✨Highlights and Bombshells💥

[BreukelenAnima]

Full Cycle ​

It’s been a while since I posted here because it’s the end of the schoolyear and things have been so busy. The free time for Lit has gone to the Sweaters thread. You should check it out for the June challenge (shameless plug). Well. There is some shame. A healthy dose of shame is there. I’m not afraid of a little shame.

So what I’m wondering is, what cycle are you in the midst of and where are you in that cycle? Just the beginning? Living your best life? Are you learning a lesson of some sort?

I will check out the June challenge and try to push myself for the rest of the month.

This is an interesting prompt.... and very relatable. In my workplace, someone made a serious charge against me last fall.. It was quickly dispelled and the person recanted their story and eventually admitted they lied (thank goodness for cameras and surveillance being everywhere!) ...What upset me about this incident was how this person (with little to no punishment) was able to continue on and act like nothing happened, but the damage it caused me lasted much longer... The accusation became a rumor that lingered in the air for several months.. It made for an incredibly stressful time and affected my performance -- as much as I tried not to let it. I felt that my superiors did not back me up. Once I was cleared of this charge, it seemed like they wanted to sweep the incident under the rug and move on. They did not back me up...and *they did not protect me, which is their job. The aftermath of it all bothers me to this day. The lesson that I'm learning is, all I've ever had in my profession life is my sense of honor and my name... I have to protect my name at all costs, and I have to always be vigilant and aware that my integrity and honor may be attacked or come under question, so I have to always be at my very best. And that also means that I have to be guarded -- which is a terrible way to work and live, but it's a necessity sometimes.

Love_Is_Blonde -- I'm sorry for what happened to you at your school. It's the worst feeling there is when someone who's supposed to be a colleague is anything but. Some people thrive on sowing division and conflict and hate... You want to pity them while being as far away from them as possible. I hope the situation has much improved for you.​

 

[Mei5ter]

For me, it isn't just a question of accepting the truth. It's working out what to do with it once I've been told it.

 

[Mei5ter]

This is a very timely topic for me. Just the other day I was thinking “What the hell am I doing? How much longer am I going to do this?”

That sounds unnervingly like several moments in my teenage sex life.

(We are still allowed to mention sex on Lit, right? Apologies if anyone's reading Lit stories in public and accidentally clicked on my post).

I have a tendency to get bored with things and make enormous, life changing moves (literal and figurative) just to mix it up. This time, however, there are more considerations and a lack of an idea of what’s next, or what should be next.

Okay. No more jokes - may I ask questions? When you get bored with things, is it actually with the things themselves or with them being the same things? Are they the wrong things, or do you need a greater variety of them in order to keep you happy and engaged?

And your question about what should be next is a huge one. I'm feeling that too at the moment in my own career (or what passes for it). When you feel you've gone as far as you can in a particular job, do you naturally want to stay in that industry and build on your experience, or switch it up and start in a totally different field?

This may all have been a reaction to exhaustion, not just burning the candle at both ends, but throwing the whole candle into the fire!

Exhaustion certainly doesn't help. If you throw the candle in the fire, it doesn't just burn at both ends but ceases to be a candle. It melts the wax off and you're left with a wick. I'm sorry you're feeling that way.

(Sorry Lit... 'wax off' could sound like a masturbation reference. Apologies if anyone is reading stories out loud in public, has accidentally clicked this post and somehow read these words by mistake. I can see that would be awful).

On the other hand, the “lesson” I supposedly learned last time I burned it all to the ground and started over, was that I wasn’t going to do that again.

Ah. But that's like moving house. After my last but one house move, I swore a dreadful oath, at midnight, by the blasted oak, as the lightning blazed and the thunder rolled, after sacrificing a few goats to the infernal powers (local Costco was fresh out of virgins) that I would never, ever, ever move house ever again. But I did, and the next time I was better at it. (And not just because I'd preordered the virgins).

If you make a major change this time, you'll be better at it because you'll have a wealth of lived experience on which to draw. That's a good thing.

So, have I learned my lesson?

My answer to that would be to look at @Love_Is_Blonde 's post about spirals. The lessons you draw from a life event change as you change. You keep learning them.

What’s next for hotwords?

I'm hearing this read in a Hanna Barbera cartoon voice, just as the credits roll...

Am I just in a moment of frustration, or is a big change coming?

