Last week I had a birthday with days of celebration with family and friends. Flowers. Gifts. Cards. Dinners. Well wishes on Facebook and in person. I spent the week floating in love and goodwill.
You write or draw it: When have you felt you were floating in love and goodwill?
In my family some truth has come to light that is awful. Yet, I feel the breeze of a new freedom. Truth—even a terrible truth—sets us free. I feel lighter and more centered.
You write or draw it: How does experiencing truth affect you?
A neighbor brought Harlan and me a homemade quiche. We were near the end of our bouts with Covid and at the beginning of aftermath isolation.
We love quiche, and I hardly ever make it because it requires so much effort, so when our neighbor called to say she had quiche for us, I could hardly believe it.
Even the crust was homemade.
We savored every bite.
Our hearts lifted and floated in gratitude for this amazing act of kindness.
You write or draw it: When have you experienced kindness that goes beyond generosity? What effect did it have on you?
I am happiest when I have no loose ends—no one to remember to thank—no reservations to be made—no payment due—no unfinished business. A time when whatever part of my brain handles such things can rest.
Then my window of time narrows, and I can simply enjoy the moment. Today is such a day.
You write or draw it: What is today for you?
I just returned from three days of precious moments with family, gathered for my sister’s memorial service. As she was dying, my sister planned every detail of the service and reception, so in my mind and heart it was clean and pure. Through her pain, she left us with the experience of peace and everlasting love.
My children are happy, healthy, successful, and fun to be with. What more could a mother want?
Now, from the family I was born into, there’s only my brother and me. We love and want the best for each other.
Precious simple serenity with family. I know not everyone has it, and I’m grateful.
You write or draw it: What is your experience with your closest family? What do you want it to be?
A friend secured for me a time on the agenda of a well respected organization to say a few words about my new book, Simple Serenity. I was honored by the invitation, looking forward to it.
The day came, and I arrived at the meeting place to an empty room. Quickly, I double-checked my email invitation. The meeting had been at 10:00 that morning. It was now 1:00 in the afternoon.
Hurriedly, I emailed my friend and also my host to apologize. Then I just felt bad, and this feeling persisted.
Later in the day, during contemplative prayer, these words came to me: “Allow them to give you grace.”
Peace came over me.
You write or draw it: What do you do when you make a mistake that lets others down?
I just returned from a few days in Texas, where I got to hug my granddaughter on her birthday, as well as hug and be with so many precious Austin friends.
Now I’m back home in Sedona, and I’m still experiencing love in my quiet, beautiful surroundings.
I’ve realized that love begins within me, and I give thanks that—today—I know that.
You write or draw it: Where do you find love?
In last week’s blog, I wrote about having my energy depleted from travel and bad news. I asked what you do when you feel your energy start to wane. One of my favorite readers and dear friend, Lindy Segall, offered this advice, which I am passing on. Today, have an energetic day!
Lindy recalls from his Boy Scout days, “We learned to hydrate well the night before a hard, hot hike. If not, by the time thirst hit the next day...it was too late. Already DEhydrated. The message? Self care can be a daily ritual, gives us that ‘extra reserve’ we sometimes need when the rough days hit as yours did.
“The other from flying experience. When traveling cross country, smart pilots never ‘leave gas on the ground.’ They always top off the fuel tanks at every stop. The possibility of unexpected ‘rough weather’ popping up enroute to the next destination is always present. Again, the idea of proactive self care makes good sense!”
You write or draw it: What daily ritual do you follow to keep your energy reserve high?
2:00 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2022
Renaissance Austin Hotel
Guadalupe Room
9721 Arboretum Blvd.
Austin, TX
Harlan and I hope you’ll be there to help us celebrate!!
