I thought this week deserved a post - lots of things have been changing, and all for the better.
So far, I have successfully gotten up at 6 every morning this week with Caleb to get some things done around the house while he works out for an hour before we have breakfast together, and he leaves for work. It is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Each morning I've battled with my sleepy self about whether or not to fight getting up, but each time without fail, I feel so good about deciding to get out of bed, only minutes after doing so. It's astounding - I really can wake up relatively quickly if I simply put my mind to it. It's just that. Putting my mind to it.
I'll even dare to say that I think I could become a morning person. For the longest time, I've considered myself a night owl (which is true,) and therefore incapable of molding what I thought was my nature into being a so-called morning person. I don't think that's the case though. I believe night owls can become early birds, though it may take time and determination to change the habit. (I'm not sure it works as well the other way around, but that's for another day.) All I'm saying is, I know I can make myself get up and survive through the day to tell the tale. I can even enjoy it.
And now that I'm actually getting up this early (instead of speculating about it with dread), it's the most refreshing, energizing thing I could do to start my day. I can get chores started and some finished in the morning, reward myself with a hearty breakfast with my husband, and then wait for Cillian to wake up as I have some time to do whatever I please. I'm discovering that this series of events making up my morning makes me an exceedingly joyful person. And then I'm more than ready to see Cillian's bouncing smiles once he wakes up and take care of him.
Within the last two weeks, Cillian will sometimes wake up at 8:00 when Caleb leaves, and then we have some breakfast and playtime, and he'll have a good morning nap while I take a shower or nap or get some more things done. I really like this routine. Most mornings he will sleep until 9 or 10 however, in which case he will only have one nap during the day, and our routine takes the Plan B route.
I think the kick for all of this started with a book I got out from the library the past week - it's another one of what I like to call Golden Books. It's my new organizational bible. And I wouldn't be surprised if God planted it there in the library to inspire me to get off my bum and do some real work around the house.
It's called "Secrets to Get Organized in Minutes" by Alex A. Lluch. Just picking up the book itself is motivating... it is a highly organized, easy-to-flip-through little book containing all the useful tips and tricks to organizing your lifestyle, your home, your time, your possessions, and more. And it is presented in such a way that is easy to read and/or refer to.
I was most inspired to work on our master closet, as it was (previously) packed to the brim with disorganized maternity clothes, mostly borrowed, clothes I knew didn't fit me anymore, shoes, and things that generally didn't even belong in the closet to begin with. Now, after a trip to the Container Store* (my new favorite place... see www.containerstore.com) in Cincinnati, a few choice purchases, about 5 hours total of sorting, organizing, purging, and rearranging, and some serious sweat, my side of the closet and my side of the dresser are now so beautiful you might think Martha Stewart herself had come in and spread a little of her magic.
Ok, it's not THAT good... but still, certainly a major improvement, and I couldn't be happier with my highly organized closet space and dresser. Now for Caleb's side of the closet - which, to be honest, really doesn't need all that much work.
I've walked into my closet several times without a reason save to inhale the glorious organizedness of it. It is a beautiful thing to a usually untidy, disorganized person. I intend to maintain its perfect state, not to mention move on to organizing the rest of our home, and work harder to keep my home tidy, neat and clean.
I believe I'm now catching a glimpse of what it means to work joyfully as well as to be joyful in the good of one's work. I'm amazed at the change getting up early and starting the day by working around the house has had in my attitude, my general mood, and my motivation. I think that when I'm in my "funk" kind of states, I tend to stay in them simply because it takes so much energy for me to climb over that hump of slothfulness into the realm of working hard. But once I'm finally there, it is easy. I need to remember how fulfilling this is when I fall into those lapses.
Another good thing is that I, for the first time during a pregnancy, have become interested in drinking coffee regularly. (For anyone wondering - yes, I am allowed to have a cup of coffee's worth of caffeine daily. :)) For some reason, the idea of drinking coffee has never attracted me so much as it suddenly has recently. I'm sure that the caffeine still doesn't affect me, but the knowledge that I'm drinking a cozy substance that normally perks up one's morning certainly helps. Plus, I really do love coffee. I just have never been this interested in having it while pregnant until now. So as a result, I've become pretty good at making delicious coffee!
As a whole, I just feel better and more like what a mother and wife should be. This is a fulfilling lifestyle - organized, motivated, and hard working.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can." ~ Lowell Thomas
* For anyone who is interested to know, I discovered that a Container Store is soon to open here in Indianapolis come October of this year. This makes me VERY excited. :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
One
I am officially the mother of a one year old.
