Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

March 25, 2014

Whole Lot of Gratitude

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 8:35 am

I’ll admit that I am not the most patient of people. This will come as no surprise to most people who know me on a deeper level, and to those who don’t- you may be sitting there thinking to yourself, “No way, really?” Trust me, it’s true.

When I was much younger- someone very wise told me never to pray for patience, because you would find yourself tested to the max, and you know what- I have no doubt, that they’re right.

Sometimes though, things happen. We find ourselves in situations that will not only test our patience, but also test our resolve. Knowing that ‘not being patient’ will have a consequence. I know- We live in a world that has become so filled with instant gratification that patience has become a thing of the past. Truth is- I know that I definitely fall into some of the trappings of instant gratification world- which doesn’t always mesh well with the journey to patience.

Until non-patience has a price, as is my case now.

Another thing you may not know about me- is that I’m really stubborn. Granted, I like to call it ‘strong-willed’, which in some circles may be a horse of an entirely different color, but the truth is- they are one in the same. I’m open to ideas- and always open to learning, but when I have an idea, I want to be able to run with it- yesterday. (Enter lack of patience 101. haha) Yes indeed, stubbornness and lack of patience can be fast friends, until they are challenged- then look out!

I’m on the mend, but I’ve been unable to do almost anything. Now generally, I would love the quiet time and the ‘do nothing’ time- but what I’ve learned is that I don’t do ‘nothing’ well. Even when I’m sick, I still do my thing, so being forced to do nothing- (without consequences if I don’t listen) has been a huge lesson in patience.

The sun is shining- I have massive amounts of energy, and things do to- but at this point- rest is the order of the day- the only order of the day.

So I’ve learned to let go, which hasn’t been easy- and not without one temper tantrum, and a few days worth of tears. But it has been a huge gift on many levels. I’m learning (then again I’m always learning) to rely on other people- something I don’t necessarily do well.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those whom I call my tribe- who have offered to come from near and far (literally) to be here for me. Truth is- in the grand scheme of things- this is minor, and shall pass, given time. It’s not serious, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.

I honestly couldn’t manage without Marcel, (at leat not without hiring someone). He’s been the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’, around here- taking care of everything. Cooking, cleaning, and even offered to feed me AND wash my hair. That’s definitely love times a thousand. I’m so appreciative of him- and this has also turned into a little learning experience for him with cooking. So it’s a good thing on many levels.

Patience- I’ve learned that isn’t such a bad thing after all, and my body is thanking me- on many levels.

March 15, 2014

Quiet Times

Filed under: Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 9:03 am

Things have been somewhat chaotic over here (at times) this year, and so I have been taking some time to just be still and do what works for me. Sometimes, that means not being on the computer much, and sometimes it also means pulling back and only communicating with my inner circle. It’s nothing personal, but it’s one of those things that I have to do from time to time, to ensure that my body, mind and soul stay as healthy as can be.

I see this as a good thing- or even more as a necessity. I learned a valuable lesson last year when I did not take the time to listen to my body, do what it needs- and ended up with what I’ve coined ’empty cup syndrome.’ I’d given, and others had taken- of my precious life force, until I had no energy left for anything. I couldn’t talk- hear noise, or be around people. It was a first for me, but it was a valuable lesson, and a huge gift. One I haven’t taken for granted.

I believe we all need to take the time to do what works best for us, especially if we want to be our best for others. It isn’t a sign of weakness or selfishness- but instead a sign of strength and wisdom.

February 28, 2014

Making a Difference

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 9:18 am

Someone once told me that even though we may not realize it, that people are watching us, and our actions have an impact on others. I’ll admit- I don’t give a lot of thought to that idea. I live my life, stumble, learn lessons from my stumbles and mistakes, pick myself up and continue moving forward. Sometimes I pause in one spot because some things require that, but I try not to keep the forward momentum going. My intents are never with malice and I really like who I am. Does that mean I think I’m perfect? Far from it, but I accept myself, flaws and all- and try to stay open to the lessons life sends my way.

What you see is what you get with me. Love me or not. I am who I am- (I think Popeye said that once upon a time.)

