Comfort

Recently I asked someone "what makes you comfortable?" and after asking, I realized I never really thought through the question myself.  So I did. 

Each day, I realize I am less comfortable with what I know to be true; which I hope is healthy.  Each day, though, I am more comfortable pushing myself and my limits to learn more, explore more and challenge myself more than I ever thought I would.

Each day, I realize that a lot of our comforts are probably similar.  And as I ponder what it is that makes me comfortable, it doesn't have to be one person or place, instead like an old film strip, thoughts pass through my mind. And more often than not, these are shared experiences.


Reading in the park.  Admiring Ava as she snuggles into me.  Walking in the warm sunshine.  Enjoying a glass of wine with a good friend.  The smell of coffee. Learning something new.  Working/reading in a nice cafe.  A candle lit room. A night in with a book. Enjoying a warm cup of tea.  New cities. Laughing with Henry.  Staring into a fire and remembering the beauty of life. Listening to a good story, or two.  A basket filled with fresh fruits and veggies from the local market.  Starry nights. Your stories.  Toes in the sand. Finding the perfect gift.  Finding an uplifting news story and sharing it. Laughing with anyone, really.   Cooking and sharing a good meal. Puppy kisses.

Sharing love and sharing life. 

A good friend once gave me Joseph Campbell's book and I remember a section where he talked about closing your eyes and going to a place where you remember being most happy.   These, the things I have listed above, I think, are the places I would go.  And these are the places I do, I think, try to go each day, in addition to challenging myself.  Life is about comforting those around you as well, as life is about sharing and loving.  

Here is to being comfortable, while still challenging oneself - all while sharing love. 

Community

One of the places where I have learned the most about community is Green Bay, Wisconsin.  Oddly enough, part of that sense of community comes from our home football team, the Green Bay Packers.  Sounds funny, I know.  Especially coming from a girl whose only interest in watching sports (playing is a different story) is really hockey, and only because I grew up idolizing my big brother go from rink to rink winning tournament after tournament. 

We are unique, for many reasons.  Community, is what sets us apart.  The Packers are the only team owned by the community and there are players who have been around for years, because of the community and the spirit of Green Bay.  When bringing in new players, management looks for not only the skill, but the heart in each player.  Donald Driver who has been with the team for 12 years (I think), was the last one off the field yesterday as he took time with each fan, even with an injury, as he circled the stadium.  Driver has the heart of Green Bay, and the community sees it. 

Rodgers said in an interview with Letterman "But I think a lot of times, the things you can't measure are often the things that give people the most success." 

Here is a little piece of the heart I saw from my family and friends during this Superbowl XLV win...


Green Bay Superbowl XLV Celebration from Anna Titulaer on Vimeo.

I am always thankful for the heart and spirit of Green Bay, and what it has taught me, and continues to teach me, each day.

small things

There are days when I am sure that though we are all human, we often forget what it means to be human.   To truly love one another. 

In moments of hardship and frustration, I find comfort in the pages of The Joy of Loving by Mother Teresa and A Manual for Living by Epictetus.  Books which speak to loving one another, but in focusing on our daily lives, and what is important. 

"We must not drift away from the humble works, because these are the works nobody will do.  They are never too small.  We are so small we look at things in a small way.  Even if we d a small things for somebody, God, being almighty, sees everything is great.  For there are many people who can do big things.  But there are very few people who will do the small things." - Mother Teresa

Tonight, as I close my eyes, I continue to challenge myself to act on the small meaningful loving acts in life, as they truly matter each day.