Lately.

Lately I’ve been feeling thankful.  For my home, for my family, for my friends—old and new—and for silly little things, like Earl Grey tea, sunshine pouring in my window, and the smell of freshly cut grass in the summer.

Lately I’ve been drinking lots of water.  I make it a point to finish off a tall glass with my coffee or tea in the morning, and several other glasses throughout the day. I find that fresh slices of citrus make drinking water feel more decadent.

Lately I’ve been flossing my teeth almost every single night.  I don’t know what it was about this last time I went to the dentist, but for some reason, all the scolding finally made an impact on me, and I’ve flossed more in the past three weeks than I probably did in the two years before them. (gross, I know.)

Lately I’ve been thinking about death a lot, and sometimes I cry while I’m driving or before I drift to sleep at night or as I’m chopping tomatoes for dinner.  I don’t want to lose anyone that I love, and yet I recognize that death is just another part of life. Time will take us all, and we’re in good company. Many have gone before us.

Lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the Internet.  Specifically, by all the wonderful and kind comments I receive on my blog.  They make me so, so happy, and I can’t resist the urge to want to reply to every single one of them and be best friends with all of you, but there simply aren’t enough hours in my day.  And that makes me sad. (But seriously—your comments and emails fill me with joy and keep me inspired. Many people say they blog only for themselves, but I’ll be the first to admit I blog for YOU every bit as much as I blog for myself. So thank you for taking the time to leave me comments and send me emails. They are so appreciated.)

Lately I’ve been craving color in my life and in my wardrobe.  I’m tired of navy blue and grey and black and white.  I want red! Bright teal! Corals and yellows and purples! Lately I’ve discovered that color has a dramatic impact on how I feel, and I’ve made it my mission to buy more brightly colored clothing. Because it makes me happy.

Lately I’ve been fed up with certain things about myself, and I’ve decided I will no longer accept them as my reality.  My raging PMS, for example, and my lack of discipline in my day-to-day life.  I just won’t accept it any longer.  And I think I’ve finally reached a place where I am willing to do what it takes to improve my life (thus improving the lives of those who live with me… **AHEM, MATTHEW**)   ;)

Lately I’ve been hopeful. And feeling a certain measure of control over my world.  I think too often, we give up our control—the control rightfully granted us by God: the ability to make choices that bring about positive change in our lives.  Maybe we lose hope.

 

Don’t lose hope, friends. Don’t forget about your ability to CHOOSE.  And I’ll try not to, either.