Before I get to my topic today, I want to say thanks to everyone who expressed support for my case of poison ivy. My visit to the doc yesterday was special. Of course, this was the first time I had been to this clinic, and my new doctor and I seemed to really hit it off. We both play guitar and sing. We both write songs. We both love history. We are both Christians. We spent 2 minutes talking about my poison ivy affliction and 40 minutes discussing the stuff we both love. Then, he gave me a prescription for Prednisone, and it is already kicking the H out of my problem. Praise the Lord.
On to the main topic of today's blog.......
I got to my workout facility this morning at 6:00. I was mindlessly lifting weights when I slowly became aware of the radio station DJ talking between songs. Usually, the workout music and the comments of the DJ are nothing more than unconscious noise to my ears. But today, the DJ's words took on true meaning for me:
---Do you ever feel like you are unappreciated? What do you do during those times? Do you sulk? Do you become depressed? Do you get down on yourself? Are you hard to get along with?
---In my life, I have exhibited all of those negative traits when I feel others are not appreciating me.
---But it finally occurred to me that it is more blessed to give than to receive. And I found that when I give appreciation to others, it actually fulfills my need for appreciation. Sounds crazy, but it works like magic.
---I compare it to Christmas time, when the joy of giving to others makes me feel so much better than receiving gifts for myself.
Wow. I've been thinking about that, and it makes a lot of sense. I guess all of us feel down about things from time to time. I think I'll take this DJ's advice, and begin to consciously combat my negative feelings by giving more support to others.
Call these the music, poetry, fact and fiction of a dreamer....Call this LYRICS of LOVE and LORE.
Very thought-provoking, Clint. I enjoy giving and do so every day in the form of kind words, compliments, time, and sometimes goods and services. But, there are times when I have to struggle not to become bitter because it seems the more I give the more gets put on me to do. Because I am efficient at work I almost always have time to help others finish their work so they can get out on time. And that's ok except for when I see them online or on the phone, gossiping, or out smoking. I pray for strength and understanding. I've tried not helping them out but feel guilty having free-time on my hands. I have even shown them how I do my work to get it done on time and it has been no help. Am I doomed to be overworked as long as I stay where I am or do you have some sage advice for this old gal who's anxious to retire but just can't for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteglad the meds are working!
ReplyDeletebeautiful and true thoughts. unselfish love is the essence of some teachings i am currently reading. unselfish love - compassion, kindness, giving, caring, sharing - is the path to true happiness and inner peace.=)
An example is the man and his wife who had the flat tire down the street from us this morning. As I said, we have to do something for them. I was so glad you were able to help by giving them some cold bottled water and keeping an eye on their vehicle while they were away having the flat fixed. You also had a good little visit with the neighbor who gave us some delicious looking homegrown tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that everyone else passed the couple who had the flat with no one else offerning help. That has absolutely no bearing on our decision to help someone, we need to help as soon as we can, it become second nature to us.
Happy to know the prednisone is working. Praise God that he is talking and communicating to us all the time because he loves us.Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad you got a fix for that poison!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes- true about your thoughts.
It is always a better day when I live outside myself!
So glad you got relief and also met a new friend.
ReplyDeleteIf there were a wrestling match, positve will beat negative every time, especially if is directed towards another. Makes us forget ourselves.
great reminder.
Arkansas Patti
Unselfish love ,one of your fellow bloggers commented.I to have that problem of caring a chip on my shoulder and than I did a stupid thing,I passed it onto my daughter who is 35 going on 16! but ya,sometimes I feel my glass is only 1/2 ful or is it 1 / 2 empty,OMG I'm going crazy aren't I
ReplyDeleteNegative feelings mean we are becoming too self-aware and nothing beats that like you say - transferring our awareness elsewhere - preferably another person, but it can be any other living thing. By the way - we appreciate you : )
ReplyDeleteClint.Only trust in God ok?dont think of anything leave all your troubles away.
ReplyDeletewhen i was in Cypruz i went to the little holy church on the hill..I dont know why but i kiss all the holy icons of jesus and maria..and someone else(i dont know)and markable strength folowed me the rest of my vacatition..do you belive??YES I DO!!..have you seen the movie the Rite witj Anthony Hopkings??it is good.
am glad you r feeling better.I will be thinking of you.Many friendly kisses!!
Good to hear that you went to a Doctor and hopefully the medicine will help very fast.
ReplyDeletegreetings and get well soon.
I have felt all those thing these past few months but come to the conclusion I have done my best and if the other person has problems with that........well that's his problem. I have a life to live and I'm getting on with it.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week-end.
Yvonne.
I am beginning to itch now....
ReplyDeleteI had to buy over the counter prednisone too Clint. Didn't go to the doctor. I looked around for a natural cure last year, read about jewel weed. The only problem was I couldn't find any around here. I hate steroids it would have been the treatment of last choice, but last year it was the only choice I had.
ReplyDeleteHi Clint -
ReplyDeleteI go on record to state that I appreciate you and your blog.
Refreshing indeed.