I may have spoken too soon. Last night my arm started turning a purplish shade of black and blue. And… this morning my pain was reaching new levels.
Dan drove me to the Pasqua Hospital Emergency. Contrary to everything we have heard and read lately, the care was timely and efficient AND if the staff was exhausted and stressed, they were way too professional, caring, and kind to show it.
We were in and out in three and a half hours (which included a trip to radiology for several x-rays). The bottom line is I broke the surgical neck of my humorous. Fortunately, it remained in place, so no operation was required. My arm is supported by a foam sling and I will have to see a surgeon to ensure healing is going as planned.
And… The doctor told me that not only could I, but I should maintain my physical workouts – while avoiding engaging my left arm for the time being, obviously. 🤗
On the way home, Dan swung by A & W to pick us up hamburgers, onion rings, and gravy. 😊
So that was my update for today. Take care and have a great rest of the day! 💞🌞
Still on the topic of mental and emotional well being and those that I turn to for inspiration, today my blog is highlighting Rasa Pura.
Rasa is a life coach and yoga teacher who posts guided meditations on You Tube. She is very new age, and I have to admit my personal beliefs do not totally mesh with hers, but her voice is SO soothing and her message is always SO positive, that I love listening to her meditations.
The guided meditation that I have been using regularly for the past few weeks is the positive affirmation “I Am” video above. My favourite line in the entire video comes at the end of the introduction “Energy flows where attention goes”.
I know that line embodies the truth because I have seen it – for better or worse – time and time again! I have seen it in others and I recognize it in myself. By repeating a negative thought ten times, I can convince myself that I am cold, tired, sickly, angry, sad, or miserable. By repeating, a positive thought, I can convince myself that I am the total opposite. Either mindset ultimately determines what I do and how I do it.
I have been listening to this particular video every day for a few weeks now (and have been working with positive affirmations for years). Is my life perfect? No, but my mindset is definitely better and improving all the time. I am generally more peaceful and happy and when I do have to deal with life’s rough moments, I am able to do so and move on – and back to a better place.
And my life is improving – my health is definitely better and I am more fit than ever, I am better at managing our finances and they are in better shape than ever – despite retiring and taking a significant cut in income, and overall my relationships are healthier. It is absolutely worth the time and effort that I have invested in learning to watch where I allow my “attention to go”.
And I am grateful to Rasa Pura for posting her guided meditations. They help me to keep my attention on the quality of life that I want and on the path to health and wellness – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thank you, Rasa. 😊
It has been seven weeks since I started my spring fitness program! The time is flying by and I am seeing some results.
Physically –
I have lost a whopping TWO pounds, but I continue to tone and tighten up 🙂
My balance is way better
I feel much better
My blood oxygen level is up and my pulse is slower and stronger
I started walking this weekend. I am starting with a goal of 5000 steps per day but I plan to increase as I am ready. I have read lately that 7500 steps is optimal.
Mentally –
I am doing better at the little puzzle games that I play 🙄
And… I installed a router extender to our wifi AND set up our security camera this morning! 💃💃💃
Emotionally – This is where I have noticed the biggest difference lately. I honestly thought, that with spring’s arrival and my efforts to improve my health and well-being, that my life would really get better! I was wrong. In the past few days, we have had family DRAMA, we have been BLEEDING financially, and we lost our little dog, Kat. Our life is one old country blues tune. BUT… I am doing ok. Seriously ok. My family are still the loves of my life, our finances will turn (as they always do), and despite the absolute heartbreak of losing Kat – I am okay. I am not trying to contain or control the pain in my heart. I am just letting it go with the flow of tears and staying grateful for the years we had. 💝
On a side note, my little seedlings are starting to take. I add a few more each week and thin out the ones that are getting a bit too crowded. Our weather is improving, but it will be a while before I can start moving my little garden outside, even for a few hours a day.
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!💞
PS… Thank you again for all of the kind and compassionate messages following our loss last week. We were very touched by each an every one. 💞💞💞
The Christmas Season is a time for kindness, caring, and thinking of others. It is also a good time to celebrate by showing ourselves a few hours of caring kindness when, or if, possible. Last night, it was possible for me. 💐 (It is always possible for me nowadays. That was not always the case in years gone by. 😏)
I started out by switching over to my new purse. Changing purses is a major undertaking – one I avoid for years on end. I love my new purse. It is huge, soft, and hasmultiple pockets. I may never find my keys again. 🙄Winter in Saskatchewan is cold and DRY – regardless of how much snow we have. My hands get brutally cracked and dry. This is the second hand waxer Dan has bought for me. I LOVE the heat and moisture for my hands. (& of course I love Dan for being so thoughtful 💞)I cannot wax my hands without giving my nails a little TLC. 😁One can hardly conclude an evening of self care without indulging in a tasty snack, a glass of Jackson-Triggs Merlot,and an hour of Home and Garden. 🏘️
Today, I was ready to jump back into the holiday spirit and holiday preparations when I got ‘the call‘. Next Tuesday I am off to the hospital for my hernia repair. The unexpected and ultimate in self-care for the holiday season! Fortunately, I have more ‘want’ to do than ‘have’ to do on my holiday list. And – I am totally grateful that Dr. Pooler and staff are getting me in so quickly when Covid has taken such a toll on our health facilities and staff. It will be great to recover and be hernia free. 😁
That is it for today folks. Take care and have a kind and caringday!💞
Regardless of how much we appreciate our lives here on Earth, we all experience times when our hearts are broken and our souls are shattered. I have experienced such times in my life. The death of a loved one is always hard but the most difficult for me has been the times when loved ones have deliberately destroyed that what is most important to me. That seems to be a recurring theme in my life. 🤷 Unfortunately, the only way to get through it, is to accept it and hope that everything truly does happen for a reason. It does help to know that there are others who understand and who share their ‘words of wisdom’ on grief with us.
