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#Inecapable Time

Time’s miraculous passage through our lives. Image courtesy of Josephine Wall Art

“The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time, rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean-tide, on which we and all the universe swim like exhalations, like apparitions which are, and then are not”…. ~Thomas Carlyle

It seems at one and the same time, absolutely incredible that not one month, nor two but almost three months have passed since I last wrote a post for Owls and Orchids. It has never been very far from my mind, yet there seems to have been a never-ending stream of events, of things, which needed to be done, or attended to and the days were gone before I knew it.

In some ways it was always going to happen, I simply didn’t think it would be such a long time. I made a promise to myself, that after the previous fourteen month of drug imposed restrictions that I was going to do as much as I could, to get the move from New South Wales to Queensland done – MY WAY!

Perhaps that was where things began to unravel. I was, at that time, still in a lot of pain and felt indescribably wretched from the copious amounts of antibiotics still in my system. My release from the Lyme induced prison had not yet relinquished its hold on me, even if I had been given the “all clear” that I did not, in fact, have, nor ever had Lyme disease. That alone sent my mind into dizzying circles, from which it was often hard to extricate myself. Yet, we had the move to our new home to arrange and I refused to sit, or lay, idly by whilst the hectic work revolved around me.

The new place in Redland Bay was a delightful enticement after the disappointments of Ocean Shores. I would miss the view of the ocean, but in reality, I had been ensconced in my four square prison and only intermittently was able to get outside to see and enjoy it. The irony is not lost on me that I have exchanged, what was supposed to be a location, filled with ocean views, fresh air, healthy and relaxing, for one which is, well, almost suburbia. I say almost, because we are a little off the beaten track, just in a small pocket of civilisation where I can access the dreaded pharmacy, much more easily visit my doctor and, a five-minute stroll arrive at a beautiful water enclosure, boardwalk, trees and filled with all manner of bird life and the occasional kangaroo and wallaby. We have yet to visit the spot where the wallabies come out in early morning and evening to get some photos – but, all in good time.  The camera has yet to be downloaded of all its photos!

 

Falling in with the packing! Image courtesy of busybeingfabulous.com

But – THE MOVE! An interminable number of boxes seemed to parade in front of me daily, each filled and taped to be replaced by another. This, after having decided not to unpack the majority of our belongings, as we felt uncomfortable within moments of getting the keys at Ocean Shores.

I achieved more in that last month than I had for the previous fourteen. I found muscles which had been hammered in the forges of medical experimentation and proclaimed loudly their new abuse. Yet it was also a good feeling. I felt once more, that I was finally achieving something worthwhile. Time seemed, not an enemy, but a friend again.

The relocation was tiring and time-consuming  as they usually are. The large spaces we had seen were rapidly engulfed by more and more boxes as the truck was unloaded. Daily more boxes were unpacked as homes for their contents were found – and yes, I was deciding where things were to be housed. It was a glorious feeling, knowing that I was arranging my kitchen, my clothes, my books, all the many things which make a house into a home. I was doing all those things once more. No longer would I wander around the house, wondering where something had been stored because I hadn’t unpacked it. Time had regained its orderly flow once more. In control and loving it – or so I like to believe. And no, I don’t believe control is the big baddy it has been made out to be.

 

#Inescapable Time

I saw time slipping away as I rushed through each day. Image courtesy of mariana-a.deviantart.com

“Time is a very healing place, one in which you can grow.” ~Denise Tanner

Yet herein I also found my obsession again. That indefinable and inseparable part of myself which wanted everything to be placed “just so”. As things took shape around me I found a greater impetus each day to keep going, despite the increasing pain, to forge my new home into the vision I had for it. Boxes have an amazing array of hard edges and corners, a depth to them which defies normal reach and I found myself entrapped and attacked by the capriciousness of cardboard!

An unfortunate three weeks with a heavy cold cramped my style in ways I hadn’t foreseen. Frustration ran rampant, as I looked with growing dislike at the small number of boxes I had unpacked each day. This was in no way helped by an officious and supercilious doctor, who decided she knew me, my condition and what I needed more than I did after a mere five-minute consultation. So much for a simple script for antibiotics to cure the chest infection, and pain meds to help me “soldier on”. Meds I should add, which I showed her I had been prescribed by my doctor and had taken for some time. She promptly decided to re write my medication needs and refused to give me the pain meds at all. – If I’m suffering now it must be due to the uncomplimentary names I called her for several days after this visit. Needless to say, I won’t be visiting her again!
So, here we are finally. I still have my crystal display case to unpack and sort out, but that is the final item. I really prefer to leave all those fragile and sentimental items until everything else is in place. But, I’m here, and with the help of Spirit, life can begin in a new and more delightful way than ever.
Time passes and new things are found in unexpected places. Obstacles will be overcome and life can take its new path. The delights of the newly discovered will once more be mine.

