Self-Care

[sampa]

Like being choked! And the huge mental struggle to lay down all the power you can put out in 30 seconds to 1 minute. Any lingering soreness goes away completely after couple minutes of recovery.

That still sounds intense and like you need some recovery.

No way around it in sprint training that's why I limit sprint training to only 3x a week, and easier sessions in between. Even the actual

I stick to a 3-day plan. That could change in time but I try to make sure to get recovery. Even with running I don't usually do Sprint sessions but I have done a little bit of it with aqua jogging.

can't imagine running in 5 and a half hours! I've gone that long on my bike a few times without stopping. I can only imagine

Of course that was not all running. It became a run walk after a while. Since it was March and it was raining, this was in Japan on an island. I got cold so the only way to keep warm was to run. I was fortunate that my legs didn't give out on me as it did others.

 

[Niels]

I've been trying to get more sleep. Unfortunately, it's easy for me to stay up too late and wake up too early if I'm not careful.

For exercise, these days I've mostly been walking and using my home gym. In the near future, I plan to visit several mountain biking destinations including state parks, scenic trails, and dedicated bike parks. Nothing too crazy. Just having fun, seeing the sights, riding different trail features, and maybe learning a thing or two along the way.

Another thing I've been doing for self care is cutting down on clutter. I cleaned up my drawers and cabinets at work, cleaned off my workbenches at home, and reorganized my home office.

 

[timewerx]

That still sounds intense and like you need some recovery.

I stick to a 3-day plan. That could change in time but I try to make sure to get recovery. Even with running I don't usually do Sprint sessions but I have done a little bit of it with aqua jogging.

Of course that was not all running. It became a run walk after a while. Since it was March and it was raining, this was in Japan on an island. I got cold so the only way to keep warm was to run. I was fortunate that my legs didn't give out on me as it did others.

Yup, there is some sort of recovery the day after a sprint session. That day will definitely have no sprinting and the workout session will be shorter and less intense too.

I can only imagine how nice it would be to get around Japan on a scenic route on foot! Still impressive even if you have to walk on parts. It will never be easy compared to cycling unless you're on very steep roads where running actually gets easier than cycling!

 

[sampa]

Another thing I've been doing for self care is cutting down on clutter. I cleaned up my drawers and cabinets at work, cleaned off my workbenches at home, and reorganized my home office.

Sleep is so important but I think the clutter is going to do a world of difference. You have to stay on top of it. One work all I would like to have is less paper usage. My boss's boss and an engineer that works next to me hardly use any paper or printing. They cringe every time I use the printer.

I got the question today about using an electronic system for my medical records and I have said no for 15 years or so now. But it might reduce some of the clutter that I have with paperwork. I held out for many years with banking online through my phone, but this year I have adjusted and it's made a world of difference.

I can only imagine how nice it would be to get around Japan on a scenic route on foot! Still impressive even if you have

Unfortunately it wasn't too scenic. Every once in awhile I might get a few of the ocean but there wasn't much to see. It was just very cold and windy and rained on me for three of the hours. I felt like knives were being stabbed into my legs, but I was still standing and my legs didn't give out on me like others.

Yup, there is some sort of recovery the day after a sprint session. That day will definitely have no sprinting and the workout session wil

I'm glad that you're getting recovery in there!

 

[Niels]

Sleep is so important but I think the clutter is going to do a world of difference. You have to stay on top of it. One work all I would like to have is less paper usage. My boss's boss and an engineer that works next to me hardly use any paper or printing. They cringe every time I use the printer.

I cringed a little just reading that.

Not that I'm necessarily one to talk. Although I don't print much with paper, the plastic I use might be worse. A surprising amount of my clutter comes from3D printed parts. Early iterations that I didn't end up using. Even if a component didn't fit right, or the final design evolved in a different direction, I have a hard time getting rid of that stuff. It can take over any available flat surface if I'm not careful. That, along with electronics, computer paraphernalia, and empty boxes make up the bulk of it. Thankfully, I'm pretty good about limiting this sort of clutter to the garage and home office. The main living areas just need an occasional vacuuming.

 

[sampa]

I cringed a little just reading that.

