I meant to get this out on the last day of November 2024, but like many good intentions, that didn’t happen. So here I am with my usual end-of-month post, five days into the following month. But it’s not like you’re keeping track, are you? 😉
Dear Self – November 2024
Dear Self
November was a hard month for you. You felt helpless and hopeless especially as you watched the world go seemingly mad. You struggled to make sense of how the USA and India could vote for people who were against democracy as we know it. In fact, one of the few pieces of writing you could publish this month was on how you were feeling helpless!
Added to this, you and Jose kept getting hit by health setbacks which resulted in pain, discomfort and turning your whole agenda upside down. It was difficult not to be depressed and disheartened. Having to keep the house running, everyone fed and Lucky walked regularly meant that you had no choice but to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.
But what really kept you going was your participation in The Liturgy Of The Little Things on Instagram. It was a joy to look out for one little thing each day and mindfully process its meaning and share it with others. It only reinforced that mindfulness and gratitude can take us through anything.
There were other ideas that came to you, new perspectives and choices that you are making. These will be shared in the December post.
As we move in to the last month of 2024, I hope that we can become even more mindful, looking out for beauty in the day to day.
Until next time, be mindful, stay grateful, and always live authentically.
Love,
Me
The Liturgy Of The Little Things
Here’s my attempt to encapsulate what I experienced while focusing on the little things in November.
November whispers, soft and low,
A hymn to life’s quiet, steady flow.
It teaches me to find delight,
In candles lit at the edge of night.
Flames that flicker, warm and bright,
Chasing shadows, softening light.
In chopping vegetables for soup’s embrace,
Or folding laundry, still laced with grace,
Each humble task, a sacred part,
A simple rhythm, a beating heart.
A ritual, quiet, yet profound,
Honoring the life that circles around.
These moments ask for my gentle care,
For presence, attention, fully aware.
They speak of holiness, calm and small,
Not in grand gestures, but in life’s sprawl.
A beauty blooms where the ordinary stays,
Illuminating meaning in humble ways.
November draws me, more than the rest,
To gratitude’s altar, where I feel blessed.
In the sacred rhythms, soft and true,
A quiet worship in all I do.
I hope your November was meaningful too.
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I am sorry to learn your first 3 words for November were Helpless, Hopeless, and Illness.
I agree the world situation with Trump getting elected has gone from bad to worse. Keeping things running at home amid health setbacks must be really hard. The fact that you can still find the mind space to appreciate the beauty in small things and practice mindfulness is inspiring. I hope you have a better December and that it goes according to your intentions.
Thank you, Anamika. Sometimes, we have no choice but to press on and attempt to find meaning in things. December already feels better. Thank you for your wishes – and I wish you the same. ♥
November was an especially difficult month for me too, so I commiserate with you, Corinne. Trump’s victory here started it off on the wrong foot, and his cabinet picks just continue to keep it going wrong. But I had a lot of struggles in my personal life as well, so I appreciate your emphasis on the liturgy of little things. Before I go to sleep each night, I try to think of people who had been kind to me during the day and vice versa. It has helped. May our Decembers bring us unexpected joys! 🙂
I know how hard you worked for the Election, Lisa, so I can imagine the depth of your feelings of disappointment. We watch with horror as Trump picks his cabinet. But at many levels, in India, we are becoming used to incompetent people and criminals getting elected and appointed!
Sorry to hear about your struggles. Please be assured of my prayers.
December seems better already for me, and I pray it’s the same for you and your family. ♥
I hope both you and Jose are feeling better now, Corinne. Dealing with health challenges is never easy, though I can see how the liturgy of little things — or being mindful — can be helpful. Hope December is treating you better!
I’m fine, Shinjini. Jose still has a while to go before he’s back to normal. December is looking better already. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about the bouts of illnesses that you and Jose when through in November! I can so well relate to that feeling of low energy and morale when that hit you but glad that you joined the Liturgy of Little things and stayed mindful of the positive things even through that.
Wishing December treats you both well and you are back in action, prepping for a great year ahead.
Hugs, Corinne!
Thank you, Esha. December is almost over, but it has been a better month – hope it’s the same for you too!