Another day that started with more downs than ups. Nevertheless, here is my list:
1. Inspirational Quotes (The most recent was one that Aimee read to me over the phone the other day. It is from a book called 'Journey to the Well' by Vashti McKenzie. I've always found strength in uplifting words but lately these thoughts seem to have very strong staying power and application to what I've been going through. I appreciate the wisdom at a time of darkness when the grey clouds are gathering.)*
2. 'I am NOT my body' (There was a video done by a woman named Stephenie Nielson. It can be located on Youtube. The basic heart of the eight minute segment deals with how SHE has chosen to confront the challenges in her life. You see, she and her husband were in a plane crash. Both survived but she ended up disfigured and still suffers health repercussions from the incident. She created a blog five years ago to detail her day to day experiences and to share the ups and downs with others. She was inspired to do this after hearing a talk by one of the Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about reaching out and giving to others and how the internet can be a powerful tool to do so. Her 'I am not my body' statement struck right at the heart of my emotions today. It is something vital that I need to remember while dealing with all of these medical maladies. I found her words inspiring, galvanizing, and I want to be more like her in my attitude from here on out.)
3. Lindor Peanut Butter Balls (I first tasted these while working for Borders way back in 2003. They became my favorite break-time snack. Today they were especially soothing. It was nice to just pause a moment in my day, pop one in my mouth and enjoy the burst of peanut butter flavor as it erupted across my tongue. Some pick-me-ups are small, yet nevertheless still cherished.)
4. Chicken Noodle Soup (Having a warm meal, one that is quickly made, for dinner also offers its own type of comfort. Knowing that it is fairly healthy and wouldn't tax my system - which seems already overloaded and haywire today - was a bonus.)
5. Alpha and Omega (This was a cute movie. Steve rented it on the fly a day ago and we just got to watch it this evening. It met all of my expectations for the film, as some parts in the previews did look a little hokey. Still, beyond the cheese were several very touching moments of love and friendship. It is going on my wishlist and I applaud the writers and other talents that came together to make this film. Part Romeo and Juliet, Part Lion King, and All Heart!)
6. Stephen the Spider Slayer (There was a large nickel/quarter sized spider in our Master Bathroom last night. My husband, who dislikes them as much as I do, was kind enough to dispatch it. I greatly appreciate him for doing this because I know he has quicker reflexes than I do and I know that he typically does not like doing such things. He believes in catching them and letting them go, that there is a type of Karma to it all, if he refuses to squish the bug then he himself will not later be squished by something else. However, he sets that aside to make me feel comfortable in our home and agrees to follow my policy of 'if it invades my space then it has to go').
7. White Cheddar Kettle Corn (Made in Popcorn, IN this is some of the best popcorn I have ever tasted! It was a real treat to have it while enjoying our film together! And even better that it was poured into a large bowl that afforded me the opportunity of picking the kernels carefully and making sure I didn't repeat past experiences and get one that cracked my teeth. I have an absurd talent for always finding one of the 'not-fully-popped' kernels. Tonight I was able to bypass the pattern!)
8. Jersey Sheets (Today it was freezing cold outside. And, although it took awhile, I was really grateful for my cotton T-shirt sheets and the warmth they (eventually) afforded my body!)
9. Puppies (They are a source of constant amusement. Today I watched Duncan lure Mei into a game of tug by picking up her Loofah Dog baby and playing 'Keep Away'. When she finally got ahold of one end of it, she couldn't shake him off, though she valiantly kept trying to! I was able to snatch up the camera and record a bit of her dragging him across the carpet. He looks hilarious because his front feet are splayed to either side and his teeth are dug in and he's just losing ground inch by inch. But he still refuses to let go. He's more dominant than Mei Mei is but they're adapting well to one another and giving each other a good run for their money!)
10. Being of Service (The other day I was asked to set up a writing spot for a relative of mine. I spend almost an hour setting up the account, picking out color themes I thought the requester would like, and choosing and uploading several icons I hoped they would enjoy. I had a lot of fun with the process and I noticed that I was excited to FEEL USEFUL. I spend so many days feeling like I can't really accomplish much of anything due to my health concerns and it was really a wonderful change to be able to do something for someone else, where I was able to pour my love and creative powers into it. So even thought it was thought that I was doing the helping by creating things and setting them up, the Requester was also doing me a favor by giving me a task that left me feeling proud of myself and that I could contribute something meaningful TO THEM in return.)
That's it for now. Off to tuck the husband into bed! I hope all of you can find the bright spots in your own day and jot them down. They will serve as shining stars to you when the days seem darker or more lonely.
*" Many women have been wounded by poor decisions; decisions they made and decisions others made for them. They have been forced to retreat because they cannot connect with their sisters, shrouded by the must-dos of their own lives. We can see ourselves reflected in her (the Samaritan woman) journey, trudging through the necessary task of water retrieval, hesitating at the unexpected intruder who shatters our anonymity, exposing our vulnerabilities at the well. We are shocked when he ignores cultural taboos and speaks to us. We identify with her probing questions, and we duck and dodge disclosing our own intimacies.
As we make our journey out of our limitations-habitual, historical, and cultural-toward what we will come to know as our Created Purpose. we pause to reflect upon our past mistakes. If all you have is a little bit, make the most of it. If all you have is a dream, hold on to your dream. If all you have is one hope, hold on. If all you have is broken pieces, gather them up and hold on until your dream comes true. If all you have is an idea, nurture it. If all you have is a rope, tie a knot in it and hold on. And if all you have is one well outside of town, get to it. Open your eyes to see the Jesus who was there all along in the ordinary places of your life. Take your one hope and your last things and become a woman of hope. Begin now to celebrate the woman you are becoming, a woman of hope "
Vashti M. McKenzie " Journey to the Well "
No comments:
Post a Comment