What I Know, Not What I Think

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“The Heart has its reasons, that reason does not know.” – Blaise Pascal

I have a lot of opinions about all that’s going on in the world. Don’t worry – I’m not going to tell you them. I realized the other day that not only do I get a steady dose of news from my media intake, but I also am getting a whole lot of other people’s opinions about it from newsletters, expert commentary, inexpert commentary, memes, and more.

This a-ha made me realize that I needed to take a breath and find ground in what I know instead of just what I think. My dad was a great believer in the wisdom of the heart. The quote for this post was one of his favorites.

So here’s what I know:

No one knows the future, no matter what credentials they have.

People working together can accomplish great things.
Pitting people against each other can lead to temporary gains but comes at a cost.

There are real feelings in the pancake vs. waffle debate.

One suffering soul can hurt a lot of people

Healing is always possible but it takes hard work.
It’s my responsibility to do my work so that I can try not to add suffering to the world.

Believing is a way of life. If something requires me to check what I believe at the door, I should be doing everything I can to resist.

When I feel rushed, oppressed, and worried, the best thing to do is slow down, remember what I know, and find the next right thing to do. The rest is in God’s hands.
Believing that there is Higher Power helps me to work hard in the day and sleep at night.

There are an infinite number of things that can bug me – and the at least the same number that can delight me.
Whether I find one or the other, depends on me.
Developing the discernment between what is irritating and what needs to be fixed is a constant practice.

Love is all there is, to quote the Fab Four.
Being mindful of expansive love changes my experience: love of all the precious people around, the beauty of nature, the delight in the air I breathe, the gift of the day I’m in.
Uncertainty triggers fear and moves me out of love.

Navigating uncertainty takes energy.
Patience takes energy.
So sleeping and eating well can truly change the world.

When choosing between the standard and the ultra, always make the ultimate pancake recipe

The golden rule to treat others the way that I want to be treated works to reminds me to flip my perspective.
But I will never know what anyone else’s experience is like.

Sharing of authentic stories is transformative.
Opinions rarely brings us together. Swapping stories often does.

There is no one else I can be.
Conversely there is no one else others can be.
People change; but not how you want or when you want them to.

Slowing down how I roll helps me find more opportunities to be kind.

Effort brings outcome.
Exercise is worth it.
Setting goals that are bigger than I believe I can accomplish will take me somewhere.
There is nothing I can wear that will replace confidence.
It is possible to live through hard times and learn from them.

My dad once wrote, “The distance between our heart and our head is about 13 inches. When our hearts are right, our heads will follow along by believing.“
And that leads to the last thing I know for this post: A hopeful heart is a powerful thing.

(featured photo is mine)

You can find me on Instagram @wynneleon and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/

I co-host a storytelling podcast featuring authors and artists with the amazing Vicki Atkinson. To tune in, search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or Pocketcasts (and subscribe) or click here. Or the YouTube channel features videos of our interviews. Please subscribe!

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about collaboration and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

83 thoughts on “What I Know, Not What I Think”

  1. Your dad’s words are so wise and we need them more than ever in these increasingly darker days, Wynne.

    I’ve had to limit my daily intake of news and social media for the sake of my mental health. But I see it, like you, the forces at play trying to water the seeds of division that have sown. And it is so distressing to see.

    I’ve had to cancel a planned conference attendance in the fall to the US, because I don’t feel safe crossing the border on my own and it is such an awful feeling to have. We need to come together more than ever, at a time when an elite few and trying to divide the majority of people that want peace and unity.

    Hang in there! 🙏💕

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you, Ab. I’m glad you canceled your trip. It’s at the very least a meaningful way to vote with your patronage.

      Distressing is a good word for it. It’s only been like 9 weeks. God help us! Thanks for seeing that he doesn’t represent all of us! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  6. As admirable a code to live by as will be found walking a country mile on a sunny summer day. Keep it shining, Wynne.

    Liked by 3 people

  7. A needed inspirational boost to start my day Wynne. Thank you. I’m looking forward to meeting your dad someday.

    You’re doing a stellar job serving as CEO – Chief Inspirational Officer 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Your code for life reminds me of the old ‘rule’ that monks used to live by. The solid rock foundation on which to build. Accumulated wisdom necessary to live well with myself and in community. A wise old minister summarised it for me – ‘A purpose to live for, a person to live with, a power to live by… It’s a good exercise to work out our own set.

    Liked by 4 people

  10. yes, to all of this. and as one of my sons who is a competitive champion griller as a hobby always says, ‘low and slow’ takes the win. I think this applies to all of life. love this post and so good to remember

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Wonderful nuggets of beautiful thinking. May I add that in the great pancake/waffle debate, French toast is the likely third party to sneak in when you aren’t looking.

