Roy’s Sunday Letter for January 14, 2024
Sometimes in the Sunday Letter, I attempt something new and different. I will be adding some questions to my ponderings. My questions will be about paying attention, encouraging moments of reflection in the midst of your days and week.
- What is new for you in 2024? What is ongoing? Both new and ongoing can give you energy and renewed sense of purpose. Which is truer for you?
** Based upon 2023 and as you now enter 2024, do you feel more engaged in your local community and wider world, or more disconnected? What would be the reasons behind either response? What can you do to increase the meaning and power of being connected in 2024?
- In your young life, who mentored you in your education, work, or family? What was their approach? Who are you mentoring? Is your approach similar to what was shown to you when younger?
** It all began when? It all began because? What may come to mind, may be an event, a cause, an organization? Allow the original memories to come to you and treasure how each has become a part of you.
- What is one life lesson you would now share with others wanting to learn from your experience and wisdom? Is this an old life lesson or one that has come to you in recent days?
** Who would be one of your oldest or most valued friends? What are qualities and why is this person so important to you? What are the parts of friendship do you share together?
- Clear expectations are important at work, with family, or as a civic/volunteer team member. In what life areas are expectations known and clear, and which are not? Is this the right time for you to be clearer in your expectations in one or more of these areas?
** We are a mixing bowl society of Gen Z….Gen X….Millennials….Boomers….and Elders. Who do you know in each of these age groups? Do you wish you knew someone in other age groups? If so, how can you make this happen? Who can help you in doing so?
Asking questions, seeking connections and reaching out are part of who I am and who we are together. Allow yourself the opportunity to reflect on the parts of this Sunday Letter that most appeal to you. If you journal or write record your thoughts in the way best for you.
Roy, giving thought now to my own questions!
What is new for me, seeing different Doctors to address new and old issues. The Closet is my constant and has been for several years. New volunteers enter my life and old volunteers sustain me. My mother was my constant mentor. She encouraged me to use my talents, particularly singing, to fulfill good feelings about my worth. She was always supportive. My father died when I was 2, so she was my rock. I wish I had exercised more during my life and I tell my grandchildren to begin a regiment now before your body rebels against.it . I would encourage everyone to move in some way, ” Motion is lotion”. My friend Sally is my oldest and most valued friend. She always knows when I need her instantly and calls, sends a card or just reaches out to check. She is many miles away but she knows me better than anyone. At 78 my expectations are limited, but I promised myself I would do some sort of physical activity this year and I hope I am able to do so. Thanks Roy for asking questions so I can verbalize the thoughts in my head. Carpe Diem
You have become my constant companion inters of writing….and this is good.
To me interesting your dad’s early age death and Beth’s early age loss by divorce.
You 3 were indeed awesome together. Wes not so much.
Have you eaten at Quince (near the Trinity. behind shops on University)????
Ona sunny day soon we will. New for us also.
You Tube has many a Senior exercise or wellness view. Many 10 – 20p minute programs.
tuck it in for a few days…..Roy
I continue to journal about gratitude. My oldest daughter started me on this path by giving me a journal. The first night I was trying to think; for what am I grateful- then I thought of the best fresh peach… seemed so little at the time and yet it comes to mind years later.
Gratitude is foremost in my life. My grandchildren give me so much .
My closest and dearest friend passed away two years ago I will always miss her and am just recently accepting the fact that no one can replace her or come close to touching my heart the way she did.
I give friends who say “I used to journal” $2 spiral notebooks….not facing an expensive bookstore journal seems to relax someone to grab a pen.
I also know of “closest and dearest.”
I have two local friends (1 male 1 female) who talk with a missed spouse or friend often.
Tell stories, share photoes.
You always important….Roy
Good morning Roy and thanks much for this letter.. perhaps your best yet. so many items to ponder and reflect upon. thanks much for these thoughts..
Mike, the comments for today remind me it is always the personal, the relational, that matters.
I will continue to high light the informational in every other SL, but never leave personal.
Good encouragement always…..thank you
I am calling Betty today about tennis from Australia on 33.
Take a plunge for me (I will be in the hottub applauding you onward……Roy
Correct Roy, the relational, the personal..
my mamma’s last word to me was love… there is never enough of this..
Thanks for maintaining contact with Betty… I was in town this past 2nd – 10th.. she is hanging in there and values y’all’s friendship.
We had snow dawn till dusk on Saturday, 16″-18″ and low of -7…. waded thru a bit of ice as I eased into the river.. this week might be tough.. onward with thundering applause! thank you Roy.. y’all have a great week.. md
OK, 2 things i don’t get:
1) Betty’s refusal to live in a social/healthy environment (ok, never mind)
2) your plunge into frigid waters, as a volunteer
Your 5 states away cheerleader…..
Great questions and due to the cold weather, more at home time to reflect! I know it takes a village to raise a child and I am grateful for many who have taken the time to help raise me up. I believe my first mentor was my grandmother. She was a teacher even though she did not have a college degree. She taught in public school for a short time before she settled into being a dry land farmer’s wife. My parents divorced when I was very young so I was taken to live with my grandparents for several years as my mother went to Dallas to earn money! The blessing for me came as my grandmother imprinted on me the real joy of doing things for others with a generous heart and expecting nothing in return. It has served me my entire life.
As I reflect on this question, I plan to set and, as Roy would say, ponder this question. Making a list seems good and maybe a piece of art would be better, maybe a weaving knowing the collective weft of my mentors runs throughout the tapestry of life!
Your grandmother is with us now and forever….and that is good.
Your professional and personal grace is a hands up and spirit up help with others, both near and far.
You are indeed “the better of the two.”
The year 2024 started for me the way I do not recommend. After 9 days in hospital a week to 10 days in in-patient rehab. That kills most of January. So I have no choice but to make February resolutions:
1. To open the lines of communication, mentoring whenever possible.
2. To draw upon many years of experience to be of service to those who can benefit from them.
3. Lesson learned: the world does not owe me a living.
4. To make new friendships, since most of my old ones have passed on.
5. To lower my expectations, whether it be the start of the day, a concert, a social occasion. “Che sera, sera!”
6. Gen X, Y, Z, Q? Can’t tell them apart. To be more grandfatherly to my g-kids, no matter what Gen. they crom
I read a disturbing but life-affirming article in the Washington Post about Senators who supported the NRA after Sandy Hook. They have changed their positions.after all these years WOW!
We have systematically allowed our children to be shot, We have. I also read a long article (NYT) about NRA and how it become a political arm. My nephew is a professional hunting and fishing guide. Hunting and fishing saved his life when my brother died and he was five. NRA was gun safety and responsibility not a political arm.
I am committed to finding a way to make a change.
My life lesson….believe. educate. assimilate. make change. I love you Roy.
linda, you ARE the change you both desire and in which you find hope.
You are no longer an individual …. your spirit, thoughts, and contributions are oined in a Collective, of Common Ground persons as your good self.
I have not read of senator mind changing. For me what matters is when they move from the microphone to Voting in real time….which, as a group, they has exhibited no interest in standing in that light.
I am glad your brother found his own ground and purpose. Good for him, his voice, and his purpose.
We agree and live with you in the same ways of which you have written….& thank you for doing and being so. Roy