...and being serious again? Please don't see it as just. Being frustrated, and chronically overworked by the sound of it, is a sign things aren't right. Don't ignore signs. Yes, things may settle back down and be tolerable again, but tolerable isn't enough.

And if a big change is coming, make sure it comes from you. You don't have to wait for outside forces to make those changes, which you're then compelled to react to.

I'm not sure if a word of that is useful, but you're an excellent chap and I wish you the very best of luck with it all. Hang in there, and while there are boobs, there's hope.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

So, have I learned my lesson? What’s next for hotwords? Am I just in a moment of frustration, or is a big change coming?

You mentioned that you may not have an idea of what is next. Do you have to before you make that next move? Is that the lesson that you are talking about- leaving before you have something else lined up?

This is an interesting prompt.... and very relatable. In my workplace, someone made a serious charge against me last fall.. It was quickly dispelled and the person recanted their story and eventually admitted they lied (thank goodness for cameras and surveillance being everywhere!) ...What upset me about this incident was how this person (with little to no punishment) was able to continue on and act like nothing happened, but the damage it caused me lasted much longer...

This is awful and I’m very sorry that this happened to you. I’m glad that there was evidence to support and exonerate you. From our conversations, you’ve obviously had a meaningful effect on many of your students, and what a shame that you had to endure this. I’m glad you’re on the other side of it.

Love_Is_Blonde -- I'm sorry for what happened to you at your school. It's the worst feeling there is when someone who's supposed to be a colleague is anything but. Some people thrive on sowing division and conflict and hate... You want to pity them while being as far away from them as possible. I hope the situation has much improved for you.​

Thank you. He’s the definition of a bully. And it felt embarassing to report him because I didn’t want to cause waves at work. But it was necessary and it worked.

View attachment 2546615
For me, it isn't just a question of accepting the truth. It's working out what to do with it once I've been told it.

I think the acceptance is huge. The next hurdle for me is probably to ride out the wave of embarrassment or anger or sadness, and then once I’m on the other side of that, I can partner with them to work out a solution. But that initial emotional response might be a doozy.

 

[hotwords229_A]

When you get bored with things, is it actually with the things themselves or with them being the same things? Are they the wrong things, or do you need a greater variety of them in order to keep you happy and engaged?

It’s entirely me. There is a quote that I can’t remember, but the idea is something like “you’re not bored, you’re boring”. My issues with my own life are internal. My mind wanders and, even when I have an incredible deal, I want more. Or, at least, something different. I’m always learning new things, or trying new skills, but I lose interest in them eventually (for the most part).

When you feel you've gone as far as you can in a particular job, do you naturally want to stay in that industry and build on your experience, or switch it up and start in a totally different field?

Totally new. But I’ll get bored with that too soon enough.

If you make a major change this time, you'll be better at it because you'll have a wealth of lived experience on which to draw. That's a good thing.

You don’t know me at all!

I'm hearing this read in a Hanna Barbera cartoon voice, just as the credits roll...

You totally get me!

Being frustrated, and chronically overworked by the sound of it, is a sign things aren't right.

Correct, but I’m the one overworking myself. Nobody is forcing this. I have a choice and I keep making the one that overwhelms me.

Man, I’m such a dick to me!

Hang in there, and while there are boobs, there's hope.

Boobs solve everything. If only someone would send me some.
(Shameless cry for PM boobs)

You mentioned that you may not have an idea of what is next. Do you have to before you make that next move? Is that the lesson that you are talking about- leaving before you have something else lined up?

I’ve burned it all to the ground many times before, with no plan of what’s next and moving to states where I don’t know anyone. It can be fun, but it’s not the best kind of plan.

Plus, I have a pretty good situation right now. I’m just being a whiner.

 

[Mrtenant]

So what I’m wondering is, what cycle are you in the midst of and where are you in that cycle? Just the beginning? Living your best life? Are you learning a lesson of some sort?

A very curious question. One could express their answer in the form of relationships with others or self.

Self- I am always growing. There are days when I have the energy and racing mind of my 18 year old self and others where I feel more my full age. I often feel in stuck in a cycle where moving forward seems glacial and perhaps non existent. At least that's how I often define things.

I have these hopes and dreams for myself and family where it seems like there is little I can do. At some point, I wonder, does it even matter? And then there are days when I am fired up and driving forward always striving to break a cycle of ennui.

Specifically- I broke a cycle of poverty and dysfuntion for my family that went back generations to the early 1800s. Are we wealthy? Comparatively, yes. Compared to billionaires? Laughably not.

