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Maria Shriver - igniting architects for change

5/21/2017

11 Comments

 
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​I enjoy Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. Today I share her reflection, because her thoughts beautifully echo my own.... 


     “Have you ever had one of those weeks where no matter how hard you try to stay upbeat, cheery and positive, you just can’t?

​Of course you have. That’s what this past week felt like for me, too.

This was one of those weeks where the news unfolded so rapidly that it was hard to keep up. It was hard to stop shaking your head; hard to not complain; hard to actually believe what was happening. It was hard to know exactly what to do.

I spoke to folks who were glued to the news and social media. They were dissecting it in real time trying to figure out what it all meant. Meanwhile, others I spoke to said they just couldn't bear any of it and turned away.

In the world we live in today, it can be hard sometimes to see a clear path ahead. Few things feel certain anymore. These are confusing times, for sure.

It's hard to know what to think when everything seems to be changing more rapidly than it takes to form a new thought. That’s why during times like these, I try and spend time away from the noise so that I can properly formulate my own thoughts.

I reach out to those whom I respect — people who I feel can offer perspective and who can remind me that we’ve been here before. I also read and/or listen to others whose words and thoughts lift me up and focus my mind on the positive. That's not being naive. It’s simply acknowledging that there are issues unfolding around us and that we can choose how we respond. 

I've lived through tumultuous times before. Assassinations. The turbulent ‘60s. Vietnam. Watergate. A president's resignation. Iran Contra. 9/11…the list goes on.

I've learned that the will of the people trumps the mightiest of power players. I've also learned that unraveling takes time. So does clarity. 

Give yourself permission to step away. Breathe. Ask yourself: “What do I think?” Turn to those with wisdom who have seen it all and who have lived to tell it. Stay attuned to the news, but don't allow yourself to become consumed by it, either.


Know that this will not be resolved today or tomorrow, but it will be resolved.
​

So, find your resolve. Focus on what good you can do in your own life, or for your country that so desperately needs it. Our nation needs what we have to offer. It needs for us to turn down the volume, calm the “he said, she said,” and look forward to a future that’s more united than divided. I think we can all agree that we deserve a future that's brighter than darker, more compassionate than critical, and more honest than what we have today.”

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11 Comments
D.L. Finn
5/22/2017 00:59:25

Good advice and beautiful picture! Thanks

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/24/2017 06:58:02

Thank you, D. L. I wish I could claim that I took that photo, but alas I did not. ♥

Reply
Davy D link
5/22/2017 03:39:49

Gwen, there are many parallels between what is happening in the USA and the UK. Our Prime Minister seems to view Trump's administration as a positive and the media on both sides of the Atlantic are fuelling the negative conversations. Like your post says, we all have a part to play in turning down the volume and doing some good.

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/24/2017 07:03:50

Thank you, Davy. I always appreciate your wisdom. Have a great day!

Reply
Mae Clair link
5/22/2017 07:10:06

Thanks for sharing Maria's words, Gwen. It can be daunting and gloomy to have a constant bombardment of negative news through all of the social media channels and broadcasts that are out there. We are a wired world. Stepping back and focuses on the good in our lives is not only necessary, but healthful and peaceful too. Wishing you a blessed day!

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/24/2017 07:05:26

Thank you so much, Mae. Stepping back is so essential for me. Have a very blessed day.

Reply
John Fioravanti
5/22/2017 09:38:28

Thanks for sharing this upbeat post, Gwen. There's a good deal of wisdom here - we do need to have perspective in order to deal effectively with life's challenges.

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/24/2017 06:57:05

It's easy to loose perspective with all the craziness of life. Maria helps me keep focused. Thank you, John, for visiting.

Reply
john howell link
5/22/2017 11:19:55

I loved your post. Focus on the things you can do in life. Great advice.

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/24/2017 06:55:18

She's an amazing woman - a lot of positive energy. Thanks for stopping by!

Reply
Escondido Mirrors link
8/21/2022 03:51:40

Interesting read thanks for sharing

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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