A few days ago my mom and diddy visited a friend of theirs. It’s someone that I’ve known for a long time, but I haven’t spent a lot of face-to-face time with her in many years. We are friends on Facebook, yet we never ‘chat’.

Yesterday, mom said that when they’d stopped at her friends house- she told mom that she was always inspired by my lists on Facebook, and my general positive outlook in life. She said it was always a day brightener to her- and it really lifted her spirits quite often.

Those words really meant a lot to me.

Mom said, “Well, you really just never know when you’re making a difference to people, even when they may not voice it.”

She’s right. It made me pause and think about my life- about the things I say, and also the people who are a daily part of my life. They are people like me. People who encourage and inspire. People who are energetic and who aren’t jealous of seeing others succeed or do well- in fact they celebrate those moments.

It made my heart swell with happiness, joy and mostly gratitude. Why? Because they make a positive difference in my life each and every day. I know when they reach out to me that it’s sincere and never met with jealousy or contriteness, but with love.

Thank you Ms. D for the words that not only made my day, but also caused me to press pause and take a look around the people in my life. I’ve done that a lot in the last year- and I realize more than ever just how blessed I am.

Everyone makes a difference in our lives. Even those who could be deemed as having a negative impact, if allowed- they also serve a important purpose.

I’m grateful for the pause to ask myself what kind of difference I’m making. What about you?

February 10, 2014

Life of Gratitude

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 1:22 pm

Today’s bits of gratitude.

1-  The beauty of friendship.

2-  Finding a seat on a busy train.

3-  Those who walk the talk.

4-  The joy of service to others.

5-  The ‘little’ things that make a huge difference in the lives of others.

November 30, 2013

On the Eve of December

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 11:11 am

This afternoon, as the sun was sinking and the air starting to get cooler, I decided to brew myself a cup of coffee, and go sit outside. It was that quiet time of the afternoon, where darkness isn’t far away- a great time for quiet reflection.

As I sat and sipped my coffee, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about how great life is. Is everything exactly how I want it to be? Nope- but I know that I have the power and will to set change in motion, so I am grateful for that. I know the power lies within me, and me alone. I know that no one else can make me happy, that it’s a do-it-yourself project. There are those who bring a ray of sunshine to my life, but they enhance the happiness I already have. I’m happy and content, plus so excited and grateful for all that is to come.

Tomorrow is the first day of December, and while I see people rushing out to get the perfect gift, and already feeling the crunch and stress of the holiday season- I find myself smiling knowing that every moment I spend with people I love will not be based on what I can give them that they don’t need, but rather sharing moments together that is authentic and ‘real’. I will surprise a few strangers- and spend time with the people I love.

That is what the Christmas season is all about.

Visions and Goal Setting

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 9:12 am

Now that the ‘busy’ of November has passed and the Christmas season is upon us, I can actually kick back and enjoy this time of fun and festivities. It’s also a time for me to think about my business and what I would like to accomplish next year- a little goal setting and tossing around ideas with people I care about. I want to best utilize what I have already done, but optimizing Web 2 Print and other services are great options for me in 2014.

On my ‘to do’ list for December is make a business vision board for next year. Let the fun begin!

November 7, 2013

Happiness: A Do-It-Yourself Project

Filed under: Food for Thought,Life — gardener @ 10:52 am

key
The photo to your right is of some antique keys that I took at a museum while mom and diddy were here visiting.    I  have this unexplainable love of door knobs and keys.   I’d never seen any like these, so they were particularly fascinating to me.

Keys are important in life-   they open things.   Doors, cabinets, chests and the list goes on.    They even have a place in opening hearts, at least that’s how the saying goes.

I had someone ask me the other day- what the key to happiness was.    This person isn’t someone I know well, but they have shared a few of their personal struggles with me, and I consider it a gift that they would share personal things with someone who is technically a near-stranger.

It was something I’ve never been asked before, but I did pause to think about it.    I am a happy person.   My life isn’t roses and sunshine all the time, but my choice is to focus on the good in my life, and that brings me a great deal of happiness.

I believe where so many of us go wrong (myself included in this, once upon a time) is that we think ‘people’ or ‘things’ can bring us happiness, when in reality all that does is guarantee that we are chasing the ever elusive mistress.

