Thanks Gary. Wonderful. As I recently let go of my "day job" I am on that path of opening new doors. Writing has become a new gift for me and flows into my days in ways I had not anticipated. You inspire me and I thank you.
thanks to you, Ian. I figured out some 20 years ago that full-time work is greatly overrated, along with eating ice cream in the shower. Best wishes to you knocking on and opening new doors.
Thank you for your wisdom. I'm going to frame this quote from your post.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one, is what we are doing."
I'm a big proponent for spending time judiciously. I believe time is the currency of life. However, sometimes, people think I'm too uptight and serious. There's no such as being too focused. I know there's a place for balance but I've got to burn the candle while the time is young.
Emmanuel, be sure you have a big candle so the flame doesn't go out. People will think what they want to think. We "PRESS ON REGARDLESS" the title of one of my earlier posts.
This was a much needed read right now. I've been in a state of overwhelm with my creativity lately, which more usually than not means even with such a flurry of ideas and inspirations I cannot manage to put any of it down.
It has a lot to do with time, since summer break is ending soon and I feel as though I'm at a pivot with my creative direction.
Thank you for sharing, I will keep reading that last paragraph in hopes of internalizing that sort of peace one day 💚
"My inner critic also said none of them were particularly good or outstanding and they could have been better with more editing and revising." My inner critic must be best friends with your inner critic... they sure do speak the same language. I think it's good not to love all your work: to know that something could be better; that you can learn more; that there's more craft to be had. It spurs us on to reach further and dig deeper. Thanks for a lovely post. The creative life is how I navigate the waters of growing old and it's a blessing. Big hugs.
Yes, they know each other well and belong to a large organization known as OIC Inc. Organization of Inner Critics, Incorporated. They are these insidious little creatures that live inside our heads and sometimes they help and sometimes they create obstacles for us to overcome. I am all for making and doing better and my question that I have answered numerous times is when is good enough good enough? As I said recently in another comment somewhere here, I had a little sign in college above my desk that said, "Be content but never be satisfied." I think I hear my parents and teachers talking in my head. I'm listening. And now, I'm responding. Thanks, Stephanie!
This struck me, Gary. I love the unfinished carving as a reminder that we, too, are unfinished and a work in progress—and we still possess beauty in being unfinished. I needed to read this today, so thank you!
Glad to share and support. Yes, there is an innate beauty emerging from the unfinished work in progress. It’s why that piece sits on my desk where I see it every day I am at home and at work.
Hi Gary - I'm very much a work in progress when it comes to creativity and carving out a new normal that is life after retirement. It's a joy to be on the path of discovering all the new possibilities that have opened up for me now I have all this lovely time on my hands. This 3rd third of life is the gift that keeps on giving.
Interesting how we "divide" lives in halves, thirds, and now quarters. I'm definitely in the 4th quarter and still playing well with others. Time is a precious gift and the freedom to choose what we do with it reveals who we are, what we value and what we can let go. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thanks, Don. We keep on keeping on, as I said somewhere recently, kind of like fishing and gambling. Both involve taking a risk and they are the same because they are intermittent reinforcement on a variable ratio. That's strong stuff. We win some, lose some and keep coming back for more. We put ourselves out there, or out here, and we see what works and what doesn't. Is it trial and error and learning from mistakes? Or is it the joy of fishing whether or not we catch anything? They call it fishing not catching. Gambling not winning.
So, on we go and my walking is calling. Catch you later, my friend.
Thanks, Phoebe. Yes, we are always a work in progress, or working on progress. I prefer the verb rather than the noun. Age is irrelevant. Our condition is relevant - mind, body and spirit and caring for those best we can. See my current post that went up today, “Extending Creativity.”
Thank you for sharing. You have so much wisdom hidden in this article and so much wisdom sprinkled in your responses to the comments from your readers😊 thank you 🙏
Thanks, Jana. Hope it’s not too hidden! I appreciate you and your generous comment, feel honored and humble. Happy to comment on those writers and readers that strike a chord in my spirit.
Some kind of mutual admiration society going on here methinks. Happy to be part of this community of people who share, care and show it. For many us, thankfully, it’s a great illustration of WYSIWYG.
Hi Gary, I have just stumbled upon your page. I really enjoy the aliveness and sense of possibility emerging from between the lines and from your notes. It brings me back to my own sense of hope and creation and that's such a beautiful gift for any reader. Transmission received.
Thanks Gary. Wonderful. As I recently let go of my "day job" I am on that path of opening new doors. Writing has become a new gift for me and flows into my days in ways I had not anticipated. You inspire me and I thank you.
thanks to you, Ian. I figured out some 20 years ago that full-time work is greatly overrated, along with eating ice cream in the shower. Best wishes to you knocking on and opening new doors.
