You Are The Sum Of Your Experiences
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Hi Reader, Welcome to my first newsletter. A successful writer I know told me the best way to build an audience was to: Write consistently and hit publish. You will soon find out if people are interested in what you have to say. So here goes. Yesterday, I got a comment from a troll on social media. It upset me hugely. I am a ‘live and let live’ kind of soul, so the whole trolling thing escapes me. If you haven’t got anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. My website and newsletter are in their early stages. The point being to share what I learn in the hope that it will help others. That’s all. No other agenda. But the prospect of putting myself out there and being open to abuse made me falter briefly. Then, I read another quote that turned me around. The right quote often finds you at the right time. It was merely this. The meaning of life is to discover your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away. I am not sure exactly what my gift is, but I like to help. So, I am giving away what I learn in the hope that it will help someone else. I was recently given this to share. You are the sum of your experiences, that includes other people’s kindness. Repay in kind. Sometimes, we encounter people we find it difficult to foster kindness towards. Someone who has hurt us or committed an act we cannot comprehend. But consider you are only seeing a small snapshot of this person. Had you encountered them at another time in their existence, you may have considered them a most beautiful soul. We all make mistakes, and the people we dislike the most are the most in need of our compassion. They have lost their way. Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough |
Focus on the Light
Hi Reader, It has been a very challenging couple of weeks. Watching the events of the world unfold. And escalate beyond comprehension. My energy has been directed elsewhere. As a result I find myself with little to say. Which is most unusual for me. I like to have several articles ready, or in progress pending further consideration. But this week, none seem to be appropriate. Instead I have chosen to share a brief interchange I had on social media. A journalist I follow created a post...
Hi Reader, The poet Robert Frost said ‘the best way out is always through’ in his 1915 poem, A Servant to Servants. This is often quoted as ‘the only way out is through.’ I am unsure if he actually said the second version, but it is a more succinct way of sharing an important truth. And is attributed to Frost. Human beings are capable of incredible mental strength. But we have all at times fostered a reluctance to face the truth of our situation head on. Instead, we sometimes use our energy...
Hi Reader, I watched a stand up show the other night. It was the latest offering on Netflix from Ricky Gervais. During the show he commented on the likelihood of humanity destroying itself in one of many ways. It disturbed me because it was delivered in a matter of fact way. Like it's inevitable and almost preferable. And that kind of attitude is gaining traction. It's as if we have given up, accepted our inability to affect change, and are just plodding on to oblivion. He went on to say the...