“No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world does not stop for your grief.”
Faraz Kazi
“The shattering of a heart being broken is the loudest quiet ever.
Carroll Bryant
“I’d rather love a million times and have my heart broken every time, than hold a permanently empty heart forever.”
– H.C. Payene
“I know my heart will never be the same, but I’m telling myself I’ll be okay.”
– Sara Evans
“It is strange how often a heart must be broken, before the years can make it wise.”
– Sara Teasdale
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
– Marilyn Munroe
That is it for today, except to share our family news. Our two little ones have made their arrival. Alaska-Rose Charlize was born early Saturday morning weighing in at a whole 4lbs. 14oz. Logan Micheal was born early this morning weighing 7lbs. 8oz. Both are beautiful, perfect, and doing well. While it is a blessing that both have arrived safe and sound, it is sad and unfortunate that, since our family remains estranged, it is unlikely that they will be meeting each other anytime soon.
A large ‘piece of my mind’ has been busy struggling to get in and stay in a good place lately. I could go into any number of situations that have been driving this recent funk.
Federal Canadian politics
Saskatchewan provincial politics
City of Regina politics
People who whine about taxes
People who whine about everything they want the government to pay for (with taxes)
Covid – Version 4.0
Cranky Facebook people who whine about everything
Family issues
Health issues
FALL – dreary, dusty, chilly, FALL
Upcoming holidays 🎄🎃🎉🦃
So many reasons to be funked! But the bottom line is LIFE is PRECIOUS! Too precious to be wasted being funked out for any reason. Nothing on the list is worth more than the quality of my life.
So once again, I am just going to focus on LIFE! and the things that matter. Because life is too precious to let it slip away unappreciated. 💞
I am finishing up a dozen loose ends this week. As much as I would like to say it is all fun and smooth sailing, that of course is not the way life goes. There are always a few hiccups along the way.
These hiccups, and potential hiccups, are the reason that I am so grateful for You Tube and for those who take the time to share their beautiful, calming videos. The two that I have posted here are ones that I have been working with this week. They help me to dig deeper, to a place where I can deal with the ups and downs of daily life in a semblance of peace, dignity and appreciation.
It is funny how so many of us tend to focus on our physical and mental well-being, while ignoring that part of us that actually controls the quality of our lives – the love, peace, happiness, contentment, abundance, freedom, and joy – all of those things that matter the most to us. All of those things that we strive to have and to share with others.
Anyway, if you are looking to invest a few minutes of your day in an exercise of spiritual healing, I recommend the following meditations. The Tibetan Monks one is fairly lengthy but I listen to it for a few minutes at a time and it saves my place for more listening at a later time. 👍
Wishing everyone a great day! Take care and I will see you tomorrow. 💞
Growing up, I came to believe that caring for others meant worrying about them. Loving others meant sharing their suffering and feeling their pain when they were struggling or going through a difficult situation. You did anything practical you could to help them, if there was anything you could do. But mostly, you shared their sorrows. I am not sure how this was supposed to help, but you did it. To make sure it worked, you told them how much you were suffering with and for them. Than they could be suffering and guilt ridden for making you suffer from their pain. It was all very complicated and strange but I believed it, without question, for decades.
Eventually, I decided that worrying about loved ones and sharing their pain was not particularly helpful – especially if they had to feel grateful and guilty to boot. I still loved people. I still wanted to be there for them through difficult times but I had no idea how. Sometimes there are no words to say, or ways to say them, nor is there anything practical for one to do.
I could not stay in my current bubble of peace and relative well-being and pretend I was not aware of what loved ones were going through. I did not know what to do – but I knew that I could no longer add more grief to such situations.
Last night, I received news of two such difficult situations affecting family members. My first reaction was worry and pain and grief for all concerned. I knew I had to find something better. When I went to bed, I found a meditation on You Tube and blocked out everything but the voice and the soft background music.
It was rather a long and difficult night but, when I woke up this morning, this hymn from my youth was playing in my mind. It was magical. 💞 I always loved this hymn, and it was always meaningful, but today it means even more on a personal level.
