Every day we will slip in our efforts to live a congruent, conscious life. So what? Get up, try again, slip some more. Imagine life without being controlled by the illusions of fear — fear of not having enough, fear of rejection, and fear of failure. Imagine your fears as having less influence over you. A completely fearless life may be unrealistic, but a life in which you keep your fears at a distance is an achievable goal.
~ Caroline Myss
“Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, So what. That’s one of my favorite things to say. So what.”
~ Andy Warhol, The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
Hello and welcome back! If we we were having coffee or any of a myriad of other beverages (depending on taste and time of day), I would tell you that I am happy to see you again. Hugs to you if you’re accepting them. How are you? What have you been up to (or down to) this week? Have you gone on any good walks or travels? Read any good books or watched any good films? Are you enjoying the summer (or winter, if you’re in the southern hemisphere)? Let’s go sit on the porch and chat.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I finished reading The Snow Child. I thoroughly enjoyed it, perhaps because it is based on a Russian fairy tale, and I’m a sucker for any kind of fairy tale. I read one review of the book which claimed the book was “too odd to be real” and thought that was a remark and review that was too odd to be real. It is, after all, a work of fiction. The book is well written, and it is described as being in the magical realism genre. I suppose that’s what a fairy tale is: Magical realism.
I am currently reading Shaman
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that it was one of those weeks in which I had some slow days and some busy days. The slow days were mostly due to the heat. Sometimes it’s just too hot to move. The busy days involved some running around, doing errands, seeing yet another doctor (a surgeon this time), and working outside once the humidity moved out to sea with a cool front. Yesterday was lovely. Warm (in the 80’s), but with a refreshing breeze that carried away the biting bugs and made it possible for me to do some mowing and putter around in the garden. Today we have had rain. The gardens are grateful. Our local weatherman claims we don’t need any more rain. I think perhaps our local weatherman doesn’t do much gardening. We have been watering our gardens this week. The rain was welcome.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the surgeon I saw impressed me with his conservative approach, and by being up to date on the latest recommendations. We are taking the path labeled Wait And See, and that’s as good a path as any right now. Perhaps the best path. We’ll have to wait and see.
One thing I am grateful for was a record of everything that has been going on since the beginning of the year. I am part of a small group of friends who quit smoking together and decided to continue on with our goals by supporting each other via a private blog. I write there nearly every day giving accounts of mundane and not-so-mundane things, and this record allowed me to put together a timeline. I found patterns that gave me insight into what’s going on.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I mention all of this because I would like your advice. You see, one thing that emerged was a connection between stress and my health. Of course we all know there is a connection, but it isn’t often that we sit down and see it staring us in the face. Anyhow, it is clear to me that I need to find a better way to cope with stress, and somehow learn to love life and stop worrying about every little and big thing. I was born a worrier. I remember when I was very young and my gymnastics coach made a comment about how I was too young to be worrying as much as I did. She suggested I leave that to the grown-ups.
So, what I’m wondering is this: If you needed to change something about yourself, something that was so ingrained that it was almost a part of your personality, how would you go about it? What would you do to almost reinvent yourself?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I am also pondering the notion of acceptance. I could accept that I am a worrier and, well, stop worrying about it. Just be with what is.
I have been almost religiously practicing meditation for the past month or so. Sometimes once a day, sometimes twice a day. If you count my slow walks, you might even say sometimes three times a day. It helps. Meditation calms, soothes, heals. It also makes it easier to be accepting of what is.
If we were having coffee, I would also ask you about probiotics. I know some of you out there take and recommend them. Is there any particular brand you prefer? Do you think some are better than others? There are so many brands out there that it’s tough to choose so any suggestions you have will be appreciated.
If we were having coffee, I’d ask if you’d like to take a walk out to the gardens with me. It is still cloudy, but the rain has stopped and everything looks so pretty with its coating of raindrops.
If we were having coffee, I would thank you for visiting and chatting with me. Thank you, too, for listening and any advice you have to offer. As always, I enjoyed our visit. Feel free to hang around for a while. If the clouds start to clear out, sunset this evening might be worth a trip to the Point. It’s at 8:27 PM. We should leave about twenty minutes or so before that so we don’t miss anything.
