Doing small things with great love

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
Originally uploaded by life through the lens (simple effulgence)

Just for today, I'm going to try being kind to myself.

Hallmark makes a set of post-it-notes called "Faith Notes... 100 Heavenly Ways to Say "I Care". I've had one on my bathroom mirror for a while now. It says "Every day we are called to small things with great love." -- Mother Teresa.

I've been reading that for weeks, trying to embody that in my actions towards others. All of a sudden, this morning, I realized that I first need to treat myself that way, too.

So, with love, I'm off to pour myself a cup of coffee.

Falling apart?

Oh, dear..... what a week it has been!

I must have been going on adrenaline during tax season. Now my body is telling me off!

I knew during the season that my back was hurting more and more as I sat through two jobs.
Now, my back is so much worse! And, here I wait for the result of X-rays to see what's next.

Then, last night my knee popped in a not-so-funny way, and IT hurts as I sit, and sometimes leaves me hobbling when I start walking. Wow.

What am I learning from all of this?

Be gentle with myself?
DON'T DO THE SECOND JOB AGAIN NEXT YEAR?
Learn to see the humor? (Getting grumpy about it just makes it worse!) I never have liked being grumpy. :~)

Ah, I remember my sister saying life begins at 50........... I hope it doesn't just fall apart at 51!
Only kidding, I know that this, too, shall pass.

Finally out of the tax season fog

Finally, finally, April 15 has come and gone. I worked in a tax return office this season, in addition to my full-time job. It took every bit of my energy to get through those 3 1/2 months! Will I do it again next year? How do I answer that question?

Can I use the money? That's a resounding YES.
Can I afford to put my body, mind, and spirit through the paces again?

My body --- I have developed an aching back from, I think, sitting all day and then again all evening.

My mind --- well, I think it did me good to learn all that I learned.

My spirit --- well, taxes are just plain TAXING on the spirit. There were some days, yes, when
I felt like I was really HELPING people through a tough time, and on those days I
left feeling uplifted. More often, though, I was just ready to go home.

One thing I've learned lately is that there are ALWAYS choices. Sure, money is an on-going issue in my life, as it has been ever since my ex decided, over 6 years ago, that he wanted his sweet-thing on the side more than he wanted our marriage and family. Sometimes I get so angry when I think about that............ (that's when I need Roberta's latest post over at Spiritually Directed!)........ but I soon slap myself on the head and remind myself that in every other way, I am SO much better off since the divorce!

Well, here I am up WAY too late. I've missed the blog-world!

Oh, and getting back to blogging isn't the only thing I've accomplished today. I also spent HOURS starting to get my yard back into shape, or at least I almost have it mowed, anyway! :~)