Reflections on Fog

Fog

Many times people talk about the “fog of confusion” and that can be true.

However, today, it seemed to me that fog became clarity.

When the skies are clear, and the sun is out, I’m focused on the next mile…

My destination…
Or looking around at other things…
Not necessarily present in the moment.

When it’s foggy, I’m focused on the now.

Paying attention to what is in my immediate view…
What do I need to watch out for?
Are there dangers I cannot see?
Is there beauty that normally would be lost in the sunshine?

Metaphor for life – sometimes it’s good to be in the fog.

A timely Reminder

When you are tempted to beat yourself up for
falling off the path, choose kindness instead.
Put your hand on your heart and repeat after me:
“It’s okay darling, let’s get RIGHT BACK
ON TRACK and enjoy the ride!”

Not my words, but definitely supports my thoughts!

The Sweetness of Love

The sweetness of love...

Second time around for dad -- I see him so gently holding Marian's hand as they walk down the stairs to the beach.

Later, it seems almost like spying... They are sitting on a driftwood log, leaning into each other. Telling secrets? Who knows. Maybe sweet words of love. Maybe just keeping the wind off each other.

My heart fills-- with happiness for dad and Marian, and also with sadness for me. When is my time?

Starting Over

START OVER ...Author Unknown

If you've started out in pursuit of your goal
And you've really tried with your heart and your soul,
But somehow things got out of control ---
START OVER.

When you've tried your best to do what you should
And you thought this time that you surely would,
But once again, you didn't do good ---
START OVER.

When you've worked so hard to follow a dieter's way
And you fought to win a victory each day
But one more time you went astray ---
START OVER.

When you've tried so hard to yourself to be true
And do the things that you know you should do
But once again you failed to come through ---
START OVER.

When the road to success seemed much too long
And each temptation was oh so strong
And once again you gave in to wrong ---
START OVER.

When you've told your friends what you planned to do
And trusted them to help you through
But soon discovered it's up to you ---
START OVER.

When you know you must be physically fit,
But your hope seems gone and you're stuck in a pit
That's not the time for you to quit ---
START OVER.

When the week seems long and successes few
And at weigh-in time you're feeling blue
Remember tomorrow is just for you ---
START OVER.

To start again means a victory's been won
And starting over again means a race well run
And starting over again proves it can be done
So don't just sit there ---
START OVER.

Rules of the Universe

I don't know where I got this from - but it is SO true and I thought I'd share

1. You're right - it's not fair
2. You can't always have what you want when you want it
3. You can do anything you want to*
4. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do*

*as long as you accept the consequences

My area of refuge

Gretchen Rubin - author and amazing blogger has a post about creating areas of refuge. Her website is http://www.happiness-project.com/

I have been SO influenced by her thoughts the past few weeks/months. Anyway, the article spoke very deeply to me. As I continue to explore the areas of pain from my childhood, I realize just how badly I need an area of refuge that is NOT food to run to when I'm hurting. I wish that I could say that it is my HP - but that is not the case for right now - but I'm definitely working on that part as well. I still go back to my vision of the "perfect" place to live someday…

• Little cottage that has a stone fireplace


• It is in the woods - with mountains back behind; river flowing by and ocean in front


• There is a fabulous garden - (now in my fantasy, I like to garden LOL)


• It has a wrap-around porch with comfy rockers


• Beautiful hanging baskets of fuchsia, geraniums, etc.


• There are big and little wind chimes (for the upper and lower range)


• The windows ALL have padded window seats - so if it's raining, I can sit, read, lookout and dream. If it's sunny, I can pretend that I'm a cat


• There is a big, comfy couch and armchair in the living room


• There is also a desk and work area in the living room - with screens that I can pull across and hide the mess


• There are built-in bookcases on either side of the fireplace (gas one, that is instant light) - and the fireplace has a wood mantle over it


• The walls are painted with warm colors - reds, yellows (????) whatever color, they enhance the photography and art on the walls


• Wood floors with GOOD oriental area rugs - muted colors, not the garish ones that are new


• There is a fantastic music system - that has speakers throughout the whole cottage


• The kitchen has a little nook - and the benches are hinged with storage areas underneath


• The kitchen has all the great amenities - like an instant hot water faucet. The stove is in the center of the kitchen, so you can talk and cook with people sitting around the center


• In my bedroom there is a big, comfy bed. A wing-backed chair and matching ottoman


• There are windows in three of the four walls for natural light, and great reading light as well. Built in closets and dressers.


• It also has a skylight over the bed - so I can watch the stars and moon at night. There is probably a gas fireplace in there as well :-)


• Bathroom has every little amenity that you can think of - big soaking tub - with windows to look out into the woods; shower; lots of natural light from skylights; and - for the ultimate in hedonistic comfort - a towel warmer :-)


• Guest room - with its own bathroom, sitting area etc. It would be as perfect as the main house. The guest "suite" would have its own entrance from the outside - as well as from the main house.
  

Anyway, that is my little place of refuge - I now need to go back to my real life :-)

Secrets of Adulthood -

These are some of the things that I have learned - HOPEFULLY - in my quest to become a mature adult.

1. Nobody notices the mistakes that I make as much as I do.
2. I can't accomplish anything if I'm full of fear
3. It's not all about me... really, it's NOT!
4. It's OK to ask for help, it does NOT mean that I am weak.
5. I need to remember to be gracious and accepting when people offer to help.
6. Under-react to problems.
7. If I'm quick to take offense, I will always have plenty to be offended about - Back to rule #3
8. Speak kindly and quit being annoyed.
9. Stop complaining and be grateful for what I have, which is a heck of a lot.
10. God loves me because of who God is - not because of anything I did or did not do.

Please add to the list.