PUT THE HARNESS ON AND PULL
Greetings my friends. Some of you may have noticed I have been fairly inactive for the past 10 days or so. Let me share why. Last October 1st I was forced to retire from a painting contracting business I've had for about 25 years due to illness. That was a bit of a challenge since the illness had also depleted any savings or retirement I had down to just about zero. I really was quite concerned about how I might make it. My options were to be a Wal Mart greeter or a security guard at one of the local casino's. Whoopeee! Then Steemit came along in January and I felt like this might be an answer to that problem. I projected that perhaps, if I worked hard, after 8 months or so I could take a little money out of Steemit to help get by, and that if I kept working hard perhaps in a year or so I could actually make it. So I put the harness on and pulled. But alas, I literally have $1 in my wallet and about $350 in the bank. That's it. So, last week, I picked up the old paint brush and went back to work.
Work. Now thats not something I am a stranger to. I've worked hard my entire life. Started working for my father (he was a painting contractor) when I was 12 years old. Then painted my way through college. I was a good LDS (Mormon) at the time so followed the culture and advice of the Church and had 5 kids, whom I love very much, and coincidentally the 8th grandchild is being delivered today! And then I had four foster sons (not through the state, so no compensation). And all that time I pulled, and pulled and pulled. Good old fashioned work.
Oh yes, thats me. Notice those fine racing stripes on top of my bald pate. And It's kind of funny but I always felt that there was something more that I could do with my life other than be a painter. You know, it's that male ego thing. Well, there were expectations too that I had for myself that just never seemed to find expression. But you know, apparently, finding some great career that I loved and excelled in was not my path this lifetime. There were other things far more important that I came to learn and do.
One of the most important things I've learned is to be grateful. I'm grateful that I was/am a painter. Grateful for the illness that has given me so much in life experience and that has also tempered my soul. I feel I'm a much better person as a result of it. And, well...there is still so much to learn and understand and I'm grateful for that too.
Just this morning as I was out in the field walking the dogs I was lamenting my fate and whining away when I caught myself and said, " Well, I can be pissy, and depressed and burdened by having to go back to work, or I can choose other emotions and other attitudes." This, being able to choose, is perhaps our single greatest responsibility. And actually it is a freedom too. Perhaps the ultimate freedom. We can choose our attitudes and our emotions. Now, I'm no Mary Poppins going around singing, " A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down, the medicine go down....", nor am I oblivious to the fact that sometimes illness or blood chemistry makes it almost impossible to control ones attitude or emotions. I've been there and know that. But I know, for the most part, we create our own emotions. We really do. Perhaps that's one of the things I was meant to learn. No doubt it is.
So, back to the beginning. I'm doing less on Steemit. No choice. Remember the Seven Dwarfs on Snow White as they sang their theme song? Well I'm singing it today. I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go. We all have work, let no one shirk, I owe, I owe.
Do I still love Steemit? Of course. It has been a great blessing for me to be here and to write and share some things that are important to me, and I've been blessed with making some genuine friends too. That, frankly, was a real surprise. And long term Steemit really may be a way to support and sustain myself...it will just take a bit longer for this train to get to it's destination. And, frankly, that's another thing I came to learn: persistence. To keep getting up one more time.
Well, that's it. May you be blessed and at peace.
Mister Mercury
My friend, I hear you. It is tough and even I had to look else where to make things work around here. If you feel this is going to be longer term, then I will pull my steem back to make sure it is in good use by somebody else. If or when you return to continue working your blog, please let me know. I really do want to support your work as your insight, vision and intellect is amazing and needs to be shared here. I just love your work and it is this moment that you started to flourish with your blog. Your posts were found by @tribesteemup and many others. My thoughts and prayers to you my spiritual brother.
Yes, I've thought of you handing the Steem to someone else that may be in need. I have adjusted my attitude in the last day or two and for now will do my best to continue working here as much as I can. Perhaps about 3-4 hrs a day. Have several yummy posts ready to write... hopefully one tonight. So if you would hold off on the transfer of Steem until I see how it goes with a reduced schedule. But be assured, I am grateful for your blessing and it really did/does help. However, things change and I trust your judgement. Many blessings.
