I don't usually share my New Year resolutions. Mainly because I rarely make New Year resolutions. However. Over the last few years I have become much more health conscious and aware and I was in need of a little more motivation (the novelty of things tends to wear off after a few years). Thus I decided my motto for this year would be "Lean in 2014." What does this mean? Does it mean fad diets and get-ripped-quick exercise programs? No, no. This year is all about being healthy and doing things the right way. I was listening to a lecture a couple weeks ago about being overweight and underweight. The lecturer mentioned something that seriously stuck with me and made me look at being healthy in a whole new light. She talked about how every cell has a certain life cycle; skin cells live for so many days, liver cells live for this many days, and so on. How long do you think fat cells live for? Are you ready? This blew my socks off. Fat cells live for seven years! SEVEN. YEARS. So this whole weight loss/diet/exercise thing we're all so consumed with is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Sure, you can start another diet and lose pounds and inches over the course of a month and look fabulous. But unless you allow those fat cells to die (which, may I remind you, takes seven years), as soon as you slack in your eating and/or exercise habits, all that fat you just lost is going to come rushing back.
This brings me back to the premise of Lean in 2014. Start today by picking one little thing, one little habit to change. It doesn't need to be big. In fact, make it a tiny habit on purpose. Personal example: every single time I went into the kitchen, I had to have a chocolate covered raisin. OK, if I need to be honest, it wasn't just one. It wasn't just two. It was a lot. Because I love chocolate covered raisins. And they're there. And they're delicious. I came to realize (again) this was not a healthy habit. It would have been find if I had only one chocolate covered raisin every once in a while. But I was eating at least a handful every time I went into the kitchen. And that adds up. So that was my little habit. I stopped eating the chocolate covered raisins. Let me tell you, sometimes it's hard. I see them, I smell them, I want them. But I remind myself I don't need them. I have even gone so far as to cover them up so I can't see or smell them. Whatever it takes. So I encourage you to pick one little thing. Switch one soda a day for a glass of water. Have an apple with your sandwich instead of chips. Park your car a little farther away. Go for a walk every day. Whatever it is, do it. And don't beat yourself up if you slip up. Just pick yourself up and do it tomorrow. Once that becomes easy, pick another little thing and do that. Baby steps. I know we all want to see results fast, but trust me, with some patience and fortitude you will make changes that last.
So, what have you got to lose? A few pounds? A few inches? That feeling of loathing that accompanies your reflection in every mirror? Or, a different question: what have you got to gain? Peace of mind? A sense of accomplishment? Keeping up with your kids? Loving yourself? It's up to you. You can make great things happen by little baby steps. Just don't give up. You got this!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Vegan Challenge
It all started with Netflix. That happy place that holds just about anything you could ever want to watch. It is also a very dangerous place, for lurking in the cracks of Netflix-land are what are called Documentaries. Now, some documentaries are on things like the Vatican, where they tell you what goes on in the Vatican with a behind-the-scenes look. Some documentaries are on famous people, highlighting the good and/or bad things famous people have done. Some documentaries are on famous and mysterious places like the Bermuda Triangle or Stonehenge. All very interesting and mostly very educational and informative. But there are other documentaries too. Dangerous documentaries that inspire you to try new things. We happened to watch one of these other documentaries. It was called Vegucated. In this documentary, they asked a few people to give up their current lifestyle and become Vegan for six weeks. These "test subjects," if you will, were also invited to seminars and conventions about veganism and other related lifestyles and habits. They were also invited to farms that are sanctuaries to sick or ailing farm animals. They also talked a bit about the health benefits to a vegan diet. Very interesting, very informative, and it got us thinking. So, in light of this documentary, we decided to do our own Vegan Challenge: 6 weeks of eating vegan.
Now, what is Vegan? A true vegan (from my understanding) does not partake of or use in any way products that came from an animal. For food, that would mean no eating meat (fish, poultry, pork, beef, etc.), also nothing that comes from an animal (eggs, dairy milk, yogurt, cheese, or anything that contains such products). But then there's another level. They would not wear anything that is animal based. So no leather, for example.
