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Seeing the joy in life....

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Posted 6/8/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes, we have to work at being positive. It can be hard, when this condition and life and family and friends and worries are stressing you out and dragging you down.

However, I strongly contend that we get to control how we feel, and how we respond to a situation. Work to fix what you can control, and try not to worry about that which you cannot. And, always take the time to look around you, to see your environment and the beauty that surrounds you.

So, what have you done or seen recently to make yourself see the joy in life?

Today, I took a bike ride. Once we got out of town, the road gently curved into green farmland. The corn is growing, some fields higher than others as farmers staggered planting. The rain of the past few days has helped! Streams were running strongly, their current enervated by runoff. The sun was making the trees glow with late spring/early summer effervescence.

So, gliding along past a farm, and family are hanging in chairs on the side of the house. I pedal past an overgrown field, taking a break from being profitable this year. Oddly, a big bush in the middle of the field is shaking violently. It is also giggling. How unexpected.

I, too, used to hang out in the middle of bushes when I was ten.
Posted 6/8/2013 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Just read this piece in the Washington Post. It is about parents of a Newtown first grader, and their attempts at resurrecting normalcy. My junior-year college roommate lost her son there, so this piece has special poignancy for me (though this story is not about her family).

It's a hard reminder than our pain can be borne. Our pain can be managed.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/after-newtown-shooting-mourning-parents-enter-into-the-lonely-quiet/2013/06/08/0235a882-cd32-11e2-9f1a-1a7cdee20287_story.html
Posted 6/8/2013 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
I am always amazed by the beauty all around me. When I go for walks I check everything out...even the bugs. But the one thig that I love are flowers and my yard is exploding with them. My vincas (periwinkles) are the size of a half dollar. My daughter was commenting that she has never seen any as large as that. My magnolia tree is blooming and those flowers smell wonderful. I was given a lovely calla lily that is waiting to be planted. I have pentas, geraniums, Mexican petunias, hibiscus, plumbago bushes and roses and all are blooming beautifully and I'm awaiting the bloming of my iris. Right now we are getting a lot of rain but I even like that. turn I love how everything sparkles when the sun finally comes back.

This is a nice thread, Myself.

Sherrine
Posted 6/9/2013 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
My Dad is a gardener so I grew up on a property with lots of gardens - two rose gardens, two flower gardens (everything but roses), a green house, a citrus orchard, a soft fruit orchard, a ginormous vegetable garden and (when I was little, before the climate changed) a dearly loved strawberry patch. We lived on the lower part of a mountain (it is really like a hill, it is only a mountain by one meter), so we had a lovely view from our property (actually our property is called "Fair View") and my brother and I would walk up the mountain - usually only different parts of it at a time - to get some good exercise, explore and bond with nature and see really spectacular views (and to get away from our mother, if I'm to be honest, because she never felt like she could possibly walk up a mountain).

When I first got fibromyalgia, I didn't do any exercise for about the first 4 months. When I was diagnosed with FMS and it dawned on me that doing exercise wouldn't hurt my body - was, in fact, good for it - I started to gradually build up the amount of exercise I did every day. The first day I walked to our first flower garden and revelled in the beauty, fresh air and sunshine. The next day I explored the citrus orchard. The next day I ventured into the greenhouse. So on and so forth until I eventually climbed to the lookout location nearest to our house (a good 20 minute walk either way for the average person, but it took me about an hour each way). So nature was a huge part of my recovery...

Thanks for posting this!

I don't really like being cramped up in a little city apartment with no flower gardens or nature walks to see. But the other day one of my friends was kind enough to go to the nearest park with me at my pace of walking, and it was really nice to be walking out in nature again - there were no mountain top views, wild rabbits and kangaroos or wildflowers, but there was a lovely inlet from the ocean and there were people taking their dogs for walks, and sometimes we got to pat other people's dogs.

One of my goals is to go mountain hiking! Some day, not just yet though... Actually, before I got fibro, I did go mountain hiking once. I loved it! I loved the nature, scenery, wading in the creek halfway up and the way we were amongst the clouds when we finally reached the top. Of course, it was painful and exhausting, but it was manageable at that point in my life. And someday it's going to be MORE than manageable for me to walk up mountains again.
Posted 6/9/2013 3:51 AM (GMT 0)

This is a wonderful thread, Myself.  Well done! yeah It's so refreshing to read about everyone's "up" times.  You should be a poet!  Sherrine, your garden is so luscious!  And Jasmine, I'm glad you're planning to be well enough to mountain climb.  Sounds like you grew up in an incredible area.

I can't garden, but we do have some beautiful greenery and even some flowers in our front yard...hardy things that don't need any assistance.  Periwinkle vines low to the ground, a miniature yellow rosebush I planted years ago by the mailbox, unknown succulents here and there, a few volunteer daisies - and some kind of gorgeous vine that spreads further onto the porch every year.  It reaches with little "feet" that stick to the cement and siding.  We just love it.

