Give Big, Give Small

Social distancing and sheltering in place are not just new concepts but very hard on the body and mind. Hugging and sharing laughter or even tears make us feel connected. I have had some amazing days and nights during these crazy times, but I have also had days that I struggled. My kids tend to get up somewhere between 11-12 which makes mornings a quiet time. Some days I get some exercise in. Other days, lots of phone calls or texts to friends and family. Unfortunately, some of those days I get a little melancholy and feel lonely. It is a rabbit hole I try very hard not to go down because I know that no good can come out of that headspace. Sunday was one of those days. I woke up to my closet getting back at me for having the fashion bug. Shelves and clothes all off the wall and on the ground. Next, I came down to a present my dog left on the entryway shag rug. Not pretty. Following up with more doggie problems, as one also got sick all over the family room carpet. As if that weren’t bad enough, the printer went offline, and I lost my internet connection. Seems it’s hard to connect overall.

I have been working on a project that will be in conjunction with the blog, writing a lot about giving. It is always refreshing to be reminded of how sharing with others brings great joy. However, during my melancholy mood the last few days I needed a little more uplift, so I went back to reading, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeust. I am not sure why I chose that book; I am in the middle of reading so many, but I felt strongly I needed to pick it up. I am so happy I did. There were so many nuggets of wisdom that got me back on track.

A game changer for me was in the chapter titled, Miracles in the Mess, how apropos! Lysa says, “What happened yesterday can’t be changed, but it can be forgiven. That’s your miracle in the mess. The voices of condemnation, shame, and rejection can come to you, but they don’t have to reside in you. That’s your miracle in the mess.” With so much time alone, it is easy to have that horrible feeling of rejection sneak up on you. It is easy to feel ashamed and easy to not only feel the condemnation, but to project it as well. Unfortunately, I need a swift kick in my butt to get out of the rabbit hole sometimes. This was just what I needed to hear to get me back on solid ground. Set myself free from false thoughts.

So, getting back to giving. That is where I am going to readdress my focus. Giving always puts a smile on my face and helps to stay far away from that darn rabbit hole. There is no shortage of ways to give either. Give love, give encouragement, give grace, give food, give time, give friendship, give help, give a smile, give support, give kindness, give freedom, give forgiveness, give big, give small!