We decided to try eating vegan. For six weeks. (Did I mention it was for six weeks?) At first it was easy, because it was new and exciting. We were on this adventure together and we were going to do it and it was going to be fun and we were going to be so healthy and live forever! We told our families the plan. His family was very supportive (they bought Boca burgers when they had a cookout, how cute is that?). Several people in his family had actually done a vegan challenge as well so it was really interesting learning from them and hearing about their experiences. My family was also supportive. They accommodated the best they knew how. We would have spaghetti with them and they would leave out the meatballs until we had our serving. It was very sweet how they all encouraged us in our decision.
After about the first week, it started to get old. We wanted to go out to eat, but had a hard time finding a lot of options. Let's be honest here, I want a burger or chicken and pasta when I go out. Not vegetables and tofu. But we found a few options and took advantage of them. For example, the whole family went out to Red Robin to celebrate birthdays; we were able to order Boca burgers and even a GardenFresh option. Super awesome. Also, Subway's Veggie Delight sandwich is amazing! I think we both started to get used to it around week three. We ate a lot of PB&J. Like, lots. Also, don't be fooled, if it says "Veggie" on it, you might want to check the ingredient list. Chances are it's not vegan, it's vegetarian. And yes, there's a difference (see Addendum I, below). That was one of the most difficult parts of the experience: shopping. So much was suddenly off-limits to us. We had to double and triple check everything in the ingredient list. But, we were also very surprised as to how much we ate before that was actually vegan-friendly (Oreos!). By the end of week four, we were done. We just didn't want to have to deal with checking labels all the time or not being able to eat with our families anymore. (Clarification: We could eat with our families, we just couldn't have the same food. And that kind of stinks sometimes.) So we cut our six week challenge down to four weeks and called it good.
Pros to the vegan challenge:
We did actually feel better. We were more awake, had more energy, recovered faster after a work out, and our systems functioned splendidly. We also got to experience a different lifestyle for a while. It's made me wish there was a vegan section in the store, or a restaurant that catered to vegans, or something like that here in my little neck of the woods. (If we lived in a bigger city like DC, New York, LA, San Francisco, or Seattle it would be a different story.) It was definitely an eye-opener for both my husband and myself.
Cons to the vegan challenge:
Shopping. That was really hard. Maybe it's because I'm just not patient enough, but I had a really hard time finding vegan-friendly foods. It was also very difficult when I knew Sunday dinner was going to be a big breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, blueberry muffins, and the like) and knowing that we wouldn't be able to participate in that tradition. I also missed baking (see Addendum II, below).
All in all, it was fun and I'm glad we did it. But we also found it wasn't for us. Which is OK. We took a chance, we learned a lot, and we're better for it. So what about you? Have you been wanting to try something new? DO IT! Try it out for a while. Challenge yourself for a week, or a month, or six months. Who knows? You might find something you really like. We did! (Coconut spread is one of the best things ever. And so is almond milk.) What have you got to lose?
Addendum I
While vegans don't eat anything from an animal, vegetarians don't eat meat, but will eat animal products such as eggs, dairy milk, cheese, etc. (According to my understanding.)
Addendum II
Baking is still an option for vegans. There's this great website called Vegan Outreach that gives all kinds of product substitutes (along with all the information on veganism you could ever want). We baked some cupcakes using applesauce instead of eggs and they actually turned out really good. They were very dense, but very moist. We are definitely keeping that in our arsenal of baking.
Now, what is Vegan? A true vegan (from my understanding) does not partake of or use in any way products that came from an animal. For food, that would mean no eating meat (fish, poultry, pork, beef, etc.), also nothing that comes from an animal (eggs, dairy milk, yogurt, cheese, or anything that contains such products). But then there's another level. They would not wear anything that is animal based. So no leather, for example.
