Inspired by the sun...

As Sunday has come I realize that I haven‘t written a blog for the week yet. Life has been busy and stressful and the blog just seemed like one more thing to worry about. I figured I would just skip this week all together. When I started this blog Anthony told me that one of the things he liked most about it was that it was cathartic for me. So today this post is about helping me deal with a stressful week.

This morning the best thing happened...Jemma (our baby, yes she is a dog) started the morning by carrying her ball around and begging to go outside and play. Usually, on Sunday mornings we get up late so I am in a hurry to make breakfast and get our day started. Today we still got up late, but somehow I wasn’t in a hurry to start the day. Anthony had some work he needed to do so Jemma and I are left to entertain each other for a while this morning. Yes I have work I could be doing and I will get there later today, but right now I’m taking time for me, and Jemma. I am sitting outside in the warm sunshine, enjoying a hot cup of coffee and throwing the ball for Jemma.

While I sit here in the sun I finally feel inspired to write. Maybe it’s the sun, or the happiness I see on Jemma’s face, but whatever it is I’m going to take advantage of the moment. I could tell you about all the stress of the week, like the student behaviors that are wearing me out, or how conferences are coming up and I have grading to finish before then, or the fact that with the month of March comes memories of watching cancer take away my mom. Instead of focusing on the stress I am choosing to look at my blessings.

The sunshine is healing and reminds me that everyday we get another chance to make it the best day. Even though dealing with challenging student behaviors isn’t fun I choose to remember that if the students are showing me that side it’s because I make them feel safe. After all we are most terrible to people who love us and whom we love.

With parent teacher conferences I get to share all the blessings the students bring into my life with their parents. I get to go to work and do a job that I love and not everyone in the world has that opportunity. Then I get to come home to a safe and loving family and create art which is another passion of mine.

In March I get more opportunities to remember my mom as spring approaches and I begin to work in the yard, one of her favorite activities. I also get to remember that I was blessed with being with her in her last moments so she wasn’t alone.

Finally, I get to spend time making Jemma’s short life one that is worth living by throwing a ball and later today taking her for a walk.

Today I may not have a specific art project to share with you, but today I share my heart. My stressed out self that is enjoying a quiet time in the sun recounting my blessings instead of dwelling on my stressors. As I write today I have tears rolling down my face reminding me that it is important to embrace the blessing and allow the stress to roll off my back, or rather my cheeks as it is today. It is my hope that you can find the blessings in your lives amidst your own stress. Thanks for listening to my heart today. Until next time...Keep on creating!