This is such an important message Sandra, I love the idea of tiny moments of grace, when more might feel too overwhelming or unachievable. Our body will always thank us for taking more time to listen, to heal and to know ourselves.
Sandra, I love your tiny pleasures - "small" but powerful! As always, thank you for the beauty in all that you share!
I have a question about grace. I realized while reading that I don't know what exactly it means. I've consulted the internet, as one does, and much comes from Christianity, but I know there is a spiritual meaning that is not tied to religion and I'm hoping you can share that. I have a feeling it's linked to the feeling one experiences when practicing loving kindness - whether in the meditation or in one's daily life. If I'm on the right-ish track, I'm curious how your use of them differs, if it does. Perhaps this might be a thought for a later post if it's not appropriate to ask here.
I feel for you living with that condition Sandra. Since I have MS, I can understand a little bit. I really appreciated this article--great job!. When we learn to give ourselves grace we benefit greatly and so do others around us. I think that when we connect to peace and joy, and show ourselves love and grace consistently, life becomes much more enjoyable. I love Zephaniah 3:17 which says: 17The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” When I think of Him rejoicing over me with singing and quieting me in His love, it's easier to show myself grace.
Susan, Thanks for your empathy and understanding. I'm fortunate that my condition is relatively under control at this stage, but it can be challenging for some individuals. I love the point you've made about how giving ourselves grace also benefits those around us. I'm glad your faith makes it easier for you to show yourself grace. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Good Morning, Sandra. So glad your condition is pretty well controlled right now. That’s good. I was thinking of what happens when we are hard on ourselves and do the opposite of showing ourselves grace. That can lead to deep discouragement or depression or anxiety sometimes. Ultimately this impacts those around us. If we show ourselves grace, we will be more likely to be at peace and others benefit
Isn`t it wonderful when we decide we worth the attention that we would give to a bestie...if they were in the same situation ...because by nourishing yourself... you are not left wanting and feeling abandoned.... ( we can so easily abandon ourselves ) but feeling loved & valued : )))
I love the tiny pleasures. Listening to the sounds outside my window is one of those for me as well. The shift into that present moment is magical, and noticing how the sounds change as the seasons do brings me joy.
Love this piece. I’m on your side with giving grace being powerful. In fact I wrote a chapter in my book about how I’m done with forgiveness. Grace is much softer and yet more powerful.
Grace for me offers more space to grow and heal. Grace comes from the Latin word for grateful. It’s really a turning towards. And instead of the world asking you to forgive you can ask the world for Grace. The book chapter goes into more detail but it’s a revolutionary act to give yourself grace.
Sandra, I'm happy that you found a diagnosis, that you were able to find a path back to health and recognized your need to be kind to yourself. It is so important to give ourselves grace. Especially if we are one to push through, whether professionally or personally. (Raising my hand here.) Thank you for this great reminder that our well-being is more important than any deadline we have been assigned or self-appointed.
Paulette, Thanks for your empathy and support. It seems that almost all of us are subject to the urge to push through in modern times. I'm glad I am learning to resist even if it has taken decades. At least I can enjoy more space and sanity now!
It does seem that modern life exacerbates the “get it all done” and then more attitude. It’s helpful to have these reminders of what’s truly important.
So glad you decided to listen to your body and give yourself a rest. I am doing the same thing while on antibiotics for Lyme disease exposure from a tick bite. I am well past the years when powering on through an infection was possible. Conserve energy, eat lightly, and minimize exertion.
Jo, I'm sorry to hear about your tic bite and the need for antibiotics. Antibiotics can be life- and health-saving. I'm glad you are giving yourself grace while receiving this treatment. I appreciate your wise advice!
I'm so glad you're feeling well again and sending mountains of compassion your way in your navigation HaT, until now, I've never heard of it. It sounds beyond challenging.
I love this topic and along with your writing and the practice around it more specifically. It's take a very long time and I am still a work in progress in this area in my life but have found the more I heal, the more space I make for grace to settle in and equally important the more awareness I create for myself to initiate the invitation which often times is all that's needed for the magic of it's power to shift everything. This, as if in and of itself weren't enough to continue to practice, comes with it the the beauty to extend to my fellows. I keep showing up as best I can, and practicing every day. Some day, I'm given many opportunities to do so!
Niki, Thank you for your compassion! Some people with the HaT anomaly have few symptoms; others have many, including anaphylaxis. I'm lucky that my symptoms are mild at this stage unless I have an unusual flare like this.
I love what you've said about how the more you have healed, the space there has been for grace to settle in, and the more you invite it in. I'm so happy for you, and that's such an important message for others to hear. I agree that the more we give space to ourselves, the more we're able to extend it to others, making the world all the more beautiful. Thank you, Niki, for this inspiring reply.
Beautiful words here Sandra and I’m so happy you’re sharing your message of healing. A reminder to invite grace was most needed and welcome for me today, I’m sure I’m not alone in that. Be well friend, looking forward to reading more of your work.🙏💕
Niki, Thank you for those very kind words. I'm deeply grateful for having connected with you. I wish I could share emojis on my desktop so I could send you some hearts back!
It's always a good idea to remember to give ourselves a little grace. After all, it's important to be kind to ourselves!
B.R. Yes, I agree completely! Thanks for stopping by!
This is such an important message Sandra, I love the idea of tiny moments of grace, when more might feel too overwhelming or unachievable. Our body will always thank us for taking more time to listen, to heal and to know ourselves.
Louise, I'm delighted the idea of tiny moments of grace inspires you! Our bodies will thank us indeed. Thanks for your presence in the conversation!
Sandra, I love your tiny pleasures - "small" but powerful! As always, thank you for the beauty in all that you share!
