Life – Cultivating Joy and Peace

2024 Goals

Published on January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 by SylviaLeave a comment

“As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than there is wrong, no matter how ill or how hopeless you may feel. But if you hope to mobilize your inner capacities for growth and for healing and to take charge in your life on a new level, a certain kind of effort and energy on your part will be required…. It will take conscious effort on your part to move in a direction of healing and inner peace. This means learning to work with the very stress and pain that is causing you to suffer.” Jon Kabat – Zinn

I didnt accomplish a lot of my goals in 2023. Mainly because I let intrusive thoughts, depression and anxiety get the better of me. It wasnt until I took (and still on) a social media break, introspection, unpacking the weight I’ve been carrying on my shoulders and getting closer to God…did most start to finally make sense.

I’ve been so busy looking backwards, pretending as though I’m “happy”, and life has been passing me by. I’ve come to realize that I’ve just been surviving and that just isnt good enough for me anymore. I was in “why” mode. I was in “guilt” mode and I punished myself if I felt any sense of “happiness”. You may have seen a smile on my face but inside I was a hot mess and felt as though I was suffocating.

But then one day, as hubs and I were downtown, I was drawn to a building I’d seen so many times. Long story short, (until I do a separate post) I’m going to do my very best to accomplish most, if not all, of my goals for 2024.

MENTAL HEALTH – SPIRTUALITY – MENTAL WELL-BEING

Form a deeper relationship with God. Spiritual warfare is real.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”– Ephesians 6:10-13

Read the entire bible. You can read it here – Bible In a Year

Stop taking my antidepressant. I’ll do a separate blog post on whether it’s been helpful (or not) and why I’ve decided to stop taking it.

Get back out into nature. Explore more of the state parks in Ga, Ala, and Fla. Being out in nature always does wonders for my soul and mental health and well-being.

Volunteer more

Learn more about the mission trip I’d love to go on in 2025 to Tanzania. It’s through our church. 2018 mission trip.

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Come To Me, All You Who Are Weary..Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Published on December 26, 2023 by SylviaLeave a comment

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

We’ve been going to an amazing church; which I will share more about at a later time. The bible studies have opened up a sense of yearning/longing to drawer closer/nearer to God. “Longing for God is the breath of our souls! It is yearning for God with our heart that opens our souls to breathe in the Spirit of Christ and live for him alone (Gaultiere, Bill).” In doing so, I’ve come to understand that my suffering isn’t just mental but just as much, if not more…spiritual. In therapy we never talk about the spiritual aspects of my suffering.

“While our mental and physical levels of consciousness are vital, the most important level is our spiritual one. It is this consciousness that will set you free from suffering and the prison of your mind. Understanding suffering is key in freeing oneself from the trappings of the mind. Mental liberation lies in finding the source of your suffering, facing its truth and then letting it all go, in order to release yourself from its burden.(Seemungal, Joshua, 2017).“

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Thrift Store Fashion Click Pictures To Enlarge

Published on August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 by SylviaLeave a comment

**Jeans (from Ross) are now too big. Bodysuit from Ross. Shoes from Goodwill.**

I’ve been searching for work clothes and shoes at severa of our thrift stores. Sometimes I have luck and sometimes I dont; like on this day. However, I did find a pair of “cute to me”, shoes for $7.00. I can walk in this just fine because they have the thick heels.

And because I’m extra, sometimes I end up doing a photo shoot; in a wig and all…..LOL!

**The bodysuit is actually too big at the bottom but I love the top!**

My Sister; “Tony” aka Jed

Published on June 23, 2017June 23, 2017 by SylviaLeave a comment

Yesterday I received news that my sister had passed. I’m still attempting to wrap my head around her dying.

Tony is 12 years older than I am and we pretty much grew up together. She had some disabilities due to being hit by a car when she was young. However, she was smart as all get out, funny, and didn’t hesitate to tell you off either. We definitely had our share of fights because I didn’t like being told what to do. I still have the scar of her slamming my finger in the door. Of course we always made up because that’s what you do as sisters.

I think we owe not having black knees because of her (lol). She didn’t play about us not taking baths. Even now when I take my showers, I make sure to scrub my knees. She didn’t play when it came to her money. If you weren’t contributing to the household, financially, you got an ear full from her about using too much water, washing your clothes, etc. If you messed up, you cleaned up, which is something we all owe to our momma. I don’t think there was anyone that didn’t love her (my sister) though.

She was told she would never have children but went on to have 3. Two of her 3 children were killed in a devastating fire at our momma’s house and Tony was never the same after that.

