I am very blessed that I married the love of my life. My husband is my soul mate. He has always joked with me that we were like peas and carrots. I always said that God knew what he was doing when he introduced us. We are in a sense polar opposites and what one of us lacks the other compliments. We are very attracted to each other and my husband reminded just recently that his life would not be complete without me. I feel the same, as I awake each day with a smile that he is still here with me. He always tells me I am his angel. I have spread my wings far and wide to help him through a difficult time with cancer. A few times during his cancer treatment I wandered if he had an alien inside him that had possessed his personality and made him do strange things, and say things that were confusing, and sometimes hurtful. Now that we are at a peaceful place in our life again, I can see how blessed that I am to be in love with my soul mate for the past 38 years.
Today I am writing about what it has felt like to be the caregiver of my soul mate. I just read an article posted by MD Anderson about acknowledging a caregivers feelings. The article was about a special lady named Traci Newsom. She works for MD Anderson and she talked about the importance that caregivers have the right to be heard and cared for. At this point in my journey with my husband, I would like to shout out, "Amen". I am now able to speak about the pain I experienced as the caregiver of the love of my life. I am no longer a shamed of feeling emotionally drained and alone. I spent a lot of energy over the past years trying to tell myself I had no right to be tired or hurting inside because I was not the one fighting for my life. It is hard to admit that deep inside every day is a struggle. Yes, I do have feelings.
The biggest obstacle that I have encountered as a caregiver is lack of my own family support. I longed so many times to have had a mother or sister to support me. I needed someone that would just listen and let me express my pain without judgment. I needed someone who would let me cry without judgment and hug me. I have a few close friends who have been wonderful. Other friends have been great support, but I often hide the pain I feel. We put on a happy face, because we don't want anyone to see all the worry and day to day uncertainty that cancer brings into our life. I feel that everyone has their own problems in life, let alone they take on our sadness. As a parent, I feel like I should shelter my darkest fears from my own children. I was taught as many of us are, that as a parent we are suppose to be strong and protect our children from our burdens.
When my husband was going through treatment at MD Anderson in Texas, I attended support groups for well wives. It was interesting to hear others express that they too had a hard time deciding what to tell their children about their spouses medical problems and the heartache they both were experiencing. This applies to children no matter how young or whether they are grown ups.
The other tough thing for me while attending the group meetings was seeing other women bring along their sister and sometimes mother for support. It always made me yearn to have someone's shoulder to rest my tired head upon. I needed someone that I could tell that I was tired and hurting very emotionally. You don't want to tell your spouse, because they are using all their energy to get well. The overwhelming guilt of yourself being healthy becomes a shameful thought in your mind. You want someone to tell you it is alright to hurt and be scared.
I tried to get a referral while living in Texas to attend a group that was run by a psychiatrist. I was told she helped spouses deal with all the emotional pain. I was never able to attend the group after making several phone calls. I was told I would have to be on a waiting list, my name was added and an e-mail address was taken. No one ever followed up and I later found out that some other people had been left hanging in limbo also. I did however keep attending another support group just for the comfort of knowing that others were dealing with the same feelings. I can tell you that even in a group of people dealing with similar situations sometimes you still feel all alone. It is especially hard also when there are new faces every week. With the multitude of people coming and going at a large cancer center, it is hard to connect emotionally with anyone.
As a result of all the emotional pain, I became withdrawn and quiet. The complexity of life changes that cancer brings is very overwhelming. I began to feel like I was no longer a participant in my husband's treatment. I no longer felt I had a voice. It was a scary feeling to face so much uncertainty in life. I reminded myself everyday that I had to be strong for my husband. I cheered him on and prayed everyday for God to give me strength to keep smiling for my husband. I have to admit that at times I just wanted to run away. I wanted my husband to run with me. I needed my healthy husband to run with me.
Today I see my healthy husband before me and he would gladly run with me. He has wrapped his loving arms around me and thanked me for holding onto life. We still struggle daily with the uncertainty that cancer brings to our life. We are stronger after all we have experienced and closer, because we did not let cancer take away the love we have for each other.
