How do you write what people actually want to read?
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…come on 7 !
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Author Archives: Mark J. Hahn
Not the other.
Despite my tendencies to be very structured in certain respects, I am also enthralled by spontaneity. Perhaps because of the structure, I have more opportunity. Honestly, never really thought about that until now. So there is one example.
The word spontaneous comes from the Latin word sponte, which means “of one’s free will”. Considering how we sometimes choose to use it, perhaps He is having second thoughts on that one gift in particular. Yikes. But as usual, I digress.
This morning, I watered the last of the grass seed I laid out for this season, a few days ago. Saw the spot when I got back from getting coffee for my bride. Just did it. All the dirt and all the seed are in the lawn now. Next up? More bulbs of some sort for next spring.
Wrote what I will call a daily reflection to myself. A way I happened upon to defray some of the irritation, angst and distraction that comes my way in the things I do. Used to try and name them, but a date works just fine. Oh, and somehow I came across this font that is really appealing to me for some reason. These old peepers can read it. “Comfortaa” is the one.
I figured out how I could renovate the console my brother left me. I have tried to get it fixed, but being from the 1960’s, there isn’t a whole lot of tinkerers or parts out there to bring it up to snuff. So? I found a source for some newer electronics that I will rig to fit into that beautiful piece of furniture. I will save the guts and see if someone with more experience than I wants it for their hobby.
I guess what it really comes down to, which may seem contradictory, is that structure creates avenues for spontaneity.
Because what needs to happen has, what I want to happen, can.
Sponte exercised in a good and affirming way.
Not the other.
Gratius iterum.
And not so much inward, and selfishly.
How do you make time for self-care?
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Must be a sign of the times in which we live that some level of jargon is developed to define something that really doesn’t need it. Or, worse, makes it into comething else. At some level it seems to be there to become a title, a status and then a career with a paycheck of all things.
Like influencer.
Honest interaction and connection, face to face, heart to heart and soul to soul has been the greatest influence of my life. That is what genuinely influences me and who I am trying to become.
Content creator?
I guess it all depends on how you pronounce it. Working in the yard and growing grass. Seeing someone grow as a person and athlete. A warm hug from someone that appreciates you. Having the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. Talk about creating fulfillment. Those are just some of the best ways I have found that make me most content.
Looksmaxxing?
Nope. Not going there.
Each day I simply try to do my best to take care. Not just simply for myself. But more so for others. It may not always work out that way. I have my shortcomings and failings. Many. But if I remain in that approach, by doing my best to make it selfless, then I am granted gifts never imagined.
The simplest things.
Like being open to the influence I sense in them and what they openly share with me. Finding the sense of contentment they create for me. Looking outward, beyond myself so that what give maxxes out the joy created within.
I am finding that self-care’s focus is not where I thought it was aimed.
It helps when I direct it outward, selflessly.
And not so much inward, and selfishly.
Don’t wait, then wish.
What’s one thing you wish you had started doing earlier in life?
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For about as long as I can remember, I have felt this spiritual presence. Not sure how to describe it. Express what it felt like or where it was within me. I was just aware of it. Sensed it. And for whatever, just left it there.
Rather, left Him there.
Without ever saying “hello”.
To wrapped up in other things to take even one step toward to explore. Make a minimal effort to understand the source. Find out more about it, or Him for that matter.
Then, all at once, that moment came. .
Everything changed.
I was confirmed into the Catholic faith.
I am getting to know Him. Hearing His voice. Understanding His will. Letting go and letting God. With it comes a true sense of serenity. Peace. And gratitude for His patience with me and faith that I would let Him into my life. So He can just be with me. And I with Him.
I sincerely wish that I had done this earlier in life. But I also understand that things have to happen in their own time. After all, it is part of a much bigger plan for me and what I am meant to become.
My friends, if any of you sense the same thing I spoke of, please give it more thought and a moment’s wonder than I.
Don’t set it aside for the thing of the moment. Pursue the wonder. See where it can take you.
By no means am I suggesting that you need or have to follow my specific faith path. That is not what this is about. I just know how nourished my soul is now and how transformative this been to my very being.
I honestly just want that for you.
However you do it, whereever you find it, whomever you let into your life, please give it your honest embrace. Become connected, as one to it. Open oneself up to the possibilities it will undoubtedly provide.
Believe.
Trust.
Love.
Live.
By all means, let it happen now.
Don’t wait, then wish.