Cillian turned one two weeks ago and he is as happy and bouncing as ever... I sure love my tiny tot. He is our little sunshine - it sure takes a good deal to dampen his cheery spirits. I look forward to seeing his grinning dimpled face every morning, as he bounces happily in his crib, ready to start the day with me.
I've been blessed with a very happy baby...
We had a celebratory cookout for him at a park here in Indianapolis the Saturday after his birthday, and it went very well. I made a couple of car cakes (complete with racing stripes!) with the help of my neighbor and we had the classic burgers and hot dogs, fruit salad, green salad, potato salad, and cake and ice cream. We had a lovely turnout of family and friends and drove home with an extremely generous caboodle of new presents for Cillian.
I know it's the most cliche thing I can say on the subject, but I really can't believe how fast this first year with Cillian has gone... it truly flies by quicker than you can imagine. But wow, it's been a terrific time so far. Caleb and I love being parents, and I am convinced now more than ever that our decision not to wait for kids was one of the best we could have made for our newly married life.
Speaking of our married life, Caleb and I are approaching our second wedding anniversary coming up on July 12 (also Caleb's 27th birthday). And that is also hard to believe!
I am so happy right now. This is truly the best life I could have dreamed of having - better even. Of course it's better than I could have ever imagined. I'm blessed beyond understanding with the husband, little son, and family I have. What an abundance of blessings I have to be thankful for!
Back to Cillian... he is in the beginning stages of walking now. He can stand up without support for a few seconds at a time, always testing himself by lifting his hands off of whatever he's holding on to in the "So big!" way. He can also take a couple of steps when he's feeling more daring, but so far he's been slow and steady in the walking development. He'll be a pro in no time though.
One of his favorite things to do is dance - he loves bouncing whenever there is music playing. Some hits are Celtic music (the kid knows his roots!) and my piano playing. As soon as I play his song, he crawls over as fast as his little limbs can carry him so he can plink along with me while he dances like crazy. I love it...
He has been saying a couple of words too, which is fun - normally "duck" and "dog" only without the "d's." So we hear quite a lot of "uck"ing and "og"ing. Whenever he hears a sound outside (and most times, it's not even a dog,) his tiny eyebrows shoot up, eyes bright. "Og! Og...og. Og!" Every once in a blue moon a "d" will slip out, and we'll hear the legitimate "dog," but it is a very rare occurrence, nearly to the point of being mythological.
I sure am enjoying these simple days of just me and him during the day. His simple and predictable routine. Wake up, eat, play, sleep, repeat. We're in between teething spells right now, so I'm enjoying not having to deal with that for the present. The most upset he ever gets is when he's tired, hurts something, or can't have something. It's a pretty simple little world of Cillian's right now. We're in the beginnings of discipline, but even that is relatively simple.
Life is pretty easy with a one year old. I love every age he is in, and each stage he comes to is "the best so far." I wonder if I'll continue thinking that once he reaches teen-hood... Hopefully if I do my job right, I will be. :)
For now, I'm loving my one year old. He is my little man. And he holds my heart in both of his tiny hands.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
“My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
~ Stephen Wright
Cillian turned one two weeks ago and he is as happy and bouncing as ever... I sure love my tiny tot. He is our little sunshine - it sure takes a good deal to dampen his cheery spirits. I look forward to seeing his grinning dimpled face every morning, as he bounces happily in his crib, ready to start the day with me.
I've been blessed with a very happy baby...
We had a celebratory cookout for him at a park here in Indianapolis the Saturday after his birthday, and it went very well. I made a couple of car cakes (complete with racing stripes!) with the help of my neighbor and we had the classic burgers and hot dogs, fruit salad, green salad, potato salad, and cake and ice cream. We had a lovely turnout of family and friends and drove home with an extremely generous caboodle of new presents for Cillian.
I know it's the most cliche thing I can say on the subject, but I really can't believe how fast this first year with Cillian has gone... it truly flies by quicker than you can imagine. But wow, it's been a terrific time so far. Caleb and I love being parents, and I am convinced now more than ever that our decision not to wait for kids was one of the best we could have made for our newly married life.
Speaking of our married life, Caleb and I are approaching our second wedding anniversary coming up on July 12 (also Caleb's 27th birthday). And that is also hard to believe!
