Hello to everyone! Hope you are all well and safe. It is a cloudy morning here - a tad bit more humid. Looks like we MAY get some rain at some point today. YAY. It is back to getting hot again - so there is that. Better than ice and snow in my opinion.
I noticed what might be the first signs of squash buggers this AM, so out with the Neem oil I went. If it rains, I will reapply.
SMILE! Not my picture, but so pretty!
There are many ways to find joy again in life and get some peace back. Life brings us all through things that we can't imagine, and here we are - still standing! Life can have the way of sucking the life out of everyday joy - but there are many small, and free ways to get it back. You just have to be open to new ideas. We have to make our own joy!
- FOCUS on things YOU CONTROL. You can't control other people and you can't control the world - but you can control how you react. You all know what they say about the best laid plans!! Well, we all have times in life when we have to shift gears and directions and change our focus. You control how you think about things - so don't worry about what else is going on when you need to find peace in life.
- FOCUS on Today - Yesterday has happened - can't be changed. Tomorrow is the future and may not even happen. Today is it! Make it the best day you can and appreciate all the very small things in your world. Sing, dance, enjoy - make your own happy!
- Think about what makes you genuinely happy! Is it your family, friends, pets, flowers, nature, sunrises, etc.? I bet the odds are, it isn't stuff - it is a balance in your life. Strive to find balance and do the things and be with those that make you happy.
- LOVE yourself - Many times, we are our own worst enemy! We are our worst critic. We all have flaws - every single person, that is normal. Just learn to embrace yourself and know you are trying and doing your best. You have made it this far - so give yourself a break!
- Set small goals -nothing has to be grand. Make small little goals and work to achieve them. That will bring joy as you complete each one. Then once you accomplish little things, work your way to the bigger projects in life. Don't bit off more than you can chew - you don't want to choke.
- You are vulnerable - we all are. That is OK. Don't run away from things that scare you -it doesn't help. Stand tall and face things. Don't pretend to be something you aren't. You ARE YOU - and that is enough!
- Take care of you! Maybe you need a nap, or a spa night- you can do those at home, or a day off to do nothing for your physical and mental health. Don't overwork yourself. We all seem to be able to justify ANYTHING - that doesn't mean we have to do it. Take time for you and just relax a little.
- Look for small pleasures - those little moments in life. Nature, sunrises or sunsets, the laugh of a child, the sound of rain or even standing out in the rain, a song, giving a helping hand to another - whatever it is do it and enjoy it and SMILE!
- Be kind!!!!!! This is so very important today. We live in a world of anonymity - that doesn't give you the right to be a jerk. No need to be nasty or make snarky comments to people. Anonymity makes it easy for many to be hurtful or mean or say things they would never say to your face. If you have something to say to someone - own it! Don't hide. Being kind or quiet makes everyone's day better - including yours. Enjoy the day don't ruin it.
- Have HOPE - believe in a better future. Believe you can arise above challenges. Take small steps forward - not back. When life happens - know you CAN change the future for at least yourself. Never ever give up hope!
TRUTH
Maybe you can keep a gratitude journal - that might help. Write down little things each day. It may just be one thing for a day or two - then you start to find more.
You are all resilient and you have courage - that is what it takes. You have the ability to endure and overcome. Focus on the present and do little things to brighten a day - it will become a habit and increase.
IF you need help - reach out. No shame in admitting you need help, and no shame is receiving it.
I hope you can all find and do some little things in this life to brighten your day and even the days of others. We receive what we give - I truly believe that.
Make today one of peace and joy! Spread love!
Have a beautiful day and spread the joy and embrace it.
PEACE
This is a fabulous, very positive post! If a lady can't draw some inspiration from this, well, there is something amiss. I read an article yesterday citing things that will prolong your life. Being positive is one of them.
ReplyDeleteI went out early this morning to put a big bag of weeds in the trash can and it was thundering then. We have had a steady light rain since then. Nice for the gardens.
