Random Thoughts by Shelley: Memos to self about self-pity

“In life, you can blame a lot of people and you can wallow in self-pity, or you can pick yourself up and say, ‘Listen, I have to be responsible for myself.’” – Howard Schultz

Moment by moment, life event by life event, day by day, time flies! I’m not surprised that it has been quite some time since I’ve posted some random thoughts. While I’ve been very aware of what I’ve been doing every day, taking time to think each day remains a habit, it has simply been a choice to not post. Still…there’s this part of me that kept feeling guilty or perhaps some self-pity because I hadn’t taken the time to write.

“Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. – Helen Keller

So…what are my random thoughts for today? Thinking back to my week I wonder if you too have ever had a roller coaster week? You know the kind. They are filled with moments I refer to as noteworthy “memos to self”.

A week where, one day you’re feeling at the top of the world, you’re organized, you’ve got great plans, you’re prepared, and then you proceed, but end up in crash and burn mode.

Nothing went the way you had hoped or anticipated. In retrospect, no matter how many things you had accomplished and done well that week, that crash and burn event sticks like glue in your thoughts. You could write a book on all the "memos to self" you've noted throughout the week.

How do you react? Maybe you go hide back in the hole for a little while. Maybe you brush off the dust, and pick yourself up and try again. Perhaps you talk to a friend, or visit with someone who inspires you. Do you fight back and accuse someone for your misfortune related to the events? Or do you take time to see things differently?

Maybe it is human nature, but when that kind of week happens to me, I prefer to wine a little, cry a little, and think a lot before I make any decisions or corrective action as a result. I always learn something by reflecting. Sometimes, just sitting and letting my thoughts evolve helps.

It is only through silence and stillness that we can come to our thoughts in any meaningful way and from that spring take action we think best. Sadly we have banished solitude. There is no time to think, alone, intimately with who we are at our core." ~Brian Tolle Partner –The re-wired group

Today is a new day! It is time to shake it off, pick up the camera and appreciate life as it is. Photography always helps me refocus my thoughts.

When it has been a while since I’ve picked up the camera, I always start out awkward and unsure. Gradually after taking more and more shots, I start to lose myself and enjoy the time to practice and play. I eventually end up with at least one I can appreciate.

It’s like weeding through all those “memo to self” moments from the week. So many of them are useless, blurry, and simply not worth hanging on to.

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. – William James

I absolutely love sunrises. We fortunately have an empty field across from our house. I can look out at the sunrise and not feel guilty staring into someone’s yard. I can appreciate the colors as they change from the warm reds and evolve into the bright blues of the day. When it is warm outside, Copper loves to join me. The last couple mornings have been perfect.

Our long driveway allows for me and Copper to sit and enjoy the changing colors, feel the warmth of the sun as it rises. We can sit and appreciate the sunrise balanced with the moisture in the air, smell of the morning dew and the songs of the mourning doves singing. It is a beautiful time of day to simply relax. I love to experiment with different lenses, play with the camera, it helps me overcome disappointments and appreciate what truly matters.

So, before you are tempted to give up or get discouraged, remember all success is based on long term commitment, faith, discipline, attitude and a few stepping stones along the way. You might not like the stone you are on right now, but it’s sure to be one of the stones that lead to great opportunities in the future. – Jim Rohn

My “memos to self” from this week are plentiful. At 20 or 30 something a week like this one could’ve resulted in a retaliation or confrontation. Nah, that’s simply not worth it. Learn from it, appreciate mature and rational thinking, and yes even at 50, I can grow from it!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember, it is okay to enjoy self-pity moments! Turn them into “memos to self”, and move on!

PS: 50 Clicks photo moments. Practice, play, practice, play and have fun!