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Gratefulness
… and remember how as a child your arms could rise and your palms turn out to bless the world. (Tobar Phadraic, David Whyte)
What probably happens at first is I make my list longer, since I feel like I have more time. Then I get real, assess my energy and what may be possible within a certain framework, such as an afternoon or a day. If the weather calls me outside for a walk, then the “list” gets adjusted or maybe put off for a day. I assess as I go. I am fortunate to be retired so I have this flexibility; have some health issues so energy and the “actually possible” need to be considered. ...
What probably happens at first is I make my list longer, since I feel like I have more time. Then I get real, assess my energy and what may be possible within a certain framework, such as an afternoon or a day. If the weather calls me outside for a walk, then the “list” gets adjusted or maybe put off for a day. I assess as I go. I am fortunate to be retired so I have this flexibility; have some health issues so energy and the “actually possible” need to be considered. And I write in my calendar/ journal only what I got done, not what I didn’t. I don’t need guilt following me around asking for attention.
I will look beyond myself for creative approaches – such as to handling isolation in the midst of pandemic. I will likely respond to needs beyond my own, notice humor and joy, get out of my head and into my heart, and take action.
Who, me?
Almost any moment when I pause and pay attention.
Maybe try to do my own tax returns. Though I will give myself through the weekend to lower the stress.
I taught for a year in a high school, but needed a hysterectomy rather suddenly about 3 months in. The woman who was my substitute became my best friend and still is, more than 20 years later.
Dear Alicia, you are holding so much in your heart and your body. You have been through so many struggles over these years, especially care for your husband … and now your own physical limitations and issues. That is a lot to carry, my friend. You have been caring for others for a long time! Thank you for trusting us here with your realities. For me, nature is also a respite, and I am glad you have your garden for some solace, and hummingbirds! It can so often be what seems like the lit...
Dear Alicia, you are holding so much in your heart and your body. You have been through so many struggles over these years, especially care for your husband … and now your own physical limitations and issues. That is a lot to carry, my friend. You have been caring for others for a long time! Thank you for trusting us here with your realities. For me, nature is also a respite, and I am glad you have your garden for some solace, and hummingbirds! It can so often be what seems like the little things, breathing in the fresh air, pulling a weed or noticing the sights and smells of a garden, that get us through a day. I am holding you in light and love, my friend – please know that.
Dear Diane, I am so sorry for your recent struggles! I will walk with you in prayer and hope, as you find your way through this season of struggle, accompanied by the saints and poets. May you find respite in Mother Nature, as well, walking the land, listening to birdsong, watching the trees come into full leaf. We are with you, my friend.
Welcome, Untamed Cheetah, to this space for community and sharing, as each person wishes. I’m sorry for your recent struggle, but also very glad that your parents/family were immediately with you for support and safety. We do need, as you say, a soft place to land. Know that you are worthy. Blessings for strength and hope in the days yet to come.
Thank you, dear Alicia, and you are in my thoughts and heart. How are you doing, my friend?
I will be praying for your puppy, Rachel.
Don’t you just love the way they get comfortable just about anywhere? Thanks for sharing this, Debra.
Thank you for your cloud photos, Mary! Such beauty, ever-changing, ever-new.
Dear Mary, Thank you for asking about me, and remembering about my life. I do get outside on days that are warm enough. My hand has healed probably all that it will. I believe it is now full of arthritis (looks like a claw, kind of), and doesn’t work as it once did, for sure. This has been something to get used to and accept. I am able to skype with my daughter on the other side of the country – we did that on Mother’s Day. This was a gift. The electronic world has been so h...
Dear Mary, Thank you for asking about me, and remembering about my life. I do get outside on days that are warm enough. My hand has healed probably all that it will. I believe it is now full of arthritis (looks like a claw, kind of), and doesn’t work as it once did, for sure. This has been something to get used to and accept. I am able to skype with my daughter on the other side of the country – we did that on Mother’s Day. This was a gift. The electronic world has been so helpful these days for so many of us. Those of you who are teachers have an extra challenge these days, with classes online! I look forward to seeing your cloud photographs, and seeing you here whenever you are able. Peace and love, my friend.
Cintia! What a delight to find you here today! Thank you for this beautiful photo!
I say yes and yay for building your raised garden yesterday! Maybe walk out and look at what you have done and think, wow, I did this! Or treat your hands with special kindness today. I’d love to see a picture as your garden is growing.
Happy Anniversary, Kevin! And thanks for sharing your story!
Such a wonder this must have been, Cathy! I have only heard of jasmine and her intoxicating scent. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Diane, I pray with and for you as you experience these chronic health situations during these spring days. And my mother’s heart smiles with you that your Mother’s Day included your daughters, including all of you together at once, thanks to the electronic world. My daughter who is local, and her husband, happened to arrive during my Skype conversation with my daughter in Seattle, and it was a delight to see them seeing each other unexpectedly, and all of us talking together....
Dear Diane, I pray with and for you as you experience these chronic health situations during these spring days. And my mother’s heart smiles with you that your Mother’s Day included your daughters, including all of you together at once, thanks to the electronic world. My daughter who is local, and her husband, happened to arrive during my Skype conversation with my daughter in Seattle, and it was a delight to see them seeing each other unexpectedly, and all of us talking together. My heart was full.
Do take good care of yourself in all ways, my friend, as you make your way through the throes of these chronic health challenges. Om Shanti.
Good morning, dear Ose. If I may, I join you in your beautiful prayer for all on this common day of prayer, and for our Mother, the Earth, holding onto us in all that we experience this day. Outside my kitchen window this morning, the new greens are bright and growing in various stages, and a little bunny bathing and then exploring the gifts of spring. May you be well, dear friend.
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