I want the Buddha’s enlightenment thing. You know, that sense of clarity, where sitting under a tree and appreciating a flower reveals profound truths bursting forth like confetti from a popper. It’s an experience I yearn for, that feeling of unstoppable awakening.
In my own pursuit of inner peace, I try to focus my attention, hoping to capture moments, framing a shot. However, my hands tremble, and the image blurs. It makes me question whether I should give up my metaphorical photography altogether.
Our friend, James, the contractor in Ocean Shores we adore, might be moving to Tampa Bay by the end of the year. James has had a tumultuous life, surviving a terrible car accident and enduring a series of challenging relationships. But I genuinely hope he finds a supportive and nurturing community there, one that contributes to his overall well-being.
Sometimes, I find solace in the simplest things. I long for a refreshing drink of icy cold water and my favorite TV show. The sound of laughter from the girls downstairs and the gentle breeze of nature acting as my personal air conditioning bring me a sense of contentment.
Recently, a thought-provoking post on Reddit resonated with me: “I completely reject the notion that all beliefs deserve respect. Beliefs don’t have rights. Beliefs don’t ‘deserve’ anything. It’s neutral, and the people with whom you share your belief should be able to make personal judgments on it.”
Inspired by this perspective, I decided to challenge a friend’s belief that I normally wouldn’t question. Instead of remaining silent or casually agreeing, I respectfully expressed my disagreement and continued with my day. I appreciate the power of compassionate dissent, acknowledging that agreement isn’t always necessary.
Speaking of navigating gray areas, I’ve noticed a flirtatious tone from one of my clients. Considering my past experience in the casino industry, where sexual innuendos were the norm, I might have been less reactive to subtle remarks in previous sessions. However, now that we’ve addressed the client’s attraction directly while maintaining professional boundaries, any subtle non-verbal or verbal cues will be met with a clear and assertive statement: “Not okay.” This approach mirrors how I handle situations with Evelyn, where a simple “I can’t let you do that” usually suffices.
Well, it’s time for the water and a show. Wishing you peace. Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 