Well friends, here we are at the last few minutes of March 6, 2013 (so last minute, this will probably post on March 7). I have survived yet another anniversary with... little wear and tear.
I miss our pretty girl just like every other day and her birthday will probably always be a day that messes me up a little inside, but there were things that were especially hard and especially easy about this birthday.
I can count my blessings and still wish the little miss was here.
One of the things I have really been... thinking on this last couple of weeks is if I am acting in ways that are aligned with my values. This started to come to a pass when Pete and I took a "finance class" called bootstraps. It was not your typical money class where you discuss income versus expenses equal dispensable income sort of thing. This class spent a lot of time talking about what your values and goals are. Finally, about halfway through the class, they introduce the fact that your values and goals should align with how you spend your money.
To me, it was more of a stress relief technique. If your actions are in line with your values, your life is more at peace and less stressful. When they are not, the term is Cognitive dissonance ("Cognitive dissonance refers to a situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors. This produces a feeling of discomfort leading to an alteration in one of the attitudes, beliefs or behaviors to reduce the discomfort and restore balance etc." http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html)
Well my friends, there has been some dissonance in my life as of late. And... a lot of stress. It has at times seemed to come at me from all sides, making it rather difficult to conclude how to stop it, and what action to take first.
My top 5 values are, in no particular order: Relationships, Peaceful & serene environments, service to others, creativity, and courage.
So I am meditating on what areas are in dissonance and how I can act more towards those values, putting those 5 things first and relieving... the DISSONANCE (I like how the word even has an ominous sound to it... dissonance...).
In the meantime I have been enjoying a song on the Mumford and Sons Babel album, so here it is, for your listening pleasure:
You were cold as the blood through your bones
And the light which led us from our chosen homes
Well I was lost
And now I sleep
Sleep the hours and that I can't weep
When all I knew was steeped in blackened holes
I was lost
Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
And I was still
I was under your spell
When I was told by Jesus all was well
So all must be well
Just give me time
You know your desires and mine
So wrap my flesh in ivy and in twine
For I must be well
Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Oh keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Oh keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Copyright:Universal Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics from <a href="http://www.elyrics.net">eLyrics.net</a>
So, this week, that is the concentration over here. Keep the earth below my feet... let me learn from where I have been. Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn..."
Who knows what that means as far as long term planning for me. But as it comes along, I will keep you updated :)
Also, I joined a website called the dayzero project. I have started a list of 101 things I would like to do in 1001 days. Some are simplistic, others are something I would like to make a more regular habit. I have not quite gotten to 101 yet, but I will post the full list for you to follow along with once I get it all down. Also, you can take a look at their project here: dayzeroproject.com
