liza bean
Today has been good for several reasons:
#1. I awoke this morning with a phone call from Katie S. The conversation was short but sweet. A needed wake-me upper.
#2. I not only continued my quest of enjoying the process of photography but was also able to leave the dryness of the porch as the rain has left, and I was able to enter the realm of the soggy, muddy remains of the Falconer's front and back lawn/personal forrest.
#3. I walked my dancing partner, Lucy; the cutest mut in the world heeled quite nicely as long as I used my voice in a much lower pitch than is natural for me. She's used to her male companions.
#4. I bought the "Family Virtues Guide" in an attempt to help prepare me for teaching more Sunday school classes and discovered that this book may very well help me in my continued search for higher self-esteem. After reviewing my previous posts (I've had a lot of free time- can't you tell?!), I saw many a continuous themes and questions. I feel like I'm teetering on the edge of some great self-discovery, and this book may just assist me on my journey. E.g. For once (hallelujah, hallelujah!) I felt a sense of relief that it's okay that I am "flawed", that many a virtues need a working on but -oh my goodness- I have 'em all! Just need to continue to nurture 'em -slowly, with much much patience. What? The world's not black and white?? Get out of here!
#5. Garlic mashed potatoes, and salmon on the grill. For dinner. Tonight. Yum, yum!
I really didn't anticipate all this contemplating I've been doing lately. This vacation has been absolutely what I've needed for awhile. At home I usually rely on Brent or other people's company to deal with issues of yucky low self-esteem junk but here I'm all on my own as I give Brent a vacation with his friends/family, and I work on entertaining myself. Side note: Credit must be given to Midge who indeed does do her best to help in the matter of Liza entertainment. I am ever grateful for the pedicure and manicure among other activities. The point is, I've had difficulties with entertaining myself and with each visit, wow, it's just crazy that I've noticed changes within me. I feel like I'm on this spiritual retreat and here I am surrounded by tons 'o tons of people.
My little evening lullaby that I sing beneath the covers: "Oh God! Make my heart good and pure, freed and sanctified from all save Thy love." ~Baha'i Writings
Posted by liza at August 15, 2004 05:52 PMLiza-beth,
I'm so glad you counted my phone call among the positives of your day. It ended up POURING all afternoon here, so it's probably good you didn't try to drive. There were cars sliding on the road - you'd think it was snowing or something.
I have been using the Educator's Edition of The Family Virtues Guide with my students this semester. Last week we talked about Self-Discipline, and today we started Assertiveness. It's probably making only a small difference, but like you, I feel like it's benefitting me more than my students. (I love the affirmations on each page!)
Enjoy the rest of your much-needed vacation. I'll be thinking of you!