Emotions Archives - Blocks of Life

November 9, 2024October 3, 2024 by Pete Wiley

What are you thinking?—How to Direct Your Thoughts

What are you thinking about… right now?

It’s a simple question, but it’s so important. Our thoughts are the content of our consciousness. They are how we process the world and our experiences. We can choose our thoughts, but only to a certain extent. Errant thoughts will always arise, and some will be unpleasant and unwelcome. Some thoughts may cause worry, sadness, or anger. The relationship between our thoughts and our emotions is direct and often uncontrollable. However, with focus and practice, we can better control our thoughts and the emotions they stir.

October 26, 2024September 16, 2024 by Pete Wiley

Love Yourself, and People Will Love You Back

It’s nice to be loved, but not everyone loves you. That is just a fact of life. It may seem that there are some people who everyone loves, but I guarantee that even those people wanted someone to love them sometime in their lives who didn’t. What people feel about you is out of your control. What is in your control is who you are, so be yourself and work on yourself. Focus on personal growth and a meaningful life. Don’t try to become what you think will attract others or make a specific person love you. That will never work.

August 31, 2024July 13, 2024 by Pete Wiley

The End, but Not the End—Understanding Death

A good friend of mine died recently, and I was confused about how I handled it. It was a shock for sure, as his passing was unexpected. But then, because he wasn’t part of my day-to-day life, the feeling wore off quickly. I felt guilty that I was getting on with my life so fast. Death affects us in different ways and depends on a variety of factors, but it will always be a part of our lives. We all have to experience it; like anything else, it’s healthy to do it intentionally.

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August 17, 2024July 1, 2024 by Pete Wiley

Every Moment is a Transition

Change is a good thing. But, sheesh, enough already.

Last year, I retired from a job I held for 36 years and am devoting myself to Blocks of Life full-time. I’m still in the midst of that transition, but I’m barely making the top five in terms of the transitions around me. My wife is retiring next week, my mother is turning 90 (also next week), and my son recently began his first full-time job. Needless to say, parties abound, and I’m just trying to keep up. Transitions are the specific manifestations of an evolving life. Although they can cause anxiety and are not always thought of in a completely positive light, they should always be celebrated.

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August 3, 2024June 18, 2024 by Pete Wiley

The Simple Pleasures of a Rainstorm

One of my great joys in life is the anticipation of an approaching storm. I love everything about it—the dramatic change in light and atmosphere, the violence of it, the excitement. It’s almost like watching a great movie, except it’s more impactful because it’s real. During a summer storm, it can go from terribly hot, humid, and still to windy and much cooler in just a few moments. It’s a feast for the senses, as you may notice it’s coming in various ways. Of course, storms can be damaging, but they can also be renewing—wiping clean the conditions and the mood of the day.

in Emotions / Mindful 0 comments