We decided to try eating vegan. For six weeks. (Did I mention it was for six weeks?) At first it was easy, because it was new and exciting. We were on this adventure together and we were going to do it and it was going to be fun and we were going to be so healthy and live forever! We told our families the plan. His family was very supportive (they bought Boca burgers when they had a cookout, how cute is that?). Several people in his family had actually done a vegan challenge as well so it was really interesting learning from them and hearing about their experiences. My family was also supportive. They accommodated the best they knew how. We would have spaghetti with them and they would leave out the meatballs until we had our serving. It was very sweet how they all encouraged us in our decision.
After about the first week, it started to get old. We wanted to go out to eat, but had a hard time finding a lot of options. Let's be honest here, I want a burger or chicken and pasta when I go out. Not vegetables and tofu. But we found a few options and took advantage of them. For example, the whole family went out to Red Robin to celebrate birthdays; we were able to order Boca burgers and even a GardenFresh option. Super awesome. Also, Subway's Veggie Delight sandwich is amazing! I think we both started to get used to it around week three. We ate a lot of PB&J. Like, lots. Also, don't be fooled, if it says "Veggie" on it, you might want to check the ingredient list. Chances are it's not vegan, it's vegetarian. And yes, there's a difference (see Addendum I, below). That was one of the most difficult parts of the experience: shopping. So much was suddenly off-limits to us. We had to double and triple check everything in the ingredient list. But, we were also very surprised as to how much we ate before that was actually vegan-friendly (Oreos!). By the end of week four, we were done. We just didn't want to have to deal with checking labels all the time or not being able to eat with our families anymore. (Clarification: We could eat with our families, we just couldn't have the same food. And that kind of stinks sometimes.) So we cut our six week challenge down to four weeks and called it good.
Pros to the vegan challenge:
We did actually feel better. We were more awake, had more energy, recovered faster after a work out, and our systems functioned splendidly. We also got to experience a different lifestyle for a while. It's made me wish there was a vegan section in the store, or a restaurant that catered to vegans, or something like that here in my little neck of the woods. (If we lived in a bigger city like DC, New York, LA, San Francisco, or Seattle it would be a different story.) It was definitely an eye-opener for both my husband and myself.
Cons to the vegan challenge:
Shopping. That was really hard. Maybe it's because I'm just not patient enough, but I had a really hard time finding vegan-friendly foods. It was also very difficult when I knew Sunday dinner was going to be a big breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, blueberry muffins, and the like) and knowing that we wouldn't be able to participate in that tradition. I also missed baking (see Addendum II, below).
All in all, it was fun and I'm glad we did it. But we also found it wasn't for us. Which is OK. We took a chance, we learned a lot, and we're better for it. So what about you? Have you been wanting to try something new? DO IT! Try it out for a while. Challenge yourself for a week, or a month, or six months. Who knows? You might find something you really like. We did! (Coconut spread is one of the best things ever. And so is almond milk.) What have you got to lose?
Addendum I
While vegans don't eat anything from an animal, vegetarians don't eat meat, but will eat animal products such as eggs, dairy milk, cheese, etc. (According to my understanding.)
Addendum II
Baking is still an option for vegans. There's this great website called Vegan Outreach that gives all kinds of product substitutes (along with all the information on veganism you could ever want). We baked some cupcakes using applesauce instead of eggs and they actually turned out really good. They were very dense, but very moist. We are definitely keeping that in our arsenal of baking.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
True Love Part II
About a year ago, I wrote a post about true love. What is true love? How do you find it? How do you know when you have found it? All burning questions that, I believe, each one of us longs to answer. At the time of my original post I had only the experiences and expressions of love from my family to draw on. Now, I have my own personal experience. I have found my true love and somehow, after finding him, my whole life seems to make more sense. Life has not become easier. Quite the opposite. Instead of just figuring out my life, I now have to figure out my life, his life, and our life. All at the same time. But all that is OK because he is right alongside me, helping to figure it all out. Life has also become much more fun. Finally I have a "partner in crime," if you will; someone to share in all my adventures.
So, we come to the questions posed with a fresh, new perspective: What is true love? How do you find it? How do you know when you have found it?
