These days my grateful care flows to my father while visiting him as well as to my friends who are with me in this accompanying him. Grateful for the opportunity to be with him even if only shortly. Grateful care also to myself.
I will quote from the Word of the Day,
and include how I will apply it in parenthesis.
“We ( I ) can be of service
(to those I encounter today, at home with my husband, in art class this afternoon,
in driving, parking, and walking to class) by bringing some kindness,
care, groundedness, and balance to those around us (me)”
Sebine Selaissie
This question lands for me in the middle of fear about what’s happening in my country (US). I described it for my husband as waking up with my head full of bees, so some of the care today will be for myself.
I’ve been checking in with my sister-in-law who works for the federal government in the type of agency targeted for elimination by the current administration. She does incredible work helping immigrants and refugees, people seeking hope and opportunity and fleeing turmoil and oppression. I can’t fix what’s happening but I just sent her and my brother, now retired from federal service, some Cougar Gold cheese. I know they love it and it will be a pleasant surprise in their mail to brighten at least part of their days and lives in the midst of chaos.
A friend of mine had surgery Thursday and I’m checking in with her on whether she needs anything. She’s one of my best friends and if she needs something I’ll be there.
Today, I had to read the other comments prior to writing my response – mostly because today is about cleaning my house. For me, this often feels like a chore. But when I read Elizabeth’s comment about get to – it let me see that I get to clean my house today and provide myself and my family with a safe, clean space to call home. I get to take care of us – it is a privilege. Let’s hope I remember this feeling 1 hour from now when I am hauling the vacuum around the house. 🙂
Those words, “I get to”, have shifted my energy many times, Marnie and Rlizabeth. Thank you both for mentioning that statement. How is that house feeling, Marnie?
By reminding myself of the valuable perspective shift suggested by Kristi Nelson in her book “Wake Up Grateful, The Transformative Practice of taking Nothing for Granted”. Instead of thinking “I HAVE to take care of _____ today,” think “I GET to take care of ______ today.” And then revel in all the warm fuzzy thoughts that come up when I think of the privilege and blessing of having the people and things in my life that I take care of.
My husband needs some grateful care right now. He is dealing with some things from his childhood, mainly his mother, and it’s been really hard on him. He is working on healing, but some days are harder than others. It’s a beautiful day, so we’re going to get out and enjoy it. I think we’ll go to a farmers market and grab a bite to eat somewhere new.
I will show care for myself today. I threw my back out yesterday and I’m in a fair amount of pain.
Luckily, I have the next two days off and can stay home and heal. I will apply heat and cold and do some gentle stretching and maybe a short walk around the block. Oh yeah, and a course of anti inflammatory meds. 🫤
The Action For Happiness Friendly February monthly calendar says to send a message to let someone know you’re thinking of them today – I can do that.
My daughter is flying to Charleston, SC today for a friend’s 30th bday – I love how she posts “jumping on a plane despite 2 recent plane crashes. flying is still the safest way to travel. follow statistics not fear!” (Philly just had a plane crash last night).
I’m incredibly grateful for my children.
Enjoy the weekend everyone. And safe travels for anyone flying!
I hope she has a safe trip. Weather looks beautiful there for this time of year – I check since that’s where I’m from and where my family still is. I like to compare the weather from there to its sister city where I am now. Have a nice weekend 🙂
After a very rough day, in spite of the great question, which saved me, I need to see what grateful care I could give to me. I will check the bird baths for cleanliness and fill them with clean water. I will reach out to a few folks who are struggling with health issues.
My husband restocked the suet cage this morning. I get to watch the birds swarming it when I’m in my office. Making them happy makes us happy. How often care for others returns to us multiplied.
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Presence. Showing up and being completely there.
These days my grateful care flows to my father while visiting him as well as to my friends who are with me in this accompanying him. Grateful for the opportunity to be with him even if only shortly. Grateful care also to myself.
I listened to my friend and I expressed concern without telling her what to do.
By keeping it clean
I will quote from the Word of the Day,
and include how I will apply it in parenthesis.
