I serve a progressive church and in this season, we are focused a lot on being "truth tellers" which often involves truths are hard. Yesterday I encouraged them to share with someone next to them a recent experience that made them happy. Because joy is also an act of resistance or in this context a "small win".
Losing community is hard even when it's for a good reason. I've been a Cub Scout Den Leader for 5 years. My seven 5th graders are growing up. Just like empty nesting, they're bridging to Boy Scouts. It's great! They've all earned the highest award in the program! The Arrow of Light! I am proud of them, but secretly sad because we won't meet again all together, because they're moving to separate troops. Like a mother hen shoos her chicks out away from her, it's a huge win! Learning to accept this win has + and - . I'll get my Tuesdays back! I kind of like knowing I'll get to watch as an audience member! Small wins.
So much truth in this post. I love imagining the small wins of people all over the country and the world - that is power right there. I have been calling my representative and Senators every week to say thank you and keep it up (I am blessed to have elected officials who are fighting the good fight). And I had the joy of helping to interview Margaret Morrison, a historian, resister, and member of my church. If you are looking for inspiration, she and other activists are featured in the documentary Resisterhood (resisterhooddoc.com).
Thanks so much for a wonderfully refreshing essay, Mary! Agreed that misery serves no purpose. You’ve expressed precisely the wisdom we all need this dark winter. I intend to share your words far and wide. Peace and good to all ☮️🩵🌏🕊️
I tell you, my patients bring the little joys. I am having a bad day with a backache, and was feeling pretty grumpy. I just saw a young man who was so charming and appreciative that he turned my whole attitude around. I am also enjoying making yogurt and taking walks.
Two things I've taken up new since retirement that get my mind off all the outside rancor and discord. The first is baking and cooking. I pretty much do it all at our house with my spouse, of course, as my live-in consultant. It is a victory when something turns out not just edible but actually very good. I also love making something for the coffee hour/lunch each Sunday, and seeing the whole dish get eaten followed by compliments. The second thing is my Irish bagpipes. I've taken up the Uilleann (ill-in) pipes. Have played for just over a year and find it again a victory when I have a practice session with fewer squeaks and squeals than the previous session and also when I memorize a piece completely since my teacher insists on playing everything by heart. (May I add that just these few moments reading Stained Glass in the City and writing down my comments is also quite therapeutic.)
I'm working on personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, and drawing boundaries when needed. It's gratifying to see results. Like you said, it's the small things! :) Love your list.
Thanks, Mary! Definitely focusing on little pleasures. I hesitate to say “wins” right now. I have picked up a light, fun, mystery series with Cleopatra Fox by CJ Archer. Finished Murder at the Debutant Ball #5 late last night and #6 is cued up to go. Also reading Against TechnoAbleism:Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew and just finished reading James by Percival Everett. If you haven’t read James, it’s definitely worth it. Mr. Everett is a brilliant author and the book, not always easy to read (content wise), was thought provoking and insightful and important.
I serve a progressive church and in this season, we are focused a lot on being "truth tellers" which often involves truths are hard. Yesterday I encouraged them to share with someone next to them a recent experience that made them happy. Because joy is also an act of resistance or in this context a "small win".
That’s lovely, Melissa, to get everyone tracking happiness instead of misery.
Losing community is hard even when it's for a good reason. I've been a Cub Scout Den Leader for 5 years. My seven 5th graders are growing up. Just like empty nesting, they're bridging to Boy Scouts. It's great! They've all earned the highest award in the program! The Arrow of Light! I am proud of them, but secretly sad because we won't meet again all together, because they're moving to separate troops. Like a mother hen shoos her chicks out away from her, it's a huge win! Learning to accept this win has + and - . I'll get my Tuesdays back! I kind of like knowing I'll get to watch as an audience member! Small wins.
Oh, Barb, that’s complex. A win and a loss, tangled together.
So much truth in this post. I love imagining the small wins of people all over the country and the world - that is power right there. I have been calling my representative and Senators every week to say thank you and keep it up (I am blessed to have elected officials who are fighting the good fight). And I had the joy of helping to interview Margaret Morrison, a historian, resister, and member of my church. If you are looking for inspiration, she and other activists are featured in the documentary Resisterhood (resisterhooddoc.com).
I’ll take a look! Thanks for the recommendation. That’s a fun thought, to imagine all the small victories everywhere.
Thanks so much for a wonderfully refreshing essay, Mary! Agreed that misery serves no purpose. You’ve expressed precisely the wisdom we all need this dark winter. I intend to share your words far and wide. Peace and good to all ☮️🩵🌏🕊️
Thank you, Mary Ellen!
I tell you, my patients bring the little joys. I am having a bad day with a backache, and was feeling pretty grumpy. I just saw a young man who was so charming and appreciative that he turned my whole attitude around. I am also enjoying making yogurt and taking walks.
Mary Beth, that’s lovely. And making yogurt: that’s a fun win.
Two things I've taken up new since retirement that get my mind off all the outside rancor and discord. The first is baking and cooking. I pretty much do it all at our house with my spouse, of course, as my live-in consultant. It is a victory when something turns out not just edible but actually very good. I also love making something for the coffee hour/lunch each Sunday, and seeing the whole dish get eaten followed by compliments. The second thing is my Irish bagpipes. I've taken up the Uilleann (ill-in) pipes. Have played for just over a year and find it again a victory when I have a practice session with fewer squeaks and squeals than the previous session and also when I memorize a piece completely since my teacher insists on playing everything by heart. (May I add that just these few moments reading Stained Glass in the City and writing down my comments is also quite therapeutic.)
Jim, what great victories! Baking and cooking make the world better, and how fun that you can see progress with the bagpipes. Well done!
I'm working on personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, and drawing boundaries when needed. It's gratifying to see results. Like you said, it's the small things! :) Love your list.
Candie, lots of victories there! And how delightful that you can see results. We don’t always get to see the progress.
Thanks, Mary! Definitely focusing on little pleasures. I hesitate to say “wins” right now. I have picked up a light, fun, mystery series with Cleopatra Fox by CJ Archer. Finished Murder at the Debutant Ball #5 late last night and #6 is cued up to go. Also reading Against TechnoAbleism:Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew and just finished reading James by Percival Everett. If you haven’t read James, it’s definitely worth it. Mr. Everett is a brilliant author and the book, not always easy to read (content wise), was thought provoking and insightful and important.
Good recommendations! I enjoyed “Against Technoableism,” too. Heading to the library site now!
Thank you, dear Mary! Much needed wisdom here for me!
Thank you, Marjorie!