Mindset Makes a Difference

It is common knowledge that anything worthwhile comes from hard work. But do we realize this also pertains to our inner emotional life? “Tremendous determination or willpower” is essential to have “infinite love and compassion,” says the Dalai Lama.

Barry and Glenda married 40 years at the time of the photo

I find myself working hard these days learning to control my mindset. For over a year, I have fought giving in to negative thoughts, wondering if my life is still relevant. 

Since the pandemic changed everything for me in drastic ways, I find myself asking who am I now? As I did when Barry died in 2009, I felt rootless. Thanks to COVID-19, my health became an issue in various ways and I realized I needed to sell my home in the mountains and move close to family. 

Moving is only second to losing a spouse as the most stressful event we ever experience. In July 2009, when I lost my beloved husband, I was floundering trying to find a way to make my life worthwhile. 

In 2010 I opened Writers Circle Around the Table, my writing studio in my house on Chatuge Lane in Hayesville, NC. With dear friends, Jeff and Wanda Shue, my daylight basement was painted. Mary Mike Keller made curtains and helped me in any way I needed. Others pitched in to make a big empty space a warm and workable room for writers to gather and learn. My dear friend, John Buckley enlarged and created a bathroom that my students often complimented. I put in cabinets and shelves, bulletin boards, bought tables and chairs, and fell in love with my studio. It became my favorite plaice in my house. In remembrance of Barry, I hung his musical instruments on the walls.

That happened because I was able to change my mindset. Instead of feeling it was all over, I began a new way of thinking. From the darkness, came the light.

I was recently a Beta reader for an excellent author of a book about mindset. I am truly enjoying learning what this man has to offer. Today I decided I will start a anew here in the city, meet my kind of people, join a community or start a community of writers. I will continue to share my wisdom learned from my experiences and all the people I have known and loved. 

It takes tremendous determination to let love and compassion grow again when you are at rock's bottom. I have that determination now to share my love, compassion and empathy through my writing and my teaching but it will be here where I now live.