Adventurous Life

I have dealt with a lot of disappointments these past few years. Many people have tried to encourage me, and while some have been truly encouraging, others have left me more discouraged than I was before our interaction. I have reflected on my own experiences (read: these may not apply for everyone), and here are a few ways to truly help someone who is discouraged. If you have more ideas, share them in the comments! DO INVITE THEM: 1. Let them know you are there for them. 2. Ask how they are doing /feeling. 3. Give them time, space, and silence. Each person is different in how much they need. 4. Let them know they are not alone. 5. Listen. Let them know you are listening and engaging, but that's it. DON'T INVADE THEM: 1. Don't assume you know how that person feels. You may have a guess (and it may be right), but ask and let them tell you. It will be empowering for them. 2. Don't speak for that person. Strike the phrase "You must be..." from your mi...

Last week I had a rough day. I had been trying to resolve a frustrating situation and wrestling with anxiety about another situation when something negative unexpectedly occurred. In the grand scheme of things, none of these were horrible, but the culmination was too much for me that day. I decided to go to the Belvedere Museum. The focus there is on modern and contemporary art, but I like going there because of the gardens. I had read an article that viewing art is calming, and for me it is true. The Belvedere has a collection of Gustav Klimt's work, including the famous The Kiss. I'm not a big fan of Klimt, but after seeing more of his works, he is growing on me. I prefer his landscapes more than anything. The painting that stuck out to me the most that day was Forester's House in Weissenbach I on the Attersee ( Forsthaus in Weissenbach I am Attersee).  The subject is calming and idyllic. The colors are inviting and the scene is peaceful. You can almost feel the sun, s...