Summer might be a good time to start a journal! I have been spending a good part of this day being quiet, reading, journaling, "allowing my body to catch up with my soul", as my Mama often said. Mama would stretch out in bed or on the couch without an excuse, except to be still and spend time resting herself.
As a 50 something woman, I do not believe women do this enough!
We hustle and bustle around taking care that everyone has what they need and want, and we too often forget that we, too, have needs.
When I am in my "being still" mode, I frequently ask myself:
"Is there a private world beneath the noise and action at the surface?
A world that needs to be explored and maintained?
Can strength and resilience be developed that will bear up under the pressure at the surface?"
As I have shared before, I find that one practical way to learn to listen to my soul speak, and also to listen to God speak in response to my soul, is through journaling. In fact, I have three ring notebooks that date back to 1989.
With a pen in hand ready to write, I have realized that there is an expectancy, a readiness to hear anything God may want to whisper to me through reading and reflection.
Some that have never really tried journaling might find it a bit intimidating. Your journal can be a pretty purchased one, simply a spiral notebook in your favorite color, or anything in between. I use loose leaf three ring paper that I keep in a notebook that is five by seven in size. If you are not sure what to write, just sit, be still and wait. At first it may be difficult. You may feel self-conscious, odd, just waiting to begin writing. If you try this, I can almost guarantee that you will soon realize that the journaling will help you come to grips with an enormous part of your inner person that you may not have ever been truly honest with. This tool can help you to develop more inner candidness when you are ready to do so. Your fears and struggles can be surfaced and confronted through journaling. Especially in our economic times of this day, we need a place to calm ourselves, a place to express deep concerns we are having.
One trick I like to share with journal newbies it so set a kitchen timer for 10-20 minutes, and do not stop writing until the timer chimes. Just write what is on your mind, in your heart, or even just details of your day.
God offers us more than 7,000 promises from Genesis to Revelation, one of them being to watch over us. Still, He asks us to do our part:
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23
So why not consider starting a journal today? If you do, journal keeping can become a habit for you if you will stick with it for the better part of a year.
Most people quit too quickly, never acieving the habit pattern, and that is too bad.
In closing, I have found journaling to be a wonderful way to commune with our God, to hear His still, small voice, as stated so well in Psalm 46:10,
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
In the words of C. Austin Miles' old hymn "In the Garden", consider heeding his advice to BE STILL.
"He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing."
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A CHOICE FOR GROWTH
I've been reading from the book YOUNGER NEXT YEAR, By Chris Crowley and Henry
S. Lodge, M.D. again. As I read, I am reminded of their main theme of the book, a choice that we make each day once we reach our forties, our fifites, and beyond.
The choice is between "growth" and "decay".
Tonight, I reluctantly chose GROWTH. Now, the procrastination was not because I did not want to "grow", instead it was because I did not want to exercise my body...I felt tired... I meant to work out earlier, but I spent the day with my 89 year old Dad who was making a move from one apartment to another one, just down the hall. My job was not to move him, but to hang out with him while his things were moved and rearranged. We had a nice day as I brought him to our home, fixed him lunch and then ran a couple of errands together before returning him to his new apartment. I came on back home after that and meant to work out and instead, got busy around the house...laundry needed folding, dinner preparation, you know the drill.
So before I realized it, the time had slipped away and it appeared to be even more unlikely that I would give myself the gift of a workout today.
It was then that I remembered the book mentioned above...GROWTH or DECAY?
I mean if you look at it like that, how can you possibly choose decay?
So I grabbed my free weights and worked my arms, went through my squat routine to strengthen my legs, and gave my heart and lungs a chance to shine on the elliptical machine.
Returning my thoughts to my very first blog post on April 8, 2009, I am reminded of the reason I was motivated to do this blog entitled: 50 something woman.
I was interested in this because I finally made the conscious decision to take care of myself, to put myself on "the list" as often as possible.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, "In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make ultimately are our own responsiblity."
The above mentioned book reminds us that "...the key to overriding the decay code are daily exercise, emotional commitment, reasonable nutrition, and a real engagement with living. But it starts with exercise." (see p. 36)
So let us engage ourselves in life and remember that every day matters.