    Liked by 4 people

  12. This is so well thought-out and beautifully written I may have to print it out for a bit of inspiration every day. Love really is the greatest power.❤️ What we find to bug us or delight us, does depend on us – so true!

    Liked by 4 people

  19. Wynne my dear, when you know, what you know, what you know, then you know that you KNOW! 🤔😮😉 Yes ma’am, a hopeful heart is indeed a powerful thing! Thanks for the energy boost my friend. Hugs and smooches for a great week ahead! 🥰🙏🏼😘

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Wynne my friend, you are so very welcome as always. I appreciate your lessons you share with all of us. You have no idea what an impact that has on all of us my friend. Enjoy the rest of your beautiful and productive week! 😍💖😘

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  21. Mic drop! Wow! That’s an awesome post Wynne. Makes me think of all the mean things I’ve written today and how I should be trying harder to lead with my heart, care, and kindness, instead of bludgeoning others with the force of “my rightness.” Ugh. Need to print this out and hang on my wall near my desk. Great stuff. Thank you for the reminder.

    Liked by 3 people

  22. Well, my friend, you know a lot. I agree with all, but I really like this one: “It’s my responsibility to do my work so that I can try not to add suffering to the world.” I think about this all the time. I like both pancakes and waffles, and I’m a big fan of IHOP, but nothing beats the Waffle House at 2 AM.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. What an incredible compliment coming from you, Edward! If I’m in alignment with you, I know I’m going the right direction.

      Waffle House at 2am. Hmm, it’s been a long time but you have a point!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Wynne. Well, my last trip to the Waffle House was about three years ago after a late-night visit to one of our units. It was past midnight, and we were starving, so waffles, eggs, and coffee did the trick. Every time I sit in the restaurant, I think, “I wish we had one of these near my college campus. We needed it badly on Thursday and Friday nights.” 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Right on the money with all thgis, Wynne. Though I don’t consider myself to be a deeply religious person, the Golden Rule has always been one of my guiding principles.

    Liked by 2 people

  24. What an uplifting post, Wynne. The wisdom of your dad is amazing, Wynne! And I will say that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. 😀 I have definitely seen an improvement in my outlook since I gave up social media for Lent, but there is still this ongoing sense of doom that I can’t shake. You’re right that we have to leave it in God’s hands.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh, I’m so glad to hear it was uplifting. What an incredible compliment, Michelle. I think you are on to something by giving up social media but it’s so interesting that you still feel the vibration!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. This is so true, Wynne. This post is so insightful and edifying. Indeed, we don’t know tomorrow, and the rest is in God’s hands. One problematic person can make a mess to hurt many people, and it’s so true. Sleep is so important, truly.

    Stay amazing, Wynne. Have a beautiful day.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I am learning to do this, Wynne, even to the point where I ‘abandon’ a short story if it gets too entwined, and you find you’re confusing characters: perhaps why I avoid novels and loooooooong short stories; oxymoron ?

        Liked by 1 person

  27. I appreciate your thoughtful reflections on what you know to be true beyond opinions and uncertainty. Your list is a beautiful reminder of the importance of love, kindness, compassion and self-awareness. The quote from Blaise Pascal and your dad’s wisdom add depth to your words. Thank you for sharing your insights and for encouraging us to focus on what truly matters.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. WAFFLES. My strong opinion, tightly held. 😉

    I agree with your assessment of the ways in which people are communicating/connecting [or not] now. I’m exhausted by all the commentary that avoids the basic question I ask myself before I say/write anything: where is my heart?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m with you on waffles. Those pockets are great places to store all the butter!

      You said it well – exhausting. Yep! Love the question you ask yourself – it’s so wise! Thanks, Ally!

      Liked by 1 person

  31. This was great to read Wynne! The timing was good too because I read it just after posting a very frustrated comment on another blog regarding climate change progress😅 These are trying and your post helps to restore balance and hope.

    Liked by 2 people

  32. Wow! A lot of inspiring thoughts here, Wynne. Thank you for sharing. I am going to mull over them for quite a while.
    I agree, ” A hopeful heart is a powerful thing.” I feel, a hopeful heart and a positive attitude is all we need during challenging times.
    Lots of love

    Liked by 2 people

  33. There may be real feelings in the pancake vs. waffle debate, but there is only one correct answer. And that, of course, is waffles.

    I love your dad’s heart/head quote. He had so much wisdom!

    Liked by 2 people

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