Know What You Need To Feel Content
Posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
by Susan Thom
I'm pretty sure most of us know how to please our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and people we run into in public. We are courteous and respectful and sensitive to others' needs. We may send out emails with pretty pictures or borders, and we remember to send a happy birthday card to a friend. We'll help anyone out who needs a ride, or a shoulder to cry on. We support those who aren't feeling well, and try to brighten their days any way we can. We send flowers, cards, and messages and all is right with our world.
Once I feel balanced and at ease within myself, I can start to add material things to my surroundings. Knick knacks, candles, angels, healing stones and crystals, pretty pictures, and pieces of costume jewelry that were my mom's, are displayed throughout my home. Most things were either given to me or I bought them at the dollar store, and they make me happy and feeling calm. I took pictures of flowers on the property and printed them, and used them as decorations for the walls. The more uplifting my home is, the better for all.
For me, writing is always a good way to get some energy out and unwind a little bit. Reading other articles and commenting is also a pleasant way to spend some time. If I feel like taking a nap, I do. If I want to watch some TV, I can do that, too. When it's time to clean or shop or run errands, I do so, but it's so nice to relax later on. A nice cup of tea would be comforting after a day of running around. I think it seems more natural for some of us to take care of others, than it does to take care of ourselves.
If we don't do so, everything we don't want happening to everyone else, will happen to us. Little by little, our energy level will go down, maybe a little depression will set in, some self doubt, some self pity, and we will understand why it's so important for us to take care of ourselves. We can bankrupt ourselves of all feeling by giving out too much and giving in too little. We may not think taking a nap or a bath in the afternoon is appropriate for society. Well, it's time to learn how to read our own being, and know when to fertilize ourselves.
We can just as easily become worn down, as some of the people we help. There should be no shame involved with taking care of one's self. It sometimes takes a little work to figure out what we want and need to feel good, but as time goes on, I think we become more aware, and less ashamed. I spend a lot of time on my computer and have surrounded it with some of my favorite pictures and knick knacks and cards, and everywhere I look, I feel warm and happy.
I have down featherbeds and pillows, and I am not exaggerating when I say every night, I feel like I'm in what I perceive to be Heaven. Of course, I've placed special things and pictures in my room as well. I think everyone would be happier if they had a nice bedroom. I think that's where so much of our identity comes from. All the hours of thought, dreams and nightmares, All the peace and frustration of life, as we toss and turn and can't shut our minds down.
All the prayers and talks with whom we believe to be our higher Power, I choose to call Him God. Intimacy is born and reborn. A very important room, the bedroom. It's the last thing we see at night, and the first thing we awaken to each morning. I think it makes a difference if it is upbeat and positive. Once we have taken care of ourselves, we can then put our hands out to others and keep a balance that is good for our health and well-being. Everybody wins.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I love your point, "I stay close to God in prayer." Suzy, your article was beautiful and you wrote it with an understanding of a living experience. I felt it. Beautiful article.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi dr. c,thanks for reading and commenting.and thank you for the nice comments, they are appreciated.my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Absolutely great advice. Very nicely done.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi michael,thank you.as with almost everything else, it takes trial and error before we figure out what we need to do to feel whole, and be of the most service to ourselves and others. i appreciate your support,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Good article Susan, again you laid it on the linePlease log in to respond to this comment.
hi david,i used to use 100 words to tell a tale, and now I try to just use as many as i need,. it took years, but i think i'm getting it. i've gotten better let's say.thank you for reading and commenting.my son is enjoying being home, and vice versa. he had to give his orders in today.thank you for reading and responding,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Sound advice, Sue. I know what it takes for me to and will fight to be content. It doesn't come easily at times. As David said, you've laid it on the line.
My best,
AvisPlease log in to respond to this comment.
hi avis,thanks for the read and your comment.i'm glad you know what you need. so many don't, and get so caught up in life, they make themselves sick. I, of course, being one of those people, however, i am learning.enjoy your week,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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