Yes, LET'S GROW TOGETHER!
S. Lodge, M.D. again. As I read, I am reminded of their main theme of the book, a choice that we make each day once we reach our forties, our fifites, and beyond.
The choice is between "growth" and "decay".
Tonight, I reluctantly chose GROWTH. Now, the procrastination was not because I did not want to "grow", instead it was because I did not want to exercise my body...I felt tired... I meant to work out earlier, but I spent the day with my 89 year old Dad who was making a move from one apartment to another one, just down the hall. My job was not to move him, but to hang out with him while his things were moved and rearranged. We had a nice day as I brought him to our home, fixed him lunch and then ran a couple of errands together before returning him to his new apartment. I came on back home after that and meant to work out and instead, got busy around the house...laundry needed folding, dinner preparation, you know the drill.
So before I realized it, the time had slipped away and it appeared to be even more unlikely that I would give myself the gift of a workout today.
It was then that I remembered the book mentioned above...GROWTH or DECAY?
I mean if you look at it like that, how can you possibly choose decay?
So I grabbed my free weights and worked my arms, went through my squat routine to strengthen my legs, and gave my heart and lungs a chance to shine on the elliptical machine.
Returning my thoughts to my very first blog post on April 8, 2009, I am reminded of the reason I was motivated to do this blog entitled: 50 something woman.
I was interested in this because I finally made the conscious decision to take care of myself, to put myself on "the list" as often as possible.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, "In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make ultimately are our own responsiblity."
The above mentioned book reminds us that "...the key to overriding the decay code are daily exercise, emotional commitment, reasonable nutrition, and a real engagement with living. But it starts with exercise." (see p. 36)
So let us engage ourselves in life and remember that every day matters.
Yes, LET'S GROW TOGETHER!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
HOME SWEET HOME
As a 50 something woman, I have realized that no matter how far from home I may roam, and no matter how wonderful a vacation destination might be, there is truly no place like home.
Today, I traveled back to my abode with a carpool of FFs (Forever Friends that I've known since Fernbank Elementary School) after spending nearly a week on the sandy white beaches of Florida.
Someone once said that a house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
The thesaurus says it like this:
"A house is the building or structure where one lives, whereas, a home is the place one lives with the pleasant connotations or family ties included.
Some of the things I appreciated as I drove into our town and settled back into our home were the familiar streets and houses,
a hug and smile from my husband,
two excited dogs,
a friendly "hello" from a neighbor walking by as I watered our front porch pots,
my son asking his dad, "Is Mom home yet?" when he arrived home a bit later,
a few letters from friends, including one from my sister, Laura Lea,
the knowledge that I will spend tomorrow with my 89 year old Daddy,
dinner at home with my family,
quiet conversation,
certainty that I will sleep in my own bed, and
an undeniable reminiscence of the Forever Friends 2009 Beach Trip that will live in my mind and heart always.
Yes, going away can be magnificent, but for me, there is truly no place like home.
What is it about coming home that is special for you?
Today, I traveled back to my abode with a carpool of FFs (Forever Friends that I've known since Fernbank Elementary School) after spending nearly a week on the sandy white beaches of Florida.
Someone once said that a house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
The thesaurus says it like this:
"A house is the building or structure where one lives, whereas, a home is the place one lives with the pleasant connotations or family ties included.
Some of the things I appreciated as I drove into our town and settled back into our home were the familiar streets and houses,
a hug and smile from my husband,
two excited dogs,
a friendly "hello" from a neighbor walking by as I watered our front porch pots,
my son asking his dad, "Is Mom home yet?" when he arrived home a bit later,
a few letters from friends, including one from my sister, Laura Lea,
the knowledge that I will spend tomorrow with my 89 year old Daddy,
dinner at home with my family,
quiet conversation,
certainty that I will sleep in my own bed, and
an undeniable reminiscence of the Forever Friends 2009 Beach Trip that will live in my mind and heart always.
Yes, going away can be magnificent, but for me, there is truly no place like home.