The first inquiry: What is true love? For me, true love is smiling at the mere thought of him. My heart tugging splendidly in my chest when someone mentions his name. The knowledge that, somehow, my love for him has grown deeper and sweeter over the short time we have been together and knowing our love will continue to grow throughout our many years together. There are so many things that constitute my feelings of love for him it would be impossible to list them all here. And, really, would you want to read ALL that mushy, gooey stuff anyway? True love is a feeling deep down in your heart that tells you the only place you want to be is with him, wherever he may be, longing for his safety, hoping he returns safely home to you. True love is knowing no matter what happens, good, bad, or ugly, you will be there for each other, to lift and support one another. True love is wanting your Love to blossom and grow in new and old hobbies and experience new and interesting things. True love is allowing the other to continue to be a special and unique individual and to keep falling in love over and over again with them.
The second: How do you find it? Allow me to answer how I found my true love, and perhaps we may glean from there an answer to our question. I found my true love by accident, really. A fluke, if you will. We have known each other for years. We had mutual friends, went to the same parties, even chatted a couple of times, but never really became friends until the summer before we were married. Luckily, at the beach with some friends, we had the opportunity to actually get to know each other. This gave us the motivation to stay a bit more closely connected. Months later, at a weekly event neither of us attended, EVER (see? Fluke.), he asked my on our first date. The rest, you might say, is history. But how did I know it was true love? I knew because I started to feel all those mushy, gooey things I mentioned above. And, for the first time ever, he did too. Simply put, I took a chance. I easily could have said no when he asked me on a date. But I didn't. Sometimes we have to find out what doesn't work before we find out what does work. That was certainly the way it happened for me. And you know what? I couldn't be happier!
Finally: How do you know when you have found true love? This is actually a difficult question. I heard the phrase "You'll know it when you feel it" more times than I can count. Each time I heard it I kind of got it, but I never really got it. It seems like a cop-out, like an easy way out of a hard question, but I feel it is true. Somehow, someway, you just know.
One of the most important things I learned is you have to keep yourself up in all aspects: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally. Allow yourself the opportunity to explore budding interests and new activities. You may find true love from it, you may not. But each new experience you have makes you a more interesting person. You have to become the kind of person you want to be with. If you want to be with someone who is cultured, you must become cultured yourself. Go to art galleries, ballets, and other theatrical performances. If you want someone who is interested in sports, become interested in sports. Learn how to play one, learn the rules for your favorite sport, find a favorites team, go to sporting events. Your life will be enriched as you embark on these new journeys. And who knows? Maybe you will find a special someone to share in your adventures. What have you got to lose?
So, we come to the questions posed with a fresh, new perspective: What is true love? How do you find it? How do you know when you have found it?
The first inquiry: What is true love? For me, true love is smiling at the mere thought of him. My heart tugging splendidly in my chest when someone mentions his name. The knowledge that, somehow, my love for him has grown deeper and sweeter over the short time we have been together and knowing our love will continue to grow throughout our many years together. There are so many things that constitute my feelings of love for him it would be impossible to list them all here. And, really, would you want to read ALL that mushy, gooey stuff anyway? True love is a feeling deep down in your heart that tells you the only place you want to be is with him, wherever he may be, longing for his safety, hoping he returns safely home to you. True love is knowing no matter what happens, good, bad, or ugly, you will be there for each other, to lift and support one another. True love is wanting your Love to blossom and grow in new and old hobbies and experience new and interesting things. True love is allowing the other to continue to be a special and unique individual and to keep falling in love over and over again with them.
The second: How do you find it? Allow me to answer how I found my true love, and perhaps we may glean from there an answer to our question. I found my true love by accident, really. A fluke, if you will. We have known each other for years. We had mutual friends, went to the same parties, even chatted a couple of times, but never really became friends until the summer before we were married. Luckily, at the beach with some friends, we had the opportunity to actually get to know each other. This gave us the motivation to stay a bit more closely connected. Months later, at a weekly event neither of us attended, EVER (see? Fluke.), he asked my on our first date. The rest, you might say, is history. But how did I know it was true love? I knew because I started to feel all those mushy, gooey things I mentioned above. And, for the first time ever, he did too. Simply put, I took a chance. I easily could have said no when he asked me on a date. But I didn't. Sometimes we have to find out what doesn't work before we find out what does work. That was certainly the way it happened for me. And you know what? I couldn't be happier!