Not that I'm necessarily one to talk. Although I don't print much with paper, the plastic I use might be worse. A surprising amount of my clutter comes from3D printed parts. Early iterations that I didn't end up using. Even if a component didn't fit right, or the final design evolved in a different direction, I have a hard time getting rid of that stuff. It can take over any available flat surface if I'm not careful. That, along with electronics, computer paraphernalia, and empty boxes make up the bulk of it. Thankfully, I'm pretty good about limiting this sort of clutter to the garage and home office. The main living areas just need an occasional vacuuming.

Wow! I've not had that kind of clutter. I have a few totes of electronics I've been trying to figure what to do. Some of it is video projects and other is outdated cell phone supplies and video cameras I need to find a usuage or recycle.

 

[Niels]

Wow! I've not had that kind of clutter. I have a few totes of electronics I've been trying to figure what to do. Some of it is video projects and other is outdated cell phone supplies and video cameras I need to find a usuage or recycle.

What kind of video projects? You have an eye for photography.

Obsolete phones, cameras, and cables. Lots and lots of cables. Sounds familiar. I'm probably going to be looking for those soon after I get rid of them, so they go into a box in a closet. Most of my clutter is electronic components. Wires, switches, breadboards, etc. for building things. Those also aren't going anywhere.

 

[mojoboy31]

I decided to clean my room and redecorate, change up my color schemes. Clearing the clutter and stuff helps my mood tremendously.

 

[sampa]

What kind of video projects? You have an eye for photography.

Obsolete phones, cameras, and cables. Lots and lots of cables. Sounds familiar. I'm probably going to be looking for those soon after I get rid of them, so they go into a box in a closet. Most of my clutter is electronic components. Wires, switches, breadboards, etc. for building things. Those also aren't going anywhere.

Very interesting. If you were my neighbor I probably would just hand over some things to you because you might find a use for it with my electronic things. I can't distinguish a lot of stuff now.

As far as video it's an interest that I have kind of put to the side these past 20 years. For quite some time I always wanted to make sure movies and also maybe documentaries in my life. I had so many notes that I took of different movies I wanted to make some years ago during my work hours when I was bored sitting in trucks... But my creative energy has gone into other things. As a teenager and probably younger years I have had many dreams that could have been turned into movies. I still have creative energy and an eye for the aesthetics, so who knows what retirement will bring. I just worry that my video camera and videos may not be playable if I don't do something soon. I need to at least run some kind of maintenance on my old camcorder. I also have an old video onyx that I used to use for putting music in the background. And a DVD converter from Sony that I basically never put to use. It wasn't cheap either. Snow plowing all these Winters I think has gotten in the way of a lot of my productivity. And other things have taken priority. I definitely don't regret putting my energy into running and gardening, both of those have great return.

Maybe I could take pictures of some of the electronic items that I have trouble identifying and you could help me with it?

 

[Niels]

Very interesting. If you were my neighbor I probably would just hand over some things to you because you might find a use for it with my electronic things. I can't distinguish a lot of stuff now.

As far as video it's an interest that I have kind of put to the side these past 20 years. For quite some time I always wanted to make sure movies and also maybe documentaries in my life. I had so many notes that I took of different movies I wanted to make some years ago during my work hours when I was bored sitting in trucks... But my creative energy has gone into other things. As a teenager and probably younger years I have had many dreams that could have been turned into movies. I still have creative energy and an eye for the aesthetics, so who knows what retirement will bring. I just worry that my video camera and videos may not be playable if I don't do something soon. I need to at least run some kind of maintenance on my old camcorder. I also have an old video onyx that I used to use for putting music in the background. And a DVD converter from Sony that I basically never put to use. It wasn't cheap either. Snow plowing all these Winters I think has gotten in the way of a lot of my productivity. And other things have taken priority. I definitely don't regret putting my energy into running and gardening, both of those have great return.

Maybe I could take pictures of some of the electronic items that I have trouble identifying and you could help me with it?

If the connectors are newish, I can probably identify them easily enough, but older types are hit or miss. Thankfully, most can be found online.

Your home movies sound cool, and remind me of a YouTube channel I stumbled across a few months ago. The guy was a teenage metalhead in the '80s, and had the wherewithal to record some of his life on VHS. It's surprisingly fun to see him hanging out with his friends back in the day. Although he's a few years older than me, I was a kid back then and remember what it was like. So much has changed since the days of landlines and corded phones, but it doesn't seem all that long ago.

Somewhere, there's old 8mm camcorder footage of me and my friends riding mopeds in the early '90s, a walk-through of my family's house, footage of former president H.W. Bush's helicopter landing in our hometown, me talking about random stuff, etc. I'd be surprised if they're still playable.

