5 Thought Friday

Pauline Santangelo, aka my mom, passed away peacefully this week at the age of 91. This has consumed all of my thoughts for the week and here are 5 of those thoughts:

1.       What I am currently reading, viewing, listening to…or writing:

• I am writing in my gratitude journal about all of the things I found so wonderful and easy-going about my mother. This has been such an astonishing way to celebrate my mother’s experience-filled life and find the healing path that best suits my unique self.

• As a side note, I decided to write for hours in the local panda park that my mother and I visited during her last visit in 2019. It was soothing!

2.       Gratitude Practice (for improved happiness):

• Grateful for being blessed with a mother who was so loving, caring, and willing to lend a shoulder when I was feeling down. She had such a wonderful ability to listen and I cannot remember a single time we fought. Her biggest strength was a warm heart and overall serenity, which I cherished as a son.

• I was also grateful for how she treated my wife and children so graciously and welcoming.

3.       Wellness ideas to consider:

• Epictetus wrote that “I cannot escape death, but at least I can escape the fear of it.”.

• Epictetus’ stoic thoughts echo how my mother embraced the impermanence of life. She often spoke about how she didn’t fear death and lived each day filled with gratitude and positivity. This is one of the factors I believe contributed to her long life and long health span.

4. What I’m eating, drinking, buying, or whatever else is on my mind:

• Other factors to a long life? Deep relationships with family, socializing with friends, experiencing the world, and laughing at yourself.

• This photo in Jeju Island, South Korea, reminded me of what a good sport my mother was when we traveled together. We actually traveled together to 22 countries around the world, which was always our best way for the family to bond with my mom.

5. Quote(s) I am Pondering:

• “Mom could make small things seem miraculous. That was her talent.
  —Matthew Quick, Author

• My mother was miraculous….just ask her 4 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and and and

• Mom, you left an incredible legacy and your spirit will live on for generations to come. May you Rest in Peace! Your son, Mike
  

Happy Friday!

Mike