Be good, be kind, be loving. Just Be. 🙂
This post is in response to Part Time Monster’s #WeekendCoffeeShare. Put on the kettle, start the coffee maker, open a bottle of wine, or whatever your preference is, and join us. I’d love to hear all about what you were up to this week.
breezes at dawn 
First, that sunflower at the top (happy shiny sunflower) is absolutely gorgeous! And the seagull(?) in traveling is so inspirational. Thank you for those and all the other beauties in this post!
I’m a worrier too. Or at least I used to be. I worried about absolutely everything. I don’t know how I changed that. I don’t worry as much and when I do worry it’s about the grandsons, or a particular situation with one of the kids. I think I have come to accept thins so I tend to not worry about finances or other people’s situations. Sure, I think about it but I also keep that in check. There are things that I can do to change certain things and so I act. Then there are other situations that won’t change regardless of what I do or do not do so why worry? It took me forever to figure it out. I think I’ve got it now.
Stress is definitely a factor in health, physical health, spiritual health, emotional health, and mental health. I’ve done some things to remove myself from stress. The first major time was when I moved from southern California to the North Bay in 2004. That was the beginning. And then in 2008, the move to Oregon was a good one, too. I think you’re doing good with yoga and meditation. I could never meditate. I will have to try it again but I’ve not been able to clear my mind long enough to do that.
I think that if you stop yourself every time you catch yourself worrying and ask yourself “Is there anything I can do about this?” then if the answer is no, stop thinking about it, that will go a long way. Try that first. It takes little steps to change a lifelong way of life.
Now that I have written a book in this comment, I’ll move along! Have a wonderful week and stop worrying!!!
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lol! A book on the subject is most welcome, Corina. Thank you. Lots of good advice and there, and I very much appreciate it. 🙂
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It is disturbing to think that you are having health challenges, my friend, but I believe that there are many things to rectify the outcome. Probiotics, as I’ve written before, are the cornerstone to good health because everything happens in the gut first. I use Vitacost.com brands and am happy with them. I recommend: http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-probiotic-15-35-35-billion-cfu-240-vegetarian-capsules-7 Great value and product. Store in fridge.
I started having panic attacks at 19, so had to learn ways to reduce stress. No high demand work for me! Except raising 2 boys, no choice there! 😉
I recommend reading Eckhard Tolle’s ‘A New Earth’ – life-changing. I learned letting go of resistance and acceptance of ‘what is’ from him. Also Abraham-Hicks ‘Law of Attraction.’ You really are what you think! Also having a spiritual belief that all is good (even the ‘bad’), part of why we are here to learn, being grateful no matter what, finding the silver lining, all helps me lower the stress bar considerably. Feeling connected to nature and Infinite Source, makes me realize everything is going as it should. ‘All is well!’
I read ‘The Snow Child’ and loved it – crazy surrealism, really had me thinking, not your typical read. 🙂 I’m reading Helen Oyeyemi’s ‘Boy, Snow, Bird’ (2014) for book group and also love it (after months of not being happy with the group’s selection – we vote). I’ve ordered her 2011 ‘Mr. Fox’ from the library ‘cuz she’s a great writer.
Lastly, love your coneflower photo and how great it is that your tomatoes are ripening – yum! Blessings!
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Thank you so much, Eliza. 🙂 I appreciate the link and the advice. Probiotics come so highly recommended that I think it’s time I tried something beyond getting them through fermented foods in my diet. Perhaps a boost will help get things back on track.
I think I have that Tolle book on my “to read” shelf. I’ll have to look for it. I’ve recently been practicing the idea of loving whatever arises, even (as you pointed out) the “bad.” It’s amazing how helpful it can be.
“Boy, Snow, Bird” is on my reading wish list. I’ll bump it up since it sounds like we have similar taste in novels.
