image from futureofcio.blogspot.com Happiness is enlightenment and blessings.
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“From a mind filled with infinite love comes the power to create infinite possibilities. We have the power to think in ways that reflect and attract all the love in the world. Such thinking is called enlightenment. Enlightenment is not a process we work toward, but a choice available to us in any instant.”
― Marianne Williamson, The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles
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Day by Day, my reality had been the same. The way this morning began I wondered if I was going to make it with any degree of equanimity. For several days now I’ve been troubled with an annoying pain in my left arm. When I say arm I’m not being very accurate, it actually feels as though my entire shoulder-blade through to my fingertips is being crushed under a tonne of rocks. Enlightenment seemed a long way away.
Even after the pain has subsided, how strange to use a word like that when we also talk about the ‘area subsiding after an earthquake’, my entire arm feels numb and somewhat uncoordinated. It has made doing anything a challenge. Day by Day I hope that giving myself a rest I would feel better the next day. It felt strange not having a blog ready to publish yesterday after the 30 day challenge.
image from wanderlustandlipstick.com Rocking chair – rest, Oh Yes!
Well it appears the ‘rest’ didn’t work quite as I’d planned. My left hip and leg are now joining my arm and both ankles and feet appear swollen. For the first time ever, I am not researching it before I see my doctor this week. If I manage to wait three days it will be a historic event, but I’m not happy with how I feel. I’m supposed to feel better since I’m able to ‘stop’ my Lyme meds for a month. Time will tell. So I’m just taking it Day by Day.
Yet that is why Marianne Williamson’s quote is so apt. Having the power to create infinite possibilities – good ones – means that I can remove the worry over what is currently passing. She calls it ‘enlightenment’, available in an instant. So I’ve chosen to accept this. It’s a day by day project with myself.
image from http://www.true-enlightenment.com Enlightenment warmth
In my enlightened state I am not worrying about the strange things happening to me at present. Nor will I undermine myself because I have been unable to attend a retreat I very much wanted to be on. I am releasing all of the emotions attached to them to make way for positive emotions and actions to replace them.
I asked my body what it needed, and what I should be doing to help myself, at this time. There are fifteen days until Christmas. I have cards to complete and send, although the list has shortened of recent times, gifts to finish buying and a menu to think about.
In years past it has driven me to distraction. It literally turned me into a ball of worried knots, unable to sleep because I may not have enough time to do everything. Also, that everything would not be done ‘perfectly’. In the past, anything less than perfection was not tolerated. Well, it doesn’t matter. Everything will be done, and those people who get cards, and perhaps a letter, will hopefully realise that the effort to get that letter ready for them is, in itself, a gift. If they don’t, it’s not my problem.
image from http://www.telegraph.co.uk Rushing to get that shopping done.
I’m almost done with gifts; in fact I have only one to arrange – Way to Go! I made the ice cream plum pudding today, with help from Ray, and it looks good. I have photos and will put it in a blog soon. It’s yummy in the heat; I just have to remember not to be heavy-handed with the spirits for those who are driving. (Last year it was loaded – oops).. Turkey arranged – check, my stuffing ingredients – check, vegies – have to be bought close to the day. I’m all set.
The Christmas tree has posed a problem – I’m not where I’d hoped to be, but that too simply is how it is, and we accept that we’re here for a while longer. Yet the house doesn’t lend itself to the placement of the tree, not to my satisfaction. The problem I thought was the fact that I had decided not to unpack everything, and there are still boxes around the place. Yet that is not the problem at all. Arranged the way we need to have the house set up, it really doesn’t lend itself to putting one up. Not unless you want to waltz around it at every twist and turn.
I’m still pondering that little problem. If it can be sorted out then enlightenment will make the solution known.
image from http://www.christmashungama.com Christmas trees, a sign of the season
I had thought my children would be unavailable at Christmas. Quite a shock when I found out. Yet I have since found out that my son is returning to Brisbane and will come down on Boxing Day, as long as we’re having turkey. That is really a big gift! Hopefully, now my daughter has a new job, she will come down on Boxing Day too and we can all be together.
It’s quite strange in one sense, and beautifully perfect in another. My daughter has been given quite a big promotion, to Superintendent. She is the only female Superintendent in Queensland and possibly Australia. It’s a far cry from her situation just a few weeks ago. My son, I thought would remain in Melbourne, but is now back ‘home’. All my preparations are just about complete. (I think the house decoration must fall to Ray).
As far as my health is concerned, it is what it is and I will find out during the week, hopefully, or have more tests to do! None of this can I change or alter in any significant way by worrying or over analysing them. They are what they are. As strange as that may seem, it is ‘Living in the Now’, although I prefer to say I am Being Present in the moment.
image from ohua88.com – Decorations, exotic or plain make the home a magical place.
Perhaps this new-found equanimity is the ‘enlightenment’ that Marianne Williamson referred to. If so, it feels darn good. There is another older saying, “Let go and Let God”. If that appeals to you then I’m happy for you. In its own way it is still able to be applied; God is whichever higher power you personally believe in, and that too, is very much alright with me too.
No doubt I will be challenged, we always are, but for now, I feel very happy with the status quo. I have a full heart filled with the many Blessings I have already received. I am grateful beyond measure.
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image from wallpapers.free-review.net Enlightenment and happiness are with me, join me?
“I’m choosing happiness over suffering, I know I am. I’m making space for the unknown future to fill up my life with yet-to-come surprises.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
Join on me on Enlightenment journey this Christmas season and we can see how much happiness we feel and can give to others.