“Full-time work is greatly overrated” — I love that 😊
Thank you for your wisdom. I'm going to frame this quote from your post.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one, is what we are doing."
I'm a big proponent for spending time judiciously. I believe time is the currency of life. However, sometimes, people think I'm too uptight and serious. There's no such as being too focused. I know there's a place for balance but I've got to burn the candle while the time is young.
Emmanuel, be sure you have a big candle so the flame doesn't go out. People will think what they want to think. We "PRESS ON REGARDLESS" the title of one of my earlier posts.
Thanks for reading and for you comment.
Thank you!
This was a much needed read right now. I've been in a state of overwhelm with my creativity lately, which more usually than not means even with such a flurry of ideas and inspirations I cannot manage to put any of it down.
It has a lot to do with time, since summer break is ending soon and I feel as though I'm at a pivot with my creative direction.
Thank you for sharing, I will keep reading that last paragraph in hopes of internalizing that sort of peace one day 💚
A pivot point is a great opportunity to gain a different perspective and you know what that does. Onward...
"My inner critic also said none of them were particularly good or outstanding and they could have been better with more editing and revising." My inner critic must be best friends with your inner critic... they sure do speak the same language. I think it's good not to love all your work: to know that something could be better; that you can learn more; that there's more craft to be had. It spurs us on to reach further and dig deeper. Thanks for a lovely post. The creative life is how I navigate the waters of growing old and it's a blessing. Big hugs.
Yes, they know each other well and belong to a large organization known as OIC Inc. Organization of Inner Critics, Incorporated. They are these insidious little creatures that live inside our heads and sometimes they help and sometimes they create obstacles for us to overcome. I am all for making and doing better and my question that I have answered numerous times is when is good enough good enough? As I said recently in another comment somewhere here, I had a little sign in college above my desk that said, "Be content but never be satisfied." I think I hear my parents and teachers talking in my head. I'm listening. And now, I'm responding. Thanks, Stephanie!
This struck me, Gary. I love the unfinished carving as a reminder that we, too, are unfinished and a work in progress—and we still possess beauty in being unfinished. I needed to read this today, so thank you!
Glad to share and support. Yes, there is an innate beauty emerging from the unfinished work in progress. It’s why that piece sits on my desk where I see it every day I am at home and at work.
Hi Gary - I'm very much a work in progress when it comes to creativity and carving out a new normal that is life after retirement. It's a joy to be on the path of discovering all the new possibilities that have opened up for me now I have all this lovely time on my hands. This 3rd third of life is the gift that keeps on giving.
Interesting how we "divide" lives in halves, thirds, and now quarters. I'm definitely in the 4th quarter and still playing well with others. Time is a precious gift and the freedom to choose what we do with it reveals who we are, what we value and what we can let go. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Wonderful, Gary. You are an inspiration!
Thanks, Don. We keep on keeping on, as I said somewhere recently, kind of like fishing and gambling. Both involve taking a risk and they are the same because they are intermittent reinforcement on a variable ratio. That's strong stuff. We win some, lose some and keep coming back for more. We put ourselves out there, or out here, and we see what works and what doesn't. Is it trial and error and learning from mistakes? Or is it the joy of fishing whether or not we catch anything? They call it fishing not catching. Gambling not winning.
So, on we go and my walking is calling. Catch you later, my friend.
Oh, what a beautiful metaphor. We are never finished with writing, or life. The journey continues, no matter our age. So inspiring. 🧡
Thanks, Phoebe. Yes, we are always a work in progress, or working on progress. I prefer the verb rather than the noun. Age is irrelevant. Our condition is relevant - mind, body and spirit and caring for those best we can. See my current post that went up today, “Extending Creativity.”
Thank you for sharing. You have so much wisdom hidden in this article and so much wisdom sprinkled in your responses to the comments from your readers😊 thank you 🙏
Thanks, Jana. Hope it’s not too hidden! I appreciate you and your generous comment, feel honored and humble. Happy to comment on those writers and readers that strike a chord in my spirit.
Not too hidden, after all 😊
What a wonderful visual to remind us that we are unfinished masterpieces.
I love that you are leaning into your curiosity and sharing your journey.
This was a lovely piece and I also wanted to say thank you for leaving such thoughtful comments on my pieces. I really really appreciate it.
Some kind of mutual admiration society going on here methinks. Happy to be part of this community of people who share, care and show it. For many us, thankfully, it’s a great illustration of WYSIWYG.
Wizzywig, love the sound.
Hi Gary, I have just stumbled upon your page. I really enjoy the aliveness and sense of possibility emerging from between the lines and from your notes. It brings me back to my own sense of hope and creation and that's such a beautiful gift for any reader. Transmission received.
Thanks, Isabel. Stay tuned for more transmissions!