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I forgot to mention that I used to have diverticulitis and since I’ve been taking PBs the past few years, I haven’t had any problems. I can even eat strawberries again! woo-hoo! 🙂
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That is VERY good to know, Eliza, because diverticulitis is the diagnosis I’ve been given. I’ve ordered the PBs and hopefully that will get me back in tip-top shape. Turns out PBs are one of the highly recommended treatments in the latest guidelines on how to treat diverticulitis.
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There is great hope then! It took maybe a year to heal myself to the point where I could eat whatever I wanted. Small seeds were the worst and I still try to eat them with roughage like granola or bread (lemon poppyseed!) to keep things moving along! 🙂 I firmly believe that if we understand what our bodies need, as we age we can make up for the things that don’t function like they used to. Diet and supplements, exercise and a good mindset go a long way. I’m envisioning you well!
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Envy you for having visited PEI. It was once on my bucket list, but have since decided that I really don’t need to go East of the Mississippi in this lifetime. 🙂 Green Gables… I loved the book. Read it more than once and the mini-series they did was marvelous, too. Only wish they had continued it to the end of the books.
I had to take notes this time to remember the stuff I wanted to comment on…. my mind gets pretty fuzzy these days. Perhaps one of the benefits is that I don’t remember as much to worry about! 😉 I think I started to judge worries on a scale of how likely they were to happen. Tossed them in the dustbin if they didn’t make it past a 5 out of 10… then somehow without consciously adjusting it, the scale seemed to slide to where it’s easier to deal with stuff that actually occurs rather than anticipation worry.
My blueberries are just about gone off the bush at home, but we managed to pick about 45# at the u-pick. The salmon joined them and now my freezer is pretty close to full. Half thinking about buying a small chest freezer… still mulling that one over. It’s likely if Eric keeps catching these marvelous salmon.
Congratulations on quitting smoking. I’ve quit counting how many years it’s been for me. The urge seems to have finally given up the ghost. When hubby died over six years ago, I thought about bumming a smoke from his kids (who were all gathered around smoking), but took one drag and the thing was utterly DISGUSTING… what a fantastic reaction that was! Something I am utterly grateful for.
Well. Taking notes certainly helped with making me more chatty than usual. Wishing you a very worry free weekend!
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I like your chatty side, Gunta. Thank you. 🙂 I quit smoking 14 years ago, and since I know that, I’m obviously still counting. It is good to know that eventually I won’t be counting, and that the urge will someday go away once and for all. I don’t often get that urge anymore, and I think it’s more of a reflex than an urge these days. I’ll be doing something that has a strong association with smoking, or maybe I’ll absentmindedly reach for the pack of cigarettes I no longer carry, and it’s the strangest sensation. The ghost of habits from the past.
Thank you for the advice on rating worries. Great idea. It sounds like a good way to put worries in their place.
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Oh Robin! I could write a book about your question. I got to it and stopped reading, so really I’m only half way through your post – I shall go back and complete it when these thoughts are down……. First, I love that Warhol quote. I hadn’t heard it before, but I live it. It is my mental shrug – my gear shifter, my alert alarm……. We all ‘worry’. We were all taught it was a good thing to do. I know people [women] who confuse ‘worry’ with caring for someone. I believe that is how we are taught. By our mothers, by society, by the media. ‘Worry’ is of course a euphemism for ‘fear’. We fear something will happen. Even though there is just as much weight to the idea that it won’t happen. fear is somehow the easier more comfortable path to follow. ‘Expect the worst and you won’t be disappointed’ is such a common saying and commonly found in psyches! I turned my life and my health around by ceasing the life that stressed me out and changing my thinking. My thinking was the most challenging – is the most challenging – it is a work in progress – I protect my thinking by abdicating attention to all fear raisers. No daily media, no fear vampires and careful attention to how I speak and therefore think. I ask myself all the time if my thoughts are true. If you lived with me, from out of the blue you would hear this question abruptly spoken to the air “Really? Is that true?” in response to an unbidden fear based thought being poked into my mind by the reptilian brain! The really scary thing is that it has never yet been true! And I lived my whole life believing those fear based thought patterns were gospel! Most of the [western] world still does. The work of Byron Katie was most helpful in clarifying the process around negative thinking.