I continue to build on that every day. It is slow. Nowadays, it's not just breaking the cycle but perpetuating the success for future generations. Honestly, I am tired of this purpose. I want to be free of it and pursue other things. But, it's not done yet and I won't lay it down.

I want to quit playing house and go hiking, do adventure vacations, make beautiful art. It will come. I have faith in myself.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

So what I’m wondering is, what cycle are you in the midst of and where are you in that cycle? Just the beginning? Living your best life? Are you learning a lesson of some sort?

A very curious question. One could express their answer in the form of relationships with others or self.

Yes there are other cycles that are spinning for me, too. Thank you for sharing yours here.

Specifically- I broke a cycle of poverty and dysfuntion for my family that went back generations to the early 1800s. Are we wealthy? Comparatively, yes. Compared to billionaires? Laughably not.

I’m wondering how you did this? Was there a person who acted as a support for you or who inspired you to break out of that generational cycle?

I want to quit playing house and go hiking, do adventure vacations, make beautiful art. It will come. I have faith in myself.

You get to take time for yourself too. It is tough though.

Now you’ve got me thinking of other cycles …

 

[Mrtenant]

I’m wondering how you did this? Was there a person who acted as a support for you or who inspired you to break out of that generational cycle?

It is part of a really long saga. (That may be too dramatic a term, but seems to fit)

Number 1: I was one of the original kids that was adhd when there was no such term for it. It was and is my superpower as I learned to harness it to my advantage- though I didnt know what it was until someone started assigning labels to such things.

History short version: By the time I was 19, my parents had both passed away and my family was scattered across the U.S. All my friends had moved on to college. I was effectively alone in Dallas. I ended up in jail and nearly homeless. In time, I got some counseling and learned how to think critically instead of by reflexive feelings. I saw my past and how I got there in relation to my family history and then found my purpose. My family would never have to go though what I was enduring and going to endure.

That's when I started using my superpower to my advantage. I worked 2 full time jobs and went to school full time over a period of several years. Some days were literally 72 hours long. I learned to take catnaps. One 30 minute nap could keep me going for 8 hours. Crap like that. I raised my GPA from a .50 to a 3.8. I got married with a partner that shared my vision. Were there setbacks? Oh absolutely. Some devastatingly so. But, I stayed focused and we are still moving forward.

I do take time for myself. Its not easy though. Being on Lit helps me. Part of my experience is teaching and helping others to also overcome poverty and financial hardship.

 

[Lmizzler]

View attachment 2546615
For me, it isn't just a question of accepting the truth. It's working out what to do with it once I've been told it.

I will be seeking some truth from coworkers tomorrow and I’m keenly interested to see how they accept it but more importantly how I accept it. I have a feeling it might be slightly larger in its ramifications into my life than I am anticipating right now. We shall see.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

More of the little things …

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

Goodnight

 

[BreukelenAnima]

Wonderful sentiments... I love how these recent postings are a genuine reflection of happiness and magic and the (possible?) search for answers. So much in life does "happen behind the scenes." I would take the feeling of being loved and believing in the magic of the universe and also add there’s a kind of mystical alchemy at work when we recognize that we (all of us) have the power within us to make others happy and to spread joy — one of the little things as well in life and an unseen transformation that ripples through others and back into ourselves. It goes beyond a feeling of being loved; it's about sharing a deep, authentic energy that can uplift, connect, and heal. Like an alchemist turning lead into gold, joy has the power to transmute the average person -- to make the ordinary into the extraordinary. It can change the emotional chemistry of the world by swaying thoughts, softening hard hearts, and reminding people of their light, their own ability to spread that joy. The mystery is that the more we give joy away, the more we seem to have. That’s the mysticism of it — it multiplies in motion.

I appreciate everyone who shares their ideas, comments and personal stories... and especially our moderator who provides the cues for these conversations... Everyone who contributes on here -- you're all spreading joy -- unseen perhaps, but very real.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

Magic
​

Where do you find magic in your daily life? When do you stop and think, ok if Magic isn’t real, then how in the world is *that* possible??Or do you not do that? Are you a more logical person and things can usually be explained by logic and reason?

 

[SimonSex]

Magic
​

Where do you find magic in your daily life? When do you stop and think, ok if Magic isn’t real, then how in the world is *that* possible??Or do you not do that? Are you a more logical person and things can usually be explained by logic and reason?

