I don’t know why, but when I was growing up, I felt that I ‘should already know how to do things’ before doing them out in public. If my class at school announced that we would have a roller skating party, I would beg my mom to take me to the rink so that I could practice before the party, in a panic about the idea of embarrassing myself in front of other people.
Gradually, over the years, I gave myself ‘permission’ to admit that I had no clue about certain things, that I had never tried something, etc. It still bothers me a bit, but I’ve FINALLY learned to try the new thing to see if I enjoy it, rather than ‘standing back in my own mind’ seeing myself falling in a heap when everyone else seems to be able to do it with no problem.
I don’t know if others share my lack of confidence, but it caused me to miss out on several things when I was young. I still admire people who seem to be fearless, who throw themselves headlong into whatever it the situation is, with a ‘can do’ attitude, or the idea that it will be fun.
One thing I did that helped me deal with this was when I was teaching swimming each summer from the time I was 14 through college. We taught beginning swimming to young children, but we also taught older, experienced swimmers who wanted to work on their technique, stamina, or just wanted the workout.
My favorite thing was our “Mothers Classes.” These ladies sat on the benches in the hot, steamy, indoor pool area so that their kids could learn to swim. What we discovered was that the reason for this many times was that THEY were scared of the water, had never learned to swim, and wished they could. I ended up with some impressive scratches sometimes from women who were petrified, but I felt that the time we spent getting them over their fear was priceless for all of us. We taught them to relax and let the water hold them up. We showed them that they could actually float! Helping women find the confidence to try to overcome years of fear and avoidance helped ME, too. Seeing them learn to swim across the deep end on their own, laughing with joy, made me see my own problems in a different, more healthy light.
Are you with me? Got your T-shirt?
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, empowerment, Encouragement
Filed under aging, Attitude, Encouragement
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, Encouragement, kindness
With Covid, the economy, the divisiveness of our country, and the awful weather from which people have been suffering, it’s hard to keep your head above water.
It might sound inviting to simply withdraw into protective shells, allowing our souls to simply implode.
I am choosing to concentrate on all the good in the world, reaching out to find it and then share it when I can.
Last night I found figure skating on TV. I happened upon it by accident, and was delighted to watch women’s and men’s competitions in Stockholm which would decide who would qualify to go to the Olympics. I absolutely LOVE watching truly talented people. I’m happy to live on the same planet. These people show what talent, hard work, and dedication can do.
We had some storms overnight – nothing like the awful ones in the southern U.S., thank goodness. This morning the sun is shining brightly; some of my plants are sprouting or blooming.
Seeing the positive in your life and being truly grateful for it is a survival skill that needs to be practiced to the point it’s as automatic as breathing. Let’s do it together.
Filed under Attitude, Encouragement
The past two days I have spent outside.
There are things left to be done of course, but my main spring garden is planted. I weeded two brick planters yesterday and got my tomato plants in, too. We have ordered new sprinklers for the main garden, and the irrigation system for the yard needs to be tested. We need to replace a PVC pipe that waters one planter in the front yard. I have two celery starts that need to go out to the main garden. These are details.
I’m still overwhelmed by how my SPIRITS lifted when I bought the plants and worked to get them into the garden. I guess I’ve let the state of our world sit on my shoulders too much. It’s hard to stay upbeat when there is so much bad stuff happening all around you. I felt good feelings FLOOD into me, though, with HOPE for the future as I found places for all my plants the past two days.
I’m smiling as I type, ready to get back outside and see what details I can handle today. :0)
I hope there is something wonderful flooding YOUR heart and soul today.
This is always a good thing to remember, particularly when the world is challenging.
I am maintaining my sanity (I THINK :0) ) by spending a bit of time each day fully relaxing. Part of the time is spent doing yoga stretching poses, where I concentrate only on relaxing and breathing INTO each part of my body as I change positions.
Then, when I’m simply lying on the mat after my practice, or even for awhile in my recliner, I stretch out under my throw, close my eyes, and go to another place. This time is MINE. I can bring up favorite memories of people I love, see and hug people I can no longer see everyday – but who are in my heart forever, re-visit places I’ve gone, re-live experiences, entertain wishes, and more.
When the world “is too much with us” (William Wordsworth) – we can ease into a world of our own making, giving us a bit of respite. As long as we are breathing, we have a place to ‘go’ that brings us joy. And remember that each day is an opportunity to make NEW memories.
I hope you carry yours with you, too.