I am so happy right now. This is truly the best life I could have dreamed of having - better even. Of course it's better than I could have ever imagined. I'm blessed beyond understanding with the husband, little son, and family I have. What an abundance of blessings I have to be thankful for!
Back to Cillian... he is in the beginning stages of walking now. He can stand up without support for a few seconds at a time, always testing himself by lifting his hands off of whatever he's holding on to in the "So big!" way. He can also take a couple of steps when he's feeling more daring, but so far he's been slow and steady in the walking development. He'll be a pro in no time though.
One of his favorite things to do is dance - he loves bouncing whenever there is music playing. Some hits are Celtic music (the kid knows his roots!) and my piano playing. As soon as I play his song, he crawls over as fast as his little limbs can carry him so he can plink along with me while he dances like crazy. I love it...
He has been saying a couple of words too, which is fun - normally "duck" and "dog" only without the "d's." So we hear quite a lot of "uck"ing and "og"ing. Whenever he hears a sound outside (and most times, it's not even a dog,) his tiny eyebrows shoot up, eyes bright. "Og! Og...og. Og!" Every once in a blue moon a "d" will slip out, and we'll hear the legitimate "dog," but it is a very rare occurrence, nearly to the point of being mythological.
I sure am enjoying these simple days of just me and him during the day. His simple and predictable routine. Wake up, eat, play, sleep, repeat. We're in between teething spells right now, so I'm enjoying not having to deal with that for the present. The most upset he ever gets is when he's tired, hurts something, or can't have something. It's a pretty simple little world of Cillian's right now. We're in the beginnings of discipline, but even that is relatively simple.
Life is pretty easy with a one year old. I love every age he is in, and each stage he comes to is "the best so far." I wonder if I'll continue thinking that once he reaches teen-hood... Hopefully if I do my job right, I will be. :)
For now, I'm loving my one year old. He is my little man. And he holds my heart in both of his tiny hands.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
“My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
~ Stephen Wright
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Rude People are Everywhere
Hello everyone! Are you still there? I'm not dead, I promise. I've just been waiting for the writing urge teamed with a good reason to post something worth reading for the last two/three months. Apologies to those I've kept waiting for so long.
This is a very uncharacteristic post you are about to read, as it's quite unorthodox of me (no pun intended) to post it exactly after "Fr. Thomas Hopko's 55 Maxims." Well... you'll see what I mean in just a minute.
I've been mulling the idea for this post around for a couple months now I think, and it all started when my mom shared a particularly surprising experience she had with a Rudie at Meijer. I won't recount the entire story, but Ms. Mean Meijer Lady was certainly being deliberately rude. Naturally, my dear Mom was speechless at being so unexpectedly bombarded with such treatment, and came home to ask what we would have done in that situation. The indignant side in us began coming up with all sorts of hilarious comebacks (which, of course, you can do once you're not in the situation anymore).
And it got me thinking....
You never ever, EVER plan to go out one day expecting to meet a rude person. (At least, I don't.) And wouldn't it help if one was prepared for such situations ahead of time so that you're not resorting to swearing or stuttering! I think so. So, of course this means that one must have a pre-thought-out list of comebacks at the ready for any type of situation, so that when your brain freezes up, you can whip out that trusty little list and combat with, "Number 14!!!!"
So I have a couple of starters to get your thoughts rolling.
1 - "Oh, I apologize... for a minute there I had you confused with the center of the universe."
2 - "So, are you only rude on special occasions or where you just born this way?"
3 - My personal favorite.... Burst out laughing, "You think you're important! HAH!!"
I assure you, it's the last thing they'd expect for you to be quick on your feet with a witty (and humorous - that helps too) response.
I would love to hear some imaginary comebacks you have.... let's have a laugh!
More posting soon - I just needed a small one to get me going for more introspective stuff.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
"Whoever one is, and wherever one is, one is always in the wrong if one is rude."
~Maurice Baring
This is a very uncharacteristic post you are about to read, as it's quite unorthodox of me (no pun intended) to post it exactly after "Fr. Thomas Hopko's 55 Maxims." Well... you'll see what I mean in just a minute.
I've been mulling the idea for this post around for a couple months now I think, and it all started when my mom shared a particularly surprising experience she had with a Rudie at Meijer. I won't recount the entire story, but Ms. Mean Meijer Lady was certainly being deliberately rude. Naturally, my dear Mom was speechless at being so unexpectedly bombarded with such treatment, and came home to ask what we would have done in that situation. The indignant side in us began coming up with all sorts of hilarious comebacks (which, of course, you can do once you're not in the situation anymore).