If you can convert your old movies to digital, I'd recommend doing so. Older recordings, and the equipment to play them, are prone to fail over time.

Speaking of old hobbies, I've returned to some of mine over the years (making music, mountain biking, art, building R/C models, amateur astronomy, etc.), and I find that they have an energizing effect. It's interesting how life can seem to get in the way of these things, but then life ends up getting in the way of itself. Hobbies and interests can be powerful motivators. Sometimes, providing a much needed mental brake or escape, making life easier to face. On the surface, setting them aside might seem like the "right thing to do". As if it will create more time for other priorities, but I find that setting them aside actually results in less energy and lower productivity. Speaking from experience, I wouldn't get nearly as much done if my life was devoid of fun and creativity. We're all different, so I wouldn't expect this to be true for everyone, but I find that I need them in order to thrive.

 

[sampa]

Your home movies sound cool, and remind me of a YouTube channel I stumbled across a few months ago. The guy was a teenage metalhead in the '80s, and had the wherewithal to record some of his life on VHS. It's surprisingly fun to

That's pretty neat! Inspiring to eventually do this.

Somewhere, there's old 8mm camcorder footage of me and my friends riding mopeds in the early '90s, a walk-through of my family's house, footage of former president H.W. Bush's helicopter landing in our hometown, me talking about random stuff,

That sounds like fun.

If you can convert your old movies to d

I agree but I probably would start with the dvd so as not to get distracted by the internet. That's one of the reasons that I take Internet breaks is I could go down a rabbit hole in losing track of what I was doing in the beginning. I also don't have internet and probably am going to wait till 2024 when I purchase a car to get that started. I'm also thinking about doing online courses to have some kind of degree before retirement. My other plan was if things don't work while I'm working, that after retirement that I would start the video work. Which is not too far away, I will be eligible in 8 years.

I've returned to some of mine over the years (making music, mountain biking, art, building R/C models, amateur astronomy, etc.),

Sounds great! I'm glad that you've been able to find energy from these hobbies. I had quite a variety at one time in my 30s that I spent as a exploratory time and also getting out and meeting people. Astronomy, Independent films, foreign films, spiritual timeline, hiking groups and surfing. Also was involved in young adult group at that time.

It's interesting how life can seem to get in the way of these things, but then life ends up getting in the way of itself. Hobbies and interests can be powerful

I think so too and I think my hobbies have expanded over the years with focus in some areas. Running and gardening has been probably the most strong these past few years. Minor interest has included tea parties, volunteering and revisiting fashion again.

brake or escape, making life easier to face. On the surface, setting them aside might seem like the "right thing to do". As if it will create more time for other priorities, b

I have no regrets for setting the time aside that I spent most of my twenties doing video and photo work. I had a little more time to play with when I was in the Army and college. It will happen in due time, managing a house and yard does change your priority is a lot. But I guess it depends on how much you want to be involved in that. I have a friend that you can barely walk through her house, she has many things she's involved in but her house is not healthy.

 

[bèlla]

I miss seeing @bèlla ' s posting.

Thank you for the kind words sampa.

I stepped away for some much needed fellowship with the Lord and personal care. I had a pleasant summer and an opportunity to sharpen my prayer muscles, nurture my creativity and finish some longstanding projects. I felt energized and settled into an unhurried pace. The slowing was cathartic and my mind is quiet and unbothered.

I leave you with these words in the hope you’ll do the same and live the moments—all of them—and find joy in everything. Love is the key. The Fathers love for us. Loving oneself as He does and others; and drawing richly from the reservoir. We are oceans in Him and see our vastness when we cease to contain ourselves. God bless.

~bella

 

[sampa]

I stepped away for some much needed fellowship with the Lord and personal care. I had a pleasant summer and an opportunity to sharpen my prayer muscles, nurture my creativity and finish some longstanding projects. I felt energized and settled into an unhurried pace.

I'm glad to hear that you had a good time away with the Lord and much-needed fellowship and a good summer. Thanks for sharing the video. It's a different perspective for me but maybe similar to how I was approaching the time when I was able to work remotely and tapped into a lot of my creativity. Although I was working I had a lot less distractions from the workplace. Now I am amidst many voices and challenges, but it has brought about some new strengths and relationships. Sometimes I think that the head of my department is trying to groom me in some way. Hard to explain but I think she sees potential in me. Little by little I have been carving out that quiet time, even with things more busy on my schedule outside of work than it was the rest of the year. I have not been so well this past week but it has allowed me to slow down. Soon in the near future I will be unplugging from a lot of the internet and outside influences. Hopefully tapping into prayer, as you had, and pastimes that I have during the Daniel fast or prayer walks. Always open to new ways of fellowship with the Lord and with others. Right now I feel the Lord is calling me into a different kind of fellowship but I'm not used to with lots of kids and families for my small group.

