Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Struggles, Pain, Encouragement

Hello dear friends and fellow bloggers! A very warm welcome to you all! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to come and visit me here! I really appreciate you all!

Here are today's selections, which I hope will brighten your day!


Keep calm and purr on.  :)

                            Cat Wisdom 101


Nothing lasts forever. Everything is temporary, even pain. No matter what your brain is telling you, the pain will subside. You can get through this.

                             The Latest Kate


I'm inspired by your resilience and determination. Keep up the great work.

                             Reader's Digest


Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible. - Mao Zedong

                      Motivate Amaze Be Great


The best medicine for suffering is laughter. Luckily, it's free. - Robin Williams

                            Life Architekture


If I had never experienced the pain I've gone through, I never would have become who I am today. And I'm quite fond of myself. (for the most part)

                           Karen Salmansohn


Life is a circle of happiness, sadness, hard times and good times. If you are going through hard times, have faith that good times are on the way.

                               Bright Drops


When you finally learn that a person's behavior has more to do with their own internal struggle than it ever did with you...you learn grace.

                               Mind Journal


Bad brain days just happen. You won't always feel like this.

The Latest Kate


It's okay to struggle - you are doing better than you feel like you are.
The Latest Kate


I'm sorry it's a rough time. Not every day will be this bad.
The Latest Kate


Always remember, you have it within you to rise above whatever may presently be bringing you down.
Karen Salmansohn


My experiences remind me that it's those black clouds that make the blue skies even more beautiful. - Kelly Clarkson
Louise Myers Visual Social Media


Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. - Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Healthy, A Reader's Digest Brand


If you treat every situation as a life and death matter, you'll die a lot of times. - Dean Smith
Louise Myers Visual Social Media


You're going to be okay.
The Positivity Blog


The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Hub Pages


It may look as if the situation is creating the suffering, but ultimately this is not so - your resistance is. - Eckhart Tolle
The Path of Self Realization


Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha
WikiHow


The following photos are my own, which I took today with my cellphone. This first photo is a bag that I purchased for just $5 at a thrift store! It is brand new and I don't know what the regular price of it would be, but I know it is definitely higher than I paid for it, so I was happy! :) Chat Noir (Black Cat) is a French theme, and I love the colours...and of course I love cats, so I had to buy it. It is waterproof, like all the shopping bags I have. You can click on any image to see a larger view.

I went out today, it was beautiful, -4 Celsius and sunny. I took this photo while I was in a Montreal bus. As I have mentioned in past posts, this is Quebec, so most signs are in French. So I will translate this so that you can understand what it says.
Threatening, striking (hitting) or spitting on...assaulting a driver is criminal. 
Since Covid-19 in 2020, all buses have a plexiglass separating the driver and protecting him or her from any violence, being spat upon, etc. And of course from germs which can pass around. Before Covid, there have been (sadly) instances where bus drivers have been beaten or spat upon. This is why they put the sign there to remind people that this is a criminal act, that violence or aggression is unacceptable, and that such behaviour will be dealt with accordingly.


The following video is a Just for Laughs Gag (Juste pour Rire in French) done here in Montreal. Enjoy!  :)

One Tin Soldier by The Original Caste (Theme from Billy Jack)

Wild squirrel still visits lady 7 years after rescue (Cuddle Buddies) Okay, this video can be seen by clicking on the link and going directly to YouTube. When I post videos, I have no way of knowing which ones can be seen remotely (directly on my blog) and which ones cannot be. Thank you for your understanding.

The bravest member of the police team (meet Officer Nimis, the police cat)  :)


Thank you all so much for visiting me here! You can leave a comment by clicking on the comment link at the end of my post. Please do not put any hyperlinks or website links in your comment. Please note that comments are moderated to deter spam, which is why your comment will not appear immediately.

121 comments:

  1. I am so thankful nothing last forever!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lots of encouragement here today - thanks for sharing.
    I like your bag!
    This is Mari from My Little Corner, I'm having issues signing into Google.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ...I love Robin Williams! Often all we need is a good night's sleep and everything seems better in the morning. Be well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such encouraging and powerful quotes, Linda! I love them all. Well, I have had my fair share of bad brain days (and bad hair days too LOL!) I love your bag, the red/orange colors are striking and so is the black cat. Wow -4C is so so cold! It is terrible that bus drivers get such abuse for bad passengers and a sign has to be put up. I am rather shocked!

