Happy Monday, Friends. I don’t have a clever lead-in to this post, so I’ll just jump in.
It’s been a strange week for me. I had several days where I struggled to find the motivation to do anything beyond what was absolutely necessary. I made very little headway on my WIP and only made it onto the treadmill three times all week. I realize that life moves in cycles—phases and stages. We all have those days where we wonder why we bothered to get out of bed. I had a couple of those, but pushed through, because that’s what I know to do. Get up, suit up, and show up. I also know this too shall pass. It all does.
I hear stories of some authors giving up and pulling their books down and that breaks my heart. We must not let the chaos of the day defeat us. They cannot win! So, even though there are days when I struggle to put one foot in front of the other, it’s built into my DNA to keep trying. I also refuse to focus too much on things going on around me that I cannot change. It is an energy drain. That doesn’t mean I don’t care. It just means I realize what I can and cannot do about any of it. All I can do is seek a higher vibration focused on love, not fear or hate.
On the family front, my youngest granddaughter turned double digits, the big 10 on February 11th! We no longer have any little ones. They are all growing fast. Look at all those candles! And that is a piece of lemon cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory – her favorite!
Valentine’s Day is bittersweet for me. Rick always gave me the most thoughtful and wonderful gifts. So my girls keep up the tradition and they shower me with flowers and goodies.
I found this quote to be appropriate for me this week. It’s so true, even though it’s not always an easy thing to do.
As I got out my tarot deck, I was thinking that I had no idea what sort of message the cards would give me to share. Then before I could even shuffle the cards, this one jumped out of the deck. So, here it is.
In a nutshell, this card represents pain and or loss. But it also encourages us to embrace and acknowledge heartbreaking truths and the pain surrounding them. This may be related to a current situation or something in the past that is impacting present circumstances. Accept your emotions with compassion and take the opportunity to release and heal.
I know that everyday can’t be rainbows and sunshine. That’s not the way life is designed. So, it’s up to us as to how we respond to whatever life throws at us each day.
I sincerely hope you have a great week ahead. If you are experiencing pain, I pray that you find a way to release it. And I’m hoping for a more productive week and making some headway on my WIP!
Thank you for visiting!
Hi Jan, it sounds like your week’s been going okay and you’re making progress. Like you, I have my frustrations but I just keep going and trying to move forward. Life is never easy.
You are so right, Robbie. Life is not easy and how we handle the challenges is up to each one of us. I appreciate your wonderful comment!
It’s probably unrealistic to expect every day will be a glorious as a birthday party – with lemon cheesecake, no less! I like your attitude of acceptance and your commitment to staying focused on the good stuff while you work through it. Wise advice, my friend. <3 <3
It’s all I know to do, Diana. As I said all I can do is keep showing up and suiting up for whatever comes. The child had such a wonderful birthday. She didn’t want to go to school today. Party mode!! Thanks for stopping by.
🙂 🙂
I have been having a lot of these days too, Jan 🙂 Hunger gets me out of bed and going… lol. I’m stubborn, too, and will keep going in my own way. I won’t take my books down when it’s time, though. Love all your flowers, and I have a grandaughter hitting double digits this May, too. I hope you have a better week. Xo
I could relate to your thoughts, Jan. This was an emotional read for me and even the tarot card resonated. Sending you a big hug.
I’m glad you could relate, Balroop. Sometimes it helps just knowing we are not alone. I’m sending the hugs back to you ten-fold! Thank you for visiting!
Sometimes life is not easy and it is difficult to feel motivated. Happy birthday to your youngest granddaughter.
So true, Thomas. Everything comes and goes. Thanks for the kind comment.
The little one is so cute. Life goes on. This Saturday coming up I will turn 82. I have some pain everyday. Take care.
Thank you for visiting, Emma. I am sorry that you have to endure pain daily. You should be proud you have made it to 82!
Oh yes, Jan! Face what life brings straight up. Adjustments may be necessary. Happy birthday to your granddaughter.