Finally: How do you know when you have found true love? This is actually a difficult question. I heard the phrase "You'll know it when you feel it" more times than I can count. Each time I heard it I kind of got it, but I never really got it. It seems like a cop-out, like an easy way out of a hard question, but I feel it is true. Somehow, someway, you just know.
One of the most important things I learned is you have to keep yourself up in all aspects: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally. Allow yourself the opportunity to explore budding interests and new activities. You may find true love from it, you may not. But each new experience you have makes you a more interesting person. You have to become the kind of person you want to be with. If you want to be with someone who is cultured, you must become cultured yourself. Go to art galleries, ballets, and other theatrical performances. If you want someone who is interested in sports, become interested in sports. Learn how to play one, learn the rules for your favorite sport, find a favorites team, go to sporting events. Your life will be enriched as you embark on these new journeys. And who knows? Maybe you will find a special someone to share in your adventures. What have you got to lose?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
True Love
Several weeks ago, a friend of mine suggested I write about true love. Specifically, what is true love? I haven't written the post because, well, I don't know what to write. So far, my personal experiences with love have led to heartache and heart break. So it is not my personal experiences I will be drawing from for this post, but what I have observed in my life as the truest expressions of love.
The first example is that of my parents. They have shown me how a man should treat a woman, a woman should treat a man, a husband to his wife, and a wife to her husband. Never arguing, always laughing. Caring for each other through everything. I remember we were holding a bridal shower at our house years ago. Mom had just gone through surgery and couldn't do everything like she usually would. No worries. Dad stepped right in and took care of everything. He prepared and served all the food, took care of the garbage, and helped with set up and clean up. My aunts were amazed and said, "Where did you find a guy like that?" True love definitely includes serving your sweetheart and trying to make them as comfortable and happy as you can. But I feel there's so much more than that. One of my favorite things about my parents is how much they laugh when they're together. There's always a joke in my home. Something is always funny. Not all of you will believe this, but my parents never fight. Ever. In fact, it's very common for my dad to say something like, "Momma is my favorite person ever. She's perfect." This is what I have been taught true love is: the willingness to serve the other, sacrifice for them, be there when they need you, make each other laugh, and cherish each other. Love isn't easy, but it's certainly not awful. Love is supposed to be joyous.
Another example is my brother and his wife. They taught me true love will get you through incredible challenges. Like I said earlier, love isn't easy. They certainly had their challenges, but they made it through. Now, when I walk into their home I am overwhelmed with the feeling of love that overcomes me. Learning to trust each other and support each other in everything life throws at you is a lesson of true love they have taught me. Their love has increased exponentially since their sweet baby boy has entered the world. Few things are sweeter than seeing a husband and wife become a father and mother.
The final and greatest example of true love is my Savior, Jesus Christ. Never judging, always encouraging. Always helping and serving. The experiences written in the scriptures certainly teach me of Christ's love for everyone. I mean, he DID atone for our sins and was crucified and resurrected for us. I'd call that love. But never have I felt that love that comes from my Savior more than when I'm in the deepest and darkest places in life, I kneel down, cry, and pray. Just when I feel like I'm completely alone and no one loves me, I feel love wrap around me like it's a fluffy blanket and life doesn't hurt so much anymore.
These examples of true love are what I know I can count on. No matter what. I know my parents love me. They've proven it to me time and time again. I know my brother and his wife love me. They've proven it to me time and time again as well. And I know my Savior loves me. He's proven it to me time and time again. Knowing I have safe places where I will always find love is one of the best feelings in the world.
