Forward Movements

Monday, April 28, 2025

I’ve been surprised by messages from readers about missing my blogs. I enjoyed writing and sharing impressions of moments and events that delighted, puzzled, or (at least) irritated me. Creating several paragraphs that are easy to read and make sense often consumed a lot of time; I’d wind up rushing to be on time for my outside part-time job. Pausing the blog made sense.

I haven’t quit writing but have been making lists and turning them into paragraphs. These lists keep me mindful of necessary activities and timelines and are becoming increasingly complex. I detail my daily key goals and later evaluate their outcomes. My goals are to pinpoint the wins and losses and identify needed improvements.

Identifying wins and losses is difficult because all activities involve complex bundles of conscious and unconscious decisions. I might want to discuss some aspect of my job with a store manager to achieve a personal goal. That manager has specific goals, too, and our discussion becomes a negotiation that’s hoping for a “win-win” outcome. The process is fodder for my later journaling about wins, losses, and improvements made or needed.

I keep trying to adapt to situational and environmental needs without fundamentally changing my views. The bottom line is that we are who we are, and today’s hectic environment requires us to enhance adaptive skills. My daily listings and evaluations encourage some serious, real-time thinking, reflection, and striving to cope better.

Dear Friends: Today’s early beauty makes us believe summer is here. Diana