    ReplyDelete
  5. One Tin Soldier has always been one of my favourite songs.

    I like to think our struggles prepare us for things in the future and help us grow.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good grief, it is sad to hear what the bus driver's endure over there. Shocking really!

    Love your new bag...purr on 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda, I enjoyed these encouraging quotes!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Linda, I do hope the week is going well for you.
    A lovely selection of quotes and memes, thank you.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  9. J'ai un chat noir! I would love that bag--very fitting! At certain times of my life, resilience has been a key word. The roller coaster of events and emotions takes adaptability and strength from all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lindos pensamientos y lindas imágenes. Te mando un beso.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely quotes ... Really liked the cat, and the one next, on nothing lasting forever!

    ReplyDelete
  12. And then Robin Williams decided to go. So sad.
    At least we do have blue skies here!
    I had a friend who sent me pics of her two black cats nearly every day, so lovely (she knows I cannot have a cat):
    Same here (Perth area) Bus drivers need protection, hospitals have security... people who help us need protection - it is sad...
    Oh, my French... I could still make my way, but with many hmmms...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, the Chat Noir tote bag is quite a find! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I loved all the encouraging thoughts. They made me smile. Thank you for sharing them.

    ReplyDelete
  15. "If you treat every situation as a life & death matter, you'll die a lot of times." YES! This right here. You know, Linda...you post things that speak to me every time. But this one quote relates to something that I can relate to specifically today. This is exactly the response I need to share with someone important in my life. Also, how sad we need such signs as the one on the Montreal bus. Thank you, as always for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Linda, thank you for the translation. Good to protect the bus drivers 🙏
    Your new bag looks so nice 👍 what a good buy 💪 wishing you a good evening ✨

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mao Zedong? Maybe he was talking about Nixon's visit.

    ReplyDelete
  18. So much encouragement to be found here!!
    I like the catastrophe box 🤣🤣🤣
    Have a good rest of the week!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like a lot of these Linda - the one I am eyeballing today is -
    Nothing lasts forever. Everything is temporary, even pain. No matter what your brain is telling you, the pain will subside. You can get through this.
    I have a couple friends in pain - and this really speaks to my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nimis stole my heart, Linda! What an inspiration to all who think they're too small to make a difference. In God's eyes, we can all make a positive difference to His kingdom to be realized her on earth. Blessings always!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh my goodness. And here I thought that Canada had almost no crime. I just love the sign with the hot air balloon, cat, and Eiffel tower, it looks like awesome art. But what a sad message it needs to say!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love your bag and the Noir Kitty. Great find!

    ReplyDelete
  23. My favourite quote for today is "It may look as if the situation is creating the suffering, but ultimately this is not so - your resistance is. - Eckhart Tolle" Great wisdom and I absolutely love your bag. its gorgeous. And so sad that it is necessary to do that for the bus drivers Where hs the world gone to

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can imagine the horror people felt as the crate moved around and vases were smashed.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Encouraging memes for those that require them.
    Just for laughs is good.
    The bag you brought is nice and is busy, lots of colours there.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Le sac avec le Tour Eiffel est tellement beau 💕
    Je suis heureuse pour vous, Linda. 5 dollars n'est pas beaucoup.

    Everything in life is temporary, it helps to remember that, especially in bad moments. I feel that the good times are here now 💜

    HAVE A GREAT DAY, ALL OF YOU ! 🎀🌷🌸

    ReplyDelete
  27. So true about nothing last forever, good or bad...they all will pass.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Chat Noir bag is perfect, great find!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Good morning, dear Linda! Beautiful inspirations and I have that same cat motif that you have on your bag, but on the cover of a journal :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. That’s horrible they needed the sign and protection for the bus driver.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is a beautiful bag with the print, LInda !!!
    It's good that you got out, I'm always glad too!
    These are such great words of encouragement, thank you!
    Have a good day, hugs Elke

    ReplyDelete
  32. Beau témoignage de résilience, Linda.
    Bonne journée.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Linda - I always love a good cat quote or cat purchase. Thanks for sharing all the encouraging quotes and it tied in well with my post on staying focused on the "now" rather than living too far in the future or the past. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thank you, dear Linda! This is the right post for this moment for me. I had some struggles with some problems of my beloved doves and one sheep. But the struggle endet in calmness and peace and win with the help of the Lord.
    Here my favorites today:
    * Es ist in Ordnung, zu kämpfen - du machst es besser, als du dich fühlst = It's okay to struggle - you are doing better than you feel like you are.
    * I'm inspired by your resilience and determination. Keep up the great work.