So true, Tim. I think of it as a sailing vessel and we have to adjust our sails. Thank you for stopping by and for leaving a lovely comment!
Some times can be harder than others and Valentine’s Day is definitely one of them. It is easy to fall into a negative circle. But you are one of those aware of the fact that getting back up only gets harder. The card speaks volumes too. Your girls are angels!
Yes, they are, Erika. I am so thankful for my girls. I’m also thankful I have tools to combat negativity. What a blessing that is. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Always love visiting, dear friend 💖
That Jack Kornfield quote is perfect. And Happy Birthday to your ten year old. Our youngest will be 15 tomorrow. Where does the time go? I find my writing has peaks and valleys. The momentum will return. xo
That is so true, Darlene. Peaks and valleys is a great way to describe it. The kiddos all grow up way too fast! Thanks for stopping by.
I can identify with the feeling of not wanting to do much. When it hits me I usually fight back with a vow not to let old age catch me napping. (I usually put down old age as a reason for most of those feelings) Happy birthday to your grand daughter.
I hate to admit I am no longer anywhere close to a Spring Chicken, John. Could be age. Could be the way the planets lined up. Could be just me and my silly self. At any rate, I am keeping on keeping on! Thank you for your wonderful comment.
That tarot card is perfect for this time, Jan! I’m grateful your family showers you with love, especially around this holiday.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalliero.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette. I hesitated to share the card, but when I ask Spirit to lead, I have to follow. I appreciate your comment!
I like that quote, Jan. Your lack of motivation may have been because your body was fighting off some dreaded germ. If so, take comfort in the fact that it won. I love the picture of your now 10-yr-old granddaughter.
I hope you have a great week.
If this comment is duplicated, it’s WP’s fault, not mine.
I hadn’t thought of that reason for lack of motivation, Dan. There is lots of illness going around and several of my grandchildren have been sick. I hope that’s all it was and that I won the war! Your comment was not duplicated, but the ongoing WP issue is annoying. Thank you for stopping by!
Jan, all your babies are grown up for sure–until you start getting great grands. Now, that’ll be something. Glad Samantha had a good birthday. Lemon would get my vote too. I don’t understand my friend who took every one of her books down from Amazon. The only one that hurts is herself. I can’t see that such a drastic move needs to be taken. I’m not going to let them win. Pain and loss just about sums it up though. A good post, Sister. Love you.
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, sister. I’m with you. Not going to let them win!! Hope you have a good week.
I’m kind of like you. I just lower my head and keep marching into the storm. Hang in there, Jan.
Yep. I’m hanging! Thanks for stopping by, Craig.
Some days we need to curl up on the couch to rest and recharge Jan, so we can face the challenges of tomorrow. Wishing you a beautiful week filled with love.
You are so right. We push ourselves so hard and sometimes we just need to back off. I think I needed that last week. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh! Sorry I didn’t fill out everything when I wrote this message to you Jan. 😊
Oh, thank you for letting me know it was you, Mary. Darned WordPress. 🙂 I sincerely appreciate your support and encouragement!
Happy birthday to your granddaughter! Lemon cheesecake is delicious!
Thank you, Priscilla. I appreciate you stopping by!
I agree, Priscilla. I only got a small bite of it, but it was good. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
I also have days like that, Jan. Then I remember my mantra courtesy of Dory from Finding Nemo – Just keep swimming. What beautiful flowers! The tulips are like a little preview of spring.
Yep. Dory’s mantra is perfect. Just keep swimming. Things are always changing. Thank you so much for stopping by, Teri! Have a great week.
Jan, your message inspired me to get up and keep pressing forward. It says I’m not the only one, and reminds me of the serenity prayer. Blessings to you this week.
Good morning, Linda. I’m so glad this post inspired you to keep on keeping on. And yes, the serenity prayer is apropos today for sure. Thank you for visiting. You’re always welcome here!