So what is true love? I hear the only way to know is to find it. And how do you find it? Be the kind of person you want to love and go out and live your life. Don't be afraid to take a risk. What have you got to lose?
The first example is that of my parents. They have shown me how a man should treat a woman, a woman should treat a man, a husband to his wife, and a wife to her husband. Never arguing, always laughing. Caring for each other through everything. I remember we were holding a bridal shower at our house years ago. Mom had just gone through surgery and couldn't do everything like she usually would. No worries. Dad stepped right in and took care of everything. He prepared and served all the food, took care of the garbage, and helped with set up and clean up. My aunts were amazed and said, "Where did you find a guy like that?" True love definitely includes serving your sweetheart and trying to make them as comfortable and happy as you can. But I feel there's so much more than that. One of my favorite things about my parents is how much they laugh when they're together. There's always a joke in my home. Something is always funny. Not all of you will believe this, but my parents never fight. Ever. In fact, it's very common for my dad to say something like, "Momma is my favorite person ever. She's perfect." This is what I have been taught true love is: the willingness to serve the other, sacrifice for them, be there when they need you, make each other laugh, and cherish each other. Love isn't easy, but it's certainly not awful. Love is supposed to be joyous.
Another example is my brother and his wife. They taught me true love will get you through incredible challenges. Like I said earlier, love isn't easy. They certainly had their challenges, but they made it through. Now, when I walk into their home I am overwhelmed with the feeling of love that overcomes me. Learning to trust each other and support each other in everything life throws at you is a lesson of true love they have taught me. Their love has increased exponentially since their sweet baby boy has entered the world. Few things are sweeter than seeing a husband and wife become a father and mother.
The final and greatest example of true love is my Savior, Jesus Christ. Never judging, always encouraging. Always helping and serving. The experiences written in the scriptures certainly teach me of Christ's love for everyone. I mean, he DID atone for our sins and was crucified and resurrected for us. I'd call that love. But never have I felt that love that comes from my Savior more than when I'm in the deepest and darkest places in life, I kneel down, cry, and pray. Just when I feel like I'm completely alone and no one loves me, I feel love wrap around me like it's a fluffy blanket and life doesn't hurt so much anymore.
These examples of true love are what I know I can count on. No matter what. I know my parents love me. They've proven it to me time and time again. I know my brother and his wife love me. They've proven it to me time and time again as well. And I know my Savior loves me. He's proven it to me time and time again. Knowing I have safe places where I will always find love is one of the best feelings in the world.
So what is true love? I hear the only way to know is to find it. And how do you find it? Be the kind of person you want to love and go out and live your life. Don't be afraid to take a risk. What have you got to lose?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Power of Opportunity
"Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door." --Anonymous
I have, placed before me, an incredible opportunity. The opportunity to do (almost) anything I want. Problem is, opportunity is a lot of work! And a lot of disappointment. I suddenly felt like bursting into song... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone! (Thank you Kelly Clarkson) Once, twice, even multiple times, everyone has this opportunity placed before them. And they always seem to rise to the occassion. What does this tell me? It tells me I can too. I can put everything I have into this opportunity and hope and pray that something awesome comes of it. So, what have I got to lose? I'll put myself out there, open every door I can possibly find, maybe even open some windows, and see what's on the other side. Who knows where this opportunity will take me? Undoubtedly to new, awesome adventures.
So, what about you? What are you going to do when you see opportunity? Are you going to mistake it for a problem? Are you going to see a closed window instead of noticing the five open doors? Or are you going to sieze what is in front of you and make every moment worth living, regardless of your current circumstances? It's up to you. What have you got to lose?
I have, placed before me, an incredible opportunity. The opportunity to do (almost) anything I want. Problem is, opportunity is a lot of work! And a lot of disappointment. I suddenly felt like bursting into song... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone! (Thank you Kelly Clarkson) Once, twice, even multiple times, everyone has this opportunity placed before them. And they always seem to rise to the occassion. What does this tell me? It tells me I can too. I can put everything I have into this opportunity and hope and pray that something awesome comes of it. So, what have I got to lose? I'll put myself out there, open every door I can possibly find, maybe even open some windows, and see what's on the other side. Who knows where this opportunity will take me? Undoubtedly to new, awesome adventures.
