Author: Luanne Shernisky

About

/ Luanne Shernisky / 59 Comments

Blog and penWelcome to Following Seas, a blog about living more fully in the present by understanding ourselves better and learning from the past. 

We’ve all made poor choices that cost us time, energy, and missed opportunities. That’s part of the human condition. Often these mistakes are the result of destructive patterns developed over time from the harmful messages we received from others.

To overcome a negative mindset we must take control and live with intention. We have to practice compassion and forgiveness for ourselves and others. It begins with thoughtful self-examination and setting goals for positive change.

Having experienced a few life-changing events in my 50+ years and learning some valuable lessons, I’ll focus on the subjects of self and how to live life with more intention.

Therefore, I’ll write about self-reflection, mindfulness, and other ways to achieve personal growth.  I’ll share my experiences and I invite you to share yours.

I want Following Seas to become a source of inspiration and information about our shared humanity. We have the power to change and grow and, in doing this, we really can navigate our best life! 

 I began blogging in 2015 to keep my writing ability strong, as well as to reflect on life and current events.

I also got interested in photography and enjoy posting pictures and participating in the various challenges. 

I grew up in western Pennsylvania, worked, and raised a family there. My greatest accomplishment is my three children, all responsible adults leading successful lives.

My second greatest accomplishment was earning a college degree at 52 years old. This enabled me to check off Item #1 on my Bucket List.

The next goal is to turn my writing hobby into income with a freelance career. And who knows…maybe a real live book someday, complete with my own photos! 🙂

 

 

Dinner Out – Always a Treat!

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One of my favorite treats, in adult life, is an impromptu dinner out. The last thing I want to do, after a long day at work, is go home and prepare a meal (not that I mind cooking, but I enjoy it more on my days off.) I did it for many years while raising a family. Money was tight and dinner out involved a drive through or food in a box. With the kids grown and gone, I’m free to choose a restaurant with table linens and a server!  🙂

There’s something wonderful about having time after work to relax and unwind. No need to hurry home and begin the next round of chores. This must be why they call it Happy Hour; it’s a transition period made more enjoyable with good company and tasty food prepared by a real chef. MFullSizeRendery mother-in-law used to say that even a bologna sandwich tasted amazing when someone else made it for her.

Dinner out usually begins with a bottle of Cabernet, which is helpful in “smoothing out” the day’s wrinkles. This is followed by a delicious entrée and either a dessert, coffee, or more wine (depending on my mood and whether I need to lose a few pounds.) Having a fun dinner partner is crucial to the experience, and all of this occurs against the backdrop of soft music and candlelight.

The whole experience leaves me feeling satisfied both physically and emotionally. I’m seriously thinking of becoming a food critic, so that I can earn a living while I treat myself!

Choice

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

Despite only having six letters, it’s a small word with big implications. It’s the ability to choose, which is something we’re not born with. As babies and children, we rely on our parents and caretakers to make choices for us: when and what we eat, how often we’re bathed, what time we go to bed, and so forth. It’s a privilege we acquire as we grow older. However, privilege and responsibility go hand in hand and we quickly learn that our choices have consequences. Yes, kids, we can eat ice cream for dinner and stay up late every night, but eventually we’ll suffer from poor health issues.

If we don’t learn those lessons early, the stakes only get higher as we grow up: yes, we can have unprotected sex and drive while intoxicated, but the consequences are more immediate and far more serious. Just about the time we begin to gain some autonomy, our hormones go crazy and we forgo common sense and bow to peer pressure.

How we handle these early choices ultimately shape our lives and determine how we view our right to choose. Do we see them as a responsibility or an entitlement? Do we carefully examine the various options available before making a decision? Are we conscious of how our choices may impact other people?

We make many choices in our daily life. Some are small and insignificant; what outfit should I wear? Some are large and compelling; do I quit my job to pursue my passion?

Life is the sum of all your choices. ~ Albert Camus

You decide.