Thirty two years ago, my husband died in Dec, my dear friend died in January, and my beloved boss died in February. I had a seven month old baby. Going to reconciliation/confession with Fr. Mario, he told me that, for the Lent we had just begun, since I had already given up so much, I was to do something kind FOR MYSELF every day, even if it was as simple as appreciating a cup of tea while my baby napped, or seeing the rainbows in the bubbles of her bath water.
After the year you’ve had, Nadia, I think Fr. Mario would say much the same thing to you. So much love…. ❤️
Many years ago I decided to give up grumpiness for Lent. After I got caught, went through crushing, suicidal depression, and faced years in prison, I decided to take seriously the idea that "perfect love casts out fear." I'm not capable of perfect love (duh), but I decided to show love for God and neighbor, first, by practicing gratitude. I could go to prison and see all the things that were going to make me miserable - and I could spend eight years being miserable, never running out of material. But - I discovered - I could go through each day noticing things to be grateful for, and I would never run out of material! I had a choice! So once again, I'm giving up grumpiness for Lent - even in today's world with so much horrifying, infuriating, screamingly awful stuff going on. I won't look away from the bad shit, because it demands attention and action. But I'll continue to practice gratitude in the midst of it. Giving up grumpiness for Lent is so good that I'm going to give up grumpiness for life.
This is a point I have to call myself on on many days. I usually think I am a "Love my neighbor" kind of person, but as long as I have a space in my heart and head for "them" I am falling short.
I don’t remember whether this came from you or from someone else but I like it and intend to say it each day upon waking up “Lord, please get in my head today before I do”.
On Ash Wednesday in 2022 I had my surgery to remove my breasts. Cancer and the fear it brings to the body and soul is overwhelming! That year healing was my Lenten goal. So this year I want to be more creative and in less pain.
So what if I have a real conversation with a real person about the monks and their dog? Does that count as good shit? Because it really is good shit coming out of the state of Texas where I live.
#40DaysOfGoodShit - Everywhere I went this morning people were making space, letting the other go first, and just generally being kind. If I will lift my head up from my constantly running inner monologue to do list, it’s easy to see.
When we change the things we look at, the things we look at change—your idea for lent is just what I need; I’ve been steeped in all the chaos and hopelessness. My neighbor’s garden bed has a yellow crocus awake this morning 💕
Nadia, I've been calling you my "pastor" for many years !
I've been bogged down in rabbit hole after rabbit hole re the Epstein files for over a year. Before it became globally recognized as the "Epstein files". Some days I'm on- line 12 hrs or more, absorbing video after video, podcast after podcast, newsletters, articles, books.... all things Epstein. I've been following the online sleuths who are combing through the files & it will blow your mind.
So, you see, I needed you today. I forget to notice ANYTHING most days. I do have a young kitten who makes me smile a lot. Dogs I have to walk, but I forget to look around because I have a podcast going in my ear.
I need this reminder, this break, even if I still have a podcast going in my ear, I'll write something positive here with my "lentin pals".
I hope you can turn off the podcast. There is so much going on in the world around you when you were outside, including sounds, even if it’s only traffic. I used to try to listen to audiobooks when I walked – well when I rode my wheelchair- but I found I needed to keep my full attention on what was around me.
Like when I had just the right amount of change in my pocket for a slice of pizza.
Or when the manager at the grocery store I worked at said “good job” before I clocked out.
Or how the tulips had just started peeking out of the spring dirt."
------------
Aha, Nadia, you were being visited by angels and were unaware? It happens to me all the time and frequently I never see it until long after.
But yes, like in the book of Nehemiah (chapter 6) the stressful world keeps calling us to come down into the valley of Ono---and we must constantly keep rebuilding our walls while shaking our finger and replying, "Oh, NO!" Ono is a trap by enemies. "Oh, NO," is sacred resistance.
You remain an inspiration to this profane old Vietnam Veteran. I wouldn't take a bullet for the current POTUS but you are high on my list of people to pray for and protect.
Joining!! I so needed this today. I woke up with a butt load of worries and realized I was focusing 100% on possible negatives and had to wrench my brain to see and record the real positives. Practicing this every day during Lent will be lovely. Thank you.
I'm in also! Plus I'm going to give my little Sunday School kiddos a small notebook and ask them to write something beautiful that they have noticed every day. I'll share as appropriate.😍
Thirty two years ago, my husband died in Dec, my dear friend died in January, and my beloved boss died in February. I had a seven month old baby. Going to reconciliation/confession with Fr. Mario, he told me that, for the Lent we had just begun, since I had already given up so much, I was to do something kind FOR MYSELF every day, even if it was as simple as appreciating a cup of tea while my baby napped, or seeing the rainbows in the bubbles of her bath water.
After the year you’ve had, Nadia, I think Fr. Mario would say much the same thing to you. So much love…. ❤️
I'm getting my first colonoscopy on Ash Wednesday, so Good Shit seems especially hilarious and relevant 😂
hahaha!!
All good; polyp-free!!!
Happy Good Shit season, to all who celebrate.
