Speaking of appreciation.....

I've just recently read the book; "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck. Here's an awakening to what really matters in life. Unfortunately, we most commonly are awakened by a tragedy or misfortune that leaves us in a humble state. Being knocked down and seeing things at a different perspective can assist in making you appreciate where you last stood. When the character loses someone he loves, unhappiness is expected; but losing his faith was the point where he lost himself. It was only when he truly was broken that he was finally fix-able. So, here's a book inspiring us all to keep trudging through thick waters, being thankful all the while there are much muckier waters elsewhere. Sometimes the best things in life are free (or a sweater that was knitted with a mother's love).

"Pa" knew what he was talkin' about....

"Pa Ingalls" once said; "You wonder how much time in your life you waste worrying about things that really don't matter." No matter how simple of a concept, there is truth to be heard in the line. How much time do we really spend fretting about things that are either here or there. Hurdles that if we faced and dealt with, they weren't that big of deal to start. So, how do we train ourselves to see the moment? How do we walk and and enjoy the scenery? I guess maybe we should try walking slower and not concentrate so much about where we're going or where we'd like to be. Instead, eyes open, inhaling deeply, observing whole heartedly the picture we're given. So, when we are faced with an actual sorrow of substance, we're just that much stronger and thankful of our journey.

Without adapting and accomodating around change in life, we aren't fully living life.

Anyone got a good net?

Looking back, obsessed with what's to come, wishing for opportunities, I think time just may consume us. If only we had just a little bit more in this temporary life...Or maybe it's poor "time" managing skills. Although, I doubt even the best manager could not provide enough. We chase with holey nets desperately trying to get back what we've lost or what we think we can hold forever. IF we could take every second, every minute and treasure, value it to the fullest, time wouldn't be so scarce. But, then again, if we didn't enjoy and live time to the fullest, we wouldn't miss it so much after it's gone.

What a blend of sweet and sour ~ here I have an amazing gift given to me - a newborn daughter, and I'm so preoccupied with sleep and free time. Those drilling comments by others; "I loved this stage." and "I can't get enough of holding babies.", and "You should really enjoy this time." - do they really remember or am I just a heartless, unappreciative, good for nothing mother!? I'm so preoccupied with looking forward to when she's older and when things will be "easier" that I'm plagued with quilt that I'm missing the here and now.

So, like chugging something sweet and sour, I'm in a constant hurry of juggling my free time while attempting to give equal time to my other kids. Convincing myself all the while that I'm not neglecting them or loving them any less if I let them watch tv just...a....little...bit....longer. Maybe I should slow down, I know I should - sip a bit more often.

Guilt, guilt, and more guilt racks my brain. That sour part of it all makes me squint but I manage to catch my breath and have a free moment. The birds do start singing and once again I feel honky dory. The confidence manages somehow to seep back into my veins. I guess it's the three o' clock in the morning feelings I should avoid hearing. I don't think the birds sing that early anyway.

So, refueling on the sugar,I take a deep breath everytime she naps and I re-appreciate what's been given to me. Remembering that this doesn't last forever and my load gets a little lighter each day (well, maybe every couple of days...). I'm hearing myself desperately and frequently pray to God, "Give me strength" and somehow it does help me take that extra step forward with that weight on my back.

So between naps, babies, and birds, I know I will make it and remember that somewhere (even when I feel like I'm the only one up) that there might just be a bird that's making some kind of "tweet".

It is possible that other people's insecurities can actually end up making others feel insecure, vulnerable, exposed, and criticized. You might notice when someone makes a point (I mean a loud, very noticable point) of pointing out something you did wrong.....you kind of wonder how they benefit from being the critic. Maybe, it takes the focus off of them, it even makes them less defensive. Feeling high and mightly, they put others down which enables them to feel worthy at the expense of another. By being over critical of others this feeds their paranoia.
If we ignored this behavior, would the hunger for their security still be satified? Conditioning them to feed their challenge another way by not giving acknowledgement to their demands may persuade them to monitor who they choose to use as a stepping stool.

Arrythmia

Change - ugh!! I'm not one to want to be identified as a "boring" person, but why then is it when things change I go through trying adjustment periods when faced with a bump in the road? I guess it's similiar to swinging. Pumping continually, we climb higher, soothed by the repetitive motion, dreading the time when we have to jump off. Yet if we didn't have those awakenings, those knudges that keep us awake, wouldn't life be a bore? I've recently read that there was a study in England on how people who have boring jobs die younger than those who don't have a boring job. The arguement was that if you're bored, you get into trouble causing habits; over eating, smoking, drinking which ultimately influences your living/breathing span.....Well, I can't say that I've resorted to that quite yet. I think of my heart and it's duty to keep thumping away,I would probably disappoint the little guy if the beat stays the same with no ups OR downs. I guess I'll entertain my heart and take the changes with the constants.

Watch out for ruts!

Being caught in a rut, can be rough. Face down in something that can smother even the best of us. We look to the right and left only to be discouraged yet eager to find another way out. We struggle, finding for that little ounce of energy just to...get...up. And then out of nowhere with no recollection,we're anew. Dazed and a little scared we hesitantly tread the path again fearing we may trip and fall into yet another unanticipated "rut".

You can hear.......

If you sit and listen, still like, observing with open eyes, ears, and spirit - there is a lot you can hear. But, you must sit in the right spot, the right moment to make sense of it all. Sure, there are always things floating around waiting to land on your mind. It's only the substantial, the weighted, the worthwhile things that you actually want to land. Those things you need to wave them in, direct them to drift landing on top of your head, in your gut, and drilled into your mind.