So, what about you? What are you going to do when you see opportunity? Are you going to mistake it for a problem? Are you going to see a closed window instead of noticing the five open doors? Or are you going to sieze what is in front of you and make every moment worth living, regardless of your current circumstances? It's up to you. What have you got to lose?
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
("The Daffodils" by William Wordsworth)
When I'm having a particularly rough day, I like to remember this poem. It reminds me to "go to my happy place," as it were, and see the beauty of life, even if it only exists in memory at that particular moment. My happy, quiet place comes from one of my camping trips when I was a teenager. I was always the first one up (always) which gave me some quiet time all to myself. I remember this particular place we were camping had a spectacular vista that showcased a neighboring mountain. As the sun rose, the fog and mist would slowly burn away and the sunlight would drape over the mountain. Soon the birds would start singing and I would breathe deep the smells of an early mountain morning.
That time I had of quiet meditation gave me then, and gives me now, the opportunity to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with this beautiful world. Life doesn't always go the way I want it to, and it's often filled with trials and heartaches, but when I'm feeling down I can remember those early mountain mornings and find that quiet bliss and feel my heart fill with pleasure and I see once again beauty all around me.
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
("The Daffodils" by William Wordsworth)
When I'm having a particularly rough day, I like to remember this poem. It reminds me to "go to my happy place," as it were, and see the beauty of life, even if it only exists in memory at that particular moment. My happy, quiet place comes from one of my camping trips when I was a teenager. I was always the first one up (always) which gave me some quiet time all to myself. I remember this particular place we were camping had a spectacular vista that showcased a neighboring mountain. As the sun rose, the fog and mist would slowly burn away and the sunlight would drape over the mountain. Soon the birds would start singing and I would breathe deep the smells of an early mountain morning.
That time I had of quiet meditation gave me then, and gives me now, the opportunity to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with this beautiful world. Life doesn't always go the way I want it to, and it's often filled with trials and heartaches, but when I'm feeling down I can remember those early mountain mornings and find that quiet bliss and feel my heart fill with pleasure and I see once again beauty all around me.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
LTS/YOLO
Ah life's too short for wasting
For ifs and might have been's
Life's too short for wondering if
You could have lived your dreams.
-"Share the Darkness" by The Saw Doctors
This past week, tragedy struck my group at church: one of our young ladies passed away. She was 23. This experience has given me cause to reflect. How many times have I had an opportunity to do something or say something or go somewhere and I haven't taken it? How many times have I been too afraid or too lazy or too proud? Life is too short to let opportunities pass us by. After all, you only live once. I'm not saying go out to Vegas and blow your entire savings. Rather, make your life worth living. Make some good friends and spend good, quality time with them. Do something for someone. Remember that post a few weeks ago called I Can be Better? We never know what is going to happen to us. We may live to be 102 years old. We may only live until tomorrow. The young lady that passed away never passed up a chance to help someone in need or make new friends. Let us learn from her example. Make the life you have worth having.
For ifs and might have been's
Life's too short for wondering if
You could have lived your dreams.
-"Share the Darkness" by The Saw Doctors
This past week, tragedy struck my group at church: one of our young ladies passed away. She was 23. This experience has given me cause to reflect. How many times have I had an opportunity to do something or say something or go somewhere and I haven't taken it? How many times have I been too afraid or too lazy or too proud? Life is too short to let opportunities pass us by. After all, you only live once. I'm not saying go out to Vegas and blow your entire savings. Rather, make your life worth living. Make some good friends and spend good, quality time with them. Do something for someone. Remember that post a few weeks ago called I Can be Better? We never know what is going to happen to us. We may live to be 102 years old. We may only live until tomorrow. The young lady that passed away never passed up a chance to help someone in need or make new friends. Let us learn from her example. Make the life you have worth having.
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