We are still facing financial issues from all the medical debt, but we both are in a healthy state of mind these days. Together we are moving forward to make some positive changes in our life. I have always said two heads are better than one and if plan A fails there are 26 letters in the alphabet. If you reach the end and all has failed, then lay down your sword. Stand up and start climbing the mountain again, and if you have to ask for help accept it with love and honor. The view from the mountain top is beautiful!
Loving you my husband was the easiest part of our journey. The uncertainty of life is the hardest.
I love you always and forever !!
Life is beautiful!!
Elizabeth:)
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
A Response To A Recent Comment
Today is Tuesday already and Monday passed by quickly. The weeks are rolling by quickly and fall will soon be here. Our weather has already given us a preview of fall temperatures as it dipped into the 40's a couple of evenings and daytime highs in the 70's. It has been humid and cloudy on and off, but the rain showers have moved all around us. The yard is starting to look like straw and the need for mowing has come to a stop. It has been a strange summer as far as the weather is concerned.
The weather has a way of effecting our moods. I am a sunshine girl. I'll take it over rain and gloom any day. I like feeling happy and being surrounded by happy people. It makes you feel good if people smile at you or treat you with kindness. I am a believer that if you keep practicing gratitude and looking to the positive side of life, you can change your world. Sometimes we need help from others if we get in a funk. If you feel depressed please don't hesitate to ask for help. I have at times in my own life felt on the sad side, but I found out that with the help of trained professionals and a commitment to myself I can be happy. Sometimes we need a tune up just like our cars. Health care professionals can help your brain run smoothly with a tailored plan that meets one's own personal needs. Wouldn't life be beautiful if everyone took themselves in for regular tune up of their mind.
I had a comment last week in regards to my post about setting our personal differences aside. The comment was in regards to how people sleep at night after treating people badly. Well I guess in response to that comment, they must not have a conscience. They probably don't care how they treat others, because they are full of pain in regards to their own life. Perhaps they need a tune up. I have been there myself. Sometimes we all get a little tired or over worked and find that everything gets annoying to us. We need to have respect for our own bodies and step back and take a break. I think that most people who have taken the time to rest and look out for themselves will project a kind attitude to others. None of us are perfect and sometimes life throws us a curve ball. We either except that we need help to take care of our self, or we risk hurting others around us.
I know that for myself I have apologized to some people for my own insensitive remarks at times. We all have bad days. It is true that we remember the bad things in life or how poorly someone treats us. Try to change those thoughts by being positive and help others see you as a caring human being.
I guess the old saying is true that saying you are sorry will help mend a broken heart. It starts with yourself forgiveness and extends to all those around you.
I am not perfect and sometimes I find myself feeling sad, but what matters is that I know how to chase those blues away. I know how to say I am sorry and I know that I can not change others, but I can make the decision to walk away. It is up to each individual to take responsibility for their own actions. Live your life as exclamation and not a period. Your life can be filled with happiness when you take care of yourself.
So whoever left the comment, I hope you are at peace yourself and living a life of happiness. And to the people who treat us badly, we pray for them and hopefully they will learn to take care of themselves, so they can sleep peacefully also.
Life is beautiful and full of sunshine when we take care of ourselves !!
Elizabeth:)
The weather has a way of effecting our moods. I am a sunshine girl. I'll take it over rain and gloom any day. I like feeling happy and being surrounded by happy people. It makes you feel good if people smile at you or treat you with kindness. I am a believer that if you keep practicing gratitude and looking to the positive side of life, you can change your world. Sometimes we need help from others if we get in a funk. If you feel depressed please don't hesitate to ask for help. I have at times in my own life felt on the sad side, but I found out that with the help of trained professionals and a commitment to myself I can be happy. Sometimes we need a tune up just like our cars. Health care professionals can help your brain run smoothly with a tailored plan that meets one's own personal needs. Wouldn't life be beautiful if everyone took themselves in for regular tune up of their mind.