Blessings, Susan xx
© Susan Jamieson 2013
Owls and Orchids 
Wonderful, amazing post, Susan. I feel very lucky to have met you here.
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The pleasure is mine Ann/ Thank you so much.. Susan x
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Hope it all turns out right for xmas Susan.
Laurie. xox
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Thanks Laurie… I’m in my optimistic and not going to stand for any more of this sh*t mood….. (quick, hand me the strong pills 🙂 ) I had an epiphany – if its going to hurt, it will hurt but I’m not going to let it rule me. I might have a cry – which I loathe, but I’m going to have a good Christmas. I was so focused on “not having the kids for the first time” I overlooked an important note to self – this will be the first Christmas Ray and I have had alone together. I mean – What a huge thing to celebrate. 🙂 All will be well.
Love to talk before Christmas – I’m going to write it in my diary NOW! Any days you’re not free? Hugs, Susan x
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My days vary Susan. A bit hit and miss actually as I very rarely plan unless there is an appointment. So it’s all pot luck. 🙂
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Yup, shame the pot that comes with the luck couldn’t be filled with gold…. Ah indeedy… I can hear Gene Kelly already 🙂 Susan xox
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We all want the crock of gold and usually end up with a crock of ….
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Yep, but it grows nice flowers Laurie, and then you can photograph them ;)…..
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That’s recycling for you. 🙂
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Me? Put up Christmas Decorations? With all my creativity, I’d just nail the box on the wall, so it would be easy to pack up again afterwards….
However, apparently I have a supervisor for this role… “Stick that end there… A little to the left, no, the right, higher, OK, drive that nail in there. No, should have been a bit to the right…!”
And that’s just the rabbit trap to see if we can prove there really IS a Santa Claus!
Nice to see that this morning, you are at least feeling a lot better than yesterday… I much prefer it when you feel well enough to be your regular, cheeky self!
Ray XXX
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I’m the boss and you’re the gofer…. gofer some tea 😉 HUGS, >3
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Lol 🙂 I smiled all through reading this one Susan and I beg your permission to Reblog.
DAY BY DAY…these are the days of our lives and only a fool would not choose the day by day system.
I smiled at ” For the first time ever, I am not researching it” It seems there are many of us who are guilty of this.
I recently discovered I have to be in happiness in order to remain sane and normal.
I send great healing your way friend and I believe Xmas will be just great. BTW…congratulations on your gal and her promotion, awesome.
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Many thanks Dotta. I’m more than happy to see it reblogged. Blessings, Susan x
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Reblogged this on DottaRaphels and commented:
Day by day, seems to be the most logical approach to life methinks!
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Warmest wishes and blessings, Susan, and kudos on your choice! Enjoy….xoxo
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Many thanks, I just think I;m finally making progress… great things happen when you stop looking. 🙂 Blessings Susan x
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I’m glad to hear you’re okay with everything not being perfect for Christmas. Perfectionism is just too exhausting and stressful! It’s something I’ve struggled with over the years but this year I, too, feel okay with things being what they are. I’m also glad to hear you will get to see your kids. I hope the doctor can get your new strange symptoms sorted out. Take care.
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It’s taken a long time and I’m still struggling but making progress. In the end that’s all we can ask for. I’m prone to a ‘dummy spit’ every so often, but I’m only human.
I would be fibbing if I said I was unconcerned at these new pains… not as bad today but not gone. (My dark secret – I’d rather do anything than go to the hospital… unless I organise it, which means its nothing drastic). Spent too long there in the recent past to want to go back for a while. Thanks Trisha. Take care…. Susan x
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Eeek! Susan, you scared me with talk of crushing pain in your left arm! You know what that means to doctors, don’t you??? It means, Get me an EKG (ECG) Right Now! I was strangely relieved to read that you have other symptoms in your lower extremities as well. I will be vastly more relieved to read what your doctor says…and for heaven’s sake, dear, if that left arm pain recurs, get thee to the nearest Emergency Department or A&E or whatever you call it Down Under…and I pray that you will have a symptom-free, healthy, very happy Christmas and Boxing Day as well. I have done with the turkey due to Thanksgiving Day here in the US, but please enjoy yours, and if you happen to have any (strongly spiked) eggnog or wassail or punch, please raise a glass for me, in good health!
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Sorry Laura. Yes, I know I should have gone to the emergency room but I truly have had enough of hospitals over the past decade. I’m not sure what it is but I’ll survive until Wednesday. The pain in my leg has faded but my arm is still troublesome. If I told you it’s not my time to go yet would you feel any better? It’s the truth although I can give you no scientific basis for it.
I’ll let you know how I get on at the doctors Wednesday or Thursday. Thanks. Susan x
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**sigh** I trust you, Susan. I know you have deep intuition. Yes, do let me know what the doc says….and enjoy your Xmas preparations! I know you will remember to sit down with a cuppa every now and then, and r-e-l-a-x xoxo
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Yes, Ma’am, will do. Feet up and resting in bed at 3am as I type this. Sorry, it’s been a bad day, shocks and disappointments . to upset the apple cart. I truly do not know how much more of this I can handle!
Peace, love and hugs Susan. x
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Taking things day by day is the way to go. Hope you’ll be feeling a little better soon! ❤
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We can make the journey together… “always look on the bright side of life”… even when it sh*ts on you 🙂
Peace,love and hugs, Susan x
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