A lot has happened in the last 2 weeks. For example, my husband hurt his back, which has brought pain to his leg, which has affected his mobility. Fortunately, his emotional state is pretty good. I believe his spirits are up due to our grand kids having been around for most of the time. And they have been little angels of joy around grandpa. I think this has had a positive effect on my husband. Likewise, being able to see grandpa more has had a positive effect on the grand kids too. Grandpa is usually helping out others or working with others and the grand kids do not see him as much as they see me. This idea of grand kids enjoying seeing their grandpa even though they know his leg hurts, was one of many positive thoughts I had today, and for this I am thankful.
Another positive thought I had today had to do with acceptance. I had to do many things for others today. I did not get a lot done for me. Throughout the day, I found a sense of peace about the fact that my entire day was centered around helping and accommodating others. In so doing, everyone around me was at peace too. It was wonderful. I stopped to check in with those around me. I was able to hold on and hug a bit longer. I cheerfully helped without grumbling. And while I helped, I engaged in positive self talk. For example, when alone in my thoughts, if I started to think negative, I stopped myself and countered that thought with something positive instead. Soon, I only thought about pleasant things and enjoyed moments of gratitude.
Today before my day began, I thought about what it was that I love to do. I told myself that whatever I love to do was right under my nose. I had forgotten about that until now but here is what I did today in regard to what I love. First, I made old fashioned oatmeal for two.
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
2 cups boiling water, salted to taste (about 1/2 tsp.)
Stir oats into boiling salted water for about 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cover with lid. Go do something for 5 to 10 minutes (set a timer). Come back and serve up in 2 serving bowls and add the following:
1 Tbsp. flaxseed meal in each bowl
2 Tbsp. raisins in each bowl
1/4 cup hot milk (or coconut, almond, rice) in each bowl
1 tsp. sugar or honey in each bowl
Enjoy.
I also made homemade pizza with Trader Joes refrigerated pizza dough. I don't have pictures but I cut up green olives (1/2 cup) and 1/4 of a red onion.
I spread about 4 oz. of Trader Joes pizza sauce on top of the stretched out pizza dough shaped on a pizza pan. I sprinkled the green olives and red onions on top of the pizza sauce, and then I sprinkled 1/2 cup assorted shredded cheeses. I do not like a lot of cheese so mine was mostly hard cheese like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano with a little Mozzarella. Here is the secret trick to making the pizza perfect- the oven needs to be preheated and it should be hot about 450 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes. It was perfect.
Finally, I built a fire today around 4:30 PM. I sat in front of it and counted my blessings. It was a day that I spent time on my knees, hugging a few of my grandkids, caretaking, texting, talking to insurance companies and doctors, and even some office work from home. It was a positively busy day but not a stressful one and for that I am truly thankful.