“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~Marcus Aurelius
Here's a little piece of honest truth...
When I'm stressed, or tired, or overwhelmed, or find my vessel empty and my beingness running on fumes, my view of life tends to narrow just a little bit.
And here's how that translates: the “rosiness” seems to fade just a touch, a smidgen more heaviness-of-spirit comes in, and I find myself focusing more on what seems to be missing or lacking than what there is of value that feeds and nourishes and inspires me.
That is not to say that when I find myself going through these more trying moments that they are not legitimate, or that I do not have an actual reason to feel a bit worn and weary.
I very well may have a good, solid reason, one that totally makes sense and offers a completely feasible explanation for how I feel and why I am finding myself seeing through a glass darkly.
But losing sight of a bigger picture, one that is grander than the tiny little dim moment that I am in, the temporary “blah” or the funk, has never been a headspace that I've felt comfortable luxuriating in for a moment longer than the very moment that I realize this is the state that I'm in.
As soon as I consciously become aware of how I am feeling, and that things are lacking luster and I need a moment to replenish myself, I begin examining how I can turn things around and gain some fresh perspective.
And I begin first by seeking out my gratitude once again when it seems to have (embarrassingly) “left the building”.
In the “get to”, I find some of the playfulness once again, engage that seeker in me, touch upon my curious side...
In the midst of one these recent moments, I had a thought that really turned things around for me and completely changed my perspective, not to mention brought back in my gratitude.
And this is what it was: that all that I do, I get to do, rather than have to do.
“Get to”.
It's a slight shift in perspective, but boy did that make a difference.
To see the things in my life that are at times mundane, or stressful, or overwhelming, or repetitive as things that I get to do—get to participate in, get to bring meaning to, get to find meaning in, get to express myself through, get to make a difference with—is a real gift, one that I never want to take for granted for even a moment.
It is a reminder that I am, indeed, totally free to do as I please (as is everyone), and that I choose to participate in what I choose to participate in, ultimately.
And that freedom found in the “get to” mentality brings so much openness, so much lightness, so much more joy and color and gratitude, that it lifts me out of my funk and helps to bring me back into alignment with truth and purpose and meaning.
It brings back in more of the rosiness, more of the wonder, more of the inspiration.
And that makes all the difference in everyday life and how I live it.
In the “get to”, I find some of the playfulness once again, engage that seeker in me, touch upon my curious side, and begin to see things afresh and anew.
And it is exactly what is needed to jolt me out of that sense of feeling like I've hit a wall, or that some of that “joie de vivre”—that joy of life—has slipped away.
So the next time I begin to feel a little stressed, or tired, or overwhelmed, or find my vessel empty and my beingness running on fumes, I'll do my best to remind myself that everything that I do, I get to do.
And getting to do anything at all is a grand gift, indeed.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Debbie
Thank you once again for a wonderful post. They always come at just the right time it seems.
This has been a very emotional and tiring year. Both parents were ill and declining at the same time and I was given the blessing of "getting to" take care of them and to try to make life as comfortable and happy as I could for them. I was blessed to have the opportunity to care for two people that cared for me and my siblings for so very long.
My sweet Father passed on to a better place the end of July and my sweet Mother the end of August. Both are happier now than I could have ever made them. Am I sad, absolutely, but, I read your wonderful post and I smiled at all the "Get To(s)" I had the chance to have.
Thank you for touching my heart through all the difficult times.
P.S. I'll smile also when I make your Beef Barley Soup and share with loved ones.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for sharing here about your own personal experience with this concept of "getting to". You wrote beautifully about it, and what you shared completely reflects the idea behind seeing something that may be challenging as something that may also be a privilege to participate in, something that you "get to" to do, rather than "have to" do.
And caring for parents that are in need of the care is most certainly an honor and privilege after the love that they have provided.
I am so very sorry for the loss of both of your parents so recently, and I truly hope for peace, strength, and that healing light to come in and lift you up, invigorate you, and bring in fresh perspective and purpose.
Again, thank you for sharing with me, Debbie; and may you and your loved ones be comforted by the soup as well.
Hugs to you...
Shelley
Such a beautifully written reminder. I personally heavily dislike grocery shopping. A dear friend of mine who is no longer with us was sick with cancer and had lost the ability to do the simplest of things for himself. One day he said to me "All I want to do is drive myself to the store to go grocery shopping." All he wanted was a day to be able to do something I didn't like doing. I remember his words when I find myself dreading going grocery shopping. I am so fortunate I *get* to go.
The Cozy Apron
Shelley, I cannot thank you enough for sharing this personal example of "getting to" not only with me, but with other readers. This truly epitomizes the concept.
I often consider situations such as this when things get a little heavy, and I try to remind myself that perhaps there is someone, somewhere, that wishes they could do the simple things that are so easy to take for granted, that I "get to" do.
Again, thank you for such a personal comment...such a wonderful reminder to us all.