 |
| This is not my photo, but I love it and don't remember where it's from so I can't cite it. It's too beautiful not to share. |
Change is scary. Just when we think we might have things figured out, circumstances change and that can be intimidating. But change can also be good, a real opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace it.
Say what you mean. No matter whether you're on top of the world or in the depths of despair, don't be afraid to honestly express yourself. I have a tendency to avoid confrontation, and too often I've told people things I thought they wanted to hear instead of being honest. I've embroiled myself in unnecessary confrontations because I didn't pleasantly and simply state how I really felt.
A hot cup of tea, knitting, and meditation are good for your soul. With the zeal of the newly converted, I'm going to say that meditation does have the power to change your life. I've been practicing for only a week now, but awareness, acceptance, a wonderful grounded feeling, improved coping, and reduced anxiety are benefits that even I can't ignore. I intend to continue meditating, and I don't think you can ever go wrong with a warming mug of tea and a few minutes of focused knitted.
By putting these on my list of things learned, I don't mean that I'm crossing them off and moving on. These are three big areas in which I've made some small progress in 2017, and maybe by putting them in writing, I will continue to work on them in 2018.
Head on over here to read more Three on Thursday posts. (Maybe? Carole may be continuing her most wonderful week of doing what she darn well pleases, and that may not include a blog post today.)
Wise words to carry me through to the new year, Bonny. Especially #2 I struggle with that!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes. You've certainly hit the nail on the head. All three of your things are good for everyone to think about, work on, and embrace. I'm going to! (Love the photo, too.)
ReplyDeleteThat photo is amazing, I love cardinals anyway so ...
ReplyDeleteI want to learn to meditate. I think it would help me and I really need it!
Three very good lessons and I am clinging to number three these days - knitting, tea, and books - yes please
ReplyDeleteThree perfect lessons! XO
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture, Bonny! Thanks for sharing that. Your first two lessons are things I struggle with as well. It is a worthy struggle, and I think the world would be a better place if more people embraced them. But for now, I just need to work on ME. #3 is, well, of course! But I struggle with setting time aside for myself as well. Thanks for wonderful reminders I needed to hear.
ReplyDeleteI've contemplated meditation for a long time, but have never given it a wholehearted attempt before now. I'm not sure what changed, but I found an audiobook with guided meditations that really seem to work for me (Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams, Danny Penman, Jon Kabat-Zinn). Each meditation is only about 7-10 minutes long, and I decided that I could set the alarm 10 minutes earlier and give one a try every morning for at least two weeks. Well, it's only been a week, and it's been truly wonderful. I hope I can re-read this post in a few months and say that I'm still practicing and attentive to what I wrote!
DeleteI'm thinking of getting a tattoo ----- Semper Gumby! (Always flexible) We have had TWO major moves in one year and will probably make another (local) move by the end of the summer. CHANGE -- I have learned to embrace it. SEMPER GUMBY!
ReplyDeleteI went to a talk by Barbara Coloroso when our son was in elementary school. Her motto was "say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you say you are going to do." Good words to live by.
I hope you find plenty of tea, knitting and meditation time in 2018. I intend to!!! LOL
A strong YES to all 3. And, love the Cardinals - always so beautiful in snow.
ReplyDeleteWonderful lessons and I'm so glad you're enjoying meditation!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with number 2 and am going to work on it in 2018. My niece reminds me that women often feel so obligated to please others that we need valid excuses for expressing our own feelings or for times we say "No"...she gently reminds me, "Just be who you are and say what you mean." I'm learning from a wise 19 year old. Number 3 is my life saver!
ReplyDeleteoh that photo is beautiful! and thank you for sharing your list - isn't it wonderful that we keep learning?! I've been dabbling with meditation and agree - it's a life-changer. planning to get more disciplined about it in 2018.
ReplyDeleteChange is so scary! Ive contacted someone after a long period of estragement. It was scary but went well > Now Im worried I should have not called. Im just afraid. Afraid old habits will emerge. Old hurts will resurface. I can hope though and try to be more positive. right? I can be myself and not be afraid of anger that may happen right?
ReplyDeleteI do hope that old patterns, habits, and hurts don't resurface. Scary indeed, but I think you showed bravery, love, and hope by making contact, and I hope you can both enjoy going forward in a new, positive relationship. Fingers crossed!
DeleteBeautiful winter photo of the cardinals. I have been watching a pair in my yard this week. It is wonderful to embrace new learnings. Thank you for sharing your insight.
ReplyDeleteI hope your changes are okay. I am terrible at change and my whole body goes into panic mode. It will take me weeks to calm down after the flight/fight response. I never change, maybe that is the problem? Knitting is my salvation!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I always think I'm just too itchy to meditate but perhaps not. I'm a big Dan Harris fan...maybe he can teach me something! Happy New Year my friend!
ReplyDelete