I had a comment last week in regards to my post about setting our personal differences aside. The comment was in regards to how people sleep at night after treating people badly. Well I guess in response to that comment, they must not have a conscience. They probably don't care how they treat others, because they are full of pain in regards to their own life. Perhaps they need a tune up. I have been there myself. Sometimes we all get a little tired or over worked and find that everything gets annoying to us. We need to have respect for our own bodies and step back and take a break. I think that most people who have taken the time to rest and look out for themselves will project a kind attitude to others. None of us are perfect and sometimes life throws us a curve ball. We either except that we need help to take care of our self, or we risk hurting others around us.
I know that for myself I have apologized to some people for my own insensitive remarks at times. We all have bad days. It is true that we remember the bad things in life or how poorly someone treats us. Try to change those thoughts by being positive and help others see you as a caring human being.
I guess the old saying is true that saying you are sorry will help mend a broken heart. It starts with yourself forgiveness and extends to all those around you.
I am not perfect and sometimes I find myself feeling sad, but what matters is that I know how to chase those blues away. I know how to say I am sorry and I know that I can not change others, but I can make the decision to walk away. It is up to each individual to take responsibility for their own actions. Live your life as exclamation and not a period. Your life can be filled with happiness when you take care of yourself.
So whoever left the comment, I hope you are at peace yourself and living a life of happiness. And to the people who treat us badly, we pray for them and hopefully they will learn to take care of themselves, so they can sleep peacefully also.
Life is beautiful and full of sunshine when we take care of ourselves !!
Elizabeth:)
Monday, August 11, 2014
Grateful For Fun Weekends With Friends
It is Monday again already and I am grateful to be relaxing with Laney by my side. My husband and I had a fun filled weekend with friends. The weather was beautiful and it was a comfort to be surrounded by people that make us laugh and feel happy. We are grateful that we once again feel full of life. My husband was so happy and I felt so much at peace watching him enjoy life. We are looking forward to a lot more fun this month. The sun is not out today, but it is shinning down on us spiritually as we start a new week with more adventures to come.
In between all the fun I was shocked to hear another story of someone else that has been mistreated by a health care professional. I was taken back again to some painful memories of my own as I listened to their story. I tried to remain attentive and listen to their painful story as it was a very upsetting experience for the person. They began to cry as they spoke of how a doctor had treated them. I tried to offer my support by listening without crying myself. The spouse commented that he was displeased with the doctor and he was not going to let him treat his wife with disrespect. They walked away and found a new doctor who has helped them and it sounds like a happy ending. I pray for the person's continued good health. Once again it brought up painful memories for my husband and I, but we are much stronger now. We are able to talk about our own story and give support to others.
I wish that I did not have painful memories of my husband's own experience with his health care issues. We are able to handle the memories now without feeling that they are drowning us. We can talk now about the new direction our life is going in and we are planning for the future with some short term goals. We have learned to look at the positive things in our life. We have even found some things about my husband's cancer experience that we laugh about. My husband loves to re-enact an incident that happened at a doctor visit. It was funny now as we look back. Yes, my wonderful husband you are "The Man". You are my super hero.
As I continue to write today the sun is now coming out after a light rainfall. I am smiling as god is gracing us with another beautiful day. My husband will be happy if the sun continues to shine, so he can do the number one thing he likes this evening. He will be golfing. I will be relaxing and recharging for more fun adventures to come.
No one knows what tomorrow brings, but we can choose to live today. Take a moment to think of all that you are grateful for. Let go of the past, you can not change it. Focus on being happy right now and laugh a lot. I have found out that all that matters is that at this very moment we can choose to be happy. The future has not happened yet, so let go of any worry about it. Be grateful for all that is blessing you right now!
Laney reminds me all the time to relax. She is a good teacher. LOL!
Yes Laney is getting ready for a nap.
Her eyes are getting heavy. Hope no one disturbs her.
