I’m working on an essay on humility right now and appreciated this insight:
“Humility is an underrated virtue. It means neither over- nor underestimating yourself. Acknowledge and accept your gifts and talents, but also admit and amend your mistakes.”
I'm with you about New Year's resolutions. To me, some of them seem so shallow. And I've recently been thinking about contentment vs. happiness, and I feel very much the same as you do about the differences between these words.
Your tips are excellent. The one that struck me right now is:
"When you feel discouraged because of the dearth of color and beauty in the world, decide how you can create more color and beauty in the world." I am an artist who oil paints year-round, and I have the good fortune of creating color during a seemingly colorless world. My world, which is on canvas, really moves me and cheers me up. And I am grateful.
Oh, I am so happy this statement spoke to you, especially as a painter, Beth! I would love to see some of your paintings, if you ever care to share images of them on Substack.
Thank you for wanting to see some of my art. I actually post new art every Friday on my Substack. Here's a link to one of my posts that illustrates one of my artworks: https://bethlgainer.substack.com/p/taking-the-time
Happy New Year, Jeannie! I'm glad I walked into 2025 with your newsletters to read, they are a balm. I love your list; those are things I can do. I gave up on resolutions long ago. I do make reading lists, though, and I like checking off when I've finished a book.
Happy New Year to you, too, Doreen! It cheers me to hear that my words are a balm to you. Glad to see your name pop up here often and looking forward to more connections with you this year.
You are one very wise woman! I haven't made resolutions in years. I chose three "guide words" for a time, but stopped doing that as well since I didn't pay any attention to them either. Affirmations are better, but... I'm with you that any time is the perfect time to change or alter course. And I love the idea of contentment being what we are really searching for. It might be more attainable and sustainable, too.
I love all your tips. So good. All of them. I can't even pick a favorite, so I won't try. Thank you for the article. My best to you in 2025. May the new year be kind to us all.
These are all great reminders Jeannie. You are so right - we can start over any time. And I loved this: "Disconnect from the world from time to time, but never from yourself." Big hug
Oh. There is so much goodness to react to in this essay.
"True nourishment integrates all aspects of the mind, body, and soul."
AHHHHH. This is such a powerful statement. It reminds us that we can't just focus on one aspect of our lives and expect happiness and fulfillment. We must take care of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The integration is what truly changes us for the better.
This is such a breath of fresh air for the new year, Jeannie. I love your insights! I’m going to post it on our fridge so I see it everyday. Thank you and blessings in this new year.
That's fantastic, friend. These just sort of spilled out of me when I was sketching this post about a month ago. Blessings in the new year for you, too, and let me know when you'd like to get together again.
I’m working on an essay on humility right now and appreciated this insight:
“Humility is an underrated virtue. It means neither over- nor underestimating yourself. Acknowledge and accept your gifts and talents, but also admit and amend your mistakes.”
Thank you. 🙏
That's fantastic, James. I would love it if you would tag me once you complete the essay and publish it!
Happy New Year Jeannie,
I'm with you about New Year's resolutions. To me, some of them seem so shallow. And I've recently been thinking about contentment vs. happiness, and I feel very much the same as you do about the differences between these words.
Your tips are excellent. The one that struck me right now is:
"When you feel discouraged because of the dearth of color and beauty in the world, decide how you can create more color and beauty in the world." I am an artist who oil paints year-round, and I have the good fortune of creating color during a seemingly colorless world. My world, which is on canvas, really moves me and cheers me up. And I am grateful.
Oh, I am so happy this statement spoke to you, especially as a painter, Beth! I would love to see some of your paintings, if you ever care to share images of them on Substack.
Hi Jeannie,
Thank you for wanting to see some of my art. I actually post new art every Friday on my Substack. Here's a link to one of my posts that illustrates one of my artworks: https://bethlgainer.substack.com/p/taking-the-time
I am eager to check it out, Beth!
Happy New Year, Jeannie! I'm glad I walked into 2025 with your newsletters to read, they are a balm. I love your list; those are things I can do. I gave up on resolutions long ago. I do make reading lists, though, and I like checking off when I've finished a book.
Happy New Year to you, too, Doreen! It cheers me to hear that my words are a balm to you. Glad to see your name pop up here often and looking forward to more connections with you this year.
Hi Jeannie,
You are one very wise woman! I haven't made resolutions in years. I chose three "guide words" for a time, but stopped doing that as well since I didn't pay any attention to them either. Affirmations are better, but... I'm with you that any time is the perfect time to change or alter course. And I love the idea of contentment being what we are really searching for. It might be more attainable and sustainable, too.
I love all your tips. So good. All of them. I can't even pick a favorite, so I won't try. Thank you for the article. My best to you in 2025. May the new year be kind to us all.
Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate you! I hope for the same - more kindness in this new year for us all. It begins with each of us, I believe.
These are all great reminders Jeannie. You are so right - we can start over any time. And I loved this: "Disconnect from the world from time to time, but never from yourself." Big hug
Thanks, Imola. I need to catch up on your posts this week! Back to the usual after the holidays...
Not to worry dear! We are in the same shoes! I’m playing catching up as well! Take it easy. Xox
Oh. There is so much goodness to react to in this essay.
"True nourishment integrates all aspects of the mind, body, and soul."
AHHHHH. This is such a powerful statement. It reminds us that we can't just focus on one aspect of our lives and expect happiness and fulfillment. We must take care of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The integration is what truly changes us for the better.
Thank you, Alex!
This is such a breath of fresh air for the new year, Jeannie. I love your insights! I’m going to post it on our fridge so I see it everyday. Thank you and blessings in this new year.
That's fantastic, friend. These just sort of spilled out of me when I was sketching this post about a month ago. Blessings in the new year for you, too, and let me know when you'd like to get together again.
Love this Jeannie. A lovely start to my day - it’s the 2nd Jan here in Australia 🙂
Wonderful, Pam! I always appreciate lovely beginnings.