What people say about this book:
"With poetry, stories from real life, and questions, this book offers a chance for a new view of life. Highly recommend." Carolyn Wilhelm, Midwest Book Review
“Everything within [Simple Serenity] is the wisdom of the ages, and everything within it has been demonstrated as effective through research on positive psychology. I don’t know if a stronger endorsement is possible.” Bob Rich, Ph. D. Psychologist, Australia
I’ve had a few rough days: hearing unwelcome news of a loved one’s illness, being witness to unkind words, and Harlan’s debilitating back pain. Also, I’m physically tired from traveling.
This morning I made a decision to simply practice the basics of gratitude. I’m grateful for breathing—for a night’s rest—for coffee, for my health, for the love of family and friends—for a big, happy smile on the face of my friend.
Simple gratitude. Always the place of beginning.
What we focus on, gets stronger.
You write or draw it: What do you do when you feel your energy going low?
While Harlan and I were away last week, the iris started blooming, the bush I don’t know the name of burst into tiny purple flowers, and another peony popped out of the ground, making a total of seven.
As I sit here this morning in my warm bed, the sun diffuses light over the hills and through the trees. A gambel quail sits on the fence. Our precious white puppy is asleep on my lap.
Life is good, and all is well.
You write or draw it: What makes life good for you?
One of my intention partners, when sharing, said, “I want to unzip the jacket of my protection.” I love the imagery of her statement, and I wonder how different—how much easier—all of our lives would be if we simply spoke the truth, from our hearts.
You write or draw it: How would your life be different if you unzipped the jacket of your protection?
Perhaps you saw the video of the Ukranian child singing “Let It Go” in a bomb shelter.
The little girl who sang
When bombs were dropping
Now leads an army of love.
You write or draw it: When have you seen the power of love?
At a friend’s suggestion, I’m reading The Book of Forgiving by Desmond and Mpho Tutu. I’m also doing the work the authors recommend. One of those recommendations is to get a stone—one that “appeals to you on some level.”
Well, the stone I chose was rounded in an odd way, battered, pock marked, and chiseled. That’s how many times I’ve tried to pick at and fix the old wrong it represents. The designs created by all that effort are misshapen and ugly. When I realized the symbolism of the stone, I laughed out loud.
Just for today, I’ve decided to give that old stone a rest.
You write or draw it: Are you carrying an old stone like mine? What will you do with it?
I awakened this morning with the memory of an old wrong and fantacizing ways to fix it. I even journaled the next solution I had come up with, making written plans.
Then, while washing my hair, words came to me—Let wrong be wrong. In other words, leave it to God.
Another phrase we use in recovery groups is “Let go and let God.” But somehow “Let wrong be wrong” satisfies my soul. It fits not only my personal hurt but also the big hurts, like the war in Ukraine.
Let wrong be wrong, and let God handle it. Be free to enjoy life.
You write or draw it: What do you do when an old hurt or wrong persists in your mind?
I give thanks for the resolve of the Ukrainian people to defend their democracy.
I pray for peace in Ukraine and safety for its people.
I give thanks for the governments of the world who have denounced Russian aggression.
I ask for an end to fighting.
You write or draw it: What is your prayer for Ukraine?
My newest book is now available on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Serenity.../dp/161599663X/
Stay tuned for more information on booktalks:
March 20, 2:00 PM, Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona
April 29, 1:30 PM, Guadalupe Room, Renaissance Hotel, Austin, TX
May 14, 3:00 PM, Full Circle Book Store, Oklahoma City
Harlan and I have a new Bichon Frise puppy. His name is Colt, and he has a lot to learn. So do I. This morning I watched a dog training video that was a revelation to me. Like most puppies, Colt jumps up, scratching furniture and my legs. I have been saying, “Down,” to which he would momentarily get down. Then I would say, “Good boy,” and he would jump up again.
The video advised to let stern be stern and skip the “Good boy.” It said that when I say, “Good boy,” I’m really teaching him that, if he jumps up, he will eventually get my approval. Ever since I learned this, I have let stern be stern. I simply say, “Stay down.” Amazingly, it’s working.
A passage in Matthew says, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything beyond this is evil.”
You write or draw it: How much energy have you wasted trying to take care of others’ feelings when all you really need to say is NO?