Life is beautiful !!!
Elizabeth:)
In between all the fun I was shocked to hear another story of someone else that has been mistreated by a health care professional. I was taken back again to some painful memories of my own as I listened to their story. I tried to remain attentive and listen to their painful story as it was a very upsetting experience for the person. They began to cry as they spoke of how a doctor had treated them. I tried to offer my support by listening without crying myself. The spouse commented that he was displeased with the doctor and he was not going to let him treat his wife with disrespect. They walked away and found a new doctor who has helped them and it sounds like a happy ending. I pray for the person's continued good health. Once again it brought up painful memories for my husband and I, but we are much stronger now. We are able to talk about our own story and give support to others.
I wish that I did not have painful memories of my husband's own experience with his health care issues. We are able to handle the memories now without feeling that they are drowning us. We can talk now about the new direction our life is going in and we are planning for the future with some short term goals. We have learned to look at the positive things in our life. We have even found some things about my husband's cancer experience that we laugh about. My husband loves to re-enact an incident that happened at a doctor visit. It was funny now as we look back. Yes, my wonderful husband you are "The Man". You are my super hero.
As I continue to write today the sun is now coming out after a light rainfall. I am smiling as god is gracing us with another beautiful day. My husband will be happy if the sun continues to shine, so he can do the number one thing he likes this evening. He will be golfing. I will be relaxing and recharging for more fun adventures to come.
No one knows what tomorrow brings, but we can choose to live today. Take a moment to think of all that you are grateful for. Let go of the past, you can not change it. Focus on being happy right now and laugh a lot. I have found out that all that matters is that at this very moment we can choose to be happy. The future has not happened yet, so let go of any worry about it. Be grateful for all that is blessing you right now!
Laney reminds me all the time to relax. She is a good teacher. LOL!
Life is beautiful !!!
Elizabeth:)
Thursday, August 7, 2014
My Gratitude Continues
The week is passing by quickly and my husband and I are looking forward to enjoying time with some friends this weekend. We have not seen these friends for several years. They live out of area, but they are always close to our heart.. It will be exciting to see them and catch up on what is happening in our lives. So, today I am grateful for good friends and all the fun memories with them. We are hoping to make some more new memories.
The concert with Kevin Bacon last night was good. There were lots and lots and lots of people in a small outdoor area called the civic center at The Greene. I guess that was to be expected when a free concert is held and it is a Hollywood actor. There were other bands performing also. It was an interesting evening watching people. Since the area was packed, we managed to squeeze into a small area by a huge flower pot. A great evening to remember as I got to sit next to beautiful flowers and my husband.
My other grateful thing today is of course flowers. I write about flowers quite often. The civic area last evening was adorned with beautiful flowers. I can not imagine a world without flowers. The sight and smell of them can make anyone smile. There is something calming about a flower garden. It can be good therapy when you need to be uplifted. I love flowers and I am very grateful for their beauty. I think I'll pick up a boutique for the table today.
My last gratitude thought today is for my son. I don't speak of him often. He likes his privacy and wishes to stay out of my blog. He is however a gift of love. I found out that I was pregnant with him on Valentines Day many years ago. That was a great day. So today I wish to tell him that I am proud that he is my son, and I am lucky that he shares my love of baseball and peanut butter. I love you my son !!
Thinking about peanut butter is making me hungry. I think it is time for lunch. Thank you God for peanut butter and honey.
Life is beautiful when you think about the simple things in life that make you happy!!
Elizabeth:)
The concert with Kevin Bacon last night was good. There were lots and lots and lots of people in a small outdoor area called the civic center at The Greene. I guess that was to be expected when a free concert is held and it is a Hollywood actor. There were other bands performing also. It was an interesting evening watching people. Since the area was packed, we managed to squeeze into a small area by a huge flower pot. A great evening to remember as I got to sit next to beautiful flowers and my husband.
