Words My Brain Likes to Chew

From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor. It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone! (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)

Words My Brain Likes to Chew

4/2/2015

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As I was reading through various memes this morning on Facebook, I stopped at one that said, "Keep everything that makes you happy; get rid of everything that doesn't." I continued to scroll, but my mind kept going back to that one. "God, could it really be just that simple?" I wondered, as my mind zipped from rewind to fast-forward and back again, cataloging all of the people and things who bring me happiness, as well as those that don't. And what about the dumb things, like laundry? I hate doing laundry, but I'm happy I have a washer and dryer, can afford the electric & water bills to make them work. I'm happy that I have decent clothes to wear, that ARE clean despite my aversion to getting them that way. I hate grocery shopping, but I love to cook and I'm happy I can afford the food in my fridge and pantry. I hate cleaning, but I'm happy when my house is in order and smells nice. As for friends and family, I love all of mine in varying degrees, but I certainly don't get along with all of them. Some of those relationships are even downright tense! And let's face it, you can't just keep the family members who fit will into your life and discard the ones who don't (...like I do with my clothing)!

I firmly believe that to keep real happiness going in your life, you have to find ways to face all of the unpleasant stuff that is GOING to come up! Laundry can be fun when stripper music is added! The vacuum cleaner makes a stellar dance partner. Grocery shopping is vastly improved by good company and meals that are exciting to cook (...and eat)! As for dealing with people whom you have a strained relationship with...avoidance might be cowardly, but it's very effective! In the end, the meme from today that describes me best is this:

"I don't know how to be anything other than intense. I don't know how to experience without feeling too much and thinking too much. I don't know how to sit still, quiet my mind, and just be. I'm always searching, always questioning, struggling to find the meaning in everything. I am passionate and I am deep and even if I am misunderstood, I am finally okay with that." ~author Unknown

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About The Author

I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

salty bones

4/3/2015 09:28:30 am

And when your child husband rides to cart in and out of the store.

Amy M. Schaefer

4/23/2015 05:13:37 am

My favorite part is when you convince ME to do the same. The people at Lowe's thought we were absolutely crazy but my inner child approves! You know, I posted that quote at the end because you heard it you asked, "Did YOU write that because it's absolutely true about you?" I'm glad it doesn't drive you completely bonkers.

From the Front Porch