What is it about coming home that is special for you?
Monday, June 1, 2009
BEAUTY TIPS
My daughter and one of our FFs just left us to drive four hours back to their homes.
Left behind are five of the FFs to enjoy one more day, one more night at the beach.
As I sat in my beach chair, eating a fresh chicken salad sandwich a few minutes ago and watched the other four FFs flopping around in the ocean, I grabbed my camera and had to take a shot at the beauty that was before me.
These girls , all fifty-something women are each one an illustration of inner beauty...actually, to me, they are an example of outer beauty, too! With a touch of sun, very little make-up has been needed, with a lot of fitness, we feel strong, and with incredible conversation, we feel equipped to go forward in our lives.
Most importantly, we have laughed and laughed and laughed...and THAT, alone is good medicine!
When asked to share her "beauty tips", this is the poem Audrey Hepburn wrote as her answer to the question.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
I really like these beauty tips and hope that I implement some of these in my daily life.
how about you? What are your favorite beauty tips?
Left behind are five of the FFs to enjoy one more day, one more night at the beach.
As I sat in my beach chair, eating a fresh chicken salad sandwich a few minutes ago and watched the other four FFs flopping around in the ocean, I grabbed my camera and had to take a shot at the beauty that was before me.
These girls , all fifty-something women are each one an illustration of inner beauty...actually, to me, they are an example of outer beauty, too! With a touch of sun, very little make-up has been needed, with a lot of fitness, we feel strong, and with incredible conversation, we feel equipped to go forward in our lives.
Most importantly, we have laughed and laughed and laughed...and THAT, alone is good medicine!
When asked to share her "beauty tips", this is the poem Audrey Hepburn wrote as her answer to the question.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
I really like these beauty tips and hope that I implement some of these in my daily life.
how about you? What are your favorite beauty tips?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
DELIGHTFUL BEACH DAY WITH DAUGHTER AND FRIENDS!
When my FFs (Forever Friends from Druid Hills High School) and I planned this trip to the sandy beaches of South Walton, it did not enter my mind that I might be blessed with a visit from our 20 year old daughter. She is in summer school and school is in session! On the drive down, we stopped by her exit at school for a hug and casually invited her to join us.
Well, SHE DID! She arrived just in time for a BLT and chips on the beach for lunch and a total afternoon with our feet in the sand. Her next class is not until Tuesday.
SANDY FEET ARE HAPPY FEET!
Leah loves these girlfriends and knows them all so well!
What a treat for me to not only spend time with these enjoyable friends, but to also have our daughter here, too!
As a fifty something woman, I realize more and more that connections with friends and family are more important with each passing day.
Every day matters and spending our moments with those we love the most makes for a very delightful day!
Well, SHE DID! She arrived just in time for a BLT and chips on the beach for lunch and a total afternoon with our feet in the sand. Her next class is not until Tuesday.
SANDY FEET ARE HAPPY FEET!
Leah loves these girlfriends and knows them all so well!
What a treat for me to not only spend time with these enjoyable friends, but to also have our daughter here, too!
As a fifty something woman, I realize more and more that connections with friends and family are more important with each passing day.
Every day matters and spending our moments with those we love the most makes for a very delightful day!
Friday, May 29, 2009
YOGA: HAVE YOU TRIED IT?
For part of our fitness regime at the beach today, a few of us checked out a nearby health studio called BALANCE (www.BALANCE30A.com) to attend a seventy-five minute YOGA class. Now this was interesting for me as a newbie, because I am known (especially by these girls who knew me as a high school cheerleader!) for my lack of coordination. :~)
If you go to THE BALANCE HEALTH STUDIO website you will read the following:
MIND. BODY. BREATH.
Developed in India, yoga is a physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, this unbroken tradition can be found all over the world. Most yoga practices in the West focus on the physical postures called "asanas", breathing exercises called "pranayama" and meditation.
However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go, the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes.
At BALANCE we believe in movement because we understand that movement is LIFE!
With regular practice, yoga can create flexibility, build strength and develop stamina.
