A Simplified Life
It is unquestionable that the spiritualization of thought does undoubtedly lead the student to simplify her mode of life, for so many things that previously seemed important are now found to be unimportant and uninteresting. It is unquestionable too, that she gradually finds herself meeting different people, reading different books, spending her time differently; and that her conversation naturally changes its quality. These things follow upon the change of heart; never can they precede it.
... old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (New King James Version)
Emmet Fox, Around the Year with Emmet Fox, May 22
It is true, for me at least, that as profound changes take place in one's life, so does that person change, forever. I am forever changed. I'm not who I used to be. I am happier than I have been in a long, long time. Yes friends, I am happy and well. Heartache? Yes, at times. But inside, truly happy. I like who I am, who I have become. I especially like that I am learning and growing, for the first time in my life, in a very very healthy way. I know I am looking inward for my strength, not outward.
“... many things that previously seemed important are now found to be unimportant and uninteresting.”
Money, property, prestige. I don't care anymore. I used to think I wasn't materialistic. I didn't want to live on Lake Drive. Just Cumberland Blvd (the average price of homes on Cumberland is 500K.) Wanting to live on Cumberland Blvd isn't materialistic, right? Well, today, I know what is truly important: Treating others well. Living a good life. Enjoying those moments with Oliver. That's what truly matters. My character. How do I act when I think no one is looking or listening?
I cared too much about what people thought. Especially when it came to our 2-bedroom home. Man. I'm lucky just to have a home today! I used to care how modern it was. Now I see how fortunate I am to be living in a remodeled kitchen with beautiful appliances and a gorgeous sink.
Before:
After: (sorry a bit blurry!)
Before: (that's our friend Mark in the photo)
After:
The before and after still astounds me as I look at our home today compared to how it was. What Matt and I did together is amazing. I used to care what my lawn looked like. If you saw it today, you'd laugh. (side note: My mission is to focus on my yard this summer. I already purchased a ton of flowers and am committed to making it look great this week or next! But not for you. Not for my neighbors. Only for me. For me and for Oliver.)
I'd get angry at Matt. All. The. Time. Really.... a lot! He's someone who does so much and works so hard. He used to say he did all this to make me happy. But I didn't appreciate it. I wanted more. Always. More. And better. You see, he'd do a job and leave his tools laying around after. I'd get mad. And critical.
I wouldn't mind having a few tools laying around today......
“ ... she gradually finds herself meeting different people, reading different books, spending her time differently; and that her conversation naturally changes its quality.”
100%. I have made new friends this past year, many — some who have been vulnerable to heart break. I'm reading lots of new books, things that I would never have read earlier in the game. I'm open to new thoughts, attitudes and methods. This is wonderful! The conversations taking place strengthen me. On the road, my "rage" has completely disappeared. I'm less stressed. Less angry. It feels good.
There are no buts to this post. I'm really doing well.
:)
We both are!
(Check back. I'm uploading a cute pic of me and Oliver, right here, tonight!)
... old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (New King James Version)
Emmet Fox, Around the Year with Emmet Fox, May 22
It is true, for me at least, that as profound changes take place in one's life, so does that person change, forever. I am forever changed. I'm not who I used to be. I am happier than I have been in a long, long time. Yes friends, I am happy and well. Heartache? Yes, at times. But inside, truly happy. I like who I am, who I have become. I especially like that I am learning and growing, for the first time in my life, in a very very healthy way. I know I am looking inward for my strength, not outward.
“... many things that previously seemed important are now found to be unimportant and uninteresting.”
Money, property, prestige. I don't care anymore. I used to think I wasn't materialistic. I didn't want to live on Lake Drive. Just Cumberland Blvd (the average price of homes on Cumberland is 500K.) Wanting to live on Cumberland Blvd isn't materialistic, right? Well, today, I know what is truly important: Treating others well. Living a good life. Enjoying those moments with Oliver. That's what truly matters. My character. How do I act when I think no one is looking or listening?
I cared too much about what people thought. Especially when it came to our 2-bedroom home. Man. I'm lucky just to have a home today! I used to care how modern it was. Now I see how fortunate I am to be living in a remodeled kitchen with beautiful appliances and a gorgeous sink.
Before:
After: (sorry a bit blurry!)
Before: (that's our friend Mark in the photo)
After:
The before and after still astounds me as I look at our home today compared to how it was. What Matt and I did together is amazing. I used to care what my lawn looked like. If you saw it today, you'd laugh. (side note: My mission is to focus on my yard this summer. I already purchased a ton of flowers and am committed to making it look great this week or next! But not for you. Not for my neighbors. Only for me. For me and for Oliver.)
I'd get angry at Matt. All. The. Time. Really.... a lot! He's someone who does so much and works so hard. He used to say he did all this to make me happy. But I didn't appreciate it. I wanted more. Always. More. And better. You see, he'd do a job and leave his tools laying around after. I'd get mad. And critical.
I wouldn't mind having a few tools laying around today......
“ ... she gradually finds herself meeting different people, reading different books, spending her time differently; and that her conversation naturally changes its quality.”
100%. I have made new friends this past year, many — some who have been vulnerable to heart break. I'm reading lots of new books, things that I would never have read earlier in the game. I'm open to new thoughts, attitudes and methods. This is wonderful! The conversations taking place strengthen me. On the road, my "rage" has completely disappeared. I'm less stressed. Less angry. It feels good.
There are no buts to this post. I'm really doing well.
:)
We both are!
(
Comments
Post a Comment
Your comments are helpful! Thanks!