My other grateful thing today is of course flowers. I write about flowers quite often. The civic area last evening was adorned with beautiful flowers. I can not imagine a world without flowers. The sight and smell of them can make anyone smile. There is something calming about a flower garden. It can be good therapy when you need to be uplifted. I love flowers and I am very grateful for their beauty. I think I'll pick up a boutique for the table today.
My last gratitude thought today is for my son. I don't speak of him often. He likes his privacy and wishes to stay out of my blog. He is however a gift of love. I found out that I was pregnant with him on Valentines Day many years ago. That was a great day. So today I wish to tell him that I am proud that he is my son, and I am lucky that he shares my love of baseball and peanut butter. I love you my son !!
Thinking about peanut butter is making me hungry. I think it is time for lunch. Thank you God for peanut butter and honey.
Life is beautiful when you think about the simple things in life that make you happy!!
Elizabeth:)
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Correcting Miscommunication Creates Good Relationships
Today is the sixth day of August, and it is already passing by quickly. My days are filled with lots of social outings. I awoke early this morning to meet my dad and help him. I was his listening ears today. All the things I heard were good. We enjoyed eating at his favorite restaurant and talking. He always make me laugh. I hope he knows that he is one of my grateful things in life. He wins the best dad award from me. I love you dad!!
Yesterday I was blabbing so much on my blog, and I have noted a couple of grammar mistakes. I think I corrected them all. I am grateful for spell check, but I am frustrated with auto correction. Sometimes it changes my words. Computers can be scary when you think they have a mind of their own. Someone may misinterpret what someone is trying to communicate. Miscommunication even happens when we are talking directly to someone. We should always clarify things with people and not assume anything. I know myself that sometimes I don't quite get what people are saying.
I have a fun evening planned with my husband. We are having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then we are going to see an outdoor concert. The Bacon Brothers are in town. I like watching Kevin Bacon perform as an actor. I hope his music talents are just as good. My husband and I have seen a lot of outdoor concerts this summer. It has been a good summer for enjoying time outside in the evenings.
So today I am grateful for my dad and being able to spend time with him. I am grateful for good health, being happy, and fun summers with my husband. And, believe it or not I am grateful for doctors and nurses that do sacrifice their own personal life so that we can enjoy good health.
Dear God,
Please bring peace into the hearts of those whose paths we cross and give them strength to find happiness in their own endeavors of life. Amen!!
Life is beautiful when we live in harmony !!
Elizabeth:)
Yesterday I was blabbing so much on my blog, and I have noted a couple of grammar mistakes. I think I corrected them all. I am grateful for spell check, but I am frustrated with auto correction. Sometimes it changes my words. Computers can be scary when you think they have a mind of their own. Someone may misinterpret what someone is trying to communicate. Miscommunication even happens when we are talking directly to someone. We should always clarify things with people and not assume anything. I know myself that sometimes I don't quite get what people are saying.
I have a fun evening planned with my husband. We are having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then we are going to see an outdoor concert. The Bacon Brothers are in town. I like watching Kevin Bacon perform as an actor. I hope his music talents are just as good. My husband and I have seen a lot of outdoor concerts this summer. It has been a good summer for enjoying time outside in the evenings.
So today I am grateful for my dad and being able to spend time with him. I am grateful for good health, being happy, and fun summers with my husband. And, believe it or not I am grateful for doctors and nurses that do sacrifice their own personal life so that we can enjoy good health.
Dear God,
Please bring peace into the hearts of those whose paths we cross and give them strength to find happiness in their own endeavors of life. Amen!!
Life is beautiful when we live in harmony !!
Elizabeth:)
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Setting Aside Our Personal Differences
I awoke this morning to the telephone ringing and I answered it because the caller ID revealed it was a family member. The phone call woke my brain up as I listened to the lovely voice of my daughter. It was a wonderful wake up call, as I always love talking to my daughter. She always brings a ray of sunshine to my life and she makes me grateful to be a mother.
