I'll be honest. It's not automatic for me to see the DELIGHT in life. I've often imagined that great, blissful happiness would come with the big picture 'wins' - success, love, etc...whatever those things mean.
In our culture, it's easy to compare yourself to others, as we discussed last month with our April theme, CONTENTMENT. There will always be someone, no, let's face the truth, millions of 'someones' who have more, do more and accomplish more. And of course, millions upon millions who are on the other side of you, struggling, in pain and dealing with very difficult life circumstances.
It's taken a number of things, some in my control and some out of my control, to improve my ability to see the joy and mirth in life, to go beyond CONTENTMENT and touch DELIGHT. If you're struggling with seeing the positive, here are some suggestions...
So what is DELIGHT? It's the big things, it's the small things, but mostly it's giving yourself the gift of seeing what's in front of you...and jumping in.
Love,
In our culture, it's easy to compare yourself to others, as we discussed last month with our April theme, CONTENTMENT. There will always be someone, no, let's face the truth, millions of 'someones' who have more, do more and accomplish more. And of course, millions upon millions who are on the other side of you, struggling, in pain and dealing with very difficult life circumstances.
It's taken a number of things, some in my control and some out of my control, to improve my ability to see the joy and mirth in life, to go beyond CONTENTMENT and touch DELIGHT. If you're struggling with seeing the positive, here are some suggestions...
- Consider therapy. It's not the same as talking to a friend. Having someone on your team who is completely focused on helping you achieve clarity, with no personal stake other than your happiness and growth, is amazing. It's the best financial (and other) investment I have ever made. And if money is what's stopping you, look into your insurance and then ask around for referrals. Someone I know is on an insurance panel and charges $20 a visit as a copay. You're worth it. There are some amazing, loving, healing people out there waiting to be of service.
- Remember that life isn't a bed of roses, but it's not a giant thorn bush either, although it feels that way at times. Yes, there are losses...but there are gains too. Those of you who have been reading for a while know that I lost two of the great loves of my life in 2010 and suffered greatly. I think of Bart and Barry every single day. I missed them especially yesterday on my birthday.
- Scrapbook about your journey. Telling these stories has helped me consolidate my emotions and express pain in a way that enables healing...and it took me time. I couldn't scrapbook about either of these losses for just under a year.
As seen in Creating Keepsakes' January/February 2012 issue. Copyright
Creative Crafts Group. Posted with prior permission from the publisher.
- And (not BUT) I also choose to take delight in the new additions to my life. Georgie and Huxley are so precious, in part because I am now so keenly aware of the fragility of life and the quick passage of time.
And when you see these smiles, it's hard not to join in, if you let yourself; it hasn't been easy, but a slow, gentle allowance and patience with myself has opened my heart to the great blessings the universe has bestowed.
So what is DELIGHT? It's the big things, it's the small things, but mostly it's giving yourself the gift of seeing what's in front of you...and jumping in.
Love,
2 comments:
rubbing the chills from my arms and wiping the tears... I loved these photos and your journaling... I can relate... life is tough, sometimes, It's hard for me to find delight in my life but my little boy does it for me! And those other little things in my life too. Your little dog is adorable!! Hugs Rachel.
Tiredness (physical and/or mental)can play a huge part in dulling the ability to delight, I wish all the SFTIOters enough rest to be able to experience delight.
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