Feel free to use the line I've used the past couple times: I'm ready for my close-up. 😉
Hoping everything comes out okay! 😁
Seriously, prayers that all will be well.
🤣 and thank you 🙏🏻
I think we should be sedated for the prep! Glad it all came out okay.
😂🫢😘
Aint no nap like a chemically induced nap. <3
It was the best nap!
That is is hilarious! LMFAO
Get them pipes squeaky clean!💩
Many years ago I decided to give up grumpiness for Lent. After I got caught, went through crushing, suicidal depression, and faced years in prison, I decided to take seriously the idea that "perfect love casts out fear." I'm not capable of perfect love (duh), but I decided to show love for God and neighbor, first, by practicing gratitude. I could go to prison and see all the things that were going to make me miserable - and I could spend eight years being miserable, never running out of material. But - I discovered - I could go through each day noticing things to be grateful for, and I would never run out of material! I had a choice! So once again, I'm giving up grumpiness for Lent - even in today's world with so much horrifying, infuriating, screamingly awful stuff going on. I won't look away from the bad shit, because it demands attention and action. But I'll continue to practice gratitude in the midst of it. Giving up grumpiness for Lent is so good that I'm going to give up grumpiness for life.
Love your name! 😂
Love it too
I’m in! It occurred to me this morning that I have been so focused on THEM not loving their neighbors that I lost sight of loving mine. Mea culpa.
This is a point I have to call myself on on many days. I usually think I am a "Love my neighbor" kind of person, but as long as I have a space in my heart and head for "them" I am falling short.
I don’t remember whether this came from you or from someone else but I like it and intend to say it each day upon waking up “Lord, please get in my head today before I do”.
On Ash Wednesday in 2022 I had my surgery to remove my breasts. Cancer and the fear it brings to the body and soul is overwhelming! That year healing was my Lenten goal. So this year I want to be more creative and in less pain.
Thanks for the prompt #40daysofgoodshit
Let’s see where this season takes me 👌🏼
In it with you.
I am so in and would like to humbly offer up a theme song. ❤️❤️
https://youtu.be/0qX7ZsxD3Ik?si=CpvI3M16k7x7w2vB
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
So what if I have a real conversation with a real person about the monks and their dog? Does that count as good shit? Because it really is good shit coming out of the state of Texas where I live.
Perfect!
#40DaysOfGoodShit - Everywhere I went this morning people were making space, letting the other go first, and just generally being kind. If I will lift my head up from my constantly running inner monologue to do list, it’s easy to see.
When we change the things we look at, the things we look at change—your idea for lent is just what I need; I’ve been steeped in all the chaos and hopelessness. My neighbor’s garden bed has a yellow crocus awake this morning 💕
Nadia, I've been calling you my "pastor" for many years !
I've been bogged down in rabbit hole after rabbit hole re the Epstein files for over a year. Before it became globally recognized as the "Epstein files". Some days I'm on- line 12 hrs or more, absorbing video after video, podcast after podcast, newsletters, articles, books.... all things Epstein. I've been following the online sleuths who are combing through the files & it will blow your mind.
So, you see, I needed you today. I forget to notice ANYTHING most days. I do have a young kitten who makes me smile a lot. Dogs I have to walk, but I forget to look around because I have a podcast going in my ear.
I need this reminder, this break, even if I still have a podcast going in my ear, I'll write something positive here with my "lentin pals".
Thanks Parson.
I hope you can turn off the podcast. There is so much going on in the world around you when you were outside, including sounds, even if it’s only traffic. I used to try to listen to audiobooks when I walked – well when I rode my wheelchair- but I found I needed to keep my full attention on what was around me.
"I was suddenly on the hook to notice the good.
Like when I had just the right amount of change in my pocket for a slice of pizza.
Or when the manager at the grocery store I worked at said “good job” before I clocked out.
Or how the tulips had just started peeking out of the spring dirt."
------------
Aha, Nadia, you were being visited by angels and were unaware? It happens to me all the time and frequently I never see it until long after.
But yes, like in the book of Nehemiah (chapter 6) the stressful world keeps calling us to come down into the valley of Ono---and we must constantly keep rebuilding our walls while shaking our finger and replying, "Oh, NO!" Ono is a trap by enemies. "Oh, NO," is sacred resistance.
You remain an inspiration to this profane old Vietnam Veteran. I wouldn't take a bullet for the current POTUS but you are high on my list of people to pray for and protect.
Kent, I think you might be one of those angels.
You must have a speck in your eye! :)
Will you marry me ?
I'll have to ask my wife. :)
lol
Joining!! I so needed this today. I woke up with a butt load of worries and realized I was focusing 100% on possible negatives and had to wrench my brain to see and record the real positives. Practicing this every day during Lent will be lovely. Thank you.
Thank you. I will try to see the good shit in what seems to be an increasingly complex USA full of bad shit.
I'm in also! Plus I'm going to give my little Sunday School kiddos a small notebook and ask them to write something beautiful that they have noticed every day. I'll share as appropriate.😍
I just checked Instagram, and #40DaysofGoodShit is not currently being used. I will be posting there.