My blog posting continues today with some more grateful things in my life. The conversation with my daughter reminded me how grateful I am of my children and proud that they have grown up to display strong leadership skills and compassion for others. Yes, I am proud to be their mother.
Our conversation left me wondering what has happened to our medical society. I was shocked to hear how someone had been treated by some health care professionals. Out of respect for those involved I will not say what happened, but an incident has left me feeling ashamed of nurses and doctors. Being a nurse myself, I am wondering what has happened to the oath that we took to care for people. Are health care workers burned out? Are they taking out their frustration on their patients, because of their dismay with the many changes in the health care system?
I did a lot of praying over the last several years because of my husband's health issues and the emotional toll it took on our family. I am grateful to have been on the other side of the fence as a caregiver of a spouse, because it made me really look at how the attitudes of nurses and doctors affect the patient. After doing some research I am starting to understand that perhaps the change in administration at an institution plays a great role in the attitude projected to the patients. No matter who is in charge we need as health care professionals to step back and remind ourselves the oath we took to care for our patients. We are all human and come to work with our own set of values, but we need to remember that no matter how upset we are over changes we can not take it out on the patient and their families.
Several years ago I worked for a doctor that reminded the medical team that we were never to take out our problems on a patient. She reminded us daily that no matter how bad we thought our day was that an ill person did not need to subjected to it. She was very serious about it and our patients were always given good care. I was proud to work with her.
This blog post has left me with an unpleasant memory of something that was said to my husband and I during an office visit. We were told not to ask any questions, as the doctor was having a bad day. My husband and I were upset, because my husband had some side effects and was feeling poorly. He did not discuss them with the doctor for fear he was a burden. I was upset as it is hard to watch a loved one deal with cancer. I know that the doctor did not verbally say he was having a bad day, but his demeanor and the comment from his health care team left us both feeling apprehensive. Once again as health care professionals we need to put aside our own personal problems and be there for our patients. I still get sad sometimes when I remember how we did not speak up for fear of ruining the doctors already bad day. I spent many days punishing myself for not speaking up. That day left us with worry and pain that we experienced daily, and those side effects challenged the whole dynamics of our family life. I have prayed for the doctor, and hope he has good days for the other patients. I hugged the doctor after each visit, because down deep inside of me I wondered if he was emotionally burned out.
As we all know our actions come back to bite us, they call it karma. We can change and forgive others and our self. I have learned that it starts with taking care of our own health. We need to remember that when we feel good then the others around us are happy.
Today I end with being grateful to be a mother. I am also grateful that I am a nurse and for the patients who have taught me about compassion. And last but not least I am grateful for Laney who loves me unconditionally and lets me talk without judgement. There would be no blog without my spoiled four legged friend. I love you Laney!!
Life is beautiful!!
Elizabeth:)
My blog posting continues today with some more grateful things in my life. The conversation with my daughter reminded me how grateful I am of my children and proud that they have grown up to display strong leadership skills and compassion for others. Yes, I am proud to be their mother.
Our conversation left me wondering what has happened to our medical society. I was shocked to hear how someone had been treated by some health care professionals. Out of respect for those involved I will not say what happened, but an incident has left me feeling ashamed of nurses and doctors. Being a nurse myself, I am wondering what has happened to the oath that we took to care for people. Are health care workers burned out? Are they taking out their frustration on their patients, because of their dismay with the many changes in the health care system?
I did a lot of praying over the last several years because of my husband's health issues and the emotional toll it took on our family. I am grateful to have been on the other side of the fence as a caregiver of a spouse, because it made me really look at how the attitudes of nurses and doctors affect the patient. After doing some research I am starting to understand that perhaps the change in administration at an institution plays a great role in the attitude projected to the patients. No matter who is in charge we need as health care professionals to step back and remind ourselves the oath we took to care for our patients. We are all human and come to work with our own set of values, but we need to remember that no matter how upset we are over changes we can not take it out on the patient and their families.
