One of my goals is to leave less stuff for my sons to deal with after I pass away. Thus I keep downsizing a shelf or drawer or small category. I avoid trying anything too big as, for example, a whole closet would overwhelm me. Recently I looked at inherited jewelry I rarely or never wore, found a store that would consider buying it, and ended up with a nice addition to my savings account.
Irene, you are SUCH a good mom!!! That's a wonderful goal - and also I love how you have adapted it to make it less intimidating. I am now thinking about the inherited jewelry I have and never wear ...
Catherine - thank you for these weekly messages - they are very helpful! I thought you might appreciate this quote from the writer Harold Kushner, author of several books including "Why Bad Things Happen To Good People." This is from one of his other books:
“Let me suggest that what God really blessed us with was life, liberty, and the pursuit of meaning. Happiness should never be our goal; it will always be a by-product, something that creeps into our lives while we are busy trying to live a life of meaning. The truth is, you can’t pursue happiness. It has to pursue you. It has to sneak up on you while you are busy doing other things.”
— Echoes of Sinai: Favorite Sermons of Rabbi Harold Kushner by Harold S. Kushner
About ten years ago, I remember taking note that I had accomplished all the major goals I had set for myself. It felt amazing to just be able relax and revel in gratitude as I stood still and just witnessed the culmination of my efforts over the years. It felt odd not having any pressing goals that kept me in high gear, but it also felt peaceful. Until it didn't. There came a point after my "rest period" that I started to feel stagnant. It became clear to me it was because I wasn't working toward anything, I was just going through the motions of everyday life. And although my work brings me purpose and feels meaningful, it wasn't enough to sustain me. That's when I decided to plug back in and generate novelty, more social connections, travel, and learning. Life is good!
One of my goals is to leave less stuff for my sons to deal with after I pass away. Thus I keep downsizing a shelf or drawer or small category. I avoid trying anything too big as, for example, a whole closet would overwhelm me. Recently I looked at inherited jewelry I rarely or never wore, found a store that would consider buying it, and ended up with a nice addition to my savings account.
Irene, you are SUCH a good mom!!! That's a wonderful goal - and also I love how you have adapted it to make it less intimidating. I am now thinking about the inherited jewelry I have and never wear ...
Catherine - thank you for these weekly messages - they are very helpful! I thought you might appreciate this quote from the writer Harold Kushner, author of several books including "Why Bad Things Happen To Good People." This is from one of his other books:
“Let me suggest that what God really blessed us with was life, liberty, and the pursuit of meaning. Happiness should never be our goal; it will always be a by-product, something that creeps into our lives while we are busy trying to live a life of meaning. The truth is, you can’t pursue happiness. It has to pursue you. It has to sneak up on you while you are busy doing other things.”
— Echoes of Sinai: Favorite Sermons of Rabbi Harold Kushner by Harold S. Kushner
I love that quote - and it's a perfect illustration of what the scientific research says about the pursuit of meaning! Thank you for sharing!
About ten years ago, I remember taking note that I had accomplished all the major goals I had set for myself. It felt amazing to just be able relax and revel in gratitude as I stood still and just witnessed the culmination of my efforts over the years. It felt odd not having any pressing goals that kept me in high gear, but it also felt peaceful. Until it didn't. There came a point after my "rest period" that I started to feel stagnant. It became clear to me it was because I wasn't working toward anything, I was just going through the motions of everyday life. And although my work brings me purpose and feels meaningful, it wasn't enough to sustain me. That's when I decided to plug back in and generate novelty, more social connections, travel, and learning. Life is good!