Happiness is a do-it-yourself project.    No one can want you to be happy enough for it to ‘happen’.   No one can do enough for you to bring you happiness.   Sure, it may bring you joy and may a sprinkle of happiness to your life, but those are like toppings on a cupcake-   the extras.    Real happiness comes from loving and accepting yourself.   Happiness comes from within.

 

September 30, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude- Letting the Sun Shine In

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Inspiration,Life,Life's Little Hiccups — gardener @ 3:58 am

flowers
If you know me in my eyeryday world- then you know that even though I am human (thankfully) and do have my moments, that I do try to find the positive (silver-lining if you will) in every single day.

It’s no secret to those who know me- that this year my integrity has been tested,  my heart has been broken, and at one point I wondered if the pain of it all would ever get any better.

I won’t go into the details here, because quite truthfully- the details don’t matter.    Obstacles happen in life- and there is often this misnomer that if we choose to walk away from things that have become too painful and / or toxic to stay a part of that it is easy.   I can assure you- it’s anything but.   Especially when you have a half-hope that you could be wrong- that you’d really like to be wrong, only to find out that you are anything but.

It goes back to the quote from Maya Angelou that I love so much-  “When people show you who they are- believe them.”

So- it’s been a difficult year, but I knew that just as all things- that it would get better, and it has.   While some people would let an obstacle make them bitter- or let them live in a victim role, I know that I’m anything but.    Was I hurt?  Yes!

Did it make me question 90% of every relationship in my life?   YES

Did I allow it to make me bitter?    NO!!

Rather than become a victim to the story and make it about me-   I have thought and analyzed and been able to understand why things are what they are.    As I’ve mentioned before- it’s not about me- (it never was) and I know that I’ve always acted with integrity- even when I really didn’t want to.      That’s what matters- what I ACTUALLY did when called to task, as opposed to what I THOUGHT about doing..      The truth always takes care of itself..    It will never be my job to be judge, jury and executioner.

So now- months later, I can honestly say I’m better.    I’m grateful for the huge life lesson and the doors that it has opened since.

I feel the sun shining on my shoulders and it’s a beautiful feeling.

Grateful-   that’s me.

June 30, 2013

Watering the Garden

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 9:55 am

I was out watering my flowers and herbs a little earlier and I couldn’t help but smile at how great they are doing. I’m spending time with them daily- not lots, mind you, but enough to prune the dead flowers and to make sure they are getting the water and nutrients they need. The TLC is reflected in how they are performing- they’re beautiful.

This made me think of my own relationships- and how we should ‘tend’ our relationship gardens as we would our plants. We should give them plenty of TLC and nurture them so they can prosper and grow into something spectacular. At the same time, I realized that tending our relationship gardens is not a ‘one sided’ affair anymore than gardening is. We can’t expect to see beauty and growth in our gardens if we aren’t doing our part- anymore than we can expect for our relationships to become enriched if there isn’t investment on both sides. There’s a natural ebb and flow to relationships- where one may give more at some times than the other, but both balancing out and creating something special.

It left me thinking about my own personal relationships and what I’m bringing to the ‘garden’. What about you? Are you nuturing yours or are you letting your flowers die and wither? A little Sunday food for thought.

May 1, 2013

Happy May Day

Filed under: Food for Thought,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 4:27 am

This past month flew by with a blur. I’m still wondering how May arrived and I seemed to have missed part of April. I think it was all the cold weather and the thought that it may stay cold forever that had me wondering there for a while.

I’m excited though because SPRING is here- and in all its glory! Granted, it’s still a little chilly, but the sun is shining and everything is blooming- I’m feeling more energized than I’ve felt in a long time and that within itself makes me very happy! Maybe I’m more solar powered than I thought.

The winter months did give me a lot of time to think and put some plans into action for better utlizing my time. I can ‘talk’ about it all day- but talking and actually ‘doing’ are two completely different things. It’s time to stop talking and start doing. I know that within itself is going to make a huge difference in my productivity.

I found myself writing a schedule in April when I had a lot to accomplish and by doing so, my producitivity levels increased 100 fold. Clearly it works- so it’s time to start scheduling everything. Hey- I can’t argue with what works.

Happy Spring!

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