And it got me thinking....
You never ever, EVER plan to go out one day expecting to meet a rude person. (At least, I don't.) And wouldn't it help if one was prepared for such situations ahead of time so that you're not resorting to swearing or stuttering! I think so. So, of course this means that one must have a pre-thought-out list of comebacks at the ready for any type of situation, so that when your brain freezes up, you can whip out that trusty little list and combat with, "Number 14!!!!"
So I have a couple of starters to get your thoughts rolling.
1 - "Oh, I apologize... for a minute there I had you confused with the center of the universe."
2 - "So, are you only rude on special occasions or where you just born this way?"
3 - My personal favorite.... Burst out laughing, "You think you're important! HAH!!"
I assure you, it's the last thing they'd expect for you to be quick on your feet with a witty (and humorous - that helps too) response.
I would love to hear some imaginary comebacks you have.... let's have a laugh!
More posting soon - I just needed a small one to get me going for more introspective stuff.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
"Whoever one is, and wherever one is, one is always in the wrong if one is rude."
~Maurice Baring
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fr. Thomas Hopko's 55 Maxims
I had to share these - Fr. Thomas Hopko is the Dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York, and these are his 55 Maxims for basic Christian living. They are absolutely wonderful. I hope you take the time to read them and share them with others.
1. Be always with Christ.
2. Pray as you can, not as you want.
3. Have a keepable rule of prayer that you do by discipline.
4. Say the Lord’s Prayer several times a day.
5. Have a short prayer that you constantly repeat when your mind is not occupied with other things.
6. Make some prostrations when you pray.
7. Eat good foods in moderation.
8. Keep the Church’s fasting rules.
9. Spend some time in silence every day.
10. Do acts of mercy in secret.
11. Go to liturgical services regularly.
12. Go to confession and communion regularly.
13. Do not engage intrusive thoughts and feelings. Cut them off at the start.
14. Reveal all your thoughts and feelings regularly to a trusted person.
15. Read the scriptures regularly.
16. Read good books a little at a time.
17. Cultivate communion with the saints.
18. Be an ordinary person.
19. Be polite with everyone.
20. Maintain cleanliness and order in your home.
21. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
22. Exercise regularly.
23. Live a day, and a part of a day, at a time.
24. Be totally honest, first of all, with yourself.
25. Be faithful in little things.
26. Do your work, and then forget it.
27. Do the most difficult and painful things first.
28. Face reality.
29. Be grateful in all things.
30. Be cheerful.
31. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
32. Never bring attention to yourself.
33. Listen when people talk to you.
34. Be awake and be attentive.
35. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.
36. Speak simply, clearly, firmly and directly.
37. Flee imagination, analysis, figuring things out.
38. Flee carnal, sexual things at their first appearance.
39. Don’t complain, mumble, murmur or whine.
40. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
41. Don’t seek or expect praise or pity from anyone.
42. We don’t judge anyone for anything.
43. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.
44. Don’t defend or justify yourself.
45. Be defined and bound by God alone.
46. Accept criticism gratefully but test it critically.
47. Give advice to others only when asked or obligated to do so.
48. Do nothing for anyone that they can and should do for themselves.
49. Have a daily schedule of activities, avoiding whim and caprice.
50. Be merciful with yourself and with others.
51. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.
52. Focus exclusively on God and light, not on sin and darkness.
53. Endure the trial of yourself and your own faults and sins peacefully, serenely, because you know that God’s mercy is greater than your wretchedness.
54. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.
55. Get help when you need it, without fear and without shame.
1. Be always with Christ.
2. Pray as you can, not as you want.
3. Have a keepable rule of prayer that you do by discipline.
4. Say the Lord’s Prayer several times a day.
5. Have a short prayer that you constantly repeat when your mind is not occupied with other things.
6. Make some prostrations when you pray.
7. Eat good foods in moderation.
8. Keep the Church’s fasting rules.
9. Spend some time in silence every day.
10. Do acts of mercy in secret.
11. Go to liturgical services regularly.
12. Go to confession and communion regularly.
13. Do not engage intrusive thoughts and feelings. Cut them off at the start.
14. Reveal all your thoughts and feelings regularly to a trusted person.
15. Read the scriptures regularly.
16. Read good books a little at a time.
17. Cultivate communion with the saints.
18. Be an ordinary person.
19. Be polite with everyone.
20. Maintain cleanliness and order in your home.
21. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
22. Exercise regularly.
23. Live a day, and a part of a day, at a time.
24. Be totally honest, first of all, with yourself.
25. Be faithful in little things.
26. Do your work, and then forget it.
27. Do the most difficult and painful things first.
28. Face reality.
29. Be grateful in all things.
30. Be cheerful.
31. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
32. Never bring attention to yourself.
33. Listen when people talk to you.
34. Be awake and be attentive.
35. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.
