I can’t say how nice it is that I have been able to pop out of the house twice this week without breathing in smoke from the wildfires. I cannot express the joy loudly enough. It makes you realize just how much we take for granted, doesn’t it? The only problem with going outside today was that it was a bit colder than normal, but still – I think I’m going to get out there after I’m done here. It’s just too good to pass up. We even went walking in the evening a day or so ago. I can’t tell you how great that has been for my spirit! I absolutely love walking outdoors and have missed it greatly.
A few years ago, my daughter and I actually went walking each morning when it snowed. We’d strap on our crampons and go trudging through the snow. In most cases, no one was in sight. I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that this year or not, but I seriously have already told the kids that the first snow, I’m going out to throw snowballs and make a snowman. That’s how stuck indoors we have been 😉
Anyway, I’m trying to focus a lot more on mental balance and learning to do a lot more to take care of myself, because I’m just as valuable as the family members I take care of. I guess it must be something most Mommas have to learn – and it’s sad that I’m learning that so late in life. It actually feels good though, and I’m much more present and a lot less stressed because I’m making my needs just as important. For any of those – I’ll do everything to take care of everyone and sacrifice myself people (and you know who you are) – you have been warned, it’s not the best way to do things and it has a way of catching up to you.
So the focus now is on exercise, taking time to do things I enjoy, mindfulness, kindness to oneself, and to delve deeper into understanding who I am as a person and who I want to be. Yep, that’s what I’ve been working on all during this quiet time. Oh, and I’m not there yet – I’m just taking it one day at a time, but I am grateful for those silences that do come up every once in a while that allow me to see things much more clearly.
So now that I’ve rambled on, I’d like to share with you my recent walk through the gardens, reminiscing the pictures I’ve taken and the flowers which I have been blessed to make their acquaintance. I hope you enjoy!
Sumyanna
Sumyanna Writes 
I know I was raised to believe to be a good wife you had to take care of so many things and everybody… it is still hard to put myself even second, little lone first. I think we are all a work in progress and we do the best we can with each new day. I know this blog is what helps me feel like a person with her own identity. This is a big thing I do for myself. Thanks so much for sharing … and the pictures from your walk are all amazing, I can’t even pick a favorite.
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Yes, it can be hard. I’m still learning what to do with myself when I actually have “free time.” I’m not used to having any. Hugs – and glad you liked them. It was a glorious day.
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Thanks for sharing your work!! And yes, as hard as it can sometimes be to accept it, those who are best able to care for themselves are best able to care for others. Love yourself first and you can share that love with those around you. 💗
Hugs,
M&M
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I’ve always heard those words, but I wondered how I was going to find the time to take care of myself with everything needing assistance. I’m still a work in progress – still learning, but I’m grateful that I’m also learning to slow things down, take care of myself, and I’m more willing to accept that things don’t always have to be perfect. My personality is good for some things, and other things – it’s a gigantic pain 🙂
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Perfection is the ultimate limitation. In the end, there can be no two truly perfect things. Strive for excellence instead. 🌞
Voice of experience. 🙂 One of the most powerful things those who guide me ever shared, years ago, was, “Relax and let go.” I looked at those four words from a hundred different perspectives over the years. Try this: Relax, open, and allow yourself to Be Loved MUCH more than you could ever pssibly reciprocate. Accept the loving influence of the very air around you. (hint: it’s only a hard as you believe it will be… “See it all as being easy, and so it must become.” ~ TUT)
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So very true. I’ve been learning more about “my personality” and one of the driving things is being a perfectionist. It can be a blessing, but most of the time it is not! Still learning to let go. One step in front of the other…
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