Then, the birds - robins have their nest behind this vine, under the roof.  And this year, we have not one, but two pairs of doves - they're so sweet. They coo and take off every time we walk out the door.  Their favorite hangout seems to be the driveway...they're always bobbing.  tongue

I try to take the time to just stare out the window at all this beauty, or better yet, sit on the porch or go for a walk around the block.  It's too easy to let the day slip away without, but when I manage to, it's always worth it.

Debbie 

Posted 6/9/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Myself for reminding us to look at the things around us...yesterday I went to our village fete...it was a lovely sunny day, so we walked there and back...There were lots of colours from the stalls and lush green grass, dancing and singing and just people being jolly.

My kids loved it and there were smiles all day long...we enjoyed ice cream and then walked home and looked for mini beasts along the way - as part of my sons school project. Where I live is quite foresty, so we have an array of trees, leaves, brooks and beautiful copses.

I wore my pedometer and before I knew it I had done over 10,000 steps...we were so lost in the day and nature surrounding us.
Posted 6/9/2013 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for posting this thread Myself, there is so much beauty around us if only we notice it. I think it has a lot to do with lowering expectations out of life. Stopping expecting everything to be so huge. Notice the little things, if that makes any sense. I see a lot of beauty and good in life because I look for it. We all have this ability. I like the smaller pleasures because it makes the bigger ones so fantastic. I still don't know if I make sense. But I tried.

Have a blessed day all!!!

Karen...
Posted 6/9/2013 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hey getting by,
you make perfect sense. I love to delight in all the small details then stand back, see the big magnificent picture and go WHOA!
Posted 6/9/2013 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
JAsmine- you can still go hiking. I do. Of course, I must go very slowly and steadily, and carry a big stick, and my faithful male carries all the water and snacks and kleenex, and bug spray, and what-not. I have made it clear that if we go out-that's all I do that entire day. It's nice!

He is training for a seven day bike ride this summer in Iowa. I ride with for an hour, and then he heads out for another three. YIKES.

Today, we were having our coffee on the porch and I was watching two bunnies lazing in the flowerbeds. Apparently, Sunday morning is bunny wash-up, because they were both grooming. Their bunny bath lasted a good half hour. We tend to anthropomorphize them, as there are tons around our house. But, it's nice having an animal presence. I have been animal-less since my cat died December 2011. I miss having a furry friend.

Remember-we choose to look. If we are wrapped up in problems, it is easy to miss things.
Posted 6/9/2013 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, Myself... now to find someone who will go hiking with me!

My best friend has a bunny rabbit... she certainly does give him human characteristics! He even has his own Facebook profile. I wish I could have a pet at uni... we do have 2 cats at home; one is rather silly but the other is a good companion.

Yes, sometimes I do forget to look when I'm in a lot of pain... but maybe that's exactly the time I SHOULD be looking! Thanks for reminding me to stop and smell the roses
Posted 6/9/2013 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Jasmine Grace

If I was in Australia, I would go hiking with you...always wanted to go there and have a few friends who live here (UK) from there...Not so sure about the spiders though...eek

Im determined to start doing things I could do pre fibro again...never say never, just maybe at a slower pace :o)
Posted 6/10/2013 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Wackers. You know, growing up with dangerous spiders and snakes living all around me, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. You just know the kinds of places where they tend to hang out and be prepared to kill them should you see them. (When I was little, I didn't want to hurt the "poor little spider" - and that hesitation resulted in the spider hurting me! Now I just kill the poisonous ones on sight and leave the friendly types alone.)

You know, sometimes we also just have to do things in slightly different ways... when I walk up to the lookout know, I have to take routes that aren't as steep (and go slower, as you know). But in a way this is better than just rushing up the normal, same old path - at least I get to slow down, take everything in and explore different areas! It's about adapting to the new way of things so we can still live our dreams.
Posted 6/10/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I have found joy in the following ways the last few days:

Getting a new phone (a smartphone, finally), so I can take video of my kids!
Watching kids @church dance and sing, all together, with me leading!
Singing "Down in the River to Pray" this morning, a cappella, with my friends.
A clean, vacuumed floor (thanks to my boys, who had crumbled it up to start with).

Joy is definitely where you look for it, and even in seemingly small things things (like a green tree frog who had plastered himself to our door yesterday, or the whitetail doe that walked right up close to our deck this afternoon). Thanks for the reminder!
Posted 6/10/2013 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Stephlynette, I wish we had deer in Australia! Although I suppose we do get all the kangaroos to ourselves...

My smartphone organises my life... I'd be lost without it.

I love going to church and joining in on the singing... I especially love the way the Africans do it! (Almost everyone in the church I go to is African, which is an amazing cultural experience.)

A clean floor... right now I'm struggling to do the washing!
Posted 6/10/2013 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
I said clean floor, but that's only in one room, LOL. Do NOT look in my laundry room. Or kitchen. Or dining room. And in the living room, you may only look at the floor (not anywhere else, LOL)! I take the small joys. ;)

Deer are very plentiful here, though not as plentiful (or large) as they are out in the midwest. I will admit that the first thing I think when I see them is, "Yum!" My FIL is a hunter, and a big bag of deer jerky is always waiting for us at Christmastime! They are beautiful, though.