36. Speak simply, clearly, firmly and directly.
37. Flee imagination, analysis, figuring things out.
38. Flee carnal, sexual things at their first appearance.
39. Don’t complain, mumble, murmur or whine.
40. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
41. Don’t seek or expect praise or pity from anyone.
42. We don’t judge anyone for anything.
43. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.
44. Don’t defend or justify yourself.
45. Be defined and bound by God alone.
46. Accept criticism gratefully but test it critically.
47. Give advice to others only when asked or obligated to do so.
48. Do nothing for anyone that they can and should do for themselves.
49. Have a daily schedule of activities, avoiding whim and caprice.
50. Be merciful with yourself and with others.
51. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.
52. Focus exclusively on God and light, not on sin and darkness.
53. Endure the trial of yourself and your own faults and sins peacefully, serenely, because you know that God’s mercy is greater than your wretchedness.
54. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.
55. Get help when you need it, without fear and without shame.
Let Us Fast with Joy
Today is the second day of Great Lent, and already I can tell a difference from how I treated last Lent to this Lent. Not to be prideful or boasting in saying this, but I think I finally have a clearer understanding of what Lent is supposed to be about.
My husband and I read the first day of Fr. Thomas Hopko's "The Lenten Spring" on what the purpose of Lent is and what it means to go through it. What struck me is that he talks over and over about fasting with JOY. Not fasting in sorrow, nor fasting with solemnity. We are to fast with JOY.
So what does this mean? I believe it to mean that Lent is not a time for grieving, but to be absorbed in learning to be strengthened in God as we willingly place ourselves within the grasp of temptation. It is a time to sharpen our swords, to arm ourselves with the skills necessary to fight off temptation in everyday life. It is a time to repent, to look inward and confess our sins, repenting of them and following Christ in all things. It is a time for falling down and getting back up again.
It is also a tithe of ourselves - if you think about it, 40 days is roughly one tenth of the 365 day year. And yes, we should be giving of ourselves at all times throughout every year, but Lent is a time for us to give the best of ourselves that we possibly can to give back to God, in a reminder to ourselves that we are His.
We are fasting with joy so that we may celebrate His resurrection with the feasting joy in our hearts! Fr. Thomas Hopko says that we should never despair - it is numbered among one of the greatest of sins, he says. Lent is not a time to be sorrowful. It is a time to fight the good fight within ourselves, to deny ourselves that which we do not depend upon to live for God. This is why we fast from not only food, but other distractions and temptations as well. Media, especially, in our day in age. Simply anything that diverts our attention from God is something to live without.
I hope you have the chance to attend as many Lenten services as you can... they are my favorite! I'm looking forward to attending the Canon of St. Andrew tonight. It will be beautiful.
May you have a very joyous and blessed Lent! May God bless you as you journey through Lent.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Let us begin the lenten time with delight … let us fast from passions as we fast from food, taking pleasure in the good words of the Spirit, that we may be granted to see the holy passion of Christ our God and his holy Pascha, spiritually rejoicing.
Thy grace has arisen upon us, O Lord, the illumination of our souls has shown forth; behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the time of repentance."
~ Lenten Vesper Hymns
My husband and I read the first day of Fr. Thomas Hopko's "The Lenten Spring" on what the purpose of Lent is and what it means to go through it. What struck me is that he talks over and over about fasting with JOY. Not fasting in sorrow, nor fasting with solemnity. We are to fast with JOY.
So what does this mean? I believe it to mean that Lent is not a time for grieving, but to be absorbed in learning to be strengthened in God as we willingly place ourselves within the grasp of temptation. It is a time to sharpen our swords, to arm ourselves with the skills necessary to fight off temptation in everyday life. It is a time to repent, to look inward and confess our sins, repenting of them and following Christ in all things. It is a time for falling down and getting back up again.