I practise gratitude and insist on really feeling it. The more I practise these things the healthier I become. I don’t trust allopathic medicine – it is good for breaks and crisis but my experience is that it makes me sicker. I seek my health in the food I choose to eat, the thoughts I choose to think and the manner in which I choose to conduct my life. As I become less healthy whenever I wander off my chosen path I have my evidence that walking my talk is the best way for me to travel.
Now I must return to your post and savour it again! I hope you don’t mind me sharing all these thoughts 🙂
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Somehow my reply didn’t come out as a reply so I’m going to try again.
I don’t mind in the least, Pauline, and I’m happy you did share your thoughts! Lots of great advice in your comment, and I’m not sure where to start other than to say thank you. 🙂 I looked up Byron Katie, and will delve into her work some more very soon. All that you wrote about worrying is true. I hadn’t thought about how much it is ingrained in us.
I am not now, and never have been, trusting of doctors. I’m not sure why. Many of my recent worries revolve around being involved in the medical system. Doctors never seem to do anything I find reassuring. In fact, I often feel as if I’m being tested just so I can fail. This current wait and see approach suits me fine as long as I can stop worrying about what’s going on long enough to stop aggravating the situation by worrying. It’s a Catch-22 of sorts. Maybe I need to go sit on the beach for a day or two, and watch the ocean. The ocean doesn’t worry, so why should I? 😀
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If you want to communicate more on this ‘worrying’ thing feel free to email me 🙂
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Thank you, Pauline. I might just do that. 😀
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Oh, those flowers! I’m loving every single photo you have taken! I remember your trip to Prince Edward Island, wishing I could visit there too, and telling you that Anne of Green Gables was set there. I must read the books too! I’ve watched the movies with my girls when they were younger, but I do prefer the book version of any story. Which leads me to what I would change about myself if I could, I would rid myself of the fear of flying, although I have decided that if I never leave Australia, that’s not so bad. We have a huge country here to explore. (But I really would love to see Nova Scotia!) It’s something I have to let go of though, the thoughts of “could I do it”, and agonising over the yes or no answer.
You will be given so much advice here, about letting go of fear and worry, so I will just steer you towards a series of books that have changed my way of thinking completely ~ they “gelled” when I read them, in fact, they stated the obvious so clearly that I almost felt embarrassed! They are the “Abraham-Hicks” books. Esther Hicks has a website ~ http://www.abraham-hicks.com/lawofattractionsource/about_abraham.php which is a good starting point. There is so much good stuff on the website, including videos, and I would recommend you take some time to look through a few things, read some, and find a book (I think the first book is “Ask and it is Given”.) What I like the most about Abraham-Hicks in their writings is that they basically give you permission to stop worrying and start living. Let us know how you get on with your quest of losing fear, won’t you?
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Thank you, Joanne. 🙂 I will check out the website, and I will be sure to update you on how it’s all going. I have a tendency to turn inwards and keep things to myself, a habit I’ve been trying to break. These chatty blog posts have been quite helpful with that. 😀 Blogging in general has been helpful, now that I think about it, because I do let things out that way from time to time.
I have a fear of flying, too, so I understand about letting go. There are countries I would love to see (including yours!), but have made a decision similar to yours in that there is a lot of my own country I have not yet seen so I’d like to go do that. I have been on several airplane flights, but never comfortably or without fear. I’m not sure how many flights I have left in me, but you never know. Maybe someday I’ll be able to let go of that fear, too.
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I remember you talking about your fear of flying before, Robin. I also know that you have been on a flight or two recently, and think you are very brave ~ I haven’t. I have had one ‘plane flight in my entire life, from Sydney to Coolangatta when I was 19 years old, lasting only an hour. I love taking car trips though, and the advantage of traveling by road is that you see so much more along the way.