By the way I see you are in a relationship. How long has it been?

 

[sampa]

A little bit of self care this Friday night. This week I had to give up my workouts because I was under the weather and needed more rest. It's been a little stressful receiving some news that I will need to figure some dietary changes. Tonight I made a decision, even though I'm supposed to watch things, to order a pizza. I researched on the healthiest type of pizza and ordered something along those lines but smaller portion and a big bowl of salad at home. I'm sure the cheese will not be kind to my body though. I think for the Year this is the third pizza I've ordered. And after a four month restriction, I like to give myself a little space before I start restrictions again with what comes into the house.

While waiting for the pizza I stopped off at a place called Ollie's. I had a 15% off coupon and I found some interesting books and a nice peony candle. I am doing a foot soak this evening and hopefully we'll be ready for the hard work I have tomorrow morning doing two truck loads of horse manure for the rest of my gardens and my folks garden. They have done so much for me and it is the least that I can do. My forearms are still recovering from last Tuesday.

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for sharing the video. It's a different perspective for me but maybe similar to how I was approaching the time when I was able to work remotely and tapped into a lot of my creativity.

It is neither a question of time or interest that compels our action or its opposite. It’s whether the will deems the activity or situation worthy of involvement, consideration, what have you.

Thus, if you ‘will’ to make time for yourself, change/develop a habit, nurture a gift or interest and so on. You shall.

In like fashion, you’d cease to seek time away from the Internet through unplugging by recognizing the necessity of lessening and employ practices which met your needs and didn’t require escape.

It is difficult to hear oneself or see what lies within when we’re full. We need the benefit of space to explore our surroundings. To taste our words. Reflect on our thoughts and ponder our emotions without intrusion.

To do so requires us to ask the question. Is it working? Are my methods beneficial, ineffective, or repetitive? Have I solved the problem? It isn’t an assessment of the Internet or social media that inspires consideration. But its impact and your response that must be addressed.

Don’t confuse a band aid with a remedy. If its in your to-do list it isn’t resolved.

Sometimes I think that the head of my department is trying to groom me in some way. Hard to explain but I think she sees potential in me.

Ask yourself whether her vision matches yours and the Lord’s and be mindful of projection when doing so. We don’t always see what’s there. But our estimation of what might be or want to see unfold. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as we’re honest about its origination.

Soon in the near future I will be unplugging from a lot of the internet and outside influences. Hopefully tapping into prayer, as you had, and pastimes that I have during the Daniel fast or prayer walks.

The Presence is always with us. Attentiveness isn’t dependent on time or focus. It resides in awareness. You can have a running dialogue if you will. Brother Lawrence addresses this in Practicing the Presence of God. You may find it edifying.

I wanted to respond to your post but will admit I haven't returned. I’m committed to spending my days nourishing my surroundings and relationships. By doing so I’ve noticed a stark contrast in my thoughts and emotions. Many things never enter my head and I’m less likely to give voice to unpleasantness or lack. It isn’t a focus.

I draw strength from these words, “She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” It isn’t contingent on his actions or reciprocity. Nor is it lessened by mistakes or blunders. It’s based on a conviction to see and become goodness itself.

That is will personified and an outgrowth of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8. It’s also the secret to Peter’s directives in 1 Peter 3.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

We must determine how we compromise its unfolding and cease to trip ourselves up and embrace the difference. The more we cling to the things that impede us the further we move from our destiny and prolong the stasis.

God bless you sampa.

~bella

 

[sampa]

It is neither a question of time or interest that compels our action or its opposite. It’s whether the will deems the activity or situation worthy of involvement, consideration, what have you.