It is also a tithe of ourselves - if you think about it, 40 days is roughly one tenth of the 365 day year. And yes, we should be giving of ourselves at all times throughout every year, but Lent is a time for us to give the best of ourselves that we possibly can to give back to God, in a reminder to ourselves that we are His.
We are fasting with joy so that we may celebrate His resurrection with the feasting joy in our hearts! Fr. Thomas Hopko says that we should never despair - it is numbered among one of the greatest of sins, he says. Lent is not a time to be sorrowful. It is a time to fight the good fight within ourselves, to deny ourselves that which we do not depend upon to live for God. This is why we fast from not only food, but other distractions and temptations as well. Media, especially, in our day in age. Simply anything that diverts our attention from God is something to live without.
I hope you have the chance to attend as many Lenten services as you can... they are my favorite! I'm looking forward to attending the Canon of St. Andrew tonight. It will be beautiful.
May you have a very joyous and blessed Lent! May God bless you as you journey through Lent.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Let us begin the lenten time with delight … let us fast from passions as we fast from food, taking pleasure in the good words of the Spirit, that we may be granted to see the holy passion of Christ our God and his holy Pascha, spiritually rejoicing.
Thy grace has arisen upon us, O Lord, the illumination of our souls has shown forth; behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the time of repentance."
~ Lenten Vesper Hymns
Thursday, February 3, 2011
All the Single Ladies...
This post is dedicated to my unmarried lady friends, and even for those of you who are engaged or just married.
A few nights ago, my husband and I were routinely brushing our teeth before bed, and as I looked up and locked eyes with Caleb in the mirror, I just felt it again - simply sheer unbelief that I'm the incredibly lucky gal who got to marry him. Several times a day, when I'm with him, I'll be overcome with amazement when I look at him. He is SO attractive. In every way...
I'm writing all of this because I want to express how essential it is to feel attracted emotionally, physically, spiritually and in every other way imaginable, to your spouse. Every time I look into his eyes I can't resist the feeling of being drawn in, like a magnet. I can't look away, he's so beautiful to me.
How did I get so lucky? Me! It's unreal some days, that I'm married - and to Caleb Wilson, no less!
I've been married merely a year and a half; Caleb and I have been together for hardly more than three years. That's not a lot of time, if you really think about it. Especially compared to how much time you spend with your family growing up. But when he's the right one, it doesn't matter if you've been together for three months or three years. You wake up knowing every day that you are with the man you are ready to die for, the man you are going to spend the rest of your entire existence with, the man you want to share yourself and everything with.
Of course love isn't a feeling... it's a choice, really. But there has to be something there; that "spark" really does come to play a crucial part. You can choose to love someone, but you cannot choose to be attracted to someone. Attraction is an odd thing - it's there for a reason though. It intensifies those moments of unity in marriage, like when you're sharing an inside joke or you understand each other completely while just talking or simply glancing at one another.
So, ladies... my single lady friends, when you do get married, I hope you find someone who continually sweeps you off your feet, who you can honestly be in awe of and captivated by for the rest of your life. Someone you want to serve and share with, someone who makes you feel entirely free and at home in them simultaneously. Because infatuation does run its course, but attraction is a seasoned version of that initial twitterpation, and if it's real, that attraction will never fade with the love you have for your man.
And if you are engaged or married - learn to keep the spark of attraction alive! It's not difficult... creativity is a good place to start.
There is so much to look forward to in marriage, dear single ladies, and I hope you don't "settle" for anyone who doesn't make you feel extraordinarily alive and loves you exactly the way you are. I know I am married to my soulmate, and I'm generously reminded of it every single day. Marriage is so wholesome and fulfilling if you are patient to eventually discover the right man.
I feel so cheesy saying this, but truly...
Here's to love, marriage, and being a woman!
And the Quote of the Day...
"True love does not force itself on anyone, and it does not force change; it evokes growth. How? First, by accepting one's spouse as he or she is. When we marry we do not sign up to change the other person; we just agree to love him as he is. The best thing a husband can do to change his wife, or vice-versa, is to change himself, to correct his own faults - in keeping with Christ's instruction to His followers."
(~ Unknown)
A few nights ago, my husband and I were routinely brushing our teeth before bed, and as I looked up and locked eyes with Caleb in the mirror, I just felt it again - simply sheer unbelief that I'm the incredibly lucky gal who got to marry him. Several times a day, when I'm with him, I'll be overcome with amazement when I look at him. He is SO attractive. In every way...
