Still recovering from the stomach flu. It’s lasted a full week now. Red meat and spicy things still sound repulsive, I’m a bit feverish, and I’m still very low on energy. So glad it’s nearing the end! 
I decided to be brave, take a major step of faith, and registered myself for classes at the college even though I’m not completely certain yet how I’ll pay the rent and other utilities each month while attending school. One step at a time. Prayers appreciated.
An online friend of mine in Florida connected me with some friends of hers who live here locally. They have an extra unused kitchen faucet they’re going to give to me! My neighbor offered to do the work of replacing it whenever I could get a new one, but even $12 for a cheap-o faucet at Wal-Mart has been out of my budget. But I can do “free.”
Yesterday it snowed and the sun was shining at the same time. It was beautiful with the pink plum trees in bloom, the snow falling, and the sun brightening everything. Don’t forget to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, even in the midst of stresses, grief, busyness, or whatever your personal cross to bear might be.
A lesson I learned several years ago is that whenever I’m in the midst of major stresses in my life, I need to stop now and then and totally “be there” in the moment.
If I’m feeling generalize anxiety or fear, I’ll ask myself, “Is there anything to fear right now at this very moment?” Usually the answer is, “No.” And then it’s almost like I can feel the weight roll off my shoulders.
I’ll look about and try to really see whatever’s around me.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of looking out the window for a moment and watching the neighbor’s cat cleaning himself in the sunshine on their back steps. Or the rain dripping down on the skylight overhead. Sometimes it’s noticing flowers in yards or blossoming trees as I’m driving down the same ol’ street to the same ol’ grocery store.
Take time today to “see” your surroundings as you go about your day. You may be surprised at what beautiful things may be hiding right in front of your eyes.
And speaking of beauty, I’ve been playing the restful piano music from this online devotional in the background whenever I’m online the past few days. Really helps calm my spirit.
I stop and read the daily devotional, and then just leave the window open as I read email, etc. Love it! May need to see if the artist has a CD available. (UPDATE: He does!)
Will be praying for you to heal from the flu and find a way to attend school and still pay the bills- sounds like just what you need right now! I also have been working harder to live “in the moment”. I really liked and have already used your idea about dispelling fear and anxiety by asking myself if there’s anything to fear right this moment. Thanks so much for the idea!! It really does help! Take care!
You sound cheerful tonight. A good sound to my ears!
So glad you enrolled in the courses. If you have to, get student loans. I just know it will pay off in the end. You go girl!!!!!!!!!!! Find your direction and keep signing up for those classes.
Glad to hear you are starting to feel better. You are so right in your comments on being here in the now. We get so caught up in what we need to do and the busy-ness of our lives, we do need to stop and enjoy what is around us. For me, it means getting my hands in the dirt, gardening and listening to the birds sing around me.
I have copied these words you wrote and put them on my desk at work. Such sweet, simple instructions for living:
“If I’m feeling generalize anxiety or fear, I’ll ask myself, ‘Is there anything to fear right now at this very moment?’ Usually the answer is, “No.” And then it’s almost like I can feel the weight roll off my shoulders.’
You’ve been a blessing to me this morning. It’s my prayer that someone will be such a blessing to you this day. Thank you.
Debi,
In yoga, there is a saying when we do a certain pose, “I am all right right now.” I had it made on a t-shirt. It keeps me in the moment when I’m anxious.
I used it standing in line at the DMV after my identity was stolen. I was trying to get a new license, and it was my third trip…and it wasn’t working out well. Telling myself those words and staying in the moment worked. I’ve used it many times since.
Good luck with school. It helps to have hope.
Yay you! Many blessings with school and all things.