 

#Inescapable Time

Carried away on Unicorn dreams. Image courtesy of Josephine Wall Art

 

“Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new… but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design?” ~Paracelsus

Blessings, Susan

© July 2014 Susan Jamieson

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#A Succesful Life

12 Ways to Be Successful in Life

“Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.”
Ben Carson, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

A while ago there was an article in Forbes magazine about the habits of successful people and it seemed that everyone thought they mustn’t be successful if they weren’t following those guidelines. I believe that’s all they were, guidelines. There was nothing anywhere on the article which showed any statistical data to prove successful people lived by these ‘rules’. It was one person’s observations.

It concerns me that we measure our own success, our own value as a human being, by what people who are incredibly successful are purported to be doing.  I’m not saying their examples are wrong, far from it, but they are living in a world which supports such success.  What about the rest of society? What about people whose very life is a challenge? I feel they have ways to measure their success by what they do, which is just as relevant. As Ben Carson said, “If you look at them (each obstacle) as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.”

So here is my version of “12 Things All Successful People Do” (Forbes) which I have called      “12 Ways to Be Successful in Life”.  If we aren’t successful at living we cannot be successful anywhere else.  I hope they may make you think a little and realise how successful you really are, as each obstacle we overcome helps us to become a more successful person, in our own right.

#A Successful Life

image from nedhardy.com

  1. BE PREPARED FOR THINGS GOING BADLY. HAVE CONTINGENCY PLANS

It doesn’t matter how well we think we have planned our day, outing or event, there is always the possibility that something will occur which upends all that planning. Rather than allow this to overwhelm you, which can cause problems with your health, have contingency plans on hand for unexpected mishaps. It may mean a little more work in the planning phase but it removes any tension if things go awry. Eliminate the ‘falling apart’, unnecessary flare, or dash for home or the ER. It’s also a habit worth cultivating so that you always have a Plan B ready.

2.      GOAL SETTING IS A MUST

Setting goals as a daily habit ensures we motivate ourselves to achieve things. It also is a wonderful way to stay on track. As a check list we can cross off throughout the day it can be very rewarding to see those things checked off. One thing to remember with all goal setting, follow the S.M.A.R.T. routine. Goals should be smart, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Choosing small achievable goals can help build confidence and give you a sense of achievement. Long term goals play a part but not on a daily schedule.

 3.      YOU CAN’T EXPECT LUCK TO GET YOU THROUGH!

It takes hard work to get to the finish line in most instances. Planning on getting lucky to achieve a goal, finish a project is a recipe for disaster – unless you have a magic genie in your pocket.  Often there isn’t the perfect time or idea to get things rolling; it’s simply hard work and persistence.  Making sure you have everything ready and you’re set to go can make all the difference to reaching that ‘finish line’, and having help handy is not giving in, it’s being realistic.

 4.  Journal, Diarise, Plot Your Progress

When you have an additional challenge to make your day or work harder it’s often easy to lose sight of the goal. As with all health or fitness challenges it is necessary and sensible to keep checking your plans, your goal setting stages.  If your entire schedule has been put into a journal / diary /electronic organiser then it’s much easier to monitor how you’re going with your plans. If you keep an eye on things you can fine tune as you go along so you avoid the ‘overwhelm’ and keep that end point in mind. Ask someone you trust how you’re going, feedback can be invaluable.

 5.      DON’T DELAY TAKING ACTION

Sometimes we let all the possible problems get stuck in our head and prevent ourselves from getting the ‘job’ started.  The first step is often, if not always, the hardest one to take. Make a move and that issue which stalled you might simply vanish. You can do more than you thought possible.

 6.      CHECK TO SEE WHAT YOU DID WELL BEFORE

Sometimes it’s easy to just keep your head down to get to the next goal. It’s ‘safe’ and ‘easy’ and we can reach our target.  Don’t forget to pop your head up and see what’s happening around you. Remembering what you did in the past may help you to reach your goals faster than expected. A great confidence boost!

#A Successful Life

image from funylool.com –

 7.      BE CONFIDENT

You know who you are and what you can do. You know there is a hidden tiger inside who will give you the strength to reach the finish line. Believe in yourself and others will too.

 8.      DECIDE ON A COURSE OF ACTION

The decision to do something is the beginning of the road ahead, a road leading to success, knowledge that you have achieved something truly worthwhile. You may have an additional challenge to overcome every day. You know how much effort goes into getting yourself ready and at work. Even volunteering takes an enormous amount of effort.

 9.      WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING

Often the effort to ‘do what everyone else is doing’ is so overwhelming we forget how incredible our own achievement is. Watch what is going on around you. You may find that what you think is ‘just getting there’ is much better than you thought and recognition may be closer than you imagined. At the very least everyone knows that you are aware of what is happening where you are and you know what you are doing!