I'm writing all of this because I want to express how essential it is to feel attracted emotionally, physically, spiritually and in every other way imaginable, to your spouse. Every time I look into his eyes I can't resist the feeling of being drawn in, like a magnet. I can't look away, he's so beautiful to me.
How did I get so lucky? Me! It's unreal some days, that I'm married - and to Caleb Wilson, no less!
I've been married merely a year and a half; Caleb and I have been together for hardly more than three years. That's not a lot of time, if you really think about it. Especially compared to how much time you spend with your family growing up. But when he's the right one, it doesn't matter if you've been together for three months or three years. You wake up knowing every day that you are with the man you are ready to die for, the man you are going to spend the rest of your entire existence with, the man you want to share yourself and everything with.
Of course love isn't a feeling... it's a choice, really. But there has to be something there; that "spark" really does come to play a crucial part. You can choose to love someone, but you cannot choose to be attracted to someone. Attraction is an odd thing - it's there for a reason though. It intensifies those moments of unity in marriage, like when you're sharing an inside joke or you understand each other completely while just talking or simply glancing at one another.
So, ladies... my single lady friends, when you do get married, I hope you find someone who continually sweeps you off your feet, who you can honestly be in awe of and captivated by for the rest of your life. Someone you want to serve and share with, someone who makes you feel entirely free and at home in them simultaneously. Because infatuation does run its course, but attraction is a seasoned version of that initial twitterpation, and if it's real, that attraction will never fade with the love you have for your man.
And if you are engaged or married - learn to keep the spark of attraction alive! It's not difficult... creativity is a good place to start.
There is so much to look forward to in marriage, dear single ladies, and I hope you don't "settle" for anyone who doesn't make you feel extraordinarily alive and loves you exactly the way you are. I know I am married to my soulmate, and I'm generously reminded of it every single day. Marriage is so wholesome and fulfilling if you are patient to eventually discover the right man.
I feel so cheesy saying this, but truly...
Here's to love, marriage, and being a woman!
And the Quote of the Day...
"True love does not force itself on anyone, and it does not force change; it evokes growth. How? First, by accepting one's spouse as he or she is. When we marry we do not sign up to change the other person; we just agree to love him as he is. The best thing a husband can do to change his wife, or vice-versa, is to change himself, to correct his own faults - in keeping with Christ's instruction to His followers."
(~ Unknown)
Monday, January 24, 2011
New Year Resolutions - A New Spin on 2011
This is the first post of the new year, I believe! It's funny, the very second each new year hits, I automatically feel more motivated to work on things. Not that that is all bad, but what is it that makes people want to start off with a clean slate for a new year? Why can't we feel like this at the beginning of every month, or every week, or day? Thank goodness it at least happens to me at least once a year instead of once every ten years. 2011 is not an even number.
I am definitely one of those people who makes New Year Resolutions. And I do a fair job at endeavoring to keep them, but the effort in essence hasn't become a habit, so therefore, I falter right along with the February crowd. Every year.
Supposedly, it only takes twenty-one days to form a habit. Well... habits aren't necessarily lifestyles, are they? I think it takes a bit more than just twenty-one days to form a lifestyle.
And, in a nutshell, that is what I'm about this year in particular - I'm out to create a better lifestyle, made up of better habits. But I'm pretty sure it all starts with your attitude. If your attitude is in the right place, so will your motivation and determination, and consequently, you'll accomplish what you want.
For me, the biggest thing I want to start doing (for life) is living what I believe. I'm such a good talker... I'm so good in fact, that I'm hypocritical. I know exactly what I need to do, but while I'm preaching it, I'll be doing the opposite! So, starting now, I'm trying to do what I believe. It really does take courage.
I am including the classic lose weight/exercise more combo also. I still have baby weight to lose, and it's not going anywhere unless I make it! This stuff takes honesty too - brutal, unforgiving honesty. Still working on the exercise end, but the eating better is going alright so far. I bought a jump rope after I learned that you can burn up to about 500 calories if you jump rope for a straight hour. It was only $3, so I haven't really wasted any money by neglecting to use it yet. But I should start soon. I watched some YouTube videos of some crazy jump roping to psych me up.
