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Anne Wooten's avatar

Cathey, I love where you're going with this my friend! It's so easy to stay on that autopilot. Thank you also for all your prayers. They were genuinely felt. I appreciate them so much! I'm ready to let God take the wheel and be that pilot for me. Take care and God bless my friend!

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Who better to be the pilot of our days? I just don't want to miss the moments he wants to show me, even in the mundane!

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Angela Oliveira's avatar

Ahh Cathey, what a beautiful text and what a timely message for me.

I've been trying to keep control of the "steering wheel", but sometimes it's a lot easier to turn on autopilot, it demands less of us and we have the illusion that it lessens stress and tensions.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

That is so very true, Angela. "Easier" is the key word here. We fall into what is easy. It's work to do the steering!

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Jody Levitt's avatar

Cathey - well first I always talk to myself - that's what living alone does to a person. Second I realize now that I've been on "autopilot" way to long. Some things have happened for me in the last 24 hours and I honestly think God is trying to help me get off "autopilot" So your piece has helped me realize that what I've been doing - going thru the emotions. So it's time for me take that "steering wheel" and move on with life. Thank for this food for thought 😊🤗

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Cathey Cone's avatar

I'm so glad God and my post helped you sort where you've been and where you want to go, Jody. Hopefully this is just the beginning of wonderful things for you as you look to take charge of your life. And by the way, I've caught myself having a conversation with myself also. 😂💕

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Mary Richards's avatar

Good read Cathey and good food for thought. I live alone and I think those conditions make it easier to go into auto piloting, but I try hard to keep that from happening!! I don’t Want to be thought as “a boring person as I age.” So I try to keep a positive outlook on life with changes without too much stress.

Thanks for always entertaining me with your writing!

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Mary. I think it's a struggle for all of us as it's so easy to slip into routine without thinking. A positive outlook is always a great start. Focusing on gratitude helps, too!

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Shari McIntyre's avatar

Thank you Cathey, this is a great reminder for us to rethink how we do things. We are all on Auto pilot at one time or another. We have to be aware that we can’t stay there it isn’t good for us. We happen to miss things when we do that. So I will do my level best as well to take time for me and stir away from auto pilot for a while. Take care Cathey and thanks for sharing.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, too, Shari. For sure we all fall into cruise mode. But then time goes by and we realize we've missed out. You're a busy girl, so time for you is doubly important!

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Tricia Thornton's avatar

I find that writing, deep breathing, walking, and praying are ways that help me to get off the autopilot train. I describe it often as it feels like a hamster on a wheel or you’re on the treadmill and you’re stuck with it just going and going or spinning and spinning. But, it takes intentional focusing to get you off of autopilot. I love this idea thank you so much for sharing!. ❤️

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Cathey Cone's avatar

YES! Hamster wheel! That's the perfect description of autopilot. All of those things you mentioned are super helpful for me, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tricia! 💕

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Elizabeth de Pancorvo's avatar

Thank you Cathey! I think I also need to turn off the autopilot and get out of the routine. I don't have a mini sanctuary, I just disconnect to be with me and enjoy thinks I like, walking by the beach.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

No better place to disconnect than the beach! I love my mini sanctuary, but the beach is a little piece of heaven in my estimation.

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Donna Garsee's avatar

I have appreciate this so much. I do the same thing every morning which includes social media. Cathey I don't have a lovely Santuary as you do. Getting older doesn't help.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

I am completely blessed to live where I do. In the wintertime I can't be out on my deck as much, so I try to create a cozy space inside for my quiet times. We all need a respite space I think. We're all in this "getting older" thing together! ❤️

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Elise Lawson's avatar

Cathey,

This was so awesome! I totally enjoyed the whole read. It was me in a "nutshell"...and I guess it was time I heard it and that I do something about it. You truly have a gift for expressing yourself in writing. I have none of those skills. NONE! I enjoy reading and hearing from all of you on this platform. It amazes me how you and others can write this from your hearts....I guess we all have our own talents and such. Your "mini sanctuary" reminds me of a place that is so dear to my heart. It was at my Grandmother's home, a place I remember and love so much. I look forward to reading more from you. Great job :)

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Thank you so much, Elise! I'm glad you have found my page. I really appreciate your comments. We all do have our giftings, but I always say there is a writer in everybody, even if they never share. I am completely blessed to have a beautiful space to unplug and commune with nature. Gets a bit chilly in the wintertime!

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Cathy Mesch's avatar

Yes I hear the voices and my family only worry when I start to debate with them. 😊

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Cathey Cone's avatar

😂😂😂

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Lucinda Jolly's avatar

I believe I’m grounded not on autopilot. Auto keeps me from seeing the scriptures in new ways if God wants to tell me something new.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Yes but don't forget to take what He tells you and fly with it! 😂😂 These flying metaphors can go on for days - lol.

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Lucinda Jolly's avatar

I ride on joy. That’s a magic carpet.

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Linda Lubitz's avatar

Cathey, this is something I’ve recently talked to myself about ( yes, I too have voices in my head), changing up my daily routine, getting back to being in nature, enjoying the special moments of each day.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

I so relieved to know others hear voices, too - lol! It's funny how one turn of a phrase can get into us and remind us to be in all the moments. Time to get out my insulated hoodies and go out to nature even if it's cold!

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Peggy Heideman's avatar

Ummmm. I believe you just wrote about me. Thanks for reminding to Get Off Autopilot.

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Cathey Cone's avatar

I hope you are able to be present in all the moments, Peggy!

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Nice read, Cathey! Boy, do I wish I had your backyard. I'm going to join you this month focusing on my surroundings so I can actually feel & see what's around me. People often ask me what I'm up to, what I've been doing; and I always answer, "Oh, just wandering around my house." That's what it feels like. Maybe I better start being a better pilot before I crash. ha ha!

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Cathey Cone's avatar

It's soon going to get harder for me to be out in my mini sanctuary, but I will bundle! I need that space and time to remind myself to relish the moments even when I'm dusting. 😂

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