It’s often easier to share problems and concerns with blogging friends, don’t you think? I never feel “judged” by any of my online friends, I think that’s why I love you all so much. ❤ Do look into the Abraham-Hicks DVD’s and books, I think they may “gel” with you the same as they did for me. And when you think in a different way (ie. no longer feeling fearful of everything) it gives you a lovely sense of calm and well-being. 🙂
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Lots of perplexing questions, Robin. As for probiotics, I’ve been using them almost constantly since I’ve been in China, because you know I’ve been experiencing stomach problems for nearly the entire year. I use Align, which was recommended by my gastroenterologist in the U.S. but as you know from my blog posts, I’ve still been having stomach problems. So I don’t know that it’s been effective.
As for worrying, I’ve been there, so I relate. I do still worry, but mostly under deadlines before big changes. I used to worry constantly, but I think most of my worrying now is related to impending upheavals. For example, I’ve been feeling very stressed over the last two weeks as I’ve been trying to get all my exams marked and grades turned in and wrapping up everything in China as I prepare to return to the U.S. Yesterday, I felt like my last big burden was lifted, so I feel a little relief now, but I don’t look forward to that long flight home.
As for changing some aspect of yourself, it’s really hard. I always say I’m going to be more outgoing and try to make more overtures to form friendships, but when it comes right down to it, I still tend to sit and wait for people to make overtures to me. I would love to be one of those people who could call up new people I meet and invite them to get together, but I wonder if I should just accept that I’m not that person and probably never will be. It makes for a bit of an isolated existence, but in the end, maybe I’m just not as comfortable with most people as I am in my own company doing my own thing.
I always admire your honesty in your posts and that you’re willing to share your struggles. Congratulations for having quit smoking for going on 14 years now. I have been a sporadic smoker, but have never been addicted, which is really weird, because my mother was a chain smoker and emphysema finally killed her. I never smoked at all during my two marriages (7 years for first marriage and 18+1=19 years for my second — with my 7 year separation in the middle), but when I’ve been on my own, I tended to want to smoke when I had a drink. I’ve never been a daytime smoker, only when drinking and in a social situation. But now I’ve stopped altogether as two summers ago some precancerous cells made their presence known in my body, and my doctor said, “If you want to get cancer for sure, then keep smoking.” Now I’m done, thank goodness. I have a reason NOT to do it.
Your photos are gorgeous as always, especially the blueberries, the coneflower and the tomatoes. Enjoy your Sunday. 🙂
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Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your experiences with worrying, smoking, probiotics, and changing basic aspects of ourselves. I hope your return to the States helps with your tummy troubles. 🙂
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I hope so too, Robin. Thanks! 🙂
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What a thoughtful post and such great replies. The only thing I can add is that mindfulness helps make changes. worry is a thought pattern. once you identify the pattern, you can interrupt it. it takes a certain amount of attention,but then it just requires periodic tuneups. it’s also just reassuring to read other people’s similar issues and how they addressed them.
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I did get a lot of wonderful responses, Lisa, including yours. Thank you. 🙂
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We sure went over a lot during this coffee!!!!! I read your post then read the advice. I would love to know how to worry less and ‘just be’. 🙂 I hope the advice you get (and I may borrow!) helps on all counts.
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There is some great advice here, CM. I hope it helps you, too. 😀
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I started the probiotics after reading this! So here’s to all of us and our health. 🙂
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OH! Shaman is HORRIBLE! I just forced me to read it into the middle and it never did or does get any better there is no intent and well yuck. I always finish books but this one i had to send back to the library thank god i didnt’ pay for it! Ok now back up to read the rest of your post!
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ah, as for the asking for direction….this is why periodically i nudge you about the fixing and the focus on changing things….under that worry normally for many is a desire to control and some can spin in looking for things to fix, and then they get them, i know I do anyway and then when i fail i might act out on my defects of character and try to run away from me, by doing what i think is a healthy word twisted to justify my stuff….reinventing
Looking for fixes hasn’t ever worked for me. Expecting if i could just fix(control) this or fix(control organize ) that THEN i wouldn’t feel anxious or I could have serenity and peace.
For me having grounding(which isn’t a got it done thing) allows me to stay calm grounded on the insides so that i have better tools to deal with what is right in front of me and allows me to do the next right thing, or correct when i make a mistake and i do make mistakes.