Several years ago I worked for a doctor that reminded the medical team that we were never to take out our problems on a patient. She reminded us daily that no matter how bad we thought our day was that an ill person did not need to subjected to it. She was very serious about it and our patients were always given good care. I was proud to work with her.
This blog post has left me with an unpleasant memory of something that was said to my husband and I during an office visit. We were told not to ask any questions, as the doctor was having a bad day. My husband and I were upset, because my husband had some side effects and was feeling poorly. He did not discuss them with the doctor for fear he was a burden. I was upset as it is hard to watch a loved one deal with cancer. I know that the doctor did not verbally say he was having a bad day, but his demeanor and the comment from his health care team left us both feeling apprehensive. Once again as health care professionals we need to put aside our own personal problems and be there for our patients. I still get sad sometimes when I remember how we did not speak up for fear of ruining the doctors already bad day. I spent many days punishing myself for not speaking up. That day left us with worry and pain that we experienced daily, and those side effects challenged the whole dynamics of our family life. I have prayed for the doctor, and hope he has good days for the other patients. I hugged the doctor after each visit, because down deep inside of me I wondered if he was emotionally burned out.
As we all know our actions come back to bite us, they call it karma. We can change and forgive others and our self. I have learned that it starts with taking care of our own health. We need to remember that when we feel good then the others around us are happy.
Today I end with being grateful to be a mother. I am also grateful that I am a nurse and for the patients who have taught me about compassion. And last but not least I am grateful for Laney who loves me unconditionally and lets me talk without judgement. There would be no blog without my spoiled four legged friend. I love you Laney!!
Life is beautiful!!
Elizabeth:)
Monday, August 4, 2014
Finding Peace In Life
I am starting my blog post today with a picture of myself walking on the beach. My husband took this picture of me on Hilton Head Island, SC. It is one of our favorite places to go for relaxing and just being at peace. It was an evening walk on the beach. I had the flash light in my hand as it was at dusk and I wasn't sure how far I was going to walk. I have walked that beach many times and never tire of it. The sound of the waves and being away from all the routine in life is very relaxing.
I like looking at the picture as it reminds me that despite all the heartache in life there are special times that we can just be relaxed and have fun. It reminds my husband and I that we still have a life to live.
I had a special day yesterday that made me feel like I was at peace even though it was not on the beach. It was a day spent with two special guys in my life. Can you guess who? They were my husband and my dad. We spent the day at a baseball game and then we went out to dinner. Later in the evening my husband and I went for a bicycle ride at a nearby park. It was a picture perfect evening. The weather temperature has been cool this summer and perfect for outdoor activities. The ride on the bike path was like riding through a forest. Everything is very green and dense this summer from lots of rain. It was like a meditation ride, as we let the beauty and sounds of nature relax us.
It is Monday morning now and even though a lot of people dread the start of the week, I am very blessed to be able to relax and write. Laney is sitting in her usual spot which is my lap. I often wonder what she thinks in that little mind of hers. She has taught me that some of the simply pleasures in life are just sitting and relaxing. My spoiled little friend is the best.
My friends have been doing a thing called a blessing challenge. You start your day with gratitude and blessings in your life. I have been doing this for awhile, as it does help to heal your mind. We all have different emotions about life and expectations based on past experiences. There is one thing that we can all do, and that is list what we are grateful for and they will overshadow the pain in life. I have learned that if I keep practicing gratitude it becomes a habit and the burdens of life do not overwhelm me.
Today I am grateful for Monday and my peaceful time with Laney. I am grateful for another day with my husband, my children and all the family including the pets. I am grateful that I thought enough of myself to except that I am not perfect but unique. So, the challenge is on to write everyday this week about the things I am grateful for. I was just thinking that if everyone only saw the good things in life we would have a peaceful world. I really think that is the way Laney sees it. Hope you have a blessed week wherever you are.
I climbed a mountain to find peace. I slid backwards on the climb a couple of times and even fell off the mountain, and I picked myself up and keep climbing. Today I feel like I made it to the top. I can see everything clearly from the top and what I see is beautiful.
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
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