Lessons Learned and Things Remembered

It's been an interesting year. As I reflect on 2015, these thoughts come to mind.

The only person that you can really change is yourself.

Things don't always turn out like you planned, or the way you think they should, but they mostly turn out like they are supposed to.

When you focus on what you want, everything else falls into place.

There's a lot of beauty and joy in ordinary things.

Some fools aren't worth the breath needed to cuss them out.

There are people out there who pretend to be nice, honest and compassionate, but ultimately their words and actions prove otherwise.

Surround yourself with the things you love; discard the rest.

It's ok to say no to unnecessary crazy.

Choosing to be happy is good for your health.

Life is better when you're laughing.

In the end, only three things matter:

how much you loved,

how gently you lived, and

how gracefully you let go

of things not meant for you.

--Buddha

Contentment

 

con·tent·ment

 : the state of being mentally and physically satisfied with things just as they are

: peace of mind; satisfaction

: a happy or pleased feeling with one's circumstances

It is comforting to be at place in life where you know you can handle whatever comes along. You've cleared unnecessary things and exasperating people out of your path so that you can go your own way. That's contentment. 

 

Some people always strive to be somewhere else or someone else; they will never be truly content. You have to be comfortable with who you are before you can find your way to where you want to be. 

 

Happiness and satisfaction in life come from knowing you are where you belong. That doesn't mean you're stuck in one place, but that you trust yourself to go forward confidently and enjoy the journey.

“When you can think of yesterday without regret 

and tomorrow without fear, 

you are near contentment.” 

– unknown

“At some point you gotta let go, sit still, 

and let contentment come to you.” 

– Elizabeth Gilbert

I Don't Have To...

follow the herd.

impress people.

fix everything.

tolerate fools.

get frustrated.

feel obligated. 

 

explain myself.

listen to lies.

keep everything.

pretend to like someone.

seek approval.

always say yes.

wait for the perfect time. 

 

agree with everyone.

offer excuses.

be perfect. 

 

act my age.

    ...if I don't want to.

I'm just trying to be me. I didn't ask for anyone's opinion.

“Don't put the key to your happiness 

in someone else's pocket.” - Unknown

Releasing Tension

Lydia's Cross

I've been a busy woman lately. Chores, errands, appointments and projects have taken up most of my time. Nevertheless, I was able to carve out some time for sewing, even if only thirty minutes a day. Doing something I love helps me release tension and stress.

One cold day I measured and calculated the dimensions to one of my favorite Granny Rose antique quilt blocks. I was never able to find the exact pattern anywhere, so I've recreated it.  I believe it's her own design variation of Grandmother's Cross and Nine Patch Star. I've named it Lydia's Cross, and I'm using mixed color scraps like she did. The final quilt will be revealed later.

My new quilted wallet is created from remnants. It has eight slots for cards and two pockets for cash and my checkbook. The snap front keeps everything tucked safely inside.

Another afternoon, I created something useful from an old tee and a sweatshirt. I cut off the bands and zig-zagged the raw edges. Then I made little snips in a semi-circular pattern along the neckline, weaving in a continuous one inch strip from the tee. I added a border to the bottom with the remaining tee fabric. The result is a cute top to wear while hanging out at home on cold winter days.

Useful Notion: Every hour spent doing something you love results in at least four hours of peacefulness.

Release

re·lease

: to set free

: to stop holding on

: to allow to leave confinement 

 

: to relieve from something that burdens or oppresses


What a powerful word! How liberating it is to let go of thoughts or things that are no longer needed. Doing so opens the mind to consider new ideas. It is difficult to move forward when clutter is holding you down like an anchor. 
 
Last week I released old carpet to be recycled, and sent more unused items along for others to enjoy. It's amazing what you find when you have to move everything out of two bedrooms and closets. It's easy to overlook everyday surroundings. The rooms look fresh with new carpet; simple décor will make them easier to keep neat. 
 
I'm still simplifying, and now I'm letting go of old habits, clutter, and anything that holds me back.


Useful Notion: Have less, do more, be more.