It Was A Good Week To.....

Photo credit: Michal Marcol

1.  Finish 31DBBB.  Over two weeks ago I fell behind on keeping up with the group participating in the 31DBBB challenge.  What I learned from falling behind is that there is only so much you can keep up with, and that falling behind wasn't going to prevent me from learning the rest of the exercises.  I spent the rest of the week reviewing the lessons, and even though I feel I'm not yet advanced to actually apply some of the tasks, I wanted to know what still needs to be done.  I've updated my 31DBBB badge to reflect a "survivor" and now moving on, will slowly learn towards becoming a better blogger.

2. Sit outside in the park.  Early in the week there was a wonderful cool breeze blowing through the afternoon.  I was having a bit of a stressful day, and so we packed our chairs and headed for the nearest park.  We set up under a shaded tree and I brought along a radio which we listened to (softly).  Something about being near the trees absorbs stress, and as the breeze tickled my face I felt the pressure relaxed and my spirits lifted.  I thought about nothing except being present in the moment.  It was all that mattered.

3. Watched a DVD.  Later in the same week there were a couple of days where our weather temperature hit the triple digits!  We took care of all our errands early, and came home to watch an old sci-fi movie the rest of the day.  Staying out of the heat, we kicked back, ate our sandwiches, and just "chilled out."

4. Be inspired to make a new video.  I like to watch people's creativity when making their own, custom music video on You Tube.  Since I learned how to use iMovie and iDVD this year, I suddenly became inspired to start a new project and make my own video with music in the background.  It adds to my skills and provides me a chance to become more computer savvy.  Once I complete my video and I find it satisfactory, I'll share it on a future post.

5. Have lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a while.   A good former co-worker friend of mine went to work for another company a few years ago, but we still manage to stay in touch through emails.  We share similar likes and dislikes when it comes to office politics and life in general, which makes our relationship friendly but not too prying.   I connected with her through Facebook when I finally got on Facebook this year, and we made arrangements to meet for lunch.  It was so marvelous to see each other and to bring each other up to date on what's been going on.  It was also healing for my part, because I don't often share the same kindred spirit with others as I do with her.  The time flew by and before we knew it, three hours had passed before we realized it was time to leave.  It was one of the best lunches I had in a long time.

Looking back on the good things that happened in your week helps you appreciate your successes no matter how big or small they are.  It is worth recognizing because: 1) it means you can say your week wasn't a total disaster, and 2) you were able to shift your attention away from feeling stressed to a more relaxed, agreeable, pleasant feeling. 

How was your week?  Feel free to share your good intents here and acknowledge your achievements.

What's Your Purpose?

I had a little difficulty writing this topic in regular paragraph form.  It came as a poem instead.   The inspiration came from observing someone who has all the ingredients to live a comfortable life, yet there was something missing...... 

What's your purpose, do you know?

How can you answer, if you don't know.

You have what you want, what you thought makes you lucky,

Yet, why do you feel so blue and unlucky?

The answer to that lies deep within.

Go under the layers, not the top of the skin.

Listen real hard, for the answer is there,

It could be the one that makes you aware,

That you are a person, that can help others to

Be happier, healthier and appreciative too.

The persons who are unable to do it alone

Need someone like you, to help in their home,

Or maybe a visit, just to say hi.

They're very grateful that you stopped by.

A family that's hungry, no money to eat

Gets a box full of groceries, oh what a treat!

The dog or the kitty that's locked in the pound

Gives you those eyes, big, sad and round.

Your heart will melt and your eyes will tear

When they lick your face, from ear to ear.

The person with chemo, who cannot eat,

Loves your company, to fill the empty seat.

The crafts you make with precision and smart,

You give to the patient, with love in your heart.

The care package you send to the soldiers overseas,

Makes them happy, appreciative, and very pleased.

The firemen and policemen that protect our streets,

The EMT's, doctors, and nurses that do feats.

When you volunteer your help, they know they can count

On your sincere, kind services, without a doubt.

The smile you get back cannot compare

To the new shoes or jeans you no longer wear.

So you think you have it made, but not for long.

The others that have less, they've shown you they're strong.

So what is your purpose as you ask yourself tonight?

To make a difference with Love and to be their Light.

Could Have, Should Have, Would Have

This poem was inspired by a conversation that I was having with my significant other.  

I could have been outgoing,

But instead I turned out shy.

I should have been an artist,

But instead I didn't try.

I would have been more prettier,

But instead I turned out plain.

I could have better clothes,

But instead I just complained.

I should have been a long term worker,

Producing and doing well.

But instead they laid me off last year,

It hurts but you couldn't tell.

I should have been real angry,

I had the right to be.

I could have been depressed,

It would have made sense to me.

Instead the door had closed.

It was time to move on now.

I had to figure out what to do,

But I didn't quite know how.

I wrote the resume again

And practiced my interview skill.

I even learned to Twitter

And I volunteered at will.

I trusted that my brand new path

Would be better than before.

I focused on improving my attitude and skills,

And found strength in doing more.

I found comfort in my silence,

And listened to my soul.

I found love and joy and compassion and peace,

It's part of being whole.

Could have, should have, would have,

Does not change what's meant to be.

So I accepted and was grateful

To start new again and be free.

What we learn from any setback helps us to more forward.  This journey is about finding your strength.  Don't give up hope.