For many people life hasn’t been smooth sailing these past few years. Living through a never-ending global pandemic with all its related fears and restrictions, not to mention disturbing levels of political discord in many places, has taken its toll on many people’s lives: their health, their finances, their mental health, and their personal relationships. Will we ever get past all of this to a “new normal”? If you find yourself relating to any part of this description, the quotes below might be useful.
It may help to remind ourselves that our path through life often throws us for a loop, even if maybe not so many external “loops” as in these past few years.
Over the longer term, we humans are pretty resilient.
For anyone who has considered throwing in the towel on their expectations recently, please think again.
Just hold onto that hope. A brighter – and saner – tomorrow is just around the corner.
And to help hurry that hope along, let’s add in some prayer flags from Bhutan, each one sending prayers of hope into the heavens on behalf of a world in need.
If you have a friend or family member who’s feeling weary during these troubled times, remember the words from Simon and Garfunkel’s 1970 song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters: ‘If you need a friend, I’m sailing right behind.” Think of reaching out to them.
Robby Robin's Journey 
It’s been too long since I last listened to Bridge over Troubled Water, so thank you Jane. I just did and it was so uplifting, especially as I really focused on the lyrics. I love the graphics you shared too – just the tonic so many of us are needing at the moment, thank you so much.
Thanks, Debs, I’m glad the sentiments resonated with you, too. And the song … that song always speaks to me. Sail on silver girl! 😊
Lovely words, Jane. I’m hoping many of us will come out of this wiser and more attuned to the fact that we only perch here for a short time, so why not make the best of it in as meaningful a way as possible?
Thanks, Debra. It makes perfect sense, but sadly this seems to be a lot more doable for some of us to do than others. Sigh.
So true. Happy Thanksgiving, Jane.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
As someone who pre planned a lot of things first semi retirement and then the pandemic has challenged me to practise mindfulness and enjoy where I am today. It’s always good to have a reminder to check in on others though and so I will be doing that over the Thanksgiving weekend. Bernie
Sounds like an excellent Thanksgiving Day plan. Happy Thanksgiving, Bernie.
Timely post since Sunday is World Mental Health Day!
OMG, Linda, I hadn’t realized that. That is an important day to acknowledge. Mental health issues affect SO many people of all ages and walks of life; they need our understanding, acceptance, and support.
Love this post, including Bridge Over Troubled Waters. But most especially, I loved the graphic comparison of expectations to reality. This so reflects my life over the last two years–and as an advance planner, it has been a slow and hard adjustment for me as I try to learn to ‘go with the flow’–something I should have learned many, many years ago and put into practice long before now.
Lol. I know what you mean, Barb. There’s no doubt that we have to learn to reinvent our lives when we retire. But it’s worth working on! 😏
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Wow, thanks Jane that is very thoughtful.
Thanks so much, Wayne.
So true, amazing post dear.
Thanks very much, Anjali.
You’re always welcome❤️🙏.
Lovely post … & so hopeful. THANK YOU! I got tearful when I read the words from “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”
Thanks, heimdalco. I sure hope it feels hopeful to those who need to hear the message. Like you, I am always affected when I hear that song; I only have to read a few of the words to start singing it silently.