We need magic. Magic exists in the ether of the unexplained, and like a secret, once unveiled it is no longer magic (or a secret). Believing in Santa is a form of magic. Seeing a rainbow emerge following a summer rain storm is magic.
Hearing Pavarotti linger on the that high C in an aria is also magic. Things that stupefy us and are not in our wheelhouse of capability are often magic. Let it be ever so. Let’s not know so much that we forget how to be wowed.

 

[BreukelenAnima]

Magic
​

Where do you find magic in your daily life? When do you stop and think, ok if Magic isn’t real, then how in the world is *that* possible??Or do you not do that? Are you a more logical person and things can usually be explained by logic and reason?

Do we believe the scientist or the dreamer? A valid argument can be made for both, but do not forget at the juncture of magic and reason lies the wonderment of "magical realism" and it's a special blend of the two. Despite satellites orbiting in space and every square inch of earth being google mapped out for us, magical realism reminds us that some parts of existence—spirituality, love, death, fate—defy explanation and reason. That mystery is essential to our sense of wonder, spiritual growth, and creativity. Magical realism reminds us that all of life is a miracle and the chapters we write in our life's story cannot be fully explained or measured by reason. The things we feel, the people we love, the dreams we dream, the hope we seek, and the laughter we share -- this is all magical realism and the magic we conjure up in our daily lives can be proven to be more logical than reason itself.

 

[hotwords229_A]

Magic
​

Where do you find magic in your daily life? When do you stop and think, ok if Magic isn’t real, then how in the world is *that* possible??Or do you not do that? Are you a more logical person and things can usually be explained by logic and reason?

There’s a little magic in everything and a lot of magic in all of it.

Logic and reason are great in a sterile and theoretical environment, but the magic is the X factor that logic and reason can’t account for.

I see magic everywhere. Except in “magic” shows. That’s just slight of hand.

 

[Endless_Night]

Full Cycle ​

So what I’m wondering is, what cycle are you in the midst of and where are you in that cycle? Just the beginning? Living your best life? Are you learning a lesson of some sort?

My life tends to cycle in eight to ten year increments.

I am introverted and introspective. There is always something I am trying to work through or improve about myself. Sort of identify, struggle, change.

Knowing there's an issue and being able to move through the issue are two entirely different things.

My changes come in bursts. Some culmination of personal work and incidents push me over the top of the mountain. Followed by a shift in perspective and major life changes. I may move. Change focus or direction. Start a new life.

It's hard to explain. Example - at one point I was rather new age-y. Certified in various types of massage and body work. Meditation. Natural healing and regenerative foods. Looking for the serenity.

After one of those mountain top pushes I flipped course went back to school, picking up three degrees in biochemistry and associated sciences.

Rinse and repeat.

It's not uncommon for me to leave people, places, and lifestyles behind. Though not everything is ephemeral. Some habits, beliefs and people transfer.

I am still a pretty picky eater.

I'm at the end of one of those cycles.

 

[Endless_Night]

It’s entirely me. There is a quote that I can’t remember, but the idea is something like “you’re not bored, you’re boring”. My issues with my own life are internal. My mind wanders and, even when I have an incredible deal, I want more. Or, at least, something different. I’m always learning new things, or trying new skills, but I lose interest in them eventually (for the most part).

Totally new. But I’ll get bored with that too soon enough.

You don’t know me at all!

You totally get me!

Correct, but I’m the one overworking myself. Nobody is forcing this. I have a choice and I keep making the one that overwhelms me.

Man, I’m such a dick to me!

Boobs solve everything. If only someone would send me some.
(Shameless cry for PM boobs)

I’ve burned it all to the ground many times before, with no plan of what’s next and moving to states where I don’t know anyone. It can be fun, but it’s not the best kind of plan.

Plus, I have a pretty good situation right now. I’m just being a whiner.

I could have written this^.

Well, except for the shameless cry for PM breasts part.

 

[Endless_Night]

We need magic. Magic exists in the ether of the unexplained, and like a secret, once unveiled it is no longer magic (or a secret). Believing in Santa is a form of magic. Seeing a rainbow emerge following a summer rain storm is magic.
Hearing Pavarotti linger on the that high C in an aria is also magic. Things that stupefy us and are not in our wheelhouse of capability are often magic. Let it be ever so. Let’s not know so much that we forget how to be wowed.