I can drive me nuts looking for solutions–and there isn’t a solution to life on life’s terms. When something feels bad i dont’ have to meditate it away i dont’ have to read a billion more books.
Hugs….here would you like this seat?
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Thought-provoking comment, as always, Elisa. I do appreciate it when you nudge me on the challenges and changing things. I am a “fixer” too, and a control freak, but you already figured that out. It can be difficult to just let things be what they are and not try to reinvent or change them.
Hugs back, and thank you for getting to the heart of the matter. 🙂
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Shaman is slow with not much going on so far. I’m sorry to hear it continues that way, Elisa. I’ll have to push myself through this one because I did pay for it. I’ve enjoyed other books by that author, and had high hopes for Shaman, but eh. It’s a slow trudge.
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Hi Robin
Acceptance, eh. Well, you’ve certainly given yourself a challenge this time. As children we are told that we can ‘change the world’ and perhaps we can….to some extent….but other times we can’t change some of the smallest of things that we would most like to change. Go figure. The lesson of acceptance, for me anyway, is understanding that sometimes you can’t make things or people exactly as you want them. Sometimes you simply have to accept them as they are.
We all have our own path to follow, sometimes it’s best to just let it be.
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Thank you, Karen. Yes, that’s true. Let it be isn’t always easy, but I think you’re right that sometimes that’s the best route to take. 🙂
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Hi Robin, I have challenges with worry, too. I’m trying to be very aware of my thoughts/feelings and to learn to NOT believe whatever I’m thinking, as soon as I become aware of the thoughts/feelings…to see whatever I’m thinking as simply involving habitual long term thoughts/concerns/tendencies that can decrease, with time, through not believing whatever it is that I’m thinking…see it all as thinking coming through my own particular contrived “filters.” I recently read a book that was so helpful, with that strategy, with many insightful, usable ideas that are continuing to stay with me, be usable in the moment and have a very positive impact. The book was strongly recommended by a workshop leader that I deeply admire.The book: The Untrue Story of YOU, How to let go of the past that creates “you” and become fully alive in the present, by Bryan Hubbard. The ideas are somewhat similar to Byron Katie’s ideas, which I also find helpful for shifting out of …and simply letting go of….worry or ruminative thinking and into enjoying and savoring each present moment and circumstances. Wishing you well…. Kathy
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Thank you, Kathy, for your take on worry and for the suggestions and well wishes. I will look for the book. I have been thinking about my worries as stories I tell myself (and oh! the stories I tell…lol!), and that seems to help. 🙂
Are you blogging elsewhere or have I just lost track? I haven’t seen any posts coming in via my email subscription. I should check that. Sometimes those drop for no apparent reason.
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hi Robin… one problem I have with the multitude of stories that I tell myself…it takes a few seconds, or minutes, for me to notice that I’ve been doing that again, and been truly “believing” it….and by the time I realize what I’m thinking, the “feeling” of the story has arrived and expanded and complicated the whole process! By then, it’s harder to deal with, at least for me. But, the more “in the moment” awareness I develop, the less it’s happening…thank goodness!!!
I was so wonderfully busy this past school year volunteering with helping some wonderful women from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen with learning very very basic English. They were all in the 60’s and 70’s and so motivated, kind and warm hearted…I was really inspired by their warmth, courage and determination! There weren’t appropriate basic English learning materials for them, so I created very very basic, but interesting, materials that they seemed to enjoy and learn from. ( I put the materials into another blog: http://english4me2.com/ ) So…. not so much energy for Pocket Perspectives recently. And then…in May we adopted a really adorable rescued puppy…she’s a delight! Want to feel a smile come to your face??? check her out, up in a quiet part of PP! (her name is Lila) 😀 http://pocketperspectives.com/piles-of-smiles/lovely-little-lila/ )
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Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on.
I’m a pretty anxious person, and my anxiety has to be kept in check by meds because it is a clinical sort of anxiety. I would advise talking with a doctor if you haven’t just to get some advice.
On a totally separate note—I love the Anne of Green Gables books. That series is one I read when I was a kid and have re-read as an adult and still love.
