Soul Care

A friend told me last week that “soul care” is taking a breather to relax and recuperate and, according to psychologists, the key to staying sane.

Well I’m not very good at soul care.

Last week I had a number of adventures that began with a wonderful trip home to visit friends and family and ended in an “end-of-my-rope” and “lay-in-bed-ill” kind of way. Not the best way to live my life, I have decided.

So I cancelled all my plans. From last Friday night until the end of this week my only plans are my two jobs which, trust me, are more than enough. Working 5 days a week at two jobs that translates to 7 days in a row for multiple weeks in a row is more than exhausting.

So this weekend I did things, sure, I wasn’t at home twiddling my thumbs but I did the kinds of things that will help me be most productive in the office, most friendly in the restaurant, and most importantly….NOT SICK!

It was wonderful.

It was refreshing.

I think I’m going to not-make-plans more often. Things like ALL MY LAUNDRY get accomplished. And tonight I will (hopefully and finally) make it to IKEA for a bookshelf that will save my literature from boxes on the patio. After we moved…how long ago?

The point being: Stay sane. Try soul care!

Powerful Symphonies

Words.

Music.

Art.

A message hidden within.

Today I have been overwhelmed by the power music has to move your soul. I, like Leo Tolstoy, Jenae and Frou Frou, believe that art and music and the recipient of it should be brought to the same sense of wonder, despair, or tears as the artist when they created it. It is a beautiful connection of mankind that can span generations and last a lifetime.

I don't know what is going on in your life today but whether you are in need of encouragement or thriving in blessing, I'd like to offer these three thoughts from three different (very different) artists that were given to me by people I hold dear.

1. Watch How You Go. By Keane.

Life  journeys on from one place to the next and it is your and my responsibility to guard carefully the life that we have been given despite what is left behind for we cannot know what lies ahead but we can control how we use the time that is now.

The more we rush about, the less we do...just watch how you go and be gracious with your light...the things that we have shared will soon be left behind now.

2. The Dumbing Down of Love. By Frou Frou.

Is there anything more heart breaking than a lover without love?

Love underwhelms you, no box of chocolates...music is worthless unless it can make a complete stranger break down and cry...lover alone without love, will you miss him?

3. I Don't Feel Like Dancin'. By Scissor Sisters.

I don't really think this one is as profound but in a sense, it reminds me that this is my life to lead and the only one I've got so whether I dance or not, or whether you stay or not I will be fine! And I will dance to "don't feel like dancin" until the sun goes down.

Wake up in the morning with a head like 'what ya done?' This used to be the life but I don't need another one.

What music resonates with you?

Goodbye.

How do you say goodbye?

Do you laugh at the times past? Cry at the separation to come? Toughen up and say with a shrug, "well, that's life"? 

The truth is, I don't think I know how to say goodbye.

Obviously I have before. Goodbye to family when moving to Biola. Goodbye to loved ones as they pass away. Goodbye to a wonderful story as you finish the book. Goodbye to friends as they move away. Goodbye to relationships as you realize that they aren't quite the best. Goodbye to your favorite menu item that is being replaced.

Now granted not all of those are life-changing events but there is an element of sadness that comes with each one of them.

I've been mulling this over for a number of weeks now in anticipation (and dread) of my dear friend, Lorena, moving from our wonderful Southern California home to Minnesota for graduate school. 

Now, I understand it is a wonderful school but....REALLY Lorena? You realize that it's COLD there, right???

But in all seriousness I think she summed it up best with a simple statement.

We have the rest of our lives to be friends.

And it's true. We do. A change in geography will not necessitate that we never speak. Shoot, with Skype and FaceTime it doesn't even mean we can't see each other's faces in real time every once in awhile.

So with a deep breath, a night of karaoke and a bottle of wine just for the occasion I would like to cheers to being friends for the rest of our lives.

And I'll see you next time.

A note from the author: I realize this does not help with saying goodbye to other things such as a good book or your favorite menu item but I only wish you the utmost courage as you face these difficulties and let me know how you fare!

Positive Thoughts

Does life ever make you want to rip your hair out and die a million deaths rather than face it?

Yup.

Me too.

Here is my list of positive things to try and get over that feeling of complete and utter defeat!

I am healthy. 

I have TWO jobs.

I love my two jobs.

I have great friends.

My car runs.

I have not (yet) defaulted on a payment of any loans.

My family is supportive.

I am working towards my career goals.

I have a wonderful new apartment.

I have a wonderful new roommate.

I am not starving to death.

I have a closet full of pretty things.

I have already done a fair share of world traveling. 

It's going to be in the 70s and sunny all week.