Some good tips to consider. Yesterday while someone was doing a echocardiogram she paused to say, you need to take time for yourself. It's surprised me. She has 30 years experience. I asked her if she saw stress. She said I cannot diagnose but you need to find time for yourself. She repeated that three times. We had talked about gardening and other things and there wasn't anything in our conversation about stress. It hit me hard. After my stress test, for some reason I was very emotional. I don't think it's the coffee, although the coffee did help since I couldn't before my test. It gave me a lot of deep reflection, and a lot of thoughts have been shifting in my head. My biological father was only 58 when he passed but his was 39 years old. Both of a heart attack. It's weird being single, everyone would think that I'm taking time for myself, but I know what she means.

Ask yourself whether her vision matches yours and the Lord’s and be mindful of projection when doing so. We don’t always see what’s there. But

Yes, that's a good question, and I find myself continually going in the opposite direction. Not that I don't align with some of her thinking, but my energies and health can only go a certain direction.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

These are good words to focus on.

The more we cling to the things that impede us the further we move from our destiny and prolong the stasis.

God bless you sampa

Indeed very true. Thanks for your advice and your thoughts. I pray the Lord continues to grow and bless you @bèlla

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for your advice and your thoughts. I pray the Lord continues to grow and bless you @bèlla

It wasn’t advice. Just a modest recounting of what you’ve known all along. I have every belief you’ll find your way and the Lord will guide your steps. Enjoy your life. It’s the only one we have. Count the moments and cherish them.

Ann Voskamp is good at this. You may find her messages nourishing. You’ll find similar themes in the slow living movement and its offshoots. You may want to explore them.

I employ principles from all three: slow living, slow food, and slow fashion with eco-friendliness in mind (though not obsessively). It’s a delicate balance. A give and take with ourselves and the world. We never get it “right” there’s always some tweaking. But in time the rhythm is ingrained and we find ‘our way’ without much thought. We fall in place amidst the upsets, interruptions and unexpected.

And you will have the same. Trust the process and Him and don’t despair. The journey is wondrous.

God bless and keep you.

~bella

 

[sampa]

Just a modest recounting of what you’ve known all along. I have every belief you’ll find your way and the Lord will

Thanks for your confidence in me and the Lord showing me. Little by little the holy Spirit has been talking to me. What taking time out for myself looks like I think is quite different than you are common pampering session that many women do. This drive that I just took from one place to another after strength training wasn't much needed thinking time I needed. Seeing the beauty of God's creation with the changing of fall colors, exploring a new town, and now just a little shopping helps with my busyness. It gave me time to think about what I hope to do next year for my 50th. I have about four special events it mine that hopefully fuels creativity, friendships and adds to connections and more friendships. I'm also hoping to have some good retreat time with either prayer walks or back deck time in the word.

Voskamp is good at this. You may find her messages nourishing.

I will have to check her out..

principles from all three: slow living, slow food, and slow fashion

this is something that the holy Spirit has been speaking to me about within the past year. Seeing one of my friends at 53 years old fall two times really hard because of her busyness, I know that balance and everything is changing as I enter my fifties. Also hearing yesterday from somebody who just turned 60, her doctor appointments the doctor asked her if she has fallen lately. I'm hoping not to be that person. Which means I need to take intentional breaths, slow down, after I do each double check in my house before I leave for work, do it slowly and intentionally and take a deep breath as I accidentally drive. Too many times I have this fear that overcomes me that I forgot to do something. I have a co-worker about the same age it happens to her also, her anxiety is very high.

eco-friendliness in mind (though not obsessively).

I'm totally for this! I have been continuously reevaluating things that I have in my house that I can give to others. Clear space equals more time to think clearly and presently.

Bella I appreciate you. I can tell that you have compassion and a heart for others. Blessings and may the Lord continue to guide you in wisdom and His presence.

 

[Niels]

That's pretty neat! Inspiring to eventually do this.

That sounds like fun.

I agree but I probably would start with the dvd so as not to get distracted by the internet. That's one of the reasons that I take Internet breaks is I could go down a rabbit hole in losing track of what I was doing in the beginning. I also don't have internet and probably am going to wait till 2024 when I purchase a car to get that started. I'm also thinking about doing online courses to have some kind of degree before retirement. My other plan was if things don't work while I'm working, that after retirement that I would start the video work. Which is not too far away, I will be eligible in 8 years.

Sounds great! I'm glad that you've been able to find energy from these hobbies. I had quite a variety at one time in my 30s that I spent as a exploratory time and also getting out and meeting people. Astronomy, Independent films, foreign films, spiritual timeline, hiking groups and surfing. Also was involved in young adult group at that time.