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Thank you, Diana. 🙂 I am looking forward to reading more in the series once I finish the first book.
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Wow this was quite a post. Photographs are gorgeous as always, and lots to provoke thought found within. I haven’t read all the comments but it looks like you’ve had lots of folks willing to share advice with you. I feel like I’ve reinvented myself in the past year or so and I’d say there was 2 big keys (my apologies if these have already been mentioned): a strong and deep motivation to make the change, something real and tangible to strive for and making the change in little steps, one piece at a time and understanding it won’t happen overnight. I’m still travelling the journey, and not sure where it will take me, but I feel it has been worthwhile.
I’m feeling for you on the worries. I hope you find the solution that is right for you.
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Thank you, Karma. 🙂 Small steps do help, and motivation can make all the difference. I appreciate your insight, knowing that you’ve made quite a bit of change over the last year or two.
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My brief advice about change and reinvention, in the form of a question: Is your attention flowing to ‘what needs to change’ or ‘how your new, reinvented life will feel’? One of these choices references the past and keeps you firmly planted there. The other option lifts you forward into your imagined, preferred future. Hmm… 😉
Re: probiotics– I’ve enjoyed Dr. Ohira’s tablets, as well as a dairy-free set of probiotics called Natren. Both of these guys do the job for me, but neither of them are super inexpensive, unfortunately.
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Hmm, indeed, Dana. 😀 I put on my curiosity cap and gave it some thought. I like the second option of being lifted forward. Thank you, too, for the recommendation on the probiotics. It’s amazing how expensive they can be. Worth it, though, if they do the trick. 🙂
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Lovely photos as usual! As for the worrying, I have a tendency toward that myself. I do find that meditation helps and yes, acceptance. The only thing we can control is how we react to things; not other people or things. Going with the flow and seeing each day as an opportunity to learn and grow is great in theory although it can be challenging. Always looking for the positive in any situation is helpful because positive energy brings more positive things into your life, and vice versa with the negative. Begin with accepting that you have this tendency to worry and that it’s okay; that’s part of who you are. Then allow yourself to move on from there knowing that you can do and feel better by allowing more positive thoughts into your life. I hope that helps, Robin. Here’s a hug for you, too. 🙂
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Thank you, Shirley. It did help, very much. 😀
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Robin, you seem to do so much toward wellness … I am sorry worries and stress plague you. Quite by accident, I have begun to do a bit of quiet time each morning when I get up. My space of choice is my guest room and I mostly stare out the window and listen. I think it helps me sort out the day ahead. For stress, I try to identify the cause really clearly, I acknowledge it (describe it out loud), and then say thanks that I can feel this way. If I can, I do something specific towards solving any problem. I find writing takes me on a holiday from worry for a while. All the best, Jane
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Thank you so much, Jane, for the wonderful advice. 🙂
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Once again I loved your photos–all of them and while I always liked taking a “walk” with you, I kinda liked sitting on the porch just this once.
I used to smoke from age 17-34–I’m now going on 63 and used to feel the effects of it whenever I wanted to do something physical. It’s tough, yeah, but you’ll be successful. I’ve been reading your posts off and on for a few years now, and you seem very positive and focused.
Probiotics? Latta Russian Kefir plain. Plain because I can add things to it. My fav is to make tzatziki with it and slather it on a multi-grain tortilla.
Snow Child? I adored it! And happened to have read it in the dead of winter, so I was totally engulfed in the setting and story.
Stress and Worry? I’m not a worrier by nature and at times when I should have worried, it took me by surprise–maybe that’s a good thing. I don’t know.
Be well and keep taking those nature walks and beautiful photos.
Tere from South Jersey
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Thank you, Tere. 🙂 I was just in South Jersey, visiting my father.
I quit smoking in 2001. Tough, yes, but good. I’ve been drinking Kefir off and on, but my diet leans towards veganism which means I’d rather not eat or drink dairy products. Hence the need to find a probiotic I could take in capsule form.
How wonderful that you are not a worrier by nature! I think it’s a good thing that you don’t worry. 🙂
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