This class was led by Melissa and she did a marvelous job helping me, and a few others in the class that were new at this, to feel comfortable. Two of my FFs were there with me and they, as accomplished yogis, were also very encouraging. We also had a 20 year old niece with us who has told us that this group of 50 something friends has "inspired her" to work out more! And yes, the rest of the group took their morning walk or run for today's fitness...
I found this experience to be inspiring, cleansing and therapeutic for both my body and my mind. When I return to Georgia, I plan to attend a local class and maybe even pick up a yoga DVD to use at home.
How about you? Have you tried this for fitness and well-being? Why not try something today that is new and inspiring, like yoga?
If you go to THE BALANCE HEALTH STUDIO website you will read the following:
MIND. BODY. BREATH.
Developed in India, yoga is a physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, this unbroken tradition can be found all over the world. Most yoga practices in the West focus on the physical postures called "asanas", breathing exercises called "pranayama" and meditation.
However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go, the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes.
At BALANCE we believe in movement because we understand that movement is LIFE!
With regular practice, yoga can create flexibility, build strength and develop stamina.
This class was led by Melissa and she did a marvelous job helping me, and a few others in the class that were new at this, to feel comfortable. Two of my FFs were there with me and they, as accomplished yogis, were also very encouraging. We also had a 20 year old niece with us who has told us that this group of 50 something friends has "inspired her" to work out more! And yes, the rest of the group took their morning walk or run for today's fitness...
I found this experience to be inspiring, cleansing and therapeutic for both my body and my mind. When I return to Georgia, I plan to attend a local class and maybe even pick up a yoga DVD to use at home.
How about you? Have you tried this for fitness and well-being? Why not try something today that is new and inspiring, like yoga?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FOREVER FRIENDS
Yesterday, five of my FFs ~ friends that I have known since my childhood, thus known as FOREVER FRIENDS ~ traveled through Georgia and Alabama, arriving here on the sandy beaches of South Walton and Scenic 30-A just in time for a sunset over the bay. A sixth will join us later today. The other two have family vacations that will keep them from joining us...this time.
Yes, there are eight of us in all, graduating from Druid Hills High School, in Atlanta in 1976. When we are together, it is like stepping into a time machine because we see each other through thousands of shared memories.
And this morning, we have already power walked 4 miles, collected the "kitty", monies for the provisions, and stocked the pantry and frig. Our beach picnic is almost ready and the cooler is packed , so I better finish this up!
This group is linked by more than forty five years of experiences and memories, eight women from Decatur, Georgia. WE are a lesson in the power and lifelong benefits of friendship. We remind each other about important health appointments.
We commiserate, console one another about unique issues in our lives and we solve the problems of the world.
GIRLFRIENDS, and SISTERS, TOO, add so much to a life journey, whether they have been around for years like my special group of FFs, or they are a new addition in my life.
GIRLFRIENDS understand better than anyone else around.
YES, FFs are a gift I hope I will never take for granted.
I just read this aloud to this extraordinary group of girls....Have you told you your special girlfriend how much you care about her? Why not call, write, text, or email her today?
Yes, there are eight of us in all, graduating from Druid Hills High School, in Atlanta in 1976. When we are together, it is like stepping into a time machine because we see each other through thousands of shared memories.
And this morning, we have already power walked 4 miles, collected the "kitty", monies for the provisions, and stocked the pantry and frig. Our beach picnic is almost ready and the cooler is packed , so I better finish this up!
This group is linked by more than forty five years of experiences and memories, eight women from Decatur, Georgia. WE are a lesson in the power and lifelong benefits of friendship. We remind each other about important health appointments.
We commiserate, console one another about unique issues in our lives and we solve the problems of the world.
GIRLFRIENDS, and SISTERS, TOO, add so much to a life journey, whether they have been around for years like my special group of FFs, or they are a new addition in my life.
GIRLFRIENDS understand better than anyone else around.
YES, FFs are a gift I hope I will never take for granted.
I just read this aloud to this extraordinary group of girls....Have you told you your special girlfriend how much you care about her? Why not call, write, text, or email her today?
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