Books by the old Leather Chair

  • Snow In The Summer
  • My Bible
  • The Power of Silence
  • What Comes Next and to Like It
  • Encore Provence
  • A Year in Provence

Sunday, October 23, 2011

A Reminder From "Beads of Wisdom"

Yesterday, the twice a month
 4 hour outside help was late.
Since my day begins at 4:30 in the morning
1:30 my slow down begins.
They did not arrive until almost 3:00.
She has tried but never learned to
give instructions and let them carry on.
Always working almost side by side
with them.
But then more is accomplished this way.
When they left, her evening meal,
and after bath the pain began.
Neck, shoulders, knee, ankle and
she can hardly move.
Cleaning small garden, picking turnip greens,
walking the new clearing many times and
picking up limbs, raking leaves, shoveling,
putting summer items up off screen porch,

 she brought this on.

So a new morning
she will move slow
may have to take something to
relieve pain is it does not go away.

Oh, this story is not new.  This is a
repeat of hundreds of times over the years.
But now she is old and still has not
learned to pace herself.

There  is a big difference in
doing all of this in your 50's and 60's
then when you have rolled past
your middle 70's.
But then in her mind - it is only
a number and really does not
describe this One Woman.

She is well aware that much she is
doing is really not that important.
So why - has she not learned?

Jan's words which are sent to me each morning
were especially meaningful this morning.
http://awakened-living.blogspot.com/.

Beads of Wisdom

October 23, 2011

Today ...
We know we should be kinder to and gentler with ourselves--as tender and loving to ourselves as we are toward others. But we're not. We may continue to push ourselves beyond all limits, strive for perfection, work too hard, play too little, and expect more from ourselves than we would ever expect from anyone else. As a result, we continue to exhaust, overwhelm, and burn out at an alarming rate. What can we do?
We can begin by setting healthy, new intentions for ourselves, though, truthfully, intentions are not enough. To make the shift from self-loathing, criticism, judgment or stinginess, actual baby steps are required--small acts of loving-kindness that jumpstart our self-worth. We deserve our own love.

"Beads of Wisdom" is a daily reminder for living compassionately with ourselves and others, sent in the spirit of Metta by Janice Lynne Lundy.


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8 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

It is oh so easy to 'do too much'. I've realized it the past 5 years or so. I have to ask DH for help in doing things I used to handle myself. I've also learned to listen to my body when it says I've done enough, the rest can wait.

Have a lovely Sunday ~ FlowerLady

Sharon said...

May you treat yourself gently today and relish moments of rest ~

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh how I have missed you! I do wish I visited you more because I always love it when I do.
You sound like me this morning but when your alone sometimes it is hard not to over do.
Funny I should read this because I was trying to make a decision today about rest or go back to the ole house in town and work like a slave trying to fix it after renters tore it up. Maybe you have answered my question.
Take care friend like Sharon says treat yourself gently today
Love
Maggie

Judy said...

In our minds, we are still 40 years old and "think" capable of putting in 6 hours days gardening and working outside and inside. It is only when I have tackled one of these jobs and the later pains come--that usually last well into the next day, do I realize--I am old(er). Makes me angry, but is a fact. Your job has been accomplished--now it is time to rest and recovery.

Anonymous said...

Ernestine, I came home this afternoon, terribly disgruntled and discouraged. I arranged to meet a contractor who did a little work for me yesterday on the property I hope to move to soon and he was all set to go (he said) to work today, as well. He let me assist him yesterday, and I was pleased to be the carpenter's helper. Today he was to get me started laying some backer board on the floor (over which some tile will go). So, I arrived (It's an hour's drive from my home) and...he didn't. Argghhhh. Not only was I angry, I was deeply saddened. I was hoping not just for a worker, but someone who'd guide me. So, needless to say, I related to your post today. The waiting for someone, the working along beside. And, I, also, know the pain afterward, although not nearly so much as you. My thoughts are with you tonight. I hope you have been able to be very kind to yourself and your body. Your post will help me do the same for myself tonight. Tomorrow morning I leave here very early (for me) to meet my electrician and my "well guy". Blessings to you.

Anonymous said...

Ernestine, I wanted to thank you, again. I left a comment on your blog some months ago, telling you that I related to your symptoms of Sjogrens. I've not been to the doctor, but from what I've read online--since reading your post--I can say with a great deal of certainty that I've got it too. It is a mixed blessing--to have the symptoms (not so good) and to have a name for them (that's good)--the strange, dry mouth that surfaced a few years ago and the dry, troubled eyes that presented themselves to me about the same time. I've got some other symptoms as well, and work each day to do what seems best for my body. Take good care.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Ellen, thank you for your comments.
I am looking forward to traveling along with you as your dream develops. Anything I can help with let me know :) Also regarding sjogrens - I was told about this when I was about your age - never heard of it before.
Sometimes it almost seems to leave and then comes on with a vengance -
like now - I think mine is due to years of stress and not taking time for me.

Janice Lynne Lundy said...

Ernestine, I loved reading this. I continue to be amazed at how similar our journeys are. We are kindred souls in two different states...

Thank you for the blurb on Beads of Wisdom. I do enjoy creating them. I use the opportunity to do so as MIndfulness practice, remembering what "what heart and spirit knows." It's fun to share them with others.

May you have a blessed day today! xo