Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Stepping Away From the Chaos

There are times in our lives when it becomes necessary to voluntarily withdraw for a while.  It could be for just a moment in order to catch our breath, or it might take a week of retreat and self-care.  The crucial thing is that we recognize our need to take that time, and that we then honor ourselves by doing something about it.
I am getting better at this.  When I feel like life is pulling me in a direction which I know will drain the very Life-Force out of me, I try to allow myself some extra time to do the things which will recharge and re-nourish my spirit.  I give myself permission to step back from all of the chaos which sometimes surrounds me and I spend some time reconnecting with myself, with quiet and especially, with God.  I find that the older I get, the more that this becomes not an indulgence, but a necessity.

What are some of the things that you do in order to re-connect with your spirit?  Do you find it difficult to allow yourself to step away from things for a while, or is this something which has become a part of your daily routine?  I would love it if you would share your thoughts about this in the "comments" section.  If you haven't commented here before, I would really enjoy hearing from you, as well!  You never know when what you have to add might enhance someone else's life.

On another note:

AD2 is graduating from High School tomorrow!  It definitely has not sunk in yet, but I am sure that it will when I see her in her cap and gown.  It will be bittersweet, as my dad, who is very close to AD2, will not be able to attend.  My father was very ill and was hospitalized last week.   He started out with food poisoning(possibly tomatoes!), and he became so dehydrated that they hospitalized him.  Thank God they did, because he was on the verge of having a stroke.  They found some serious heart problems, which we are addressing right now.  He is home, but the doctors are still trying to stabilize him with some very heavy-duty medications.  He must go in each day for blood-work so that the doctors can check his enzyme levels.  Very, very scary especially right on the heels of my younger brother's death from Heart Failure.  I am very anxious about this, which is why I am in need of some extra downtime right now.  Just trying very hard to keep some of my sanity in check.  Any good thoughts or prayers which you can send my fathers way would be greatly appreciated!

13 comments:

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Prayers? Consider it done.

I won't pretend to imagine how scary this must be for you but I will send you all of the positive healing strength I can muster.

We are all here for you Deb.

I hope tomorrow's graduation brings you a moment of joy amongst this uncertain time.

You focus on your daughter - let the rest of us focus on your Dad.

Hallie

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for a while now, but I do not believe I have ever commented. You have a beautiful way of expressing your thoughts and feelings into words. I enjoy your writing very much.

I will be praying for your family, especially your Dad. I am glad you can recognize and gift yourself with time away from the worries and stress in your life.

I, too, can now recognize when I need an "escape" and have finally given myself permission to do it when I need it. On a hot summer afternoon, I enjoy going into a cool, dark theatre by myself to see a light romantic comedy and just being able to laugh and enjoy it while putting my stress and worries out of my mind for a couple of hours, at least. That is just one way I enjoy an "escape."

Congratulations to AD2 on her high school graduation. I wish her much success in her future.

Take care,

Hazel

Catherine Holman said...

I will keep your father and your family in my prayers. You definitely need to take time for yourself and your family. When my father was diagnosed with cancer, I quit teaching art classes in order to spend more time with him. We lost him a few years ago, and I'm very glad I spent that time with him.
Hugs,
Cathie

Ness said...

Oh, Deb, you've got my prayers for the return of good health to my dad. I remember what it's like to have one graduating and one in the hospital/sick. Focus on your angel, Deb. This is her 15 min. of fame and she needs her mom who has always been her biggest fan. As far as calling a time out for me, I am getting better at it. Because I've learned if I don't do it for me, noone else will. And if I don't take care of me, I will only get worse. I took one last night in my recliner with kid chaos around me and I focused on my wall hanging of a cabin in the Fall. I went there in my mind, raked the leaves, felt the cool air on my face, made and put an apple pie into the oven and grabbed my shaw and a book and went out to read in my rocker on my covered front porch that overlooks the valley. I checked on my pie, make me a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and went back to look at God's handiwork as the sun began to set over the mountain. The purples and oranges and pinks of the sky as the sun was setting was magnificent. I went in afterwards, ate some supper and came back out to find the constellations in the star filled sky. When I heard the hoot of the owl, it was time to lock up and go to bed. When I came back to the real world of my chaotic apartment with Shrek on the DVD player I felt like I had really been at the cabin. Congratulations on your graduate and please post pics when you can of her graduation. Love ya.

