When I reflect on my own life I see someone who has had to work hard to achieve goals and milestones. What I mean by that is, it seems – to me – that life hasn’t been “easy”. When I’ve had to move forward or accomplish something I know I want – I have had to work hard to achieve it. Hear me, I know I tend, at such times, to compare myself to others who appear to achieve easily. Truth is, I do not see their struggles or the road they had to walk in order to achieve. So in reality, I am probably no different than others. I just think I am.
Do we all do that? Do we all have a tendency to compare ourselves to others (the bible plainly warns that that is an unwise decision – Galatians 6:1-10, don’t compare)? Do we all tend to think we travel this life alone? I hope not. This is one thing I don’t want to place on others. This is one thing I want to overcome, the idea in my head that I have to buck up, cowgirl up, stand tall, and do it alone. The absolute truth is, I’m NOT alone. I have friends and family around me who encourage me often and stand with me.
All this said because I was reflecting this morning. Reflecting on a New Year. I know, I already did that the end of December/beginning of January. But it’s the Chinese New Year. Happy New Year to those who celebrate this time of the year. I was remembering my first, and only Chinese New Year. It was in February of 2005 in China. So, tomorrow, I will be posting about our trip to China. It was amazing and difficult all at once.
To tie you over, I am posting some flowers I bought for myself the other day. I love fresh flowers because in the midst of an extra freezing winter they bring a ray of hope for spring.
Enjoy!
cate b
Let's Have Another Piece of Pie 
Appreciated this post! Thanks, Uma.
You are welcome!
Amen! Sometimes we think we carry the world on our shoulders (it may seem like we really are but there are people who love us and are more than willing to share the burden and help us along the way.
Lovely photos!
My shoulders hurt. 😉
Thank you for your words 🙂
Great thoughts! They remind me of some lyrics to a song:
You’re not alone
Even when you’re feeling on your own
You are loved in ways that can’t be shown
Your needs are known
You’re not alone
The flowers are beautiful.
I have been invited to teach in China this summer. I don’t know if I will accept it or not at this point.
~ Darling
Thank you Darling!
And China. Wow. Our son attended Shanghai University in 2004-2005. It is different there. And the food was, well, not line our Chinese restaurants. Haha a beautiful country. Just different. 🙂
I was in Japan last spring, but I think they’re worlds apart in many ways.
I don’t have to make a decision yet, but I certainly need to make up my mind one way or the other. 🙂
~ D
May you choose the best for you. Can Sir go too??
Ha Sir will laugh reading this. He wants me to go to Australia in lieu of China. I’m sure his motives are pure ;).
~ D
At least they speak English. Ha
They do indeed, yet they had a bugger of a time understanding me.
Not Sir though. He had no problems. He especially liked my sign language. *laughs*
You’re fun Cate. I enjoy our banter.
The natives are returning, and I must depart and actually do my job. Have a great Thursday!
~ Darling
And you also.
The flowers are lovely, Cate! Waiting to see your post on China. Can you believe I am intimidated by the thought of visiting China. It is very different to Asia. Not all Chinese are the same, just like Europeans 😉 Hahaha… I need to overcome this “burden”and go to China some day and hopefully soon. (I have been to Guangzhou – Canton, for a day trip if that counted, lol…)
Any yes, I used to carry the world on my shoulders, too. Like you, it got heavy and I got tired. Now I am not ashamed to ask for help and be open to new ideas without judgement.
Have a happy week ahead!
Thank you Semi. And yes, China is different. It took me a year or two to say “Yes, I will go back.” Very different – oppressive in many ways. Such history and beauty there.
lovely flowers. I don’t think we should desire an easy life anyway – how would we grow…
That is so true. And given my personality – I need and actually (sometimes) enjoy the challenge. haha
Thank you so much. Have a fantastic weekend.
Thanks. You also
Life is hard but beautiful, no one wants to end this journey and every night brings day again. So all my prays with you alwayss… May Allah bless you and your sweet family.ameen
Thank you so much Afsheen. You are a precious friend.
And so are you.
😀
I love your beautiful pictures!
Thank you so much.
beautiful. i too appreciate fresh colourful flowers in winter. we can’t always afford them so it’s a special treat when we do have them in the home and when we can’t have any i can come online at look at the gorgeous photos that others share.
🙂