Days 41, 42

What I did:

As I mentioned last week, I won't be posting on Sundays because there is simply too much already going on that day with Sunday school, church and my little one's nursing home ministry.

I spent the weekend rearranging my room, dusting, playing with the kids and even trying a new recipe, which didn't turn out good (looking) at all! Prior to this experiment, I would have just thrown my hands up in the air and confirmed in my mind that I am no cook! Instead, I have resolved to figure out what went wrong and try again. That will be in the next week or so since I didn't really have "failing" in my grocery budget.

I got some reading done and even told myself to rest here and there. I had my grandson here as usual for the weekend, and he was just an angel. I think he's really getting a good idea of how he fits in with us all. It's always such a blessing to be able to kiss his chubby little cheeks and see him smile. For some reason, he can't say "Grammy", so he always calls me "Baby". Hey, don't knock it - having a younger man call me "Baby" is very satisfying to the old ego!

I am also feeling incredible physically again, and the pattern for a few months of pain followed by virtually none has been a cycle I have seen for about the last fifteen years. Now that I have an idea of the ups and downs, it helps me to maximize the good days by accomplishing more, and it also helps me to realize that the painful moments don't stick around forever.

What I learned:

I am finding the twist and turns of this experiment very interesting. When I began, I focused only on the outward things. The house, the diet, the exercise. I am now seeing a whole different mindset evolving out of my desire to do the right thing each and every time it comes to mind. When I want to give up, I keep going. When I feel discouraged, I find hope and comfort in God. When I find my thoughts wandering down a negative path, I catch myself firmly redirecting myself to dwell on worthy thoughts. When I want to push people away, I draw closer to them. When I see a need, I try to fill it. When I find myself thinking all about "me", I constructively think of something I can do for someone else.

My experiment used to be about what I could force my body to do, whether it be jogging, dieting or vacuuming the whole house when I'd rather be sitting around daydreaming. Now, I'm finding the "right thing" for me is often a changing of my mind. I think I'm getting it...it all begins in our minds, hearts and thoughts. Get those on the right path, and everything else will fall into place!

Until Tomorrow~~~Elizabeth