“We ( I ) can be of service
(to those I encounter today, at home with my husband, in art class this afternoon,
in driving, parking, and walking to class) by bringing some kindness,
care, groundedness, and balance to those around us (me)”
Sebine Selaissie
The QOTD answers this question for me: by bringing some kindness, care, groundedness, and balance to all of my actions and interactions today.
That’s what I thought, Lauren.
Wonderful quote today!
This question lands for me in the middle of fear about what’s happening in my country (US). I described it for my husband as waking up with my head full of bees, so some of the care today will be for myself.
I’ve been checking in with my sister-in-law who works for the federal government in the type of agency targeted for elimination by the current administration. She does incredible work helping immigrants and refugees, people seeking hope and opportunity and fleeing turmoil and oppression. I can’t fix what’s happening but I just sent her and my brother, now retired from federal service, some Cougar Gold cheese. I know they love it and it will be a pleasant surprise in their mail to brighten at least part of their days and lives in the midst of chaos.
A friend of mine had surgery Thursday and I’m checking in with her on whether she needs anything. She’s one of my best friends and if she needs something I’ll be there.
Today, I had to read the other comments prior to writing my response – mostly because today is about cleaning my house. For me, this often feels like a chore. But when I read Elizabeth’s comment about get to – it let me see that I get to clean my house today and provide myself and my family with a safe, clean space to call home. I get to take care of us – it is a privilege. Let’s hope I remember this feeling 1 hour from now when I am hauling the vacuum around the house. 🙂
Those words, “I get to”, have shifted my energy many times, Marnie and Rlizabeth. Thank you both for mentioning that statement. How is that house feeling, Marnie?
By reminding myself of the valuable perspective shift suggested by Kristi Nelson in her book “Wake Up Grateful, The Transformative Practice of taking Nothing for Granted”. Instead of thinking “I HAVE to take care of _____ today,” think “I GET to take care of ______ today.” And then revel in all the warm fuzzy thoughts that come up when I think of the privilege and blessing of having the people and things in my life that I take care of.
Elizabeth, your answer aligns with my thinking. It all comes down to mindset. My trademark saying has become “As others benefit, I do too.”
Just be kind in all situations
My husband needs some grateful care right now. He is dealing with some things from his childhood, mainly his mother, and it’s been really hard on him. He is working on healing, but some days are harder than others. It’s a beautiful day, so we’re going to get out and enjoy it. I think we’ll go to a farmers market and grab a bite to eat somewhere new.
I will show care for myself today. I threw my back out yesterday and I’m in a fair amount of pain.
Luckily, I have the next two days off and can stay home and heal. I will apply heat and cold and do some gentle stretching and maybe a short walk around the block. Oh yeah, and a course of anti inflammatory meds. 🫤
May you find the best solution!
Peace and patience, Charlie.
Maybe a good soak Charlie.
I hope you feel better soon, Charlie. Back pain (and pain in general) is no fun!
Oh dear…
if you find any action that really works,
dear Charlie,
let us know,
and in the meantime,
take care. ♥
I share your pain…and intention to care for yourself today, Charlie.
Take care, dear Charlie.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Charlie.
The Action For Happiness Friendly February monthly calendar says to send a message to let someone know you’re thinking of them today – I can do that.
My daughter is flying to Charleston, SC today for a friend’s 30th bday – I love how she posts “jumping on a plane despite 2 recent plane crashes. flying is still the safest way to travel. follow statistics not fear!” (Philly just had a plane crash last night).
I’m incredibly grateful for my children.
Enjoy the weekend everyone. And safe travels for anyone flying!
I hope she has a safe trip. Weather looks beautiful there for this time of year – I check since that’s where I’m from and where my family still is. I like to compare the weather from there to its sister city where I am now. Have a nice weekend 🙂
Thank you SunnyPatti 🙂
After a very rough day, in spite of the great question, which saved me, I need to see what grateful care I could give to me. I will check the bird baths for cleanliness and fill them with clean water. I will reach out to a few folks who are struggling with health issues.
Nice of you dear Yram.
My husband restocked the suet cage this morning. I get to watch the birds swarming it when I’m in my office. Making them happy makes us happy. How often care for others returns to us multiplied.
YRAM, wishing you a blessed day
I can call my mom and say thanks and tell her how grateful I am.