That planning thing I mentioned in my last post – that’s still a plan, but after Kara Edwards posted that she was going to take a photo every day, I decided that I would draw a little picture every day. I’m up to day 5 and so far so good. Last night I was having dinner after a hike and decided to draw day 4’s picture on the napkin at the restaurant. (Day 3 is hidden under Day 5.)
It has been a heck of a year for a lot of people and the past few months have seen loss after loss. Some losses come with a sense of relief – that suffering is over. Some losses come with outrage and disbelief. Some come with pain and terrible sorrow. If someone you know has moved on to another plane – know that we are right there with you as you work out the grief.
How often do we have to learn that life – as tough as it seems sometimes – is really terribly fragile? How often do we have to remind ourselves that we won’t live forever? I’m not saying dwell on the fact that we will all die, but I guess that is the flip side to the mantra of living each day as if it was your last.
I think I want to simply see each day unfold with the curiosity and thrill of a child. To marvel at little things. To laugh unexpectedly. To experience without judgement.
We will all face obstacles. Health issues. Money issues. Personal issues. How we handle them is important. While there are some things that we can’t “fix,” much of what grabs us and shakes us up can be helped if we change how we react.
I found a blog about how to get through stuff. Loved the name…Tiny Buddah – http://tinybuddha.com/blog/8-guidelines-to-get-through-challenging-times/
Too zen for you? Then maybe you’ll listen to the Family Doctor – http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing/mental-health/stress-how-to-cope-better-with-lifes-challenges.html
And remember to breathe. Deeply, from the tummy – not your chest.
I’m still probably not going to go bungee jumping or launch myself out an airplane, but I do think I will shimmy into my long suit and take my boogie board to the beach more than once every couple of years.
I’m so sorry for your losses Connie. I’m glad that you are finding ways of dealing with it. Love that you can draw… it’s one skill I just don’t have at all. :o)
Actually Moe, other than losing my mom a couple months ago, I have been thinking more about other people’s losses and challenges. That first month after she died was sort of in a fog, I will admit that, but I have noticed this whole past year how many people were experiencing great burdens and worries. Terrible storms, difficulty finding work, divorce, death. My mom’s passing brought into the forefront of my mind. Not everyone can climb out of a deep hole – either financially or emotionally – without some sort of support. And sometimes we need to change our expectations. The risk there is, if you aim low so that your immediate goals are achievable, you may ultimately continue to aim low.
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