I wasn’t sure about including the last verse, because it did not seem relevant to this situation but I decided to go with it. Dying isn’t always about dying – sometimes it is about changing, about letting go of old beliefs to accept new beliefs….
I have no idea if my sister and her husband or my daughter and her family can feel the love and peace and healing that I am sending them today. I can only trust and believe that they are feeling it on some level. But I do know, I absolutely know, that it is better than sending more pain and worry and guilt and grief their way. 💞
Sending love and peace and healing to any and all who are struggling today. 💞
Wishing all a good rest of today and a nice weekend. See you tomorrow. 💞
I am ten days into my June ‘Accentuate the Positive’ challenge and it is time to go a bit deeper. Today’s post is a peek into my soul, spirit, inner-being exercise routine. Meditation my way. 💞
Through the years, I have made several attempts to start meditating. I was too busy running in circles to slow down long enough to get far with my efforts, so they inevitably petered out.
Last year, after I retired, I took a lot of long walks with Kat. What started as a means to strengthen my respiratory system and take a few pounds off my pooch became so much more. I reached a place of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before. It was a place where meditation came easily.
At some point I discovered a world of meditation on YouTube. For me, it was meditation made simple! There are videos available for guided meditations, chants from indigenous and religious persuasions, music to meditate by, and more.
The following are a few of the meditations that I have found particularly helpful and effective for me. If you have never meditated before , I suggest you note the following:
1. Never listen to these videos, or any meditation videos or audios, when driving or in an any situation where you need to be awake, alert, or cognisant.
2. I recommend using headphones or earbuds for maximum effect of any of these meditations.
3. These videos are ones that I would recommend trying because they work for me. They may not work for you, but I hope that does not discourage you from searching for something that does. I believe that our spiritual, inner-being, or soul well-being is as important as our physical and our mental health.
4. Meditation does not replace professional medical, psychiatric, or psychological care. Consult your professionals if you are at all concerned that meditating could affect any condition affecting you or any treatment that you are undergoing.
5. These videos may occasionally make you uncomfortable, especially if have very strong religious or anti-religious beliefs. Personally, I find I can easily ignore any momentary discomfort caused and in some cases I have come to realize that I have unconscious beliefs that I am quite happy to rid myself of.
This last meditation, is the one that I found the most challenging for me. As I was listening, I had a flash of memory from my childhood. I grew up in the Catholic Church and attended mass frequently – Sundays, holidays, funerals, weddings and on random weekdays. Like myself, the church has changed along the way. Back sixty-some years ago, there was a place in the Mass when everyone struck their chest three times and each time professed “I’m not worthy…I’m not worthy…I’m not worthy”. That was harsh! It bothered me then and now I find it totally bizarre. Who and why would anyone ever think this was reasonable or rational? Why would any creator place us in a world of trees, flowers, mountains, oceans, skies, and sunshine if we were supposed to feel unworthy? What is more, why would I keep anything so wierd tucked into a dusty corner of my mind? I am glad I dug it out and seriously questioned it. I am glad that this meditation made me feel uncomfortable. For me, it worked. I feel worthy and I wholeheartedly believe we all should! If there was no hope, why would we even strive to be better?
That is it for today. One third of my challenge down, two thirds to go. 😊
Every year, I choose one main positive value in life to focus on. This year my focus is on beauty. So far, I have not really been struggling with this effort, so much as building a base to grow it on.
I have started a major home beautifying project – cleaning our basement. I haven’t reached any Kodak moments yet, but every time I go downstairs I am excited by how much better things are looking than when I first began. 😊
My husband has been home on a work layoff – the first in many years! It is nice having him home. It is very nice having him available to do the shopping and run errands. It is especially nice when he run out to do errands and comes home with a special little gift for me. 😊
Dan came home with this beautiful glass baby elephant. He seems happy sitting beside the adorable stuffed elephant that granddaughter Genie gave me for Christmas.
I have not been spending much time outside this month. Occasionally, I do catch a beautiful moment in nature when I glance out a window.
Our backyard is a haven for squirrels and birds this winter.
I continue to spend time searching out and experiencing the meditations I find on You Tube – especially those related to sending healing, loving energy to others. They seem to be such a beautiful way to connect with family and loved ones – so much better than worrying and fretting about the people I care for!
Lately, I have finally realized, the rationale of sending healing, loving energy to those who would not have typically made my prayer list in the past. I am talking about people who have caused major grief to myself and my family, any people who I see as being arrogant or hateful or cruel. I know one is supposed to extend love and caring to those people – but that is seriously difficult to do – no matter how many times I read that they are the ones who need it the most.
Through meditation, I have found a way to send loving, healing energy to anyone, everyone, and especially to those who are the most difficult to. In my mind, projecting hate and anger to these people does not help them or me. However, sending them love and healing energy does make me feel much better. I can only hope that these people are touched by the love I send them. 💗
This is one of the healing meditations that I have found to be particularly moving. I hope that if you are inclined to try it, you will enjoy the experience.
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 