When things are bad, I tend to think they will get better.
When things are good, I drink it in and savor the flavor.
In general, I think people are going to do the right thing, and when they don't, I go looking for "why". Thinking of myself and what could of possibly made me do that if I were them.
I am not a grudge holder. I eventually make peace with things, get over it, even if no one ever apologizes.
When I am lazy, I am very, very lazy and when I am busy I stay at it, sometimes doggedly.
I have been in the throws of depression before, but my basic make-up is one of resilience; knock me down and I get back up... may lay there a while, but I get back up.
My heart wants to be exquisitely generous, but my wallet has seldom allowed me to be.
Some days are diamonds and some days are coal, yet they are all a gift.
When I feel worn and threadbare, these are the things that warm my heart and mend my soul:
Music that shares what I feel. The smile of a child. A warm hug. A good movie to get lost in. Time with an animal. A good cry. One simple act of kindness towards me. I think God for these gifts, these simple blessings. And I thank Him so much for where I live! For the beauty and quiet I can always find here. It is something that never fails to peel away the stress, let me escape the world and recharge, revive. Be it the greens of the trees, the wildflowers, the shade, the birds, the song of frogs and crickets, the call of an owl, the stars at night or simply the stillness. Or a sunset like this:
What is you most basic make-up? How do you escape? What soothes your soul or lifts your spirits?
Barbara
lovely writen. God help me. Really when Im sad I pray. Nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is always comfort in prayer, in reading His Word. I see all these little things that lift my spirits and help me through as gifts from Him, individually tailored to my needs at the time, because He knows me so well and loves me so much.
DeleteEvery day is indeed a gift.
ReplyDeleteMusic is what lifts me, especially when I play for God.
Music, yes! What a balm it can be.
DeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, I know when things are bad that it'll turn around at some point because I know God has us in His hands. Sometimes it takes every ounce of faith I can mustard to keep from being thrown into depression when horrible circumstances are prolonged but then God never promised life would be easy or fair. I think that's why God placed mewsic in our lives to encourage and uplift to rejuvenate and move our entire being toward happiness. I find listening to mewsic, especially contemporary Christian songs and prayer to be extremely comforting when I'm walking through a thorny patch. Great piece. I loved reading this today! ;)
Thank you, Cathy! You are so right about music. God always seems to send the right comfort at the right time.
DeleteBarbara,
DeleteThank you for stopping by to enjoy my Independence Day mewsic. I hope you and yours have a blessed, safe, and fun 4th!
This is absolutely beautiful. You ought to have this published to a wider audience it is so good.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you can knock me down, but I will get back up. I remind myself how blessed I am.
What a nice compliment! Glad you enjoyed it. That old hymn is right, "counting your blessings" proves the faithfulness of God.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post! Very uplifting. I need to try to think like this more!! Thank you Barbara! Beautiful sunset
ReplyDeleteBeauty for ashes as they say. This had been a VERY difficult day. I wrote two sentences, stopped as reread them. Erased one, and rewrote another and then it just flowed. Did my own heart well! Glad it helped you, too.
DeleteLove is indeed music. Folks lift their voices to the lord every single day and give thanks
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says to give thanks in all things. That covers even the worst of times.
DeleteAn uplifting post. You have a great attitude. I admit to holding on to grudges.
ReplyDeleteHubby can be that way. It does him no good and sometimes hurts innocent bystanders. I find praying for the person who wronged me goes a long way in letting go.
DeleteIt's good to have a positive outlook.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how one gets through life otherwise.
DeleteWOW- perfect post and what my heart needed. I love your outlook and resemble much of it especially the music. I couldn't live without God and music and my dogs and hubby - not that in order of course. :) You made me smile today
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found a smile here!
DeleteI like the analogy of days being like diamonds and coal! I escape by reading my Bible or journaling or just closing my eyes and listening to soothing music.
ReplyDeleteJoy @ The Joyous Living
Thank you, Joy! And thanks for sharing!
DeleteHey Barb!
ReplyDeleteYou sounds so much like how I am . People like us who are largely positive enjoy the little things , the small moments so much more right?
My basic make up is that I don't fall in any 'category' . I am ambitious , but yet I value people. I am creative , but I am sharp too. I love company and I love solitude more :)
and blogging to me is the perfect escape..
I think it is somewhat symbiotic; the more positive one is the more things one can appreciate and find pleasure in AND the more simple pleasures one enjoys the more positive they become.
DeleteI'm learning to be more like that too. I hate conflict, even ifI don't start it, I try and end it lol. Sometimes add to it though with too much sarcasm.
ReplyDeleteI tend to get frustrated a lot, but all in all, learning to see everything for the blessings they are.
Even having to move from my place of peace- I miss the quiet and solitude of it, but God's helping me to find it even in hectic surroundings.
Beautiful post Barbara! I am so glad to see you!
So glad God is blessing you were you are! I miss you, girl! Don't be a stranger.
DeleteI'm a peace maker. I don't like conflict. Usually, I'm positive and resilient, although some things have gotten me down. I like silence and nature. And I'm introspective. A thinker.
ReplyDeleteYou describe yourself much as I imagined. 😊
DeleteThat's a great way to be, Barbara. I'm sure it has served you well.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm here with good news! You won both ebooks in my GhostWriters series by voting for my cover in the AllAuthor cover contest. Shoot me an email at jh (at) moncrieff (dot) com and let me know what format you prefer: MOBI, PDF, or EPUB. <3
Woo-hoo! My lucky day! And I happen not to be reading anything just now, so that is perfect. PDF please. Awesome! Hope all is going well with the book launch.
DeleteBarbara, I'm an eternal optimist. Example: I do not see a half full or half empty glass. I see a glass filled 50% and needs the same amount added to make it full.
ReplyDeleteA great way to make life a lighter load!
DeleteI am a grateful person and am happy being thankful everyday for every little small and big blessings of my life; I would like to be eternally grateful for the gift of life, love, relationships, work and nature, books and weather. I am also enthusiastic and love to keep smiling despite of whatever challenges I face, i strongly believe that every person on this earth has a purpose; I am in process finding my purpose and simultaneously helping all those who come into my life seeking for help. Thanks for your inspiring post, am grateful to you for sharing your post with generosity.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Helping, serving others is the highest calling and should be our greatest aim.
DeleteYou and I sound a lot alike! I find being in the Word helps me when I get down. He always seems to serve up a morsel that uplifts!
ReplyDeleteI also feel so much better when I can spend an afternoon sitting lakeside. So peaceful!
His Word is a comfort! One who always keeps His promises! I suppose part of time outdoors is being able to see His hand in everything around you.
Delete