Wednesday’s Word: Devotion

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. (Author unknown)

What is the difference between devotion and duty? Devotion is defined as passionate, enthusiastic, eager and often selfless love and dedication, as to a person or principle. Duty is defined as something you have to do, an obligation, a responsibility and even includes taxes, payments and dues.

Recently I was asked this question and I began to look at who I am and what I do through the lens of “devotion versus duty.” First I looked at primary relationships, which for me included God, my spouse, children, other family members and even close friends. Then I considered some of the things I do.

When I honestly evaluated myself, I realized that I was sometimes loving and doing from a sense of duty, and it was precisely there that unsettledness, frustration and other unsavory emotions dwelled.

When is it acceptable to do something from the perspective of duty? Could there be areas in your life where a shift from duty to devotion could lead to a more fulfilling and successful life or mission? What if parenting rose up from devotion to the family and the children? Are there times when you can be devoted to something and it is harmful to those that you love the most? Is it possible that we can learn to be better human beings from our dogs?

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Devotion (August 11, 2010)
Neighbor (August 4, 2010)
Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)
B R E A T H E (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s word: Peace

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

(Thomas a Kempis)

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow

(Swedish Proverb)

Wednesday’s word: PEACE. Do you want to grow peace within your mind and spirit? What if the word peace described your home, workplace and even your mind and spirit? Is it possible to have a peaceful spirit even in the midst of daily duties? Most of us would gladly welcome greater peace and calm within our minds and our overall being.

Peace within ourselves – what does it look like? What helps you cultivate a sense of peace within you? Here are my ten top ways to cultivate peace in my life.

How do you welcome peaceful moments into your life? What could you do today to nurture peace within your spirit?

Wednesday’s words:

Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)

Daisy Smiles!

Can a dog smile? Does your dog smile or have you seen a dog smile? Many people including professionals contend that dogs do not smile or at least that contraction of muscles around a dog’s mouth is not a smile, as we understand it. In fact, many say that it indicates submission to the current situation, person or another animal.

Bob, a young bachelor came home from work on a wintry, cold, rainy night about eighteen months ago. As he walked up on his porch, he discovered a shivering, muddy, injured and wet dog. The dog was small and appeared to be a beagle mix. Bob called the Humane Society and they asked him if he would take care of the dog overnight. (Probably a secret trick they use!)

Bob bathed and fed the small dog and allowed it to sleep near the corner of his bed. He said the dog did not move from a curled up position unless he moved her. After several attempts to find its owner and after the veterinarian commenting that he though the dog liked Bob, Bob decided to keep the dog. He named her Daisy.

Do you think animals smile? I am sure Daisy smiles . . . I have seen it! In fact, Daisy smiles a lot . . . it is the sweetest thing. Does your animal smile? My own dog, Kipper smiles and I assure you it is not about submission!

Power Outage – Be Prepared!

How do you survive power outages? What is the difference between true essentials and mere comforts?

Two weeks ago, the wind was strong, the ground was wet… and a tree fell near my house! My power was out for almost eight hours. Alone and in the dark, unable to go anywhere, I’m going to be honest – I was miserable. Eight hours in the dark with nothing to do except look at my dog and call my husband and complain (thanks, Tim – I’m not sure I would have been as patient!). It’s a little embarrassing when I really think about how miserable (and pathetic) I was, but one thing I vowed: I will be better prepared for next time!

I now have a little place in my closet with necessary supplies. This includes both essential and comfort items. If I’m completely honest, I had all the essentials – what I was lacking were the things that would make me comfortable.

Essentials:
Batteries
Flashlights
Candles – however, careful here
Matches
Know how to open the garage door when the power is off!
Call the power company immediately – do not assume your neighbor did!
Food and water

Comforts:
Lights that work with batteries (so that you can read)
iPod or CD player that works off batteries (back ground music is a must)
Extra little LED lights around the house . . . it’s amazing how dark, dark can be!
Keep your cell phone charged
Red wine (white would need to be chilled) 
Chocolate
A friend

Any other suggestions? We have more bad weather on the way and we also have storm season to look forward to in the spring. Might as well get prepared!

Reducing Stress – A Woman’s “Stress Less” List!

Women everywhere have sore shoulders from carrying around way too much stress.  If you are alive, you are experiencing stress.  During the past 18 months, my husband had an kidney transplant; my mother was diagnosed with cancer and endured chemotherapy; my father’s health declined drastically and he died; a trusted friend broke my confidence; a daughter moved; a daughter became engaged and married; I lost my job and everyone knows what has happened to our family’s retirement funds!  

I know that you all experience stress that is unique to women and, as women, you are finding creative ways to lessen its weight on your shoulders. 

I would like to propose a “Stress Less” List, and I encourage you to make and share yours here.   A “Stress Less” list is a like a “Bucket List,” but of healthy, creative ways to lessen stress’s grip on your spirit.   This simple step prepares you to live life more joyfully and help others at the same time.

This is only the beginning of my “Stress Less” list.    

• Play with my dog
• Read a magazine . . especially Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family!
• Talk with my husband
• Spend time with my daughters
• Girls Night Out:  Forsyth Woman’s Girls Night Out is great and I am planning my own at my home!
• Relax in the backyard -listening and observing nature
• Clean the house. (weird, but it does help me reduce stress – sometimes)
• Watch the blue bird family in my bird house
• Purchase flowers for my house (just the inexpensive cut flowers at the grocery store, I love arranging them)
• Bicycle ride or walk at Tanglewood Park
• Pray
• Sing (it’s best for me to keep my windows closed or it could cause stress for my neighbors)
• Get a pedicure
• Suggestions . . . . ?

Start your own personal list, begin it today, and share it!  We will get ideas from one another!