 10.  KEEP TRYING

That attitude of “If the going gets tough, the tough get going” can help you to win through to the final line. It’s hard to keep going at times, especially if you have a health challenge that makes even the simple things more difficult. As long as your desire to ‘win’ doesn’t compromise your health, keep going.

 11.  MAKE SURE YOU ARE UNDERSTOOD

When you need to explain to others what they need to do show them how confident you are. After all, you wouldn’t be telling them what to do if you weren’t ready for the job. Speak clearly and you can persuade everyone that you know exactly what would benefit everyone. Let them see the dream and vision you have.

 12.  SHOW GRATITUDE

When you reach your goals, succeed in your path to success, remember to be yourself. Everyone else is still on that path you’ve just climbed. Don’t let arrogance overwhelm your inner you. You have made plans and followed them, adapted where needed; you were accountable for all your actions. Don’t fall into the ego trap; remember to be grateful to those who may have helped you along the way. As we are thankful each day when we achieve a small goal, be thankful when a bigger one is reached.

People remember those who were thankful, showed appreciation and gratitude for help and consideration. These are the people who others want to emulate. Despite extra challenges everyone can be successful and be someone that another wished to be like. It’s all a case of attitude.

#A Successful Life

image from explore-essay-types.blogspot.com

Success doesn’t have to come with an ego. In fact, many successful people don’t have one. This is because they understand that while extraneous factors come into play, some failure can be chalked up to their own shortcomings. Never forget to hold yourself accountable for every aspect of your life. This is how you’ll remain focused and humble.

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.” ― Paulo Coelho

I hasten to add that the above are my opinions and ideas. If you agree that’s great, if you don’t then think about it. You never know; there will be a few pearls in there for everyone.

Blessings, Susan ♥

© Susan Jamieson 2014

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If you had a choice to live anywhere would be your preference salt water beaches, forest, fresh water lakes, hot tub, ski resort or desert?

If I had a choice I’d choose somewhere mid-way between the forest and fresh water lakes.The reason being

that both are my favourite places but we have plans to have a farm and forest won’t handle that and I still want a good number of trees close by so I can walk in the trees. Forests in Australia are not you type of glorious forests, but there is some rainforests low enough down to fit the bill. That’s my /our dream… soon I trust.:)

What was your favorite toy as a child  . . . and now?

I don’t remember having a favourite toy, unless you count books. I was a bookworm from day one and the only other have to item was a dog. They were my best friend and companion and when that farm arrives I’m heading to the breeders I’ve found and getting that puppy!

#Share Your World

My beautiful friend…Rusty.

Which do you prefer sweet, salty or both at the same time? 

I have a sweet tooth but having said that my tastes have changed somewhat and I prefer a variety now – just not at the same time J

Would you prefer snowy winters, or not, and why?

I would love a snowy winter. I grew up with them. Now I have Fibro I’m not sure how I’d go but the heat and humidity here kill me – hence the forest and a good dam and creek. I will get winter again – holidays when I feel better. I miss the magic of snowfall and snowflakes.

 

I have just joined your challenge – do I need to do week 1 – 4 or can I just join in now? J

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image from thebuddhistcentre.com

A short time ago I decided to challenge myself. That original challenge was of blogging every other day, and today I was unsure if I would make it or not,  but here I am, better late than not at all, I hope.

For those who follow me, and those who may, I have been plagued by a migraine for a wee while.  They are not so unusual I’m afraid, they come with a little too much frequency for my peace of mind.  It’s not an excuse, however, the weather plays a part in my migraines, as well as stress, and we are all subject to both.

image from flikr,com of the beautiful Peace Rose

This blog, which I have changed the focus of just slightly, is my ‘weapon’ to combat those all too frequent days when I find it hard to find the energy or motivation to move beyond a minimum. I’ve realised that, despite what I may have thought originally, everything we do has an element of spirituality in it. The reason why is simple.  I am motivated by my heart.  I believe we all are. So, my blog is now about Life, Love, Spirituality and the Odd Catastrophe. Not much of a change and yet a huge one.

My blog will try to remain heart centered, and before it happens, I will also say that I can fall flat on my face at times.  That’s so that when I seem to be off track you will all know I am simply human and whilst I may seem negative, it is all part of who I am as a total human being. I am BEing a spirit in human form.

image from jonwilliamson.com

So  today I have a new challenge, one I’ve been putting off for some time.  Since my car accident I have been unable to do my tapestry or craft work as it played havoc with my neck and hence my headaches. I’ve been promising myself I would get back into it and it was still packaged away where I had put it, untouched and safely out of mind.  So you see, in one way or another it’s easy to put off so many things.  That way, when Mum passed away and I inherited all her craft materials I carefully packed everything away for the future.

