Roy’s Sunday Letter for July 19, 2026
Letting Go to Find Your True You
When I was young man, my image 0f being a helper and a fixer shaped the ways I worked, related to Beth, our parents, and friends. My interests and skills as helper and fixer grew along with my leadership roles in hospital and community agency settings. In this Sunday Letter, I hope to share what worked and did not work as I made the shift from employment to not working in offices and in the midst of staff and those receiving services.
When we moved to Santa Fe, we left behind paychecks, titles, and Amarillo friends developed over eighteen years. Beth decided to apply her professional skills and servant heart with a local hospice. I became a certified Score Mentor volunteer and found a contributing role with the local community foundation.
We returned to Ft. Worth five years ago. I fully expected to continue my community volunteering in the same successful ways as Santa Fe. I was not able to identify places and opportunities to do so. I became discouraged, unsure of my sense of purpose. Friends, Tuesday Meditation members, and Beth listened and supported me. A Rom Dass writing about “letting go” motivated me to find meaning and purpose in new ways.
I think I have become better about seeing, really seeing, and paying attention to others, whether near or far. I want to enjoy the rhythm of a simple slow down life with Beth. I remain curious, with a desire to learn and experience together the joys of faith and daily life. Here is what I have learned about letting go of what was to find your what is of now. Be brave. Show courage. Do so with others important to you. Be grateful.
Roy, still learning about letting go.
Many people write about what they have noticed, observed, or maybe even studied. Roy, you write about what you have come to know and what lessons you are learning now. This draws us back to your Sunday Letter. We all become better as we reflect on and evaluate our own lives. Thank you for creating an inviting and safe place to do this work. Many years ago someone introduced me to the idea that the Gospels never show Jesus living busy. Always willing to be interrupted, he moved through life as a weaver’s shuttle or hook bringing many lives together in a tapestry. May we too “let go” and trust the Master’s hand to weave us into the lives of those we support and love.
Well written.
Thanks for reflection on my reflections.
We learn together….
Great note, Roy. We miss you in Santa Fe! I am going through a similar transition in the same city. I have transitioned off being a board member of three organizations for nearly the whole 13 years I have been here. It is time, yet still a change of definition. I continue to stand on your shoulders at the Community Foundation as we prepare for another iteration of helping board members. And I continue to seek to help entrepreneurs although more through the University of New Mexico Center for Responsible Entrepreneurship.
Yet I still search for a new definition as I move forward. Age brings experience and also questions of relevance. How can I be present in today without being “of” today?
Meanwhile I am writing a bit and continue to cherish friends, family and connections.
There is no linear path!
We both have and will continue to transiktion from prior me to now me, bumps and all.
My difference making are smaller now, less apparent or in the public arena.
Picking our spots easier, harder now.
We use our experiences wisdom for best choices.
& now we continue…….
We slow down as we age. When I was working there was always something that needed to be done, lesson plans, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, helping with homework and solving everyday problems. Those days are over. I find myself saying I will do that tomorrow and many days things don’t get done. There is no urgency to complete something. Because of volunteer activities and friends I have to leave the house, which has become my sanctuary. All of us need to find ways to be useful, I am working on mine.
Yes on the slow down part of today’s life.
Each of us redefine ourselves from who we were before.
Not easily accomplished.
And yes, having reasons to leave the house important.
You are doing life well…..
I love the comment about Jesus not being busy, as I, too struggle to stop for the more important connections and experiences. I continue to remind myself I am not what I do–I am a spiritual being here to experience and contribute when I can. The trick is to be open for whatever. The Sunday musings help me explore those thoughts. Thank you, Roy!
Over 4 yrs the SL has adapted, changed, shifted.
I do wonder where the ideas and contents arise from…..but somehow they do.
Todays SL is about Encouragement, Inspire, and perhaps a 1, 2, 3.
So, together we continue……..Roy
I have been contemplating my gorgeous tree this morning. Listening to the wind. Appreciating the sky. Being grateful for your presence and Beth’s in my life. X/O
A simple “same” as reply. WE are missing Jazz today.
Tis great to have you nearby…..
Roy, thank you for the introduction to Ram Ross. One quote of his in particular seem most important, “Compassion refers to the arising in the heart of the desire to relieve the suffering of all beings.” Our awareness of of the significance and needs of each other seems to be of dire importance in our complicated world. Our stance, our body language, our demeanor, our caring, our words, and our acknowledgement of one anothers needs can help make a positive difference in one’s challenges in life.
The crows miss you and Roxi. But,busy they are!
dog walkers a few less in 99 – 101
These are days of reflection
Missing Jazz
Enjoy your days in all waya…………Roy
Words of wisdom. Roy, as always – thank you. And Roy and Beth and all those who comment – though separated by distances of one sort or another, we are a community, walking this path together. Be well, each of you and all your dear ones, be happy, love and be loved.