tossing...
turning...
wondering if the creature was going to crawl or stomp on my face....
instead, he was caught red handed.
I opened the door to the attic storage to "show" Jarebear Boo what the creature had been doing. I pointed to his destruction while she peered over my shoulder. All of a sudden, before our very eyes, the biggest, humongous rat peeked up over the nativity he was busy preparing for demolition. He had the nerve to wave (well, it appeared to me that he did) and then casually and I really do mean, casually, walked away. The creature was the size of a kitten.
Jarebear Boo and I did what came natural. We screamed. LOUD! Needless to say, all 8 of the kids plus J, came running. But, he faded away into the abyss.
The creatures that live in our houses and lives sometimes loom quietly, waiting for the right moment to appear. Sometimes, doubt brings out the creature or even disappointment or discontentment.
The only way the creature will survive is by feeding on negative thoughts, self-doubts, lack of faith and disillusionment when things go wrong.
I struggle with a few creatures in my life. One of them is envy. I hate that I allow it to jab at me when something wonderful happens to someone else and I'm left at the sidelines, cheering them on instead.
Another is, my stinkin' thinkin'. It's so much easier to beat myself up when I make a mistake or don't achieve whatever it is that I'm attempting to achieve.
The sad thing is that even though, I may not feed the creature, he'll always have something to eat, whether it is a pair of pjs, Christmas ornaments or even sand paper. In that same way, we can never completely get rid of the negative things in our lives, because we're far from being perfect.
We can acknowledge that it exists but not throw a celebratory party for it each time it crosses our paths. We can feed the creature but feed it something that will cause it's demise. He may be thinking he's eating a Hershey's chocolate bar but he's really eating rat poison.
In that same way, we can feed the negatives in our lives with positives. When the green 'ol envy rears it's ugly, stupid head; it can easily be fed a huge helping of gratitude instead.
Even when depression floats around us like a storm cloud heavy with rain, we can find treasures to keep our hearts light and happy. I love going to the library and heading to the children's books. Just browsing through the books makes me reminisce and smile again. I also enjoy baking cookies or going for a drive with J, taking pictures of God's palette along the way. Music is another way that my heart is often lifted. No matter how heavy my heart is, there's just something about the way that music soothes me.
How do you destroy the creatures in your life?
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21 comments:
I hit all the bad 'guys' over the head with bricks. Or at least I threaten too. Just ask my dogs when they misbehave. I always ask them if they'd like me to hit them over a head with a brick.
When negativity rears it's ugly head, I actually yell "No!" and force myself to 'change the channel. On the rare occasion that it doesn't work, I let my sister hit me over the head with a brick.
Love this post today....doing what you said is exactly what I try to do....turn a negative into a positive! Have a wonderful day!
ruthlessly root them out with truth...match everything it tells me up with truth and repeat repeat repeat...
You always give me something to think about. We are going into our 4th year of living 1000 miles from my 3 daughters and 2 grandsons, do to my husband's work. I miss that "Nana life" so much. I keep reminding myself over and over, we're all well and we'll all working in a time when many are not. Things could be worse.
I really try to twist things into a positive light as well. It makes a huge difference. And laughter. Laughter makes me feel so much better about most everything.
I pound the pavement-- or at least the walking path at the park. Fresh air always helps me clear my head.
You know Simone-- This may sound strange because I've always admired your writing skills, but there is a new beauty in your words since you married-- A combination of calm, content and joy between each line. I am so happy for you and smile every time I stop by.
Big hugs of happiness for you. xoxo jj
Excellent post. I have that stinkin' thinkin' problem too. It's my perfectionist personality. It's hard for me to accept failure or my own mistakes. Sounds a little crazy, but I work out the kinks in my life by sitting in the parking lot of Walmart. The place is always so busy. It makes for good people watching. Something about watching people coming and going relaxes me.
lol.. he looked at you and 'waved'.. that sure made me laugh!!.. I'm dealing with creatures everyday.. sometimes they creep up unexpectedlly.. just trying to build my PMA (positive mental army) to deal with them as and when
Great post!
I agree with Joanne, and I know this is off-topic, but your writing has changed. It's wonderful to see the impact of your brand new life right here on the screen. It makes me smile. (Unlike that creature in your house.)
I agree with Deidra's comment. Your writing has changed. You have GOT to rid your home of that ginormous rat!!!!! I think you need a professional...... xo
You reminded me of my childhood collection of books which became a victim to termites when I was away with my Mom who was going through treatment for breast cancer. I have creatures in my life too.. both kind you mention.
Very interesting post! Positivity is the way to go...life is too short for anything less! If you'd like a smile come visit my post today we surprised the girls and I videoed it :-) Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Jill
We're brutele with the unwanted creatures 'round here.
I slam the mood with the word of God, smother it with thankfulness, and stomp it out with humor!!!
May God bless your day with his Sonlight!!!
I was there just last week. What helped me was taking walks every day and talking to a couple of people who have it much, much worse than I.
I noticed the change in your writing too, Simone.
I hang out at the mall to beat the blues. I find that very therapeutic even though I don't really shop.
I find it amazing you ever find time to blog with 8 kids. Let alone blog with such great writing! Well done once again.
At the moment we are in a beautiful Colorado resort so my husband can ski. Sad to say, I often struggle when here because everyone seems so fit and active, and my body just hurts.
So I commit to daily walks in the sunshine and visits to the library. It's so beautiful complete with a gas fireplace, couches and blankets. A great place to read uplifting blogs. :0)I am blessed.
Thank you for stopping my blog to read about Corbie. Her first night home she slept soundly - except for the one time she got up to play with the toilet paper in the bathroom. ;-)
I love your post. Sometimes it is difficult to let go of the negative. It's so much better to smile!!
I find that serving others always helps me get the focus off my pity party and onto something that honors God. Maybe that's why He keeps sending me the disabled, needy, and homeless? And as I help them with what they need, I find that mostly, they need a safe place/person that they can be around/with. A friend or in the case of our exchange student, a mom. Love is the only thing that multiplies when you give it away. You doin' good, Simone -- just keep doin'. Asking these questions is the path to humility...and Jesus walked that path best.
Simone you write so beautifully. I have missed visiting you. Glad to be here. I like what you thoughts were. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Anne
I read blogs, pray, talk to a friend, talk to a whining relative, and/or run.
All of these things get my mind off of myself. I'm very blessed and need to be reminded here and there.
I'm happy to know that you are settling into your new family life. I suspect there are still hills and valleys, but I'm believing it's leveling out for you.
I wish you a lifetime of love and joy with them...but stand your ground! All moms and wives have to do it, otherwise, the family will suck the life out of us...lovingly, of course. :)
I love the real honesty you write with. Thank you.
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