I LOVE African music. Dearly love it. Our kids choir did a Swahili piece this past spring, one that we had done in college. Our church has an international congregation that meets at the same time downstairs, but the main body of worshipers is VERY white southern baptist. The kids that came for VBS were all over the map, though; it was wonderful!! I went to a very diverse college, and it was an amazing experience for someone raised in a backwoods eastern Kentucky town (think of every American hillbilly stereotype you've ever seen, and THAT'S where I grew up).
Posted 6/10/2013 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Too true!
Aussies eat kangaroos... they are a very lean, healthy meat - but personally, I can't stand the taste!
Ha ha, now I'm thinking of the Beverley Hillbillies...

On the inspiring note, I have just downloaded a song onto my iPhone - I'm finding it so uplifting and comforting! It's called "You Raise Me Up" (the version by rising singer, Harrison Craig) and it's simply beautiful.
Posted 6/10/2013 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Not a lot of joy yesterday. One of those days when the pain was taking over almost everything else. But, here is what I have found.

Seeing brother-in-law.
Trimming our bonsai
Posted 6/10/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
((HUGS)), Myself...I hope today is better.
Posted 6/10/2013 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto here,

Let's keep this thread going, I love it. We need more positive threads on this forum. I know it is hard, when we are in pain all the time, but it is possible to see the little treasures in life.

Today I walked my dog around the block. She got after a toad at the school yard. I had to stop her. Then there were humming birds at my feeders. That is such a joy to see. I had one come right by my head the other day.

I am enjoying watching my perennials come up this spring. I have been planting a few every summer to add to the mix. Nothing organized, just colorful.

I hope all of you have a wonderful day today. Take care and keep this thread going!

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/12/2013 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Today was a beautiful day... the weather was lovely and mild, only a slight breeze. There were pretty autumn leaves gently floating to the ground. The sky was very blue with only a couple clouds that were white and fluffy. I was taken out to cuppa in the morning by a new friend, and my sister took me out to lunch (both of these things happened quite unexpectedly!) - and they both bought me my favourite foods that my body can tolerate. My best friend sent me a lovely affirming message about how she misses me. I went to a different doctor and this one clearly explained to me in a nice way what could be going on in my body - and how to approach my regular doctor about getting the treatment I need, and also a test I could get that might prove useful. Then I bought a glucosamine supplement which I took several hours ago - and it is helping to decrease my pain. So, all in all, a nice day - but I'm worn out so I'll go to bed now.
Posted 6/12/2013 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Are you from Australia? I see you had a cuppa. And it is autumn there. It is spring here. It was a beautiful day today. The sun has been shining, but there are some high clouds now. Everything is beautiful and green. I have new flowers in my garden. My irises are blooming and smell so pretty.

I hope everybody is enjoying their day.

Thanks for posting Jasmine Grace...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/12/2013 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad, Jasmine, you are getting the help you need.  That's wonderful.

 

I was busy watching the squirrels at the bird feeder.  The pigeons knock the seed on the ground and I have about five squirrels that were stuffing their little faces.  I had my puppy out with me on a leash and we got about one foot from them before they decided to run.  That is so neat.  They trust me somewhat.  They might not have run if I didn't have my puppy with me.  I do love nature.

 

Sherrine

Posted 6/12/2013 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday I was walking in a parking lot and saw the most amazing thing, something I have never seen before...

a small bird taking a dirt bath! It was wallowing away in the small pile of dirt on the pavement having a good old time. It was so funny and amazing to me to see it flipping and flopping around in the small pile of dirt. I knew birds do it to scratch itchy mites but never have seen it in person.

If I had been walking my old pace I'd sailed right past it without a single glance. But because I was taking a slower pace I was able to get within 3 feet of the bird before it realized I was there and hopped away.

I love the things I get to see now that I have slowed down and take my time to enjoy the view.
Posted 6/12/2013 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
I truly love this thread. I love reading about your experiences, and the feeling that everybody stops to smell the roses. I can picture everything. Especially you and Michaela Sherrine...

I hope you all had a good day. I am going to relax now...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/12/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I was doing my water exercises. A kid (ten-ish, I think?) was in the next lane, getting his swim lesson. The kid at first jumped in and swam frantically, splashing and breathing deeply. The swim manager got him to stop after two laps, and they chatted. The kid seemed really anxious, and was blowing himself out by trying to do too much too quickly. Sound familiar?

So his coach walked beside him, reminding him to stroke, then breath, to let his body function smoothly and powerfully, like a machine. After many prompts to remind him to slow down, the kid started to finally swim smoothly. Without gasping.

The coach stopped him again, and they chatted. TV. Summer plans. Why did his wrist hurt? (Kid didn't know, just said it did). Kid said he missed school, missed homework. Coach said, do you want me to give you homework? Kid, face shining, said "Please do! For next week!"

Then, back to laps, with more sideline coaching. Finally, kid was relaxed, stroking smoothly, at a good pace, without wasting all his energy on trying so very hard.

While I felt for kid, I was so very appreciative of the coach, who took the time to work with what he had, rather than what he was expecting.
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