"For Where There is Breath"
At times it can seem as if we have two choices; a future with no hope, or hope with no future. Not long ago I found myself at the emergency room after being ill for about 6 months. By the time my family convinced me to go, I had fallen in the category of hope with no future. My gallbladder was in terrible shape and was leaking into my system. I was barely leaving home; I was vomiting and suffering from extreme diarrhea. I felt like a shell of the person I once was. Not only was I having trouble thinking, but I had a difficult time physically doing the things I had always taken for granted. My yoga practice (which I have enjoyed for most of my adult life), was nonexistent. My weights remained in the corner, and I could not focus while meditating. This post is not to discourage, but to encourage you to consider taking better care of your health.
After the surgery and a recuperation period, I began to gain strength; the fog in mind began to dissipate, and my hope returned stronger than ever. Soon I was back on my yoga mat, challenging myself with weights, and typing away on my upcoming book, and eating to fuel my body.
I threw myself into my writing, "Appalachia: Through the Eyes of it's People", which means a great deal to me as generations of my family hail from Eastern Kentucky. I plan to write a third book based on justice (more about that later). The point being that we not only have the choice of hope with no future or future with no hope. We can have hope for the future while living in the present.
I am a firm believer that when body, mind, and spirit work together, our intentions are more likely to become accomplishments. Of course, this doesn't happen automatically; it takes work. All three entities must be acknowledged. All three must be fed, listened to, and purposefully challenged. I am grateful that my illness was not more severe. I am fortunate to have recovered. I acquiesce that I alone, am responsible for caring for my body. We are promised the moment we currently living and no more. Every single day is a blessing and every single day counts. Regardless of what we are dealing with physically, mentally, or emotionally, my hope is that joy can be found in the beauty of simple pleasures:
*have a cup of tea
*play a game with a loved one
*look at old photos
*enjoy art such as coloring or painting
*focus on making your home a sanctuary by creating a place of beauty and cleanliness
*get moving! Take a walk or pull out that yoga mat
*visualize! The more you do, the closer you become the person you desire to be
*prioritize the brain clutter; we can't do it all at once
*relinquish those memories that have caused pain by replacing them with new and positive thoughts
*engage in acts of kindness
The list is endless and is personal to each of us. The point is to find what you enjoy and do it with zest! I hope this post leaves you feeling a sense of hope. This quote is one that I have shared with my two daughters over and over again. Have a great day and my best to all!
"Where there is breath, there is hope."
