The Innkeeper Is A Lucky Man Who Has Loving, Caring Friends: The Indispensable Support of My Balcony People ...............................8/18/12

Acts of love and kindness never die, but in the lives of others multiply.

      Good morning,
It's a few minutes past Friday.  Often, I use this part of the week to reflect upon my high and low points for the past week.  This week had it's ups and downs.  But, knowing me, it shouldn't surprise you that
I find good even in trying or negative circumstances. But first.........
My Gratitudes for Today: 
1.  A wonderful letter showed up in my e-mail. There's something about them that fulfill my need for closeness, companionship, intimacy, compassion and support. They are preferred to texting.  One hundred and forty characters can't convey what heart-felt letters offer.
2. The person who wrote is a gifted and insightful person.  I like the trust we've developed.  His intelligence and honesty, I really enjoy, along with his humility. Getting to know him has been an emotionally rewarding but unexpected summer gift: the clarity in our communication is exceptional; I appreciate the caring nature of our written conversations.  There's something to be said about being able to revisit what's been read.
Stretching My Character
        I'm being challenged. I'm Latin. Sometimes, it isn't my strong suit, being patient.  No, I don't get angry, when frustrated.  It's just that sometimes my exuberance motivates me. I'm eager, enthusiastic, desiring to move forward, when it is best exhibiting patience.
        In business, there's a contemporary Greek-Roman paradigm used that I find helpful, though at times distasteful.  Showing Greek qualities means a person is exhibiting his effusive, creative, declarative side. Think of Apple Computers. Demonstrating the Roman side is being stolid, practical, thorough, detailed oriented; Microsoft or IBM represents this other continuum.
        I'm needing to be Roman right now.   I'm reluctantly grateful for common sense, and opportunities for practicing moderation, calmness and forbearance. Ugh, I chafe at the thought. I prefer expressing my passion.
3. Right now, my character is being stretched. We cannot become the person we want to be by remaining the way we are. This is a time where I'm experiencing Spiritual Weightlifting.  This is a season when I need to "Let Go and Let God," trusting Him for the outcome in an area where I'm emotionally invested.
4. I thank God for ear plugs. Tonight, I wanted to write and was distracted by a family member who was making noise in the other room. Sometimes simple fixes are best. I had no pressing need to correct the offending person.  Sometimes the slogan, "How Important Is It?" is good to apply.
Enjoying the Support of My Balcony People
       Today, I had different friend who was very patient with me. He listened as I discussed issues in my life. He had forbearance with me.  I could tell he didn't mind hearing me out: a big smile was on his face as I enthusiastically shared what was on my mind. He's more staid by nature. Fortunately, he took my effusive comments in stride and helped me see myself, causing me to laugh at my silliness.
        I enjoy being silly. This is when the younger, playful Pablo surfaces. He's the source that allows me to celebrate joy and the wonders of life, free from cares and what others think.
       Today, I was blessed, being supported by community from all sides, in various ways.  A third friend listened to me, helping me maintain sanity and equilibrium, all while on her daily one-hour walk. Her insights and female perspective were extraordinarily helpful.
        Friday, and last week, she guided me in, like an air traffic controller, as the wildly flying airplane of my racing thoughts was out of control.  I'm thankful for this friend's love for me. I delight in her detached, honest, caring perspective and her humor, too.
        For sanity, I need perspective and humor. God knows how much I truly like smiling. Physically, I feel better, when I do. I also appreciate the happiness I feel when I lighten up. It's important for my well-being that I get into my body, and not just my head.
Venting Pent-Up Feelings
7.  I rode a different bike. Yuck!  It is newer, and supposedly better, but the handle bar grips were too hard--they left imprints in my hands---and the seat was uncomfortable, something you feel when riding at length.  My bicycle has upgrades in these two areas. I could tell the difference. However.........
8. I was happy getting out and cycling for a little under an hour. I pedaled furiously.  I rode twenty miles (32.2 km).  Seeing loved ones hand-in-hand, along the shore, watching the sunset, hearing and smelling the kelpy water slap the shore, feeling the tires bite into the gritty sand and riding along tree-lined streets edged with beautiful tile-roofed, Spanish style homes, the Fernside District of Alameda, slowed me down It gave pause to all the energy swirling within. (Someday, I envision I'll share moments like these with that Someone Special.) This lone Latin loved ending his day with an intense discharge of pent-up energy.  I'm now relaxed.
     A good night's sleep now awaits me.
What About You? 
a. What was your high point for this week? For me, it was the letter I received. For the reasons stated above.
b. What was your low point? For me, it's realizing I need to be patient. Sometimes it's hard being Latin.  :|   Also, there are still things I need to do. They are weighing on my mind.
Related Post:
Not Weathering An Emotional Storm Alone