A MESS IN THE KITCHEN
This morning I was in the kitchen preparing my breakfast. I got out a bowl of cereal. I opened the box and began pouring the raisin bran into the bowl. The box was nearly empty and rather than pouring out, it plopped out. Cereal fell just about everywhere except into the bowl. It was a mess.
As I was cleaning it up I noticed how many raisins I could see. There were almost as many raisins as flakes. Way down in the bottom of the box is where I found the good stuff.
I think this is the case in many of life’s challenges and inconveniences. At first, all we see is the mess or the problem or the unresolved feelings.
Keep looking. You may find an unexpected insight or gift from the Universe.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL, A TOOL FOR THE GRIEVING HEART
Several times over the past few years I began to keep a gratitude journal. I bought a special notebook and pen and kept them by my bed. I wrote for a few days. Then I would forget for a day. Then I would stop completely.
Last year I made a commitment to myself to write in my journal for 21 days. I have read that it takes about 3 weeks to form a new habit or to break an unwanted habit.
The 21 days passed months ago. I still write every night before going to sleep. A few times I forgot and turned off the light. It only took a minute or two to realize that something didn’t feel right.
The light came back on and I was writing about all that I was thankful for.
This has truly been an amazing experience. The more I write, the more gratitude I feel.
What I am noticing more and more is my appreciation for the simple things that can so easily be ignored.
I challenge you to try it for 21 days. Just three weeks. It only takes 5 minutes, but it could change your life.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF GRIEF
Grief can feel like climbing a mountain. The experience can be rigorous and challenging.
When I lived in Colorado, I did a lot of hiking with my dog. Hiking in Colorado can be extremely challenging because of the high altitude.
Sometimes the only way to make it to the top is to slow down and really pay attention to your body.
SOMETIMES YOU MUST PERSEVERE WITH PATIENCE.
The challenge of the grieving process can often seem overwhelming. It can seem pointless and meaningless and painful.
You may feel apprehensive, wondering if you are really getting anywhere. You may perhaps be wondering if it is worth the effort.
Grief is often about taking one step at a time. Sometimes the challenge can seem overwhelming. Sometimes you may need to slow down and rest.
Just Breathe. Feel the beating of your aching heart. Breathe in. Breathe out.
This moment is all there is.
One step at a time.
The Flower Garden
I have a small flower garden filled with perennials just outside my front door. Red, white, purple and pink are the predominant colors.
I learn about myself as I view this beautiful garden.
Sometimes I walk by and see only the various color spots within the garden. If I tune into my thoughts I often realize I have been thinking in more narrow, focused ways.
Sometimes I walk by and see only the weeds I need to pull. You guessed it; I’m usually having some critical or negative thoughts.
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I am Fine Inside
Today was very windy. In fact, the wind was so strong that I actually felt myself pushed from behind and sideways during my walk.
At first I was a bit annoyed. It was difficult to enjoy the walk with the cold wind stinging my face and that same wind throwing me off balance.
Grief is a Journey
Sometimes life seems to become a giant “to do” list. It’s just about getting done and checking things off the list. We forget about the journey and focus solely on the end result. Then we experience frustration or annoyance over any delays in reaching the projected end result.
The same thing can happen when we are grieving. Life can become about making it to the end of the day. Life can become about getting back home, pulling the blinds and curling up on the couch.
The goal of life can become hiding from life. There is no awareness of the process. There is no living in the moment. There is impatience and frustration and resignation.