    ReplyDelete
  35. great post, I like it very much ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am so sad that I am currently living in an era where basic decency has to be written in every bus in large words!
    What world is this? I do not recognize this behaviour and I am "only" 48.
    I remember when I was kid, that anyone who behaved poorly was either "educated" in the playground by colleagues and by the teacher, and Lord forbid our parents ever knew, because there would a lot of educating going on the next weeks at home!
    I miss that time! Society helped grow society! Now society destroys society :(
    Have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hello Linda,
    I love this encouraging and inspiring post.
    I hope the buses have cameras to protect the drivers.
    Take care, enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Dear Linda, the bag you bought is very unique. I am glad you are happy with the good buy.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love all the encouraging memes. I like the bag you bought. So very sad that such a sign is needed. I can't understand why anyone would want to do any of that to a bus driver.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Bom dia minha querida amiga Linda. Vou destacar a reflexão que eu mais gostei. A vida é um ciclo de felicidade, tristeza, dificuldades e bons momentos difíceis, tenha fé que os bons momentos estão a caminho. Grande abraço do seu amigo do Brasil.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I loved Officer Nimis! That was fun to watch, since we now have our own little "officer" Blackie. Cats sure are fun and interesting creatures!!! Loved all the positive and encouraging posts today. It's a breath of fresh air!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Concentrating on the present is good advice, but it’s good to learn from the missteps of the past, too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello Linda.
    The struggle and the pain are noticeable, yes, but also something very important: the determination to keep going, not to give up, and to share the journey with others. And that, in a space like this, truly matters.
    Today, among your selections, I pause on this one.
    Nothing lasts forever. Everything is temporary, even pain. No matter what your mind tells you, the pain will ease. You can get through this.
    I hope these words continue to accompany you on difficult days and remind you that you are not alone, that little by little everything can find its place. Sending you strength and a warm hug.

    ReplyDelete
  44. There are similar signs in buses here, and the barrier. There is immense frustration here at the poor service of transit, but it's not directed at the drivers. It's meant for management and city council, who keep tinkering and making it worse.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh I have a friend in this town. 😊 Love this bag is a real treasure. ❣️Thank you for all quotes, they always uplift me. You are a beautiful soul. Wish you beautiful, happy days. Hugs. 🫶🤗🤗🤗

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love that bag! So cute :-D Robin Williams was a wise man, such a sad loss to comedy. Love the quotes, been on a downer today and these lifted me Linda :-D

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks so much for this uplifting post.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks for all the inspirational memes.
    Wishing you a calm rest of the week, we are enjoying a sudden warm weather front here today before the cold strikes again.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am reading the Inspector Gamache series, set in Quebec. It's good to know you got out. I don't understand people going after bus drivers?

    ReplyDelete
  50. That was a hilarious prank video. I'd be mortified to smash what looks like expensive vases. I might make a run for the door, to not face the consequences of botching the help job.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Linda , very inspiring and I have a few favorites. Thank you so much for stopping at my place & leaving a comment. It is appreciated. Faith

    ReplyDelete
  52. Those are all wonderful and very thought provoking too.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Bardzo dziękuję za odwiedzinki i zostawiony komentarz...To bardzo miłe...Też jestem starszą panią i mam wspaniałego kotka...Zdrowie troszkę szwankuje,ale się nie daję...Pozdrawiam serdecznie

    ReplyDelete
  54. Aunque como siempre fui intentando quedarme con una frase, en esta ocasión quizás por ser la ultima me quedo en la que nos recomienda vivir el presente.
    Sobre tus fotos decir que en esa que desde el covid e incluso antes se prohíbe escupir al conductor de los autobuses por ser practica muy utilizada, decir que aparte de antihigiénica me parece de un comportamiento antisocial supremo.

