“Learning how to Be Still, to really Be Still and let life happen — that stillness becomes a radiance.” (Morgan Freeman)
Last Sunday, overwhelmed and anxious, I decided it was time for a Be Still Day! On this day only calmness, peacefulness, and stillness could enter my “Personal Space.”
Is it difficult to Be Still? Or is it, just me? As a young child, Mama often had to remind me to stop fidgeting. She would quietly, but firmly say, “Yvonne, Be Still.” An impatient child, I fidgeted most when I was . . .
- getting my hair combed;
- doing homework;
- sitting in church,
- riding in a car, or
- eating dinner.
Had I learned to Be Still as a child, perhaps my adult life would have been less stressful. Though, I stopped fidgeting after a while, to Be Still is yet a work in progress.
More recently, my inability to Be Still correlates with an addiction to my I-Pad and MacBook Pro. For this reason, venturing into cyberspace — banned on Be Still Day. No surfing the Internet, reading e-mails, or entering blogosphere for me on Be Still Day.
The Be Still Day was a success. I needed this day of stillness, aloneness, meditation, inner focus, and spiritual enlightenment to cure a serious case of undernourishment.
For weeks leading up to the self-imposed Be Still Day, I didn’t nourish my mind, body and spirit. Far too many “first time tasks” on a long “to do list.” All related to:
- A 53rd Anniversary Gift this month from Hubby and The Eldest Daughter; as well as
- Preparing for The Daughters and 13-Year-Old Grandson’s Annual Week-Long Spring Visit
The anniversary gift was a “generous, though budgeted amount,” for a mini makeover of my kitchen and bathrooms. Hubby and The Eldest Daughter offered to help. My immediate response was, “I Got This.” After all, I have been an avid follower of . . .
- Home and Garden TV
- Do It Yourself Network
- Martha Stewart Living
- Better Homes and Gardens
- Real Simple
- House and Home
Certainly, twenty years of devouring decorating magazines and countless hours of watching home makeover programs on television prepared me to handle a “mini makeover.”
Feeling confident, I went to my trusted friend, The Internet, for ideas on tile, granite, sinks, faucets, and lighting. Looking for contractors, plumbers, fabricators, installers, electricians, and painters; I checked the telephone book, Angie’s List, Craig’s List as well as asking my neighbors. Overwhelmed with all the options. Unable to make a decision, I spent days analyzing, procrastinating and stressing out – accomplishing nothing.
My inner voice shouted, “You need help.” Putting pride aside, I called on the Hubby and The Eldest Daughter for help. Working together, as a team, we completed all the tasks on the “to do list” in less than a week. The last stage of the project, installing the backsplash tiles, is scheduled for completion by day’s end.
I am a Survivor. Living with a medical history of:
- Breast Cancer,
- Rheumatoid Arthritis,
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease;
- Sleep Apnea;
- Fibromyalgia, and
- Peripheral Neuropathy
The challenges I face, as a survivor, on any given day can be . . .
- Fatigue
- Sleeplessness
- Weakened Immune System
- Stressfulness
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer Re-Occurrence
Oftentimes, I forget my survivor status and take on too much. When this happens, the mind, body and spirit crash. I can always count on Hubby and the Three Adult Kids to lift me up. Ultimately, however, I am the survivor and it is my responsibility to make the right choices.
Since Be Still Day, upon arising every morning, I repeat my personal affirmation.
“I am a survivor of Breast Cancer and Chronic Pain. I claim, accept and embrace this life. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to follow my path toward a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My Survivorship is Dependent Upon My Emotional, Mental and Physical Health. (SeasonedSistah 2)
SeasonedSistah 