Lovely.

Serendipity. That flash of kismet. Little flashes of magic and joy.

 

[hotwords229_A]

I could have written this^.

Well, except for the shameless cry for PM breasts part.

Oh cum now, everyone likes breasts.

 

[hotwords229_A]

at one point I was rather new age-y. Certified in various types of massage and body work.

Certified in massage, but you had never heard of “writing” messages on your partner’s back with your finger? What are they teaching these kids today?

 

[Endless_Night]

Oh cum now, everyone likes breasts.

So you keep telling me.

Certified in massage, but you had never heard of “writing” messages on your partner’s back with your finger? What are they teaching these kids today?

What?

 

[SalaciousMonkey22]

Full Cycle ​

It’s been a while since I posted here because it’s the end of the schoolyear and things have been so busy. The free time for Lit has gone to the Sweaters thread. You should check it out for the June challenge (shameless plug). Well. There is some shame. A healthy dose of shame is there. I’m not afraid of a little shame.

With the end of the schoolyear comes the end of a cycle. Each term is the end of a season of school, you could say. But what I’m talking about is something that happened last year to the day on this coming Monday. I had a severe disagreement, for lack of a better term, with a member of my administration and it was bad enough that I decided to lodge a complaint to my principal against him. This was the straw after a long list of incidents with him.

After discussing what was happening with him to a trusted coworker, she told me that he has harassed a few other women not only at our school but at others too.

This whole process was frightening to me - he’s a big guy, he’s my boss. I was really worried about how this year would go.

So now here I am a year later and I’m still standing. My principal did talk with him and it must have made an impression. It’s been a very difficult year but he kept his distance and remained professional with me. But this part- the part where I had to deal with him, was fine. I’ve come full circle with it. I feel like this cycle has come to an end.

This is something that I will need to revisit because he’s not going anywhere. And the budget is abysmal so it isn’t a good time to change jobs. But for now. I do feel like I’ve come full circle.

So what I’m wondering is, what cycle are you in the midst of and where are you in that cycle? Just the beginning? Living your best life? Are you learning a lesson of some sort?

I was a student for a long time and my wife was a teacher for just as long so it’s weird that I’ve always sorta felt influence by the school year. Summer feels like freedom. Autumn feels like change, sometimes the return of the grind but more the vibe of new year, new teachers new friends, even when none of these things happen. Funny how that works.

Anyway, we made a huge change last year. Today marks exactly one year since in fact. And it’s cyclical in a totally different way. But we’re just beginning to learn that new cycle. It’s fun it’s exciting it’s terrifying but it’s good.

Hopefully I’m saying that next year too

 

[firefox27eros]

Certified in massage, but you had never heard of “writing” messages on your partner’s back with your finger? What are they teaching these kids today?

It means you had have sex before the mobile phone era.
That is so sexy and I love this "primitive and old school" way because it is so good.

 

[Love_Is_Blonde]

Magic
​

Where do you find magic in your daily life? When do you stop and think, ok if Magic isn’t real, then how in the world is *that* possible??Or do you not do that? Are you a more logical person and things can usually be explained by logic and reason?

I am a woo woo person. I come by it honestly.

My mother collects stones and shells and feathers. She sees beauty in little things around her. She is an artist and sometimes she uses these things she finds in her art work. Other times she just puts them on her windowsill or keeps them on small dishes around the house or in little jars. She connects with the elements and nature, and these reminders make her happy. She writes and journals about them. She puts them in her jewelery box.

That’s magic.

I remember visiting my grandparents’ house when I was a kid. My grandmother would feed any stray cat around. She left saucers of milk out and would have regular visitors every morning; she would talk to them. She was not a native English speaker and so I think she sometimes felt more comfortable talking to the neighborhood cats than she did their owners.

That’s magic.

This morning, I took my dog for a walk; he’s a huge German shepherd that we just adopted a few months ago. He is about 3 years old they think. He was rescued from a flooded area- no one claimed him- so he’s ours- or we are his. He’s belonged here all along. He must be 90 lbs but when he jumps onto the bed or couch, he floats. Hes so graceful. He also has a sense of humor. When I give him his food, he takes his entire food bowl in his mouth and carries it to another part of the house, looks at me and then wags his tail and eats his food. Also, whenever I get up from where I’m sitting, he will immediately get in my chair and then turn onto his back and wag. He is playing little tricks on me.

That is magic.