    Saludos.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dziękuję za odwiedzinki na mojej stronce,to bardzo miłe....Poczytałam u Pani o Kanadzie i bardzo to interesujące,będę wpadała i odwiedzała o ile mogę.Jestem starszą Panią z bardzo wesołym kotkiem i nieraz coś tam zamieszczam na blogu.Pozdrawiam serdecznie.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I can relate to so many of your encouraging quotes! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Congratulations on this beautiful bag – the epitome of Parisian bohemia. Le Chat Noir was a popular Parisian cabaret in Montmartre from 1880 to 1900, a meeting place for many artists, chanson singers, writers, and actors. It is considered the first modern cabaret. Théophile Steinlen designed the poster for Le Chat Noir in the Art Nouveau style, which adorns the left side of your bag.
    Beautiful.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  58. I needed this collection of memes today. Thank you for this.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I was particularly struck by Karen Salmansohn's quote. Sending warmest regards :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Sweet and encouraging quotes. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello, Linda.
    I appreciate you sharing such encouraging quotes.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello my dear! Wonderful, wise quotes, I really like Eckhart Tholle. Have a good and warm evening my dear, all the best!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thank you for helping with my current struggle. I'm not out yet, but I must keep believing soon I will be. Btw the police cat lives in my town! Never met him in person yet but he's all over the internet locally and it's not that far from my place.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Just a little to your west, we are also getting a respite from the worst of winter, and I am appreciating it..

    ReplyDelete
  65. Sweet story of Officer Nimis the police cat.

    ReplyDelete
  66. No sense dwelling on the past. It is today that matters. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. The second one with the moving eyes…incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Nice bag, LInda! Fantastic gag! :-)
    Lie(f)s.

    ReplyDelete
  69. morning greetings from kuala lumpur! i have a meeting to attend shortly..anyway, for today, i choose this quote: Nothing lasts forever. Everything is temporary, even pain. No matter what your brain is telling you, the pain will subside. You can get through this... take care dear linda!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Loved the video about the police cat, Linda. Thank you for sharing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thank you again for wise thoughts. When it comes to healing, God has been healing my headaches for over two years now. I haven't needed painkillers anymore. All you have to do is pray and believe. Have a nice weekend, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Your posts always cheer me up, and they remind me of ways to use the power of my brain to get through these dark times. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Die Polizeikatze gefällt mir besonders gut.
    Schmerzen können auf vielfältige Weise geheilt oder gebessert werden. Manchmal durch die richtigen Worte, aber manchmal, das merke ich am eigenen Körper, nur noch durch Tabletten.
    Deine Zitate geben mir Trost und Kraft.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I remember in grade school, Sister Ann teaching us One Tin Soldier.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Officer Nimis is adorable. I had a rough day yesterday, but I kept calm and purred on. Thanks for all your encouragement.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  76. Amazing Grace. Your blog is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Why is it that cats never seem to get flustered? I like the Arnold quote!

    ReplyDelete
  78. So ispirational the memes are, I thank you. Love the video of the cat cop, I love cats.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Good to read what you wrote and watching a few videos and I liked the "police" cat and find out what she's been doing!!

    ReplyDelete
  80. When you are right in the thick of hardship it is sometimes hard to believe there will be an end to it, these are good quotes to remind a person that, there will be an end to it.
    Great find with the bag, now you have me wanting to go thrift store shopping :) Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love the keep calm and purr on.
    Thank you for the post today, as always you keep my spirits up.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  82. Amei o seu cantinho. Cheio de mensagens encorajadoras. Imagens Lindas que nos deixam reflexões. parabéns pelo blog. agradeço o carinho que deixou no meu cantinho. Infelizmente não posso seguir aqui. O Google não deixa diz que já atingir o máximo de seguidores. 😞um abração para você. Desejo muito sucesso aqui.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Such a great and relaxing post, thanks for that :)

    ReplyDelete
  84. Your post feels like a deep breath in the middle of a noisy day. The mix of gentle wisdom, resilience, and small joys creates such a comforting rhythm, and I really appreciated how the quotes flowed into your own snapshots of daily life. The Chat Noir bag is a wonderful find, and the bright colors suit the upbeat spirit of your selections. The reminder about treating drivers with respect is sobering, but your translation and context add clarity and compassion. Officer Nimis absolutely made me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Bonjour,
    Le chat est magnifique. Et tout est intéressant.
    Très bon week-end à toi.
    Bises

    ReplyDelete
  86. Keep calm and purr on. :) Someone is enjoying themselves. Thanks for making my day.