I think so too and I think my hobbies have expanded over the years with focus in some areas. Running and gardening has been probably the most strong these past few years. Minor interest has included tea parties, volunteering and revisiting fashion again.

I have no regrets for setting the time aside that I spent most of my twenties doing video and photo work. I had a little more time to play with when I was in the Army and college. It will happen in due time, managing a house and yard does change your priority is a lot. But I guess it depends on how much you want to be involved in that. I have a friend that you can barely walk through her house, she has many things she's involved in but her house is not healthy.

I hear you. Priorities change. Thankfully, I haven't turned into a hoarder yet. I do try to limit clutter to certain places. And even then, I like to keep things tidy. Months pass when I don't even use the living room, or even go into the guest bedroom. The cat isn't allowed in the latter, so the door stays closed. They're furnished and have art on the walls, but they're not really lived in. It's nice to have a place for everything, and for everyone when I have visitors.

When I bought the house, it was more of a lifestyle decision than anything. The mortgage and expenses are about the same as rent, and I wasn't planning to turn much of a profit when I sell. That was well before the housing boom. I actually like mowing the lawn and other aspects of routine upkeep, and consider it a form of self-care. The yard and floor plan have helped facilitate my hobbies. When I lived in an apartment, I couldn't do many things that I enjoy. Sure, there are perks to dorm and apartment living, but it cramped my style.

The dynamic was similar as an undergrad in my early 20s. My grades improved when I rented a house off campus with friends. I also had more time to read, surf (we lived by the beach), work on bicycles, etc.

What kind of courses are you planning to take when you retire? I recall that you're in the military, and military folks often pursue entire second or third careers after they retire. My brother, who served in the Air Force, has retired multiple times already.

Anyway, I would hold onto those independent films. Being able to look back at old creative projects is rewarding in and of itself. DVD isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you should be able to save the digital files either way. Being able to read them later, on the other hand, is worth keeping in mind. Backup services and external USB drives are what I use these days. Although I do have old DVD backups, only one of my laptops has an optical drive. My main computer doesn't even have one.

 

[bèlla]

Little by little the holy Spirit has been talking to me. What taking time out for myself looks like I think is quite different than you are common pampering session that many women do.

It differs for all to some degree. We neglect ourselves in many ways, put things off and overindulge where we shouldn’t. Restoration is ongoing. As we resolve one thing we’re free to tackle another.

I view self-care holistically. I don’t esteem one area (body, mind, soul, etc.) more than the next. But my actions may give primacy to one to the detriment of others. That’s when its necessary to consider the ramifications of the choice and make adjustments if needed.

For example, I opted not to can this year. I purchased jars to have more on hand and guard against shortages. But when the time came I wasn’t interested.

My lack of enthusiasm wasn’t an aversion to the task but the outworking of changes in our diet. Prioritizing nutrient rich foods and ancient grains heightened my appreciation for ferments and related practices that preserve (or heighten) nutritional benefits instead of destroying them for the sake of storage.

And the latter no longer appeals. It has its place but I’d rather make several batches of bone broth than have a year on the shelf with less aplomb. When the reason changed my approach altered too.

And I had time for other things. Like homemade medicinals, blending my own teas, and preparing extra meals for the freezer. I created a meal plan, fitness objectives and a monthly focus, an entertainment calendar and other things I hadn’t thought of or never got around to doing.

My mind was overflowing with ideas because it wasn’t full. I liken the space to the difference between sleeping alone and sharing the bed with another. It’s a different experience. You feel the bed in ways you don’t when someone’s there. And we’re no different.

Fall arrived with ideas in tow. I’m working on a project that was inspired by the book of Esther. I devised it for myself and I’m retooling it for others. God willing, I’ll have a course for secular participants and another tiered for Christians with supplemental materials. It’s a springboard for a philanthropic effort providing the same to designated groups.

In a roundabout way, my creativity exploded by slowing down. I see differently now and I’m open to experiences I might have shunned.

Like writing historical cozy novels. I’ve read a slew and love them! Maybe I can do the same with romance? I finished Bridgerton and I’m enjoying the Outlander series. I’ve never seen the show but the books are good.

We limit ourselves and I’m discovering the joy of doing otherwise and embracing the ampersand. The collective is the whole and we’re scared of it.

I attended an event a few years ago. Sheryl Sandberg was the keynote. She asked a question I never forgot.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Answering is easy. Living it requires commitment and fortitude. And with God’s grace we can. Remember that.

~bella