Filed under collections, Encouragement, Favorite Quotes, memories, Poohisms
Friends and family are priceless; but maybe even more appreciated with all we are dealing with today.
When I got to the computer this morning, I had emails from two of my favorite people in the world. I don’t feel as if the day has started without hearing from them. They ground me. We can share anything and everything and don’t have to worry about judgment. And we CARE about each other. If that isn’t priceless, I really don’t know what is.
In about an hour, we will go to Lunch Bunch. Every Friday for over 17 years, we go and share a bite to eat and catch each other up on what has happened during the past week. We share hopes and dreams, help each other through sadness. Our core group remains the same, though Lunch Bunch changes on how many people come each week. I am so grateful I have two wonderful friends who mean the world to me.
When the world is hostile, angry, and dangerous – and we need to be careful about everything we do and say – loving, and having the love and care of friends and family, will help us through to better times. May we all “make our souls blossom.”
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, Encouragement, Family, Friendship, kindness
The news is depressing. It seems to accentuate the hostility that some have for others who have different beliefs. I remind myself of the wonderful friends and family I have, to look at people as individuals, rather than painting with a broad brush – and not to fall into the trap of labeling people.
There are so many good, talented people in our world. There is such beauty. Sometimes we just have to dig deeper and search harder, while keeping hope alive.
Filed under Attitude, Encouragement, hope
Filed under Attitude, Encouragement, I'm a slob, kindness
Filed under Encouragement, kindness
I’ve been talking to myself again; sometimes it’s the most intelligent conversation I have all day! :0)
One of the things I’m talking to myself about is NOT stuffing something into my face. I’ve been doing better on that lately, even though I’m a stress eater. I also could eat the entire house when I’m up in the middle of the night, not able to sleep.
The last several days I’ve been slogging my way through tax prep. (I’m hoping to essentially finish that up today). When my brain goes glassy, I get up and move around. I get some water. If the weather is reasonable, I put on a jacket and walk around the yard a bit. If not, I do a few minutes on my elliptical trainer in the garage. In the afternoon my ‘break’ takes the form of stretching yoga.
It is my hope that all of this will come together – resulting in
less lard
less pain
feeling good
In the meantime, I tell myself to take it one day at a time and
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, DIET!, Encouragement, exercise
I don’t think it’s Pollyanna-ish to choose to focus on what is good, rather than bad, in your life. A positive attitude not only affects how you feel and act, it’s contagious. (A very small example of this is when you choose to smile at people. I have found that most people smile at you in return.) People who answer phones as part of their work are taught to smile when they are talking to people on the phone because you can HEAR a smile over the phone lines or through the air waves.
Of course, you can’t be happy ALL the time. People have been squashed like bugs because someone wants their SHOES – and the same can happen with people who are TOO perky – TOO Smiley – TOO optimistic….
My point is that it is your decision – to a large extent – to be mainly happy with your life (growing, learning new things, embracing new ideas, finding fun ways to spend your time) or allowing your world to implode, (being interested in fewer and fewer things, being whiny, complaining, not trying to reach out and get help, etc.)
I have watched people I love folding into themselves, their worlds getting smaller and smaller, not bothering to try to keep up with what is happening in the world, giving up things that used to bring them joy, not taking care of themselves, becoming brittle in mind and body. It breaks my heart.
Each of us handles aging, changes, and outlook in our own way, and we should be free to do that.
I am choosing to embrace the good stuff – finding things that bring me joy and sharing them however I can. I love it when someone writes, telling me they love a picture I’ve posted, laughed at a joke, encouraged them to try something new. Each of us can try to take something positive and pass it on. Everyone is richer for it. Maybe ‘Pollyanna-ish-ness’ is a survival skill.
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, Encouragement, kindness
My sister-in-law and I communicate every day. (Some ‘glorious somehow’ occurred and we became FRIENDS, rather than just relatives.) She said something this morning that really resonated and I wanted to share it with you –
“It seems like you’ve been sort of beating yourself up about enjoying fun foods during the holidays. I would encourage you to remember all the pounds you’ve lost and kept off as you head into 2021. So you enjoyed yourself for a few weeks? Eating better is always going to be around so enjoy and start to get back on track slowly so you don’t feel deprived. The healthy eating part is important but so is getting some exercise which I know you do with your machines now that working outside is more limited. ……Just saying!!!”
I’ve printed this and put it on my fridge.
If I could bottle my sister-in-law’s kindness and sell it, I would be the richest person on the planet. :0)
Filed under DIET!, Encouragement, exercise
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