Are you impressed to see my new banner?? Don’t be- I couldn’t figure it out so my daughter sent me directions. Funny, this time I didn’t feel stupid or techno-challenged, just grateful that I have brilliant children. J
It’s amazing how our brains work. We can imagine things that make us laugh or cry, celebrate or despair, find hope or worry. In my “weary” blog I tried to make the point that it’s our perception, our attitude that determines how we feel about ourselves. No one has said or done anything lately to try to “bring me down”. I did it on my own, through the power of stress, rain, and a gloomy outlook. I played “what if” and lost…at least for a brief period of time.
That made me think about people who keep a negative mental image all the time. What a sad way to live! Our family has had its share of mental problems, mostly depression, and it has fascinated me for years. I’ve been blessed with an inner strength that I don’t understand, but certainly appreciate, especially as I get older. And I say “blessed” with all humility because I can’t see that it has anything to do with my conscious efforts. I get upset, down, worried, and doubtful, just like anyone else. However, I draw on my past experiences and my faith in God to get back up and stop whining. And I remember something my grandmother Della told me once when I was sad- “This too shall pass.” That returns to me every time I have a problem!
Unfortunately, Della’s words apply to good things, too. We should remember that our time on earth is short and we need to enjoy the good times, good friends, and good experiences while we have them. My neighbor said he asked himself, “What haven’t I done?” A good question for us all. Ask yourself “What is really important to me NOW while I have the time?” It can be something as simple as telling a friend how much you appreciate them, or taking a class to learn something you always wanted to learn, or something big like adopting a child or changing careers. Whatever it is, do it now, while you can.
Critter note: I spent half an hour this morning drinking coffee and watching a beautiful skunk dig around in the pasture. I assume he was eating grubs and grasshoppers. I’ve seen this skunk, or his twin, once before. His white stripes are so big that most of his body appears white. At first, before I saw his head and tail, I thought he might be an albino. Anyway, he was quite entertaining at 6am. I’ll have to look for him again.
I’ve posted an album of photos of our daughter’s visit. (See left column.) We had a great time!
Mary I will have to send you the article by Chuck Swindoll about attitude....boy does it help me. Keep up the good work!!
Posted by: houstine | July 01, 2007 at 08:56 PM