Welcome to Small Reflections


"Nothing is ever achieved without enthusiasm."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Duck photo source: Lisa's Chaos
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Giraffe Journal

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both self-hosted at WordPress
where I publish as myself
rather than under a
pseudonym.

I've not had much time for posting or blog visits, but if you're interested I hope you'll find time to check out my new blog, Giraffe Journal or my Labyrinth Journal website ... both self hosted at WordPress.

Thanks for your visit and have a delightful day ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Wordful Wednesday - When Answers Come ...

Make Time for Small Reflections
... pay attention ;--)
I never cease to be amazed when 'answers' (or perhaps suggestions) arrive in front of me just when needed. After publishing yesterday's post including 10 Things I Want to Do in 2009 in which I indicated my intention to be playful and find enjoyable ways to simplify & declutter my life, I left home and didn't return until late afternoon ... so I didn't check email until this morning. This is yesterday's Daily Om message. The title caught my eye (for obvious reasons) so I took time to read it ... and was giggling with recognition by the end. Perhaps it will 'resonate' with others in similar ways ... or not.

"January 6, 2009
What's Fun Got To Do With It
Finding Joy in Meaningless Tasks

Spending an afternoon working on the car, gardening, or even cleaning the house can be fun when we have an interest in the project. Yet, we can also find joy in the chores and tasks we don't especially like. All we need is a change of attitude, a different approach, a little music, or some help from friends, and the tasks or responsibilities that we perceive as tedious can become a source of pleasure.

Most of us tend to put off what it is that we don’t want to do. Yet, one of the best approaches to an unpleasant task or dull chore is to dive right in and be fully mindful of what it is that you are doing. You may not perceive washing the kitchen floor as enjoyable, but it can be if you view it as a loving act for both yourself and your family. Lose yourself in paying your bills, and thank the universe that you are able to receive the service you are writing that check for. Mending can become a treasure hunt to find the right button and matching thread. And, each morning, see how neatly you can make your bed and take pride in your results.

Playing your favorite music, dancing while you work, or creating a mental list of everything you are grateful for are just a few ways to turn an unexciting activity into a fun event. Ask a friend to help you clean out the basement or paint a room; provide some yummy snacks as an incentive. Look for joy in doing your mundane activities, and they’ll become a source of enjoyment rather than a tolerable duty."

I'm grateful ... truly! I need this kind of 'reinforcement' and validation (or feedback) from the Universe. Perhaps we all do. My heart (and gut) knows these things even when my head forgets for a time ... and when I slow down long enough to 'listen' to my heart (& intuition) ... life just 'works' better for all concerned.

This morning I plan to do as much as I can before I leave around 11am to get my hair permed, and I intend to have fun while I do ... because that's my choice always! How about you?
Click for others participating in
Wordful Wednesday at ...

Small Reflections, Smile Back
Lemonade Anyone?
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Thought for Today
"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same."
Francesca Reigler

15 comments:

George said...

What a great message -- I'll try to remember it and put it into practice.

Joy Des Jardins said...

Now that's a great attitude....and a great message to pass along Virginia. Very inspiring. I say that as I look out the window at some new snow that fell overnight. I should get out there and shovel....and you've inspired me to do it. Have a happy day....

Sylvia K said...

It is indeed a beautiful message and so very true. I've been trying focus more and more on the fun and joy there is to be found everywhere if we just take the time, make the effort instead of losing ourselves in the gloom that is all too easy to find these days. But the joy is there, we just have to open our eyes and our ears! Thanks, Virginia, for the reminder!

Jo, a retired teacher said...

What a good thing to remember. Unfortunately, there are some people who think that others can "make them happy." When I was teaching, I was constantly trying to help students understand that they were in charge of their own attitudes. That quote by Francesca Reigler would have been a nice addition to the collection I had in my classroom.

Joyce said...

Hi, Virginia,
I truly LOVED this message. This is exactly how I seek to live my life. I take great joy in the little things, done as acts of service and love, so am very happy almost all the time.
Have a wonderful day. :)

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

A great message indeed. I find myself in the same thought process sometimes. So much work and so little energy! LOL! Thanks for sharing.

Supercool Hotmama said...

I love those positive thoughts!

Quiet Paths said...

Lovely post and meaningful for me too. I have always felt that simply having the choice is the gift. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Sandee said...

How wonderful. For me it's music. Just turn on my favorites and off I go happy as a lark. I get a lot done with music. Always have.

Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)

Akelamalu said...

Very positive thoughts m'dear :)

Pamela said...

this opens a lot of possibilities.
What to do/think/remember/listen to etc while cleaning the bathroom. ugh! ha ha

Claremont First Ward said...

A wonderful message and attitude. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great message and reminder!

Karen said...

I get the Daily Om message (and horoscope) every day, too--and I'm continually amazed at how "spot-on" the words are!

This is such a good one! There is always going to be stuff we don't want to do but have to do--but we ALWAYS have the choice about our attitude! The quote at the end says it all!

Unknown said...

I totally agree! I have found that if I just dive right in I feel pretty good afterward. Otherwise I dread the 'event' for so long and feel so miserable that the joy is not really there when it's over and sometimes I just end up not doing it.

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