There is a special feeling that comes from hard toiling on the ground that is unmatchable anywhere else in life. It invigorates the soul and imbues a cellular connection with the earth. You enter into waking dream state as your body moves in rhythm to facilitate the pivoting and levering of your limbs.
And as you alluded to, the adaptability of the human mind -- at least for many -- can be incredible. Joy, grief, longing, fear, confidence, so many more emotions and thoughts can tear through us at top speed, or spend days, months, years inside our hearts and minds. How mysterious, how amazing.
I wrote this recently for a friend whose mother died the night before my friend had to go on stage as the lead in a local theater production: "There is no time frame; there is no script; there is no guide to walk the path of grief. That path is strewn with flowers of memory and love. Some days it's doable. Some days it's climbing a mountain without good boots."
One of your best reflections yet 👏🏼 There's a human art to finding the balance between emotional toughness and compassion - compassion for ourselves and others. It takes a lifetime of practice to find this balance. Some people won't get it. That's ok. They're finding another path.
I’m glad you found those emotions. And I understand why you had to push them away back then. I’ve done the same, but under different circumstances as a man who learned to never show weakness. It takes a toll. But I unlearned. So did you 😊
Tough path but rewarding. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened! Also: there's a high rate of self harm among firefighters and first responders. While it's nuanced, I do wonder how much having to hide emotions contributes.
There is a special feeling that comes from hard toiling on the ground that is unmatchable anywhere else in life. It invigorates the soul and imbues a cellular connection with the earth. You enter into waking dream state as your body moves in rhythm to facilitate the pivoting and levering of your limbs.
Absolutely. You captured it perfectly, thanks.
And as you alluded to, the adaptability of the human mind -- at least for many -- can be incredible. Joy, grief, longing, fear, confidence, so many more emotions and thoughts can tear through us at top speed, or spend days, months, years inside our hearts and minds. How mysterious, how amazing.
Yes. Where does that tide of grief come from? Where does it go? How do we even march on? Resilience is a gift.
I wrote this recently for a friend whose mother died the night before my friend had to go on stage as the lead in a local theater production: "There is no time frame; there is no script; there is no guide to walk the path of grief. That path is strewn with flowers of memory and love. Some days it's doable. Some days it's climbing a mountain without good boots."
Sometimes, we need to do things to protect ourselves. No shame. Smart. After, we adjust. Nicely done.
One of your best reflections yet 👏🏼 There's a human art to finding the balance between emotional toughness and compassion - compassion for ourselves and others. It takes a lifetime of practice to find this balance. Some people won't get it. That's ok. They're finding another path.
Agree, wise friend. I need to not take it personally when this happens. We are all just walking each other home, in our own ways.
I'm glad you are finding you. Still strong, still brave, but with a softer side as well.
I’m glad you found those emotions. And I understand why you had to push them away back then. I’ve done the same, but under different circumstances as a man who learned to never show weakness. It takes a toll. But I unlearned. So did you 😊
Yes! It's hard for men too, maybe not so much on fire crew, but maybe? Unlearning...I like that.
That was a tough path to follow. Now you are stronger for your work. Care
Tough path but rewarding. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened! Also: there's a high rate of self harm among firefighters and first responders. While it's nuanced, I do wonder how much having to hide emotions contributes.