    ReplyDelete
  87. This is a great subject. I started to copy the one I thought was my favorite, but each one was so good that I could have copied most of them to be my favorite. In the end, the Eckert Tolle was the most powerful for me today. Love your posts ... thanks

    ReplyDelete
  88. I wish I believed that one day the pain will subside 😔

    ReplyDelete
  89. Hello Linda, I hope you are doing well. There are so many good ones here today that I took a screenshot of two of them, so thank you. I especially liked this one, “ Nothing lasts forever. Everything is temporary, even pain. No matter what your brain is telling you, the pain will subside. You can get through this”, which is so true. Thank you for sharing and I hope you are having a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hola Linda.
    Preciosas frases y reflexiones. Todas aportan algo en algún momento de nuestra vida. Muchas gracias por compartir y por tu visita. Un abrazo

    ReplyDelete
  91. It's wonderful to see your uplifting posts getting so many views/comments. I'll have to check out. Wait, never mind, I just did. LOL Precious content. Blessings, my dear.

    ReplyDelete
  92. So many good quotes, Linda. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Palavras sempre agradáveis ao coração.
    Bela bolsa e parabéns pelo achado.
    Vídeo engraçado.
    Obrigado, Linda.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Thank you for sharing the encouraging words.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi Linda, funny video moving the box ! ...and my favorit quote this time: "The best medicine for suffering is laughter. Luckily, it's free."
    all the best, Lasse

    ReplyDelete
  96. Precioso todo, amiga, como siempre.
    Feliz domingo

    ReplyDelete
  97. ¡Hola! Te encuentro comentando otro blog y vengo de visita. De todas estas reflexiones me quedo con dos ideas: hay que vivir el presente y quererse mucho a uno mismo. Un saludo

    ReplyDelete
  98. Dear Linda, thank you for this post - I had to scroll down a long time to leave a comment, bravo! I love the quotes and pictures. Especially appreciated is the one about laughing - I think that people shall not lose their humour (most of the time), it makes each day brighter and is a very good remedy (for free!) against winter blues or giving the world a sour-face. That's is - under most circumstances, of course there are exceptions - a good way to show gratitude for all these beautiful little things that DO exist. Britta

    ReplyDelete
  99. Have a nice new week, dear Linda, may it be warm and beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Bom dia minha querida amiga Linda. Desejo um excelente domingo, para você em Montreal. Grande abraço do seu amigo brasileiro.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thank you for today and every single time I reread your post. So true, and living here in Minnesota, well not just here, but this is my here as I live 25 miles from where I used to live in Minneapolis and trust me it's all related. We will stand strong though, that is our truth.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Cierto... Todo es temporal, hay que sacar fuerzas y seguir adelante.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Olá amiga! Amo animais, amei seu blogger e estou ficando, seguindo! Seja bem vinda ao meu. Amiga lancei no meu blog uns selinhos, seu blogger merece, se gostar pegue os seus. Abraços da amiga Lourdes Duarte.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Love to read these words: "The best medicine for suffering is laughter. Luckily, it's free."

    Have a great weekend...

    ReplyDelete
  105. These are brilliant, something i need at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Hi Linda, thank you for the lovely collection of positive thoughts. Hugs Angela xXx

    ReplyDelete
  107. Me encantan todas estas citas. La bolsa me gustó mucho. Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Cold weather, warm humanity. These small details say so much about care, protection, and community...

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me and for your comments. Please use words and not only emoticons. All comments are moderated to deter spam, so for this reason comments will not appear immediately.

Healing, Life's Journey

Hello dear friends and fellow bloggers! A very warm welcome to you all! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to come and v...