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We Are Our Worst Critic…

Published on July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 by SylviaLeave a comment

Within the last 3 months or so, I’ve gained at least 20 lbs. It could be a combination of my medical issues – Hypothyroidism. My Hysterectomy – Note to self: Make appointment to have levels checked since I’m on hormonal medication. My not eating healthy which includes my addiction to soda at times. Not exercising…

Previously to my taking note of my weight gain, I was already feeling down in the dumps as I have never been this overweight before. However, I’ve never been one to shy away from taking pictures and posting them (online), regardless as to what I’m wearing. When it comes to wearing certain clothing in public – now. Not happening! No sir reeeee!!!

I’d bought a pretty swimsuit at Wal-Mart awhile back. I wore it to take a picture in and then only wore the top out. I have NEVER worn a bikini (the bottom) before (let alone in public) but I bought this particular swimsuit that has it. I kept telling myself that I was going to step out of my comfort zone (eventually) and wear it in public. That time came over the weekend when the hubster and I went down to the pool to swim.

I recently did a semi-chop to my hair, so excuse the wild hair look *smiling*. Hoping I can stay on this natural hair journey because relaxers seem to be killing my hair.

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Saying Goodbye…

Published on June 10, 2015 by SylviaLeave a comment

ETA: I’ve changed the original date of this post, which was: Jan 23, 2015, to today’s date. I’ve made the arrangements so that my late husband can have a final resting place. It’s been 7 years since his death and I think it’s time to give him a proper burial.

I have yet to give my late husband a final resting place. His ashes have been sitting inside his urn, in my closet, for 6 years now. I know this bothers the hubster as to why I’m still holding onto his ashes. There is one major thing as to why that has nothing to do with my not moving forward from his death. Something I wont get into here but at this point in my life, I have to stop worrying about how people think when they’ve mistreated me. Also, after giving him a final resting place, it will not cover up the void that remains – you don’t just “get over” a loss like that. Sure you move on but the void and pain is still there. People often compare the loss of a spouse, due to divorce, with the loss of a spouse ,due to death, as being the same. They are not the same. While I do agree that no one gets married just to get a divorce and yes you grieve from that sense of loss, it’s still not the same as losing a spouse to death.

Divorce is a Choice. Death is Not.

Does that mean I love the hubster any less because I still grieve over the loss of my late husband? Certainly not. When I post on social media, it’s usually during Veterans Day. I was a military spouse (to different people – gaah that sounds so bad) for over 20 yrs., so it’s just natural for me to remember my late husband on that day especially.

The flag was given to me after my late husband passed. I still have his dog tag and the heart shaped box contains some of his and my mommy’s ashes. I’m hoping that the hubster follows my wishes as I want the ashes in the container, mixed with mine should I pass before him. I know that may seem morbid to some but not to me.

If you are a widow – this is a great place to connect with other widows – Camp Widow

First Post of 2015

Published on January 16, 2015 by SylviaLeave a comment

HAPPY “belated” NEW YEARS!!

This will just be updates of sorts

Around Christmas, the passing of my mom really hit me and I mean hard. Some days I cannot believe it’s been over a year because it seems as though it just happened. I have to look at old posts on FB and the dates of pictures to see what has happened over the last 2 years cause it all seems such a blur.

I had our home internet disconnected for a week, which didn’t really go over too well with the hubster cause I did so without telling him. I also deactivated my FB account. Something happened between us over Christmas and it was pretty bad. All I can say about that is – I learned a lot during that week break. (1) Have a life outside of your spouse (2) You cant rely on anyone else to provide you with happiness (3) You cant fight for something if the other party isn’t willing to fight as well (4) Life is too fucking short or long – depending on how one looks at it.

Also, I didn’t realize how much being on the internet – whether it was researching, reading different blogs, being on social media, etc was taking up so much of my time that could have been spent doing other things I deem important towards my being happy and fulfilled. Not to mention I was actually getting to bed at a decent hour. The internet has been on for 2 days now and it’s so easy to fall back into old behavior which is why Im so happy that Im filling up my time away from being on the computer for an insane amount of time every day.

I think I/we’ve found a church. So far, I’m really loving it. On the 24th, I will be attending – Project One Women’s Gathering. What is it about? Project One is a gathering of women from different backgrounds, communities & churches – coming together – to be united as one voice.

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Happy Monday – Beautiful, Amazing People!

Published on October 6, 2014July 20, 2016 by SylviaLeave a comment

Don