It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t judge others or expect never to be judged ourselves. It does mean that we should apply the same measure of kindness and consideration of circumstances to others as we would wish them to apply to us.
One of the things I appreciate about the ups and downs of it all is that UP is both a grand thing entirely and a tough old slog or a concern, and DOWN is both a breezy joyride and a depressing turn of events or a concern.
I’m on the 2023 roller coaster. Wheels clank against the rails as we climb up, up up. I can’t wait to see what’s on the other side of the crest of the track. I’ll do my best to throw up my arms, shriek, and enjoy the ride.
A happy person doesn’t need to be merry at all. Happiness is sitting at peace in the moment and being grateful for what is. Happy Christmas.
Here’s your challenge for the day. Turn some hate into love. You might laugh, and you’ll for sure find some gratitude.
Somerton Smith 
I can’t improve on your observations, Arlene, but I’ll add one.
Contrast always stands out: White birch among the dark barks, a good thing. (Yes, it’s okay to be different.)
You are a great noticer, a reminder for me to do the same on walks. 🙂
It’s one of my mindfulness practices. I stop and look really closely or intently at something – peel back as many layers of it as I can. It’s always inspiring in some way.
We have birch trees in our front yard. I adore them, even with the bark they shed willy-nilly they show me that being your own tree is where it is at.
I love a birch tree, and it always amazes me how far birch bark gets blown from a tree after a major storm. I guess that’s another thing about birch trees – the thing about them that makes the unique and beautiful is also useful.
Is the bark easy enough to break into pieces to use as a decorative mulch? If so, I would think it would be beautiful. I like your mindfulness and inspiring thoughts. Thank You for sharing! Blessings!
I’ve never heard of a birch bark mulch. It’s very light – it would probably blow away! Interesting visual though. It would be beautiful.
You are right. I probably would blow away. Yes, it would be beautiful. Oh, well! Some things just are not meant to be. Thank You for responding!
Your innovative way of looking at what could be viewed as the ordinary in our lives gives so much more meaning to each and every post you make. The mindfulness with which you explore your world lends to your posts ability to awaken inspiration in others. Therefore, I have nominated you for the Ideal Inspiration Award. It is a non-official award for bloggers by their peers. You can accept and place your own nominees at: https://tkbrownwriter.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/ideal-inspiration-blogger-award-for-bloggers. Thank You for being an inspiration to others encountered in your life. Blessings!
Thank you very much for the vote of confidence. I don’t usually do awards though. My reward is making connections with people and giving the world a little more light. That’s good enough for me!
I like your mindfulness and inspiring thoughts. Thank You for sharing!
Thank you! Every moment holds meaning in it … somewhere.