That wonderful challenge, was to make something from nothing, but that is not what I’m doing. I’m BEing heart centered and I will complete the last tapestry my mother ever began. It is beautiful and I am including those pictures here. It’s not going to be easy but I am so full of gratitude that I have been motivated to at least try, I really could cry.

Mum's Tapestry

I am also going to finish the Princess I started so long ago.

Princess 1 My trapestry

So, to Nicole Cody who has inspired me to get back into my much-loved craft work, thank you. It may not be new, or from nothing, although there is little done on Mum’s tapestry, but it is momentous for me.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”     ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Bless you all. ❤

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“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —”
William Arthur Ward

This has been a challenging period in many ways. Last month we saw the presence of two moons, making the last one a “Blue Moon”.  For many at this time they have reported it as another day, nothing different from  their normal day.  However, there are many more who report upheavals from the simple things to everything in their daily routine.  It can be quite a chaotic and unsettling experience.

I happen to fall into the latter category as my husband would attest. It’s not that I turn into a raging monster but the highs and lows, the swings and turns of the roundabout, can leave you wondering if some strange person has suddenly inhabited  the person who was reasonably sane days earlier.
full moon madness

image courtesy of steppinupx.wordpress.com

This particular “Blue Moon”, and I realize there are those who disagree that this was such an occasion,  was also much more than that for me as I had decided to participate in a 30 Day Gratitude Challenge, put together by the very talented and gracious Nicole Cody.   It was an incredible experience and allowed  me,  and I’m sure many others to stretch themselves as they worked through this  program. At the very least it enabled me to look at areas of my life in ways I hadn’t considered before.  It provided me with a way to view the world around me with fresh eyes.  It challenged me to go further into myself and evaluate what the everyday activities I took for granted really meant, at least to me.

When you are asked to simply sit and breath, pay attention to what is happening within as you do this; to look with new eyes to how your body responds to the simple task of taking a shower, how each action is in itself a miracle, you begin to realize that life, despite its many complexities, is astounding in what we can do. You begin to stop taking everything you do as a matter of course,  something for granted and truly appreciate what we can do each and every  day.  At least that was how I found it.
Gratitude moment

Man has been instrumental in putting man into space, onto the moon and even further afield.  We have athletes who perform what appears to be miracles in what they can achieve with a human body, and we have scientists who make breakthroughs which help people live better quality lives and cure diseases.  We are, as individuals and as a group more than the sum total of who and what we are.

I have been challenged for over a decade with a back and neck injury. It has changed the way I have lived my life. This hasn’t changed, at least not  completely, but it has given me a new way of thinking about what is happening and how I can achieve all that I want without having to compromise my dreams. I can achieve all I ever wished for, and more besides. My dreams have, if anything been expanded.  The possibilities are endless and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Challenge getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower
The Challenge: reaching to top of the Eiffel tower – courtesy of flickr.com

We have examples  around us every day who inspire us with their achievements. Paralympians, such as Matt Cowdrey.    The  many people who are in accidents, in comas who when they finally awaken, fight to be able  to live a ‘normal’ life.  Who are we  not to see the beauty of a sunrise, the pleasure of a smile when a ‘thank you’ is offered, the hope in a homeless persons eyes when you give them a  helping hand.

There is a sight impaired man near a coffee shop I go to occasionally.  I always stop to put something into his ‘can’, not because I have to, but because it warms my heart to  hear the joy in his voice that someone has stopped, someone cares enough to spend a few minutes talking to him. It is such a small thing for me to do but it means so much more to him. I am grateful I can do something so simple which spreads so much happiness because I know that my small act of gratitude for what I have, shared with him, will flow on to others when he goes home later.

guide dog puppy

Guide dog puppy, courtesy of piperbasenji.blogspot.com

I found the experience of. completing Nicole’s 30 Day Gratitude Challenge so inspiring I decided to do it again – immediately. My husband, Ray,  asked if he could also do it.  He had already seen changes in me as a result of finishing the challenge.  It’s going really well. We decided we didn’t want to share the things we were grateful for each day, but rather we’ll share what we felt and learned at the end of the month.  Then we’re going to do it again because we have already learned that the more we acknowledge what we are grateful for the more things we can see to be grateful for.

However I have noticed one thing. Even though we’re not sharing our daily ‘gratitude’s’ there is something incredibly special joining us as we sit writing in our journals at the beginning and end of each day, and that doesn’t even come close to the fun in doing our vision boards. We have our individual board, but what is a dream board for if we don’t also build one for the two of us?

dream boards

image courtesy of larryandlauramorris.com

I’ve included the link to Nicole’s challenge above.  I think everyone would gain so much from doing it, even if it were only in increasing the amount of gratitude in the world today. Great things can happen if we focus on being grateful instead of what we don’t have.

love quote

courtesy of melissadeakin.typepad.com

Life really is beautiful, today and every day.

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