Jesus loves me.

The judge was gracious.

I have a college degree.

I go to sleep each night and am not worried about my safety. 

Spotify.

Siblings.

Starbucks.

Parents who love me.

Parents who love each other.

I have the right to vote.

Clean bed sheets. 

Fresh avocado.

Naps.

Tuesday date nights. 

I only have to face one day at a time!

What would you add to my list of positive things? 

Live in the moment....or not.

Because we can't stop time, we are always moving forward and each moment passes faster than it takes for us to realize it's there.

I think I have been feeling a bit like life is flying by lately with being a year (WHAT!?) out from graduating college and over 2 months into my wonderful job and in my millionth transition in housing in the last 12 months...

And in that time I have met a lot of people and done a lot of things and cried and laughed and learned and lost and LIVED...but I think, with the coming of a new home, and the continuation of a new job, I would like to take some time to step OUT of these moments and think about the view from 30,000 feet. The "big picture".

But what is the big picture? That seems like an overwhelming task!

Well I think you must begin with a few lists. And I love lists so of course I would come up with a solution involving lists...but I digress.

Lists. Yes, ok make a list of what you know to be true about yourself. Who are YOU? If you have trouble doing this maybe think about where you spend your time, your money, what people thank you for, compliment you for, and what you think about. Hopefully that will help.

Next, make a list of what you want. What are your desires, dreams, wishes, secret little hopes? Those things that you always picture in your life. That little picket fence. The real estate business on the side, the debt-free financials, involvement in your church, a spouse. Stuff like that, write it down.

Ok now comes the Game Plan. Pick three things that you are going to do this month, the month of May. Whether it's something you just want to do once or a routine you want to implement or someone you need to talk to....write those down.

NOW GO DO THEM!

If you don't stop to think about what you want and who you are and how those things need to be tied together with actions...well you'll get caught up in a moment you didn't want to be in to begin with.

A Letter to Heaven

Dear Nanny,

I miss you.

It's been three years and I can't decide if it feels like an eternity or just a moment since you left us.

I'll never forget the last time we spoke. I told you I wanted an electric toothbrush. Mom found one with my name on it in your big, black sharpie handwriting when they were cleaning out your house.

Thank you. You were always so thoughtful.

Thank you for calling me every other day the entire time I was at college to find out how much homework I had, how much money I had, how much sleep I had gotten and if my car had a full gas tank.

Thank you for all of the Starbucks trips and gift cards but more importantly, thank you for all of the precious moments we sat in the Hopper Starbucks reading, (me a book, you your paper) drinking coffee, and just enjoying one another's company.

Thank you for your example of a woman who worked hard for everyone she loved.

Thank you for always being in my corner.

Thank you for all of those nights you scratched my back as I fell asleep. Thank you for never letting me outgrow that.

I know you would be proud of me.

I graduated with honors! You always wanted me to work hard at college.

I have a "big girl" job. But, I'm happy. You always wanted me to be happy.

I will never be able to fill your shoes but I try to make sure all of the kids know they are loved...the way you made me know that I was so loved. And Melody and I get along now...she is one of my best friends. You always wanted us to get along.

I will always be a better, stronger, wiser woman because you gave me so much.

Thank you.

Loving you still and missing you always,

Liss

Favorite Things Friday : Revival Edition

Bringin' it back!

Trying to stay aware and conscious of the wonderful things in my life. There are many...but I really love sharing a few here!

This week I loved...

So thankful for my little brother Vick turning 11 and the hilarity involved when Morgan writes you her own personal birthday note. I have no idea what they were bickering about previously but...out of the mouths of babes!

Oh Ray. Some of the hilarity that goes into our texting conversations is just too much to describe but this was just one of the many moments he had me LOL'ing to myself this week!

MY  NEW HOME! Chelsea and I have found a beautiful, two bed/two bath apartment just a short walk from our favorite downtown area in Fullerton full of coffee shops, restaurants, antique stores, and the most popular bars among 20-somethings on a weekend night! Our heads are swimming with all of the decorating ideas we have to fill this spacious, welcoming apartment with "us".

I have always loved writing and am getting to do various forms of it at Ambassador (new job)! At the recommendation of some of my most trusted advisers (ie-chums) I purchased this little gem to help me polish up my style! Can't wait to dive in....

I think his name was James. I was very thankful that James was able to get my car open. And that my boss was gracious enough to stand with me and laugh at my absent mindedness and trunk full of laundry/shoes/towels/water bottles/etc while we dug through it looking for my keys! Oops. 

What were some of YOUR favorite things this week? 

Blessings, M.M.