Beauty Born From Struggle .......3/27/13

 "All growth depends upon activity.  There is no development physi-cally or intellectually [or characterologically] without  effort, and effort means work."                Calvin Coolidge

      Good evening,

I'm getting back on track, sorta.  The past two weeks have been
a challenge, but all for my good.  How are you?

     Today, I rested, studied and was with friends.  It was the tonic needed.  Cycling didn't happen, though.  Work consumed my day, too.  But, it was a less demanding day----by design.  I'm still recovering.  More about that in a moment.

     Let me tell you about time I had with my oldest son.  Spontaneously, I invited him over to Alameda last Friday morning.  To my surprise, he called me by midday, saying yes.  We shared dinner while he regaled me with the goings on the job he got after graduating from college last June.

     This son  I love. (As I do my other two sons).   For an hour and twenty-nine minutes he described, in detail, his work.  He's on a huge learning curve while contributing to the company's success.

     I was happy peppering him with more than twenty-five questions.  He enthusiastically informed me about the nuances of his work.  After one-and-a-half hours, I asked if I could talk about what was going on with me.

     "Fine," he said.  I told him about three devastating issues that had hammered me, the past two weeks.  I also spoke about amends, something I've done and still need to do.

    (That's why I posted on this subject, yesterday.  Many have read it.  Within one day, it's become the most popular post for this week and month.)

      I was glad sharing with him my response to the issues that recently sucker punched me.  My reaction was contrary to how I was raised.  Am I glad.

      Really.

      I am thrilled I'm moving beyond negative generational legacies.  I have more serenity, ease and emotional safety.  More importantly, my life is congruent with my values.  I'm living with integrity.

      I'm glad for time invested in my personal growth, learning, applying principles that help me surmount vulnerabilities.  But, it has come with cost.  I am responding to recent changes.  My life will not be the same. And I imagine, it will all be for the better.

      But nothing good or valuable comes easily.

       "Kalepa ta kala."

      It means, in Greek, that anything that is beautiful or excellent, can only be arrived through struggle, effort.

      After dinner my son and I ventured to Tucker's Ice Cream Parlor, on Park St. in Alameda,  in business since 1941.  It was my first time.  Wow.  My son enjoyed his root beer float.  I am lucky, I enjoy open, intimate, warm, encouraging conversations with my sons.

      Following dessert, we spent time in his car, conversing.  He kindly allowed me to read from four different books----if you don't know me by now----I always carry them.  When the clock reached midnight, we prayed, hugged one another and parted until next time.

      Pablo Jr. has a girlfriend.  He's popular and has many friends.  He was exhausted after a long week at work.  Yet, Friday, he spent the evening eating at Juanita's, having ice cream and talking with me.

      I luxuriated in the closeness, companionship, communication and openness we shared.  And yes, he did not open up and look at his iPhone, not even once.  How could I not have an Attitude of Gratitude?

My Gratitudes for Wednesday:
1.  I made time to get perspective regarding what's been going on in my life, including my emotions being belted three times.
2.  I laughed today while with my son.  It's great not being serious and having fun.
3.  I met with friends this evening. We had an intimate conversation free from advice giving. The transparency present was healing to the soul.
4.  I had dinner with a lovely woman tonight.
5.  I have treasured memories of time with my oldest son last Friday.
6.  God loves me.  His tangibly embraces me through my family and dear friends.
7.  I rested today. I was conscious of my welfare. It's easy, if I'm not careful, to take care of others and neglect myself.
8.  I'm connecting with you.  For several weeks this month I did not have a computer.

How About You?
What are three gratitudes you have for today?