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.
Sign Up for Gratitude and TrustEverybody’s got something. In the end, what choice does one really have but to understand that truth, to really take it in, and then shop for groceries, get a haircut, do one’s work; get on with the business of one’s life.
That’s the hope, anyway.
Most of us do not take these situations as teachings. We automatically hate them. We run like crazy. We use all kinds of ways to escape — all addictions stem from this moment when we meet our edge and we just can’t stand it. We feel we have to soften it, pad it with something, and we become addicted to whatever it is that seems to ease the pain.
Sign Up for Gratitude and TrustThe two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.
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Happy Memorial Day
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. ~ Mark Twian
TRACEY STOPS SHOPPING
If you’ve been following this site for any length of time you know that I have my own website called traceyjacksononlne.com. It don’t usually cross pollinate the sites, as mine is more personal and this one I obviously share with Paul, but I am starting a new project over there that I thought I would share over here too. It has to do with addiction. In the book I talk about my shopping addiction. I love to shop. How much?… Read More
DRIFT AWAY
Yesterday Paul lost his younger brother the talented songwriter Mentor Williams. Most famous for writing the hit Drift Away, Mentor had a long career. He loved music, animals, the outdoors and God. He was over six feet of love and warmth. He will be missed. I know you all join me in sending Paul condolences and hugs. “Drift Away” Day after day I’m more confused Yet I look for the light through the pouring rain You know that’s a… Read More
Behavior, Depression, Disappointment, Friendship, Frustration
DEALING WITH PTSD – PRESIDENT TRUMP STRESS DISORDER
I sometimes cross blog. This is a blog I wrote for my site traceyjacksononline.com There are two kinds of people walking around America these days, those who are happy and feel like they have won some big prize and then there are the ones suffering from anxiety, fear, anger and stress. You can tell the later really easily, there is a look in the eye, a slump in the shoulder, a blank stare that translates into WTF happened and… Read More
Habits, Health, READING SUGGESTIONS
IF IT DOESN’T CHALLENGE YOU IT DOESN’T CHANGE YOU
That slogan is by Fred DeVito who along with his wife Elizabeth Halfpapp are the creators of Core Fusion and the heads of the now global EXHALE spas. They are also the authors of the new book BARRE FITNESS. Fred yells that out in class when he wants to push you and for you to push yourself. But it is such a great saying it can be used to apply to most anything. Fred had to trademark it as others… Read More
Compassion, Death, Family, Freedom, Goodness, Hope, Life
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. ~James Baldwin
IN MEMORY OF BOBBY/ROBERT LEVITHAN
A great friend of Gratitude and Trust Robert(Bobby) Levithan passed away on May 13th. Bobby was our first guest blogger here with his piece I Chose Not To Agree which chronicles his battle and victory against AIDS. Bobby was one of the speakers at last years Gratitude and Trust #140 Conference. Bobby was an author of the book The New Sixty. He blogged for The Huffington Post, was a psychologist and advocate for GLBT. Here is a piece I wrote… Read More
BREAK THE NORMS
Gratitude and Trust’s friend and speaker at last year’s #140 Conference Chandresh Bhardwaj has a new book out. Break the Norms is the first book by spiritual leader. Chandresh comes from a long line of spiritual masters, yet in this book he has the courage to question the teachings of certain spiritual practices, but he he spins it around and places the focus on us, on our inner lives. Have you ever felt like you’re living out a script… Read More
Acceptance, Depression, Family, Loss
HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT
My Dad wasn’t great at paying child support (he resented the $280 a month). I wound up spending most of my life trying to prove to my Dad that I was worth the money. My father had a MSW and made a very comfortable living. He drove new cars and built two brand new houses. My mother and I drove used cars, wore clothes from the thrift store and counted our pennies. In some ways I am still trying to… Read More
Aging, Anxiety, Appreciation, Character, Clarity, Compassion, Courage, Death, Growth, Hanging In There, Inspiration, Life
GAME OVER
I have never reposted a blog before. And if I have it certainly wasn’t two months after the initial publication. But the man who wrote this wonderful blog died suddenly yesterday. Carl Rahn Griffith was a very insightful man. He came upon some difficult times. He learned a lot and he writes about it with clarity and wisdom. I am reposting it today in his honor and his memory. Take some time, read it, learn from Carl. And cherish the day… Read More