Tag: life

Journal Journey

~ 1kindness2day ~ 7 Comments

I am a coward when it comes to trying anything new.

It’s not that I have a fear of failure because I’m completely familiar with that feeling! Nor is it the unwillingness to change. It’s more the trepidation that comes with not knowing what to expect.

Back in June, when I was diagnosed with Essential Tremors, I wrote a little (here) about these fears and about attempting to start a bullet journal so there’d be some order and planning to my life. I’d hoped the doodling and writing would help tame the tremors.

Well, I’ve bitten the bullet, to use a terrible pun. Many hours of YouTube videos and much scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram later, I started my journaling journey in July.

Nobody really needs to see my messy monthly layouts, clueless cover pages or the sorry state of my spreads. Don’t get me started on my horrible handwriting – alas, I can’t even blame the tremors for that one – or my clashing colour choices. Some day, when I’m less of a coward, perhaps I’ll share some of these pages. But not today.

Today, I’m writing about my bujo journey because I’ve filled up one Leuchtturm notebook, and it feels good! Also, the tremors have significantly reduced.

There’s nothing like looking back and seeing how you’ve lived your life, how much time was wasted overplanning for things that sorted themselves out, how the weekly shopping could be better consolidated with better planning…

I’m starting my second notebook for November. To mark the occasion, I’m sharing this page, inspired by the talented @spotgirldesigns.

I don’t do her artistry any kind of justice, believe me, but I tell myself I’ve managed an “arty”-looking page, crooked lines, weird spacing and all! So I want to thank her, and every one who has generously shared their journal ideas.

Kindness Dilemma ~ Acts of Kindness #32

~ 1kindness2day ~ 10 Comments

I’m not entirely sure if I should smile or cry that this happened to me several days ago.

photo by quinntheislander

I want to smile because caring, gracious people are still all around us. I want to cry because I feel I may have offended the same gracious people.

What happened? I boarded the bus for home, carrying a tote and a small paper bag. As I passed the driver’s cabin after paying the fare, a young lady half stood and gestured to her seat. “You sit,” she said.

I thanked her politely and smiled widely, but declined. I had only three stops to go and was perfectly fine with standing.

As I made my way towards the rear of the bus, two students jumped up and chorused, “Auntie, you sit down!” Again, I thanked them and declined, assuring them I was fine.

But here’s my dilemma: should I accept such offers? I feel I should have because the rejection might send unintended messages to those of us raised to be gracious. Have I “taught” the students, for instance, not to offer their seats next time?

But why would I sit when my journey is short? And your day might have been more tiring so you deserve the seat even more.

The only thing I’m certain of is my gratitude that gracious kindness still exists.

What do you think? What would you have done?

By the way, I’m not yet a senior citizen and I don’t look elderly. I think.

Happy International Sloth Day!

~ 1kindness2day ~ 7 Comments

Yep, 20 October is International Sloth Day.

I had no idea about this day until I received several messages and links to informative sites about this cuddlesome, smiley animal. I am known for my soft spot for sloths and I have tremendous respect for those who have stepped up to care for these slow moving, harmless animals, particularly in the sanctuaries in Costa Rica.

Here are some fun facts about sloths:

– they don’t have claws; those are finger bone protrusions that grow up to 4 or 5 inches

– they poop once a week and climb down from wherever they are to do so

– they can develop an attachment to a stuffed toy and kick up a fuss when it gets taken away for a necessary wash

– during mating season, their calls can shatter the peace of any sanctuary

– they can hold their breaths underwater for more than 30 minutes.

Have a great weekend!

sources: National Geographic; travelandleisure.com

Rogue Rider ~ Act of Kindness #31

~ 1kindness2day ~ 9 Comments
WP45 070618
photo: pixel2013

If you were a cab driver, and you discovered that your last passenger had left his mobile phone in your back seat, what would you do?

This particular driver drove back to the condo where he’d dropped his passenger off, intending to return the phone. What happened next? The passenger beat him up.

Yes, that’s exactly what happened. According to a news report, the driver managed to locate the passenger at the condo BUT the passenger concluded that the driver had stolen his phone and attacked him. Eye witnesses said the driver hurt his wrist and was forced to drive off with his doors still open, to escape the passenger’s wrath. The condo security guards did nothing to intervene, despite other residents asking them to do so.

In the end, the police were called. In court, the passenger was defended as being overstressed by work and having been drinking. He has since been charged with causing hurt and assaulting a public servant, and will spend four weeks in jail.

I am saddened on so many levels.

I keep thinking: How could the driver have stolen the phone? If he had, why would he then return to the condo? Why did the guards do nothing? If stress and drink reduced this man to such an act of violence, was it his first time? Will he do it again? Stress and drink won’t magically leave our lives. The man possibly needs more help than a jail sentence. What of the driver? Will he bother to return the next lost item? Will he view his passengers with a degree of caution and mistrust?

But most of all, I keep thinking: what is the price of an act of kindness? Or honesty?

It’s not something I had to think about before.

THANKS