I have a question about grace. I realized while reading that I don't know what exactly it means. I've consulted the internet, as one does, and much comes from Christianity, but I know there is a spiritual meaning that is not tied to religion and I'm hoping you can share that. I have a feeling it's linked to the feeling one experiences when practicing loving kindness - whether in the meditation or in one's daily life. If I'm on the right-ish track, I'm curious how your use of them differs, if it does. Perhaps this might be a thought for a later post if it's not appropriate to ask here.
I feel for you living with that condition Sandra. Since I have MS, I can understand a little bit. I really appreciated this article--great job!. When we learn to give ourselves grace we benefit greatly and so do others around us. I think that when we connect to peace and joy, and show ourselves love and grace consistently, life becomes much more enjoyable. I love Zephaniah 3:17 which says: 17The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” When I think of Him rejoicing over me with singing and quieting me in His love, it's easier to show myself grace.
Susan, Thanks for your empathy and understanding. I'm fortunate that my condition is relatively under control at this stage, but it can be challenging for some individuals. I love the point you've made about how giving ourselves grace also benefits those around us. I'm glad your faith makes it easier for you to show yourself grace. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Good Morning, Sandra. So glad your condition is pretty well controlled right now. That’s good. I was thinking of what happens when we are hard on ourselves and do the opposite of showing ourselves grace. That can lead to deep discouragement or depression or anxiety sometimes. Ultimately this impacts those around us. If we show ourselves grace, we will be more likely to be at peace and others benefit
Isn`t it wonderful when we decide we worth the attention that we would give to a bestie...if they were in the same situation ...because by nourishing yourself... you are not left wanting and feeling abandoned.... ( we can so easily abandon ourselves ) but feeling loved & valued : )))
Brenda, It is! You've made such an important point. I wish this for all of us.
I love the tiny pleasures. Listening to the sounds outside my window is one of those for me as well. The shift into that present moment is magical, and noticing how the sounds change as the seasons do brings me joy.
Kaitlyn, Just reading your words makes me feel peaceful. Thanks for sharing your love of tiny pleasures!
Love this piece. I’m on your side with giving grace being powerful. In fact I wrote a chapter in my book about how I’m done with forgiveness. Grace is much softer and yet more powerful.
Thank you, Tanmeet! How interesting to hear that you're done with forgiveness and have chosen grace in its place. Thanks for sharing that.
Grace for me offers more space to grow and heal. Grace comes from the Latin word for grateful. It’s really a turning towards. And instead of the world asking you to forgive you can ask the world for Grace. The book chapter goes into more detail but it’s a revolutionary act to give yourself grace.
Tanmeet, Thanks for adding this; it's helpful to know the root of the word "grace." All the best to you.
The cold plunge releases endorphins, once I got used to it I love it! 🧡
The more endorphins the merrier. Enjoy!
Yes tiny pleasures walking my dog and cold plunges- ecstasy
I hear you 💚💥🌹
Prajna, That makes me smile! Although I'm averse to the idea of a cold plunge, I'm glad it works for you! Enjoy your weekend!
Sandra, I'm happy that you found a diagnosis, that you were able to find a path back to health and recognized your need to be kind to yourself. It is so important to give ourselves grace. Especially if we are one to push through, whether professionally or personally. (Raising my hand here.) Thank you for this great reminder that our well-being is more important than any deadline we have been assigned or self-appointed.
Paulette, Thanks for your empathy and support. It seems that almost all of us are subject to the urge to push through in modern times. I'm glad I am learning to resist even if it has taken decades. At least I can enjoy more space and sanity now!
It does seem that modern life exacerbates the “get it all done” and then more attitude. It’s helpful to have these reminders of what’s truly important.
Yes! Sometimes, I feel like my writing is one constant stream of reminders I need as much as anyone else. Have a lovely weekend.
So glad you decided to listen to your body and give yourself a rest. I am doing the same thing while on antibiotics for Lyme disease exposure from a tick bite. I am well past the years when powering on through an infection was possible. Conserve energy, eat lightly, and minimize exertion.
Jo, I'm sorry to hear about your tic bite and the need for antibiotics. Antibiotics can be life- and health-saving. I'm glad you are giving yourself grace while receiving this treatment. I appreciate your wise advice!
Sandra,
I'm so glad you're feeling well again and sending mountains of compassion your way in your navigation HaT, until now, I've never heard of it. It sounds beyond challenging.
I love this topic and along with your writing and the practice around it more specifically. It's take a very long time and I am still a work in progress in this area in my life but have found the more I heal, the more space I make for grace to settle in and equally important the more awareness I create for myself to initiate the invitation which often times is all that's needed for the magic of it's power to shift everything. This, as if in and of itself weren't enough to continue to practice, comes with it the the beauty to extend to my fellows. I keep showing up as best I can, and practicing every day. Some day, I'm given many opportunities to do so!
With love, Niki❤️
Niki, Thank you for your compassion! Some people with the HaT anomaly have few symptoms; others have many, including anaphylaxis. I'm lucky that my symptoms are mild at this stage unless I have an unusual flare like this.
I love what you've said about how the more you have healed, the space there has been for grace to settle in, and the more you invite it in. I'm so happy for you, and that's such an important message for others to hear. I agree that the more we give space to ourselves, the more we're able to extend it to others, making the world all the more beautiful. Thank you, Niki, for this inspiring reply.
Beautiful words here Sandra and I’m so happy you’re sharing your message of healing. A reminder to invite grace was most needed and welcome for me today, I’m sure I’m not alone in that. Be well friend, looking forward to reading more of your work.🙏💕
Niki, Thank you for those very kind words. I'm deeply grateful for having connected with you. I wish I could share emojis on my desktop so I could send you some hearts back!