Traveling in Good Company

EXTRA--EXTRA:  I don't usually publish on Saturday, but since it's Pioneer Day weekend, here in the Rocky Mountain west, look for an extra post tomorrow.

Reminder:  If you've been keeping a Gratitude Journal for the past week, review your entries and savor all those wonderful reasons for being grateful.  Now, it's time to begin recording your gratitude just once a week.  Although, if you find you enjoy reminding yourself of the many reasons you have to be grateful, and you want to record your gratitude more often,  I say, "have at it!"        

         
         Kicking back and being a kid for awhile is great fun and I hope you had time to enjoy that, perhaps dormant, side of yourself.  As I mentioned in a previous post, there are lots of ways to tune into gratitude.  Today, let's explore another one.

             [Me and my traveling companion for the past 43 years]

         

         Life can be arduous, so be kind to yourself. Don't try to go it alone!  The Apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he reminded the Corinthians, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:11).  Having a traveling companion can really help to manage the load with a lot less stress.  So, if you're married, take a moment to consider all the things your husband or wife does for you, and with you, to lighten your load and brighten your day.  In fact, as I'm writing this post, my husband is in the kitchen washing dishes--and I didn't have to ask.  How sweet is that?!

         HOWEVER, since all of us aren't married, a spouse isn't the only way to travel the road of life in loving company.  Close friends, family and neighbors can also be a special blessing, helping us to keep a balanced and grateful outlook.  It is well known, and backed by research, that people who have a social network of friends are more inclined to be happy than those who don't. 
          I have great friends, family and neighbors.  In fact, although I dislike the hot summers and cold winters here in the high mountain desert (let's face it, I MISS the ocean and my family and friends back east), I would have a hard time leaving my neighborhood.  Why?  Because my neighbors are the best!  Here, everyone watches out for everyone else, and people are so willing to share their time, talents and energy, that I sometimes feel overwhelmed by their generosity.  It's not unusual to hear the doorbell ring and find someone standing on the porch ready to share fresh vegetables or fruit from their back yard garden; and I can't seem to have a birthday without a neighbor/friend offering to take me out to lunch or bringing me a gift.  Because my husband has Parkinson's disease and is unable to climb ladders, perform strenuous work, or do tasks that require balance, neighbors have trimmed my trees, climbed on my roof to check my swamp cooler, fixed my fence, and shoveled my driveway in winter.  I've also wakened in the morning to find my son on the roof doing some necessary repairs, or mowing my lawn. 
          Gosh, that almost makes me sound needy. But, let's face it, we can all benefit from the help of others from time to time, and that's okay.  Our need gives someone else the opportunity to serve.  So, instead of being proud and pretending we can do everything on our own, or getting irritated that we can't, let gratitude abound that there are so many generous and giving souls among us.         
         Today, take a few moments to consider all the things others do for you.  Now, that ought to make you feel special! 
         Then, take another moment to make one of those people feel equally valued.  It's as simple as a call, a note or an e-mail, or stopping by their home (or desk, if it's a work mate) to say, "thanks for making life a more pleasant journey."  Or go whole hog and bake him cookies, invite her to dinner or send her flowers.  Though, seriously, acts of gratitude need not be elaborate.
          Friends are a treasure.  Today, let a friend, neighbor or family member know how much they're appreciated.  Bless a life by expressing your gratitude!

          Important Note: If you're not feeling so blessed, you're definately not alone. Sometimes life can throw some heavy stuff our way and we may feel alone and overwhelmed. I've been through some very stressful and lonely periods in my life, so I can honestly relate.  In fact, I found a wonderful download that might help you.  It's free, and contains some great suggestions for how to begin feeling better.  The author has given permission to share his material, so feel free to link into the following site and begin today to benefit from his knowledge.  The address is: www.heartmath.org/destresskit.   


TODAYS INSPIRED QUOTATION:
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up"  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Me (in the middle) and my friends Clyda and Marsha

These wonderful friends often lifted me as we were raising our children on the east coast. They still lift me! Oddly, and wonderfully enough, life has brought us back together again.  We now live fairly close to one another, even though we've all moved over 2,000 miles from our Connecticut homes.