I’ve heard that phrase a few times, and owing to fact that I have tendonitis in my right hand and cannot write,( Ok then why am I writing this but more of that later ), I thought I’d Witter on about it for a few lines until a shooting pain up my right arm suggests I stop for a really decent helping of self-pity and some medicine,
Before that awful event let me try to continue. In my opinion, largely flawed, under informed and capable of being side tracked by the sight of my favourite foodstuffs, very little is as it is. Ok, for the moment, if it rains it rains until, come the day, the wealthy among us will be able to turn on the , ‘Brilgoscope’ and move that inconvenient thunderstorm off our decking area and right over the garden of that irritatingly well dressed and opinionated Mrs Brightsmile so that I can get on with my barbecue uninterrupted. For the moment we will just have to accept the weather is what we are given, one black carbon belching chimney at a time.
In the main, I believe that life is not just about events, but also about perspective and temperament. As with most thing things, you can train yourself to have a better outlook although I’m the last person to walk away from the opportunity to grumble over scones piled high with jam and a modest portion of cream. Certainly the cards, either fate or that shifty guy at the gas station who seems to be trying to do a runner without paying for his fuel suggests, vary greatly in the supplies of good fortune provided but I also believe this. Those who look for sunshine always find it, and those seldom without an umberella usually find a reason to open it.
So why am I writing with tendonitis. Because facts are things to talk with certainly, but not to worship without question. Knowing the measurement of everything is not the same as understanding it.
countingducks 
“Knowing the measurement of everything is not the same as understanding it.” Very true. Great post!
LikeLike
I love your line “I believe that life is not just about events, but also about perspective and temperament.” So entirely true – and temperament is often overlooked. Measuring and knowing do often get conflated. Such a thought-provoking post.
LikeLike
A smile for a Thursday morning – it was just what I needed.
LikeLike
Hope your tendonitis soon goes away – is that what is making you philosophical? xx
LikeLike
Oh this is deep, and I love the last sentence.
I, too, have tendonitis, but in my left hand. Sending out vibes of empathy as I ask myself why I am typing too. 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry about your pain. I have adhesive capsulitis in my left shoulder and have had it for months so I can relate. Doing PT twice weekly. I can’t imagine how tough it would be to have tendonitis in your hand though, you have to do everything with it. Hang in there, it will get better.
LikeLike
You always craft the most wondrous sentences! You must have a bard in your family tree somewhere. “Those who look for sunshine always find it, and those seldom without an umbrella usually find a reason to open it.” That will be my inspiration for the day. Thank you for yet another splendiferous post!
LikeLike
P.S. Truly hope your tendonitis heals quickly…purely selfish reason…I want to read more of your writing! 🙂
LikeLike
Love your “glass is half-full” perspective. In fact, as I think about it, if we went through life without an umbrella, that glass would soon fill up, wouldn’t it?
LikeLike
Perspective and temperament – where would I be without those two saviours! Love your dedication to the cause, writing through the pain 😉
LikeLike
“Those who look for sunshine always find it, and those seldom without an umbrella usually find a reason to open it.” — Yes! Love this post! *types with arthritic hands*
LikeLike
Glad you have good meds! Get better soon, Peter!
b
LikeLike
I usually forget my umbrella somewhere, which is a shame because they look so cute when the waitress brings me those drinks!
LikeLike
That was food for thought. (Incidentally, I am now craving scones, jam and clotted cream, and I’m not going to find them in the South of France.) “Those who look for sunshine always find it, and those seldom without an umberella usually find a reason to open it”…. Absolutely brilliant! I hope your tendonitis gets better soon – I’ve been there, too, and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Love Mekanism and commented:
Loving this!
LikeLike
Best wishes with the tendonitis; it clearly didn’t stop you thinking – and what thinking.
Profound words that ring true for me.
LikeLike
***In the main, I believe that life is not just about events, but also about perspective and temperament.***
Peter, there is always a profound, shade-worthy sentence I find when reading your posts.
Today, this is the sentence.
XXxx KISs.
LikeLike
The last two lines say it all perfectly.
LikeLike
hi peter cousin clare here …have you thought of using a journalists type speech recorder …they a quite cheap…and if tendonitis goes on there is dragon speech recognition software which can transcribe your speech …wd hate to see anything stiffle your writing which I enjoy very much
LikeLike
Feel better soon. Have been there and it stinks! In Israel there is a phrase, “Ain Ma La’asot” which roughly translates into “There is nothing to do.” Which people use here like people use “It is what it is.” But I have a problem with both phrases — actually with when and how people use them. If you REALLY mean it. Like it IS what it IS — and I accept IT and will now live with this reality. Then GREAT. But if you are one of these people who says, “it is what it is” with his hands up in the air and a sorry look on his face, well, you are not accepting anything. you are pitying yourself. And self-pity gets you nowhere real fast (this I know all too well, too). As writers, we tend to be more aware of cliches and adages … don’t you think? And tend to use them with greater care. Which you have definitely done here.
LikeLike
Another brilliant post 🙂 I always enjoy reading your work 🙂 I was wondering if you would like to read my latest story as it was actually inspired by you 🙂 Here is the link if you would like to: wp.me/p3fZUO-4Q 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Ouch to the tendonitis – I had a bout a few years ago – steriod injections cured it
As to your post. So true
What you focus on is what you get
xxx
LikeLike
Great post. And I’m sorry about your tendonitis. Glad its not keeping you from writing.
LikeLike
Ouch. You may have to get a secretary (personal assistant to be politically correct) and just spew these wise and wonderful essay into the air to let someone else catch. 😉
LikeLike
I feel for you and wish you well soon. However, I may borrow that quotable gem of your last line “Knowing the measurement of everything is not the same as understanding it.” So profound. Just like you.
LikeLike
This very line “Knowing the measurement of everything is not the same as understanding it.” should be a quote that’s everywhere. So true..I loved this one
LikeLike
Ouch, so sorry you have tendonitis and in your hand! That’s just cruel. Love this post, though. So many wise reflections. Hope you get better soon!
LikeLike
You are so brave! It’s good to follow your dreams, even when others say you can’t or shouldn’t. 🙂
LikeLike
Love the message of the post.
Yes, it is all about how we see the situation and allow our beliefs to gain meanings much more than the impact of the situation itself. In a different context,Stephen Covey talks about this as his “90:10 ” Rule. He says 90% of our response to a situation is based on how we perceive, not about the situation.
So how do we bring this new perspective into our lives?
Shakti
LikeLike
I am still trying to find the secret to a better temperament and if you discover it let me know! In the meantime, I hope your tendonitis mends so you can go on with your writing. If not you can dictate to me and I will type it out.
LikeLike
Hi there Ducks,
I’m a fellow sufferer who empathizes with your pain (arthritis and impinging carpal tunnel). I am into hand and wrists exercises and I do recommend them. http://onecoolsitebloggingtips.com/2011/10/16/hand-and-wrist-exercises-for-bloggers/ Rest is effective but not writing is painful too, albeit in another way. here’s hoping your heal quickly and we hear from you again soon. Til then it is what it is.
LikeLike
Hmm, well said.
Tendonitis, I understand, is enormously painful. That would be so hard to write?… Well done you for persisting, however, in what you love.
As for perspective & temperament – very well said indeed.
LikeLike
Perspective and temperament vs. daily pain. A boxing match fought daily in my life. Alas, sometimes the dark side wins. It’s especially difficult when it stops me from doing what I love (gardening, welding, walking). Hope you’re tendonitis has healed.
LikeLike