This weekend I am in NYC experiencing the Nor’easter and reconnecting with my Mastermind Group. I asked Monica if she would write this week’s Instigator letter. She graciously did. Enjoy…
“When was the last time…?”. That question-phrase surfaces in my mind regularly. It’s a tool my mind uses to help me remember good times and measure my seasons. It’s a sticky phrase. Like that sticky penny at the bottom of your purse, you always accidentally grab. Or for me an odd tiny bottle of oil in my junk drawer.
In true Weekly Instigator form, here’s a brief assessment of my week and a special story to inspire.
I spent Sunday serving at my church. When I serve it’s a whole weekend experience I have once a month. I get to spend significant time with people who are very much unlike me, yet fill my heart and mind with the richest connections and conversations.
After a couple weeks of school being closed extra, due to Covid, this was my kiddo’s first full week back. I’m sure all the parents understand the relief and thankfulness I feel about that!
Around work this week I got to see the product and beginning results of a project I completed a few weeks ago. That brought a nice and welcome sense of joy!
I also had a surprisingly tough day within my week. My son hadn’t been feeling well due to allergies. #OklahomaWeatherIsCrazy So I was a little worried about him staying healthy and strong after I sent him and his sister to spend a couple of days with their dad.
I did not have my normal energy level!
Sleep was evading me. Work came tough that day. I felt way behind on an important project which triggered some of those nasty feelings of failure. Then, I had to miss my lunch hour workout due to an important call. Working out is a holy habit for me. It serves my mind, body, and spirit in amazing ways. Missing planned workouts, is never something I enjoy even when necessary.
All those little worries, negative experiences, and feelings that day started to feel like “death by a thousand cuts”. So I called a friend. They didn’t answer, so I sent a text. “I’m having a little bit of a tough day…”
The friend called back and we talked through all the little things, to which I felt very melodramatic saying out loud! We ended by laughing at life and determined to meet for dinner.
During our phone conversation they mentioned I should have a glass of wine and take a long bath. To which I said, “I haven’t taken a “bath” in 10 months! When I moved into this house 10 months ago, one of the things that was missing and I neglected to purchase was a bathtub stopper. I use to love baths, anyway…”. It was a quick and funny topic.
Do you know what my friend showed up with just hours later? You guessed it, a bathtub stopper and a bottle of red wine!
I was so surprised I cried!
Despite my desire to control my emotions, I let it go and cried a deep (needed) cry. You know the type where your shoulders shrug involuntarily, and you hope no one hears the single snort that slips out?!
I felt seen. I felt loved. I felt an immediate transition from my inner state of quiet frustration and fear, to an invigorating sense of gratefulness.
The next day I wondered, “Prior to last night, when was the last time I felt that sense of deep appreciation?” Then another thought surfaced, “When was the last time I LET myself feel that invigorating sense of gratefulness in the moment; And how can I access that freedom found in thankfulness on purpose more frequently?”
One of my daily practices is to write down something from the day before I can celebrate. It’s a valuable habit, but doesn’t train my mind to revel in that sense of gratitude in the exact moment I am receiving. This experience sparked a new affirmation and mission:
“I am present with my whole heart, free to enjoy that invigorating sense of gratefulness at any moment.”
Remember that bottle of oil in my junk drawer? It’s not junk at all. It’s actually one of my most precious possessions. Thirteen years ago, my Great-Grandmother used it when she prayed over me. She has since passed. I should put it in a clear case for honor and safe keeping! However, I love being surprised when I come across it casually! It’s a memory that’s hard to top because I feel deep thankfulness for it. It reminds and questions me, “When was the last time…you prayed for your family…you felt that connection of love and purpose…you felt that appreciation for a moment?”
I ask you, when was the last time…?
When was the last time you felt an invigorating sense of gratefulness? And how can you access that feeling more frequently?
The moments for it are in our homes, with our families, at work, at play, and at rest. I just hope we choose to see, feel, and revel in that invigorating goodness and gratefulness a little more, especially on the tough days. We all can use and share a little more of “that”!
… I agree Monica. I am thankful for YOU!