I want to support you my friend. I will hold off. But if it does not work out for you, let me know. Peace brother.
Greetings Northern Brother: I appreciate it. You and I can be quiet open with each other... which I appreciate. As of this moment I am going to continue to make a concerted effort with Steemit. The time I dedicate will be somewhat like yours...I have to tend to the necessities of life. However, I will be able to dedicate sufficient time and effort to keep the fires burning. I hope. If not you'll be the first I inform. In the meantime, may all your chicken eggs hatch, may you be at peace and may you be thrilled with unexpected moments of inspiration and love.
I hope that soon enough a door will open to you that will allow your expectations to be called for on the road you travel. I hope that whatever the illness was that going back to painting will not exasperate it.
Congrats on the 8th grandchild.
Hey Thanks @practicalthought. I'll still be around, just not as active as I was. As of this comment we are still waiting for the new kid to come into the world. Don't blame him for being slow...it can be daunting!
Take it easy bro, glad you are healthy enough to work still.
My other half said to me the other day, that she is not looking forward to winter, I said you should feel happy you may get another winter, as nothing is guaranteed, she is now looking forward to winter.
Positivity breeds positivity.
That is a demonstration of higher thinking. I'm learning how to better manage my emotions and attitudes. In fact today I was out working with my 28 yr. old son climbing up and down ladders, etc. Was actually not bad. I saw it as great exercise, a time to work with my boy, lots of good sunshine and fresh air, and time to think and meditate while working. Blessings. Always appreciate your input!
I think the term for that is "quality time" everyone needs a little of that.
Stay awesome my friend, we all love you the way you are bro.
If Iget a post from you once a week, I'd be happy :) so don't forget your fans when you are hard grafting in the real world xxx All the best xxx - and I think a spoonful of honey might be better than sugar ;) xx
OH! Was it a spoonful of Honey? It's been a while since I saw that movie, but I suspect you are correct. Oh, and I'll be posting, hopefully a couple of times a week. Should have one ready to go tonight as a matter of fact. Blessings.
Being positive is the Creator's blessing to us. We just need to realise that. Some days are harder than others for all of us, but perseverance is also a gift. Don't waste it. I sure don't.
I am coming to terms with how we control our emotions lately as well. I keep having to remind myself of it.
Everybody has their burden to pull in life, that's for sure.
Thanks for the reminder to keep working at it. Sometimes it may take just moments to catch myself, while at other times I am slower to adjust. But learning to master ones emotions is a great challenge but a far greater reward. Blessings.
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It is crazy the vicious circle that we have to play (getting a job when we need to and being away when we can). You are so right, we can choose how we react to everything. It is so great to hear that you are aware that you have the choice on how to react to the decision. That is the pleasure of being concious. Work is a means to an end. It gets us the tools we need to survive, like money.
Congratulations on the grand baby.
Yes indeed, it seems we are students in the great school of Life. I've taken Attitude Adjustment 304 several times. Maybe I'll get a pass this time.
Oh and the new little girl has very creative Millennial parents who are into yoga, and earth-rites and all sorts of things. They named their new little daughter Aurora Shazam . No kidding. Had to slap my knees on that one.
Yes this is definitely a place to learn. I work toward the gentle lessons because I have had the harsh ones in the past. I am mindful of all the learnings so that I hopefully I only need the gentle ones. Attitude Adjustment 304 well that is a class I have taken a few times as well. Always something to learn.
There are so many different names coming out for children these days. I can say I havn't heard of that combination. I am glad she is born and all is well.
Greetings: Yes indeed, young Aurora Shazam has ties to the etherial, to the eternal and the mystic...she's related to me after all!
Anyway, we each play the parts we've been given to the best of our abilities and in observing how messy life can be we ultimately, and hopefully, find great self-compassion and in extension compassion and love for others. Blessings.