But time and time again, I know that there is a need to quiet ourselves and sit in silence. A dear friend mentioned this just this week and reminded me of the growth and listening that can be done by being still. Our minds can be so full and running endlessly with work, family, etc. We need to quiet all the thoughts and noise -- even just for short periods of time. In my spiritual walk, I think the key for me is to still my mind and heart to say "show me your ways"...
Now, as for that writing challenge....I'm going to try to bring on the boredom of sitting and doing nothing. Even though I don't want to, even though I don't know if I can. The workbook states: "Are you worried you'll get bored (um, yes) - Good (really?!)! I hope you do get bored (gee thanks). Those of you who have been through the Rubart Writing Academy know that we teach how creativity is unleashed when people are bored (oh, I think, I'm beginning to understand). Often that's when the great ideas come. Yes, that's why great ideas often come to you when you're driving or in the shower. What you're doing with this exercise is putting yourself in a state where your brain, and more importantly your heart, will be receptive to ideas." I think I might have a little stubbornness within me (maybe a smidge). I read this assignment and immediately thought of how much I didn't want to, couldn't do this. But the more I think about it, I need to try to do it. Those last words are sticking with me - that my mind and heart would be open.
That's how I want to be positioned - with my mind and heart open to the Lord...what He wants for my life and for me to write. Show me your ways Lord.
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30 Day Writing Challenge It's Time to Post -- "Today you're going to post on your favorite Social Media channel about one of your wild and crazy dreams. This is going to be a short lesson today. Its simple, but its HARD, because we're asking you to make public one of the things you dreamed about in private." I think I've mentioned that I have a vision board. It holds a lot of my dreams and things to hold me accountable to the growth and dreaming to date. One of the items I added this year is the dream to publish a book. I had NO idea how much I would love writing as I began these blog posts again. I've had the bud of this dream for awhile, so when Jeannie mentioned forming a writing group - I knew I needed to express my interest in joining. This "soft start" of writing mentorship for her has brought together a sweet ladies group and monthly writing challenges. It also has cultivated that budding dream of publishing. And now you know....my "wild and crazy" dream is becoming a published author...my words filling the pages and my name on the cover! “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”--Walt Disney. 30 Day Writing Challenge Short Story #2 This time I had my daughter choose three pictures of our dog for me to use for the story!
Honestly, this has been a trying week. My dad was in the hospital over last weekend, kiddo needed dental work, the dog needed to see the vet, my knee has been shouting for attention and then this...with one of my favorite and well used bowls. It was quiet a shock when I went to lift the bowl to have the entire burner come with it! It took my brain a few minutes to figure it all out in fact! My only reaction - oh no! And then believe it or not....a little snicker, a eye-roll to myself, and head shake. I credit the music that has been playing and filling in the silence. I don't always listen to praise and worship, but this day it has been THE playlist. The words have washed over the anxiousness of the previous weekdays and soothed my weary soul. Sticking to me like a hot burner to a plastic bowl! Melting into my very being. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16
I first learned of LD when I was working at the school district. If memory serves, it was the school year after the pandemic of 2020. We had just gone through one of the most difficult school years with the shutdown, transitions had happened at work changing my team, and I'd had some personal stuff too. Knowing that teachers were needing a little extra TLC, Mary Lynn had offered a free session. I had hit an emotional wall that I didn't expect and realized how out of balance and in need of restoration I was; after seeing that offer I reached out to her.
Mary Lynn has a gift for loving people. She is the sweetest!! I try to explain the RnR sessions to people and fail miserably, but this video below captures it well. I encourage you to watch and possibly feel the relaxation. If you are in the McPherson area, I highly recommend giving her a call and check out her Facebook page that I've linked.
Mary Lynn prayed often over and for me, in these sessions but I know beyond them as well. I shed tears while there, but also shed stress. What I didn't expect from going to these sessions, was gaining a special friend and mentor. She met more than the physical need of relaxing and restoring. She would always take time to ask about how I and my family was doing. She, in fact, will still check in with me by text or calls!
That restoration is a whole other story of how I've overcome! I'm thankful that I can now use these stories to become a survival guide to others. The first step (maybe chapter of that story) was admitting that I needed support and reaching out for that help. We need each other!
God has positioned some special people in my life and I am so thankful that they are part of my story.
When was your last really good laugh? Not just any laugh, but one of those hurt your belly, bring tears to your eyes, gasp for air laughs? When I worked at the school district, I had a coworker make the comment that they knew I was in the office because they heard my laugh down the hall. For being an overall more quiet person - I have my loud moments and laughter is one of them. I've had a few moments that the laugh has pierced through some more quiet spaces. The saying goes that "laughter is good medicine". And it is GOOD. According to Psychology Today, "Laughing also has many health benefits such as increasing blood flow and improving mental and physical resilience. In fact, it’s not unlike a vigorous workout session." (Credit) Can I just pause here - "not unlike a vigorous workout session". Bring on weight loss by laughter! I'm in!! The site goes onto say, "simple laughter can make life feel more manageable by masking pain, sharpening your ability to remember things, and alleviating the pressures of the day-to-day grind." As an added bonus, it states that there is "evidence showing how being funny makes a person more attractive." There is nothing like a good laugh! Some of my favorite people have brought or bring great laughter to my life. I have some wonderfully embarrassing memories too! One with my friend Stacie as teens that involved me falling over a table in the middle of the night on vacation. I've been trapped against a wall while moving furniture with Shannon and ended up in a laughing fit. We will just leave the embarrassing details out, but I still smile with those memories. Laughter, smiling and joy allow me to position myself for purpose in my relationships with others. I'd encourage you to position yourself around laughter as well - according to the article, it might even make you more attractive 😉 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25) |
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March 2024
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