Surfin' the Net

The internet is just so awesome.


And I'm just so emotional.

This had me tear up; it's the story of the mama whale, who's baby died, minutes after giving birth, who is keeping her calf above water by balancing her on the tip of her nose. Which is exhausting, as that calf is probably about 400 pounds. But this is how heavy grief is.

It's been over two weeks. Her pod is helping her carry that burden by sharing the grief. They are taking turns holding the calf so the mom can rest.

*tears

Oh that I might be like that squad and take my turn holding someone's grief.

News story is here.


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Was chatting with a friend today who is struggling with disappointment and rejection. Along with that, of course, comes feelings of fear. And inadequacy.
At one point she said, "And then, there's that voice that SCREAMS at me that I'm not good enough."

That voice, of course, is the one in her head.
I suggested she not listen to that voice.
It is lying to her.
Think of other things.
Think of good things.
Happy things.
Things that make her smile.
Think of things that ARE TRUE.
Think of things that are BEAUTIFUL.
And then I shared with her some of the art I have on my phone, on my computer, on my digital photo frame that sits on my desk at work:

This verse used to bug me.
I wanted to know what all the good, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy things actually WERE.

And then, I realized, this was just a good mental health verse. It is a gentler way of your therapist telling you to STOP THINKING ABOUT THE THINGS THAT DRIVE YOU CRAZY, MAKE YOU ANGRY, FILL YOU WITH FEAR. STOP PLAYING THAT OLD RECORD OVER AND OVER AGAIN... DON'T REVISIT THAT CONVERSATION WHERE HE SAID THAT. DON'T TALK ABOUT THAT TIME SHE DID THAT HURTFUL THING. STOP REMEMBERING THE DETAILS OF THAT TERRIBLE FIGHT.

Just stop all the negative thoughts.

Instead, think of things that are good. (Like the way it feels to hold a two year old's hand.) And lovely. (Like the way the sun makes everything golden just before it sets.) And true. (There are people who love you. And there are people who are in awe of all that you do. And there are people who'd love to hang out with you.) And lovely. (Like the smiles Harry and Meghan had for each other on their wedding day. Your smile. Your kids' smiles.) And excellent. (The way Vince Gill harmonizes with the Eagles.) And noble. (The way your grandpa prays at family meals.) And worthy of praise. (The way you can cook a meal, empty the dishwasher, set the table, and do a load of laundry ALL AT THE SAME TIME...)

Think of good things.
Think of good people.
Think of ways to say thank you.
Think of ways to show appreciation.

Think of things you are thankful for.

Lift that needle off that groove on your record and drop it on a new song.
Force yourself to think new thoughts.

You're a smart cookie. You can do this.
xo


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I had a pedi tonight after work. (Attending another wedding this weekend. If I can't have a flat stomach, at least I'll have pink toes.

While she was using sandpaper to file down my heels, she said, "Wow, feet like the hide of a rhino, eh? Sure can tell you're barefoot most of the time. Bet they don't bleed when you step on glass ..."

Sigh.
And this:

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An acquaintance of mine is off on an adventure.
She's on her own, living out of her Honda car for the summer, on the roadtrip of a lifetime.

She drove up to the Arctic Ocean and slept on the edge of the Beauford Sea.

She's got a blog, Diane Has Adventures. You should read it.

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How many of these did you know?

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Three things I'm thankful for:

1. My mom's deck;

Haha:

2. Airmiles.


3. Drewbs.
It's his birthday today.
Love him x 1000