In general, what I want is to learn how to be balanced and consistent and hard-working. Those three things will help me in my struggles right now; I'll become a much better woman as a result of diligently working on them. Along with pursuing a better spiritual life (I'll get into that next.) I think I tend to gravitate toward extremes, and when that happens, I'll go go go for one big burst and then crash like it never happened. So I want to be more consistent in how I'm doing things. I think the key with me is to make goals that are easily achievable and work from there.
On the spiritual end, I'm trying to keep my prayer rule. I want to be reading more Scripture, lives of the saints, and teachings of the Church Fathers, and I'm going to start meeting regularly with my priest to talk. I definitely need accountability and some direction from a priest.
So, I think I'm on the right track!
Some things I've realized make me feel best are:
* Doing something for Caleb every day
* Doing something for me every day: something I love or want to do
* Working around the house somehow every day
* Doing a good job taking care of Cillian every day
* Play piano a little every day
* Pray every day
* Eat right and do something active every day
There are many others, but those are the main ones that make me feel like I'm being a worthy wife and mother, and just a good human being.
So, all of that said - I hope you make it a point to start better lifestyles and not be so wrapped up in starting new habits! I think new and improved habits are good, but they only get you so far. If your attitude is willing, you can create any lifestyle you can dream of.
Happy New Year, folks! May it be a wonderful 2011 for all of you!
Here's the first Quote of the Day for the new year, from the 2011 Orthodox Daily Calendar:
"He who is not submissive in his talk will certainly not be so in what he does. To be unfaithful in the small things is to be unfaithful in the great, and this is very hard to bring under control."
~ St. John Climacus
I am definitely one of those people who makes New Year Resolutions. And I do a fair job at endeavoring to keep them, but the effort in essence hasn't become a habit, so therefore, I falter right along with the February crowd. Every year.
Supposedly, it only takes twenty-one days to form a habit. Well... habits aren't necessarily lifestyles, are they? I think it takes a bit more than just twenty-one days to form a lifestyle.
And, in a nutshell, that is what I'm about this year in particular - I'm out to create a better lifestyle, made up of better habits. But I'm pretty sure it all starts with your attitude. If your attitude is in the right place, so will your motivation and determination, and consequently, you'll accomplish what you want.
For me, the biggest thing I want to start doing (for life) is living what I believe. I'm such a good talker... I'm so good in fact, that I'm hypocritical. I know exactly what I need to do, but while I'm preaching it, I'll be doing the opposite! So, starting now, I'm trying to do what I believe. It really does take courage.
I am including the classic lose weight/exercise more combo also. I still have baby weight to lose, and it's not going anywhere unless I make it! This stuff takes honesty too - brutal, unforgiving honesty. Still working on the exercise end, but the eating better is going alright so far. I bought a jump rope after I learned that you can burn up to about 500 calories if you jump rope for a straight hour. It was only $3, so I haven't really wasted any money by neglecting to use it yet. But I should start soon. I watched some YouTube videos of some crazy jump roping to psych me up.
In general, what I want is to learn how to be balanced and consistent and hard-working. Those three things will help me in my struggles right now; I'll become a much better woman as a result of diligently working on them. Along with pursuing a better spiritual life (I'll get into that next.) I think I tend to gravitate toward extremes, and when that happens, I'll go go go for one big burst and then crash like it never happened. So I want to be more consistent in how I'm doing things. I think the key with me is to make goals that are easily achievable and work from there.
On the spiritual end, I'm trying to keep my prayer rule. I want to be reading more Scripture, lives of the saints, and teachings of the Church Fathers, and I'm going to start meeting regularly with my priest to talk. I definitely need accountability and some direction from a priest.
So, I think I'm on the right track!
Some things I've realized make me feel best are:
* Doing something for Caleb every day
* Doing something for me every day: something I love or want to do
* Working around the house somehow every day
* Doing a good job taking care of Cillian every day
* Play piano a little every day
* Pray every day
* Eat right and do something active every day
There are many others, but those are the main ones that make me feel like I'm being a worthy wife and mother, and just a good human being.
So, all of that said - I hope you make it a point to start better lifestyles and not be so wrapped up in starting new habits! I think new and improved habits are good, but they only get you so far. If your attitude is willing, you can create any lifestyle you can dream of.
Happy New Year, folks! May it be a wonderful 2011 for all of you!
Here's the first Quote of the Day for the new year, from the 2011 Orthodox Daily Calendar:
"He who is not submissive in his talk will certainly not be so in what he does. To be unfaithful in the small things is to be unfaithful in the great, and this is very hard to bring under control."
~ St. John Climacus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)