Are you happy?
The question hits
my gut,
slingshots
down the hall
deadends
at optimism
Of course, I respond.
What else can I say…
Sure life needs tweaking…
I am learning to be better…
I can make this work…
Why? What do see?
Thoughts unspoken
but the bell has been rung…
(For Reena’s Exploration challenge: How far can optimism go? Image my own.)
One Woman's Quest 
Nothing in life is permanent, everything goes on with Time. Some things change, some stays same. But during this phase, it’s a big deal to live with optism
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Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for dropping by.
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So relatable and relevant!
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Thanks.
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This is so relevant to my life during these times. You nailed it with this one, VJ.
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Thanks Eugi!
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😉
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Second stanza really hits hard!
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Ah…you’ve been there before… thanks.
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Maybe so. Welcome.
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so much said in so few words…..deeply
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Thank you!
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That bell starts the deep, dark night of the soul.
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Yes, it does.
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Interesting question, V.J. I decided to check out what Professor Google had to say. So many aspects to the theory of happiness, but two struck me. “Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved…and to know the source of any unhappiness.” Love the ending of your poem. Just asking the question can trigger a journey of self-discovery.
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I love that you googled it, and the response makes perfect sense. Thanks Olga.
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I would have to say…it’s enough sometimes. Thought provoking piece here. If optimism takes so much work – which it currently does – then it competes with happiness? And where do we settle amidst the resulting exhaustion. Beautiful photo.
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Optimism vs reality was the differentiation I had to learn at the time. Thanks Andrea. That it is enough, sometimes…I agree with.
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You’re welcome. It is an ongoing challenge.
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Sure is.
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Wonderful piece…deeply moving
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Thank you!
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Good for you VJ, the only time could I answer yes to that question was when I was a child of God walking along the road. 👶
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Sunnier times.
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Is Optimism Enough? ………. by VJ Knutson
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Somehow, I can relate to this piece in the present situation. Thanks for echoing a sentiment!
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Thanks Reena. It was a question asked me during my former marriage that caught me off guard, and actually began a long awakening.
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I understand. There are many marriages that go through this.
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Interesting question … in my current situation, I am both grieving and grateful. Parts of me are sad; parts of me are happy; most of me is simply braced for continuing uncertainty. (Hospice comes today to evaluate and hence begin caring for my son here in my house. I am exceedingly happy to reach this turn on a very windy, hilly road; I am happy to accompany my son on this road; I am braced for overwhelming grief around one of the many bends ahead.)
Maybe I should put this into a poem? Thank you VJ, for putting the word “happy” in front of me this morning. You rang a bell for sure.
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Jazz, I am glad you are able to have your son with you, and deeply sorrowful for the journey ahead of you. Know that I think of you daily.
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My circumstances are different but the sentiments are the same. You put it in words better than I could have.
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Thanks. This is written in hindsight (smiley face)
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I’m sorry to hear about your son, Jazz.
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The short answer is no.
😉
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Lol. I agree.
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As do I.
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