Irene Latham said...

Hi Deb - praying for you father's recovery and for your family as you go through this stressful time. So excited for AD2! How great is that feeling to be on the brink of the whole world? Definitely a sweet time of life. As for escaping chaos, it's interesting. I think in our heart of hearts, we humans thrive on chaos. We NEED it. It provides a focus, a charge that forces us to keep moving through life. But yes, the spirit can only take so much at a time and rejunation is a necessity too. For me, it's a half-hour in the late afternoon tucked away in my dark bedroom that helps keep me balanced. Darkness and silence. Then I'm ready to go at it again. Hey, I love the way your pics go with your posts! Poetic. :) xxoo

Lynn said...

I do find it hard to take time out. My problem is that when I do have free time, I spend it doing not-as-enriching things. Nothing awful, but I spend way too much time just surfing the internet, etc ("dinking around") as my husband calls it. Thanks for reminding me that the most refreshing thing is to be with God. I do also enjoy taking a nice hot shower when I am really stressed, and sitting with a kitty on my lap.
I'll be praying for you.
-Lynn

Debra said...

Hallie,

Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. You make my heart smile.

Hazel,

Thank you so very much for your wonderful comment! I am so glad to know that you are out there. Do you have a blog? If so, I would love to read it! I love your suggestion about how to "escape". I will have to try that one! Please say hello again in the future.

Cathie,

As always, you are such a kind spirit, and I love hearing from you. I am so sorry that you lost your Dad, but it is inspiring to know that you were able to spend so much wonderful time with him before he passed. Thank you for your prayers.

Nessie,

What a great get-away you created for yourself! I love how you described every moment. Wonderful! You are always such an inspiration to me, and I just adore you.

Irene,

I think that you are correct when you say that we tend to "thrive" on chaos as human beings. I think it helps to motivate us at times. I also think that some people are better at handling it than others. You are very wise in honoring your need for some darkness and silence in the afternoon. Thank you for always being such a kind and thoughtful friend. You are a godsend!

Lynn,

I am totally in favor of relaxing with a kitty on my lap! That is one of my favorite things to do! Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I am glad that you are here.

To all of my Blogging Friends,

You keep me going in a way I never thought possible. THANK YOU!!!

Hugs and love,
Debbie

Alison said...

Congratulations to AD2...and congratulations to you, my friend, for listening to your soul and fulfilling its needs!!

I hope you father makes a full and speedy recovery...

You are in my thoughts and prayers..

Cheryl Finley said...

Dearest Deb,
I know what you're going thru isn't easy. Here's a bear hug
(((0))) from me...and I'm wrapping you, your dad and your famil in radiant loving loving energy right now...knowing that each hand that touches him is a healing hand, and each thought is one of healing, compassion and honor.

And yes,pull back and take care of you - don't push. Let yourself be enrobed in the grace of our Creator. All is indeed well, my friend. (breethe...)
love you lots...
Cheryl

P.S. If you would, please email me your dad's full name and city and state (I like to be specific when doing healing work on behalf of others)

tj said...

...Hello Debra, I'm sorry to hear that your father is having health issues and I will keep you both in my prayers. Yes, this is a very anxious time for you with AD2's graduation, your father and your recent loss and I couldn't agree more that finding a place to reconnect within yourself and God are so very important...

...My biggest congrat's to AD2 - her future holds so much promise and I wish her all of life's best!

...My way of reconnecting is usually outdoors marveling at the beauty of mother nature or sitting in my fav' chair listening to jazz... :o)

...Sending many blessings your way...

tj said...

...Oh, and this too...{{{{{hug}}}}} ;o)

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I've been out of town so I am catching up on what I missed. Praying and hoping all is well...


xoxo

Blue said...

Hi Deb,
Thanks for the comments on my blog! I've read a few posts on yours and will be back for more! Your girls are beautiful and look happy from the inside out...which is priceless. Yes, I'd love your book recommendations...feel free to comment and leave any you like. Nice to "meet" you! Your blog makes me miss CA (I grew up in Newport Beach/Costa Mesa) ♥

Related Posts with Thumbnails