Thank you. I think all - men & women - need to think about these things and try very hard to do them. Being positive is sometimes hard to do - but the end results are just so darn impressive!
DeleteWe have had a nice steady rain as well for a couple hours. The garden has to be loving it!
You are such an inspiration, Cheryl. I have been so hard on myself most of my life and went through some very black thoughts but recently feel happier than I’ve been in a very long time, thankfully. I will read this post several times to keep it fresh in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am glad things are turning around for you and that you are much happier now. Put those bad things behind you and go forth and make a great life. You have it in you.
DeleteI am glad you liked this and maybe it helps!!!! HUGS
Hi Cheryl, just want you to know this post is exactly what I needed today. I was having a hard day caring for my ill parents and spouse. Your post lifted me up and totally changed my day - Thank You! I read all your posts but have never commented. I want you to know your wise words and positive attitude are so appreciated and you make a difference! Thanks again - Michelle
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle. So happy to have you here. Thank you for commenting and letting me know that this helped. It sounds like you plate is pretty full - and you need to remember you as well!!! It is tough being a care giver - but it is a bit of love that we can offer our loved ones. They may not say it, but they appreciate. You are doing good things sweety.
DeleteI am so happy to know this helped and changed your day.
HUGS to you!
I love this post. It's so important to take care of ourselves. I hade no problem taking a nap during the day if that is what I need to feel better.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we are in for some rain the next few days too, which is good. We can use some right about now.
Thanks Belinda. I used to have a big problem taking naps - not anymore!!! It may be just a small thing, but it revitalizes me!
DeleteYes, it is now a nice soft rain here - I am sure the plants are gulping it up.
Glimmers ... Love it! The sun has been trying to shine this morning, but plenty of clouds to the west and south. We got about 1/2" of rain overnight, and I am grateful I don't need to water my deck boxes and containers. Let's see how many other glimmers I can find today. :-)
ReplyDeleteI just loved that when I saw it. It is those little things! Raining a nice gentle rain here at the moment, I know the plants are celebrating! Me too - no watering and refilling rain barrels. Win-win!! Have fun finding more glimmers!!!!
DeleteI agree that we can find joy and even happiness in the small things everyday. However, I also consider it a privilege to be able to take the time to care for myself and those around me.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I don't believe happiness is meant to be ours everyday. If it weren't for sad or difficult times we might not recognize the joys we encounter as we'd take it for granted.
No rain here and lots of heat. Today's high is forecast for 35C/95F. I've been out and done some weeding and watering this morning, but will spend much of the day indoors. That's too hot for me!!
Oh it is a privilege to take care of others - indeed. I have done it so many times in life. I understand what you are saying about sadness and hard times - but I still think there can be little lights in our lives everyday! That is just me. If we let the spark die - we may not get it back.
DeleteThat is hot! Stay in and be careful.
Thank you for this post, it's a good one! Yes, I keep trying to find, see, recognise the happy good things that are in my day. So far this day is great. :)
ReplyDeleteMaryB
Thanks. All we can do is keep trying and going. I do this every day - it is amazing all the little things that happen.
DeleteI love your mindset Cheryl. It is so important to remember we can only control ourselves and worry does nothing to fix or change anything. Bad things happen to each and every one of us.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for those that are constantly unsatisfied and negative but it's really hard to be around them.
Thanks. I HAVE to be this way - it is what keeps me going. Truly. I have had anger issues, I have been a worrier - none of it helped a thing. The old sone "don't worry - be happy", just seems right.
DeleteYou are right - it is very hard to be around negative people. Their lives could be so different.
All good things Cheryl. It is so easy to grab onto the negative.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is easy. We have all done it - but I couldn't function that way anymore. Smile!
DeleteI love the idea of glimmers. Every day has room for a few of those.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does!!! If we just open our eyes or ears and pay attention. They are there!
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