I’ve been encouraged to start a blog – to write, rant, chat, express thoughts in words and share them. I am not too sure about this but will give it a try. These thoughts and opinions are MINE alone – they are not directed at anyone or anything, simply an expression of what I am experiencing or dealing with or need to get off my chest.
Today I was presented with some information around “Stress or Rest”. We all have stress in our life but do we take time for rest? To rejuvenate our self? our soul? Take time to breathe? It was interesting to hear of some stress relievers – singing loudly in your car (windows up) bopping along to your favourite tunes – NOT being stressed about being late or stuck in rush hour traffic – just enjoying being present and that you can sing along as loud as you like – without caring who is watching or not. Another de-stress was polka music – now you laugh, as I did. But, in all honesty, you can’t not smile when you listen to polka music. Rest – is the absence of conflict – be it within yourself or around you.
We often forget to enjoy the moment we are in – right now. Leave the worries alone – as you can waste SO much time worrying about things you can not change. Be present in your current situation – it may seem bad but there is good in every situation even when you feel the ship is sinking beneath you. Each of us has had and will have situations where you feel abandoned, there is no hope, no silver lining – no anything. The days seem dark and eternal. By having a belief or faith, you are never alone, never abandoned, never hopeless. We can be the ones closing the door to our heart, we have choices – to keep the door open – be present with the joy and peace there is – although it may require looking harder on dark days.
I can distance myself from my faith – put up walls, close doors or walk away. There are many ways this can happen – by not taking the time or wanting to spend a few minutes each day giving thanks for all I have, for all the good, peace & joy that is in my life. I can turn my back on people, not demonstrate love for my neighbour, become selfish and all involved – many ways that one can turn away from their faith or belief system. But at the end of the day, that faith, God, Trinity, Budda, presence – how ever you identify it – it’s still there – patiently waiting for you to open the door to your heart and welcome them back into your life. This never leaves you – it is us turning and walking away, leaving an unconditional love that will never ever leave you.
Remember to rest your soul, for you can only share with others when you are rested yourself. Take time to let go of the stress in your life – laugh, cry, sing, dance, meditate – what ever brings calm, peace & joy to the moment.
Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy (or:kind) and my burden is light.”
Sharing your stress/worries/burden with someone who is ALWAYS with you, day or night, good or bad, makes things easier. By giving thanks for always being there – more faithfully that I have been there for Him.
De-stress, rest, give thanks for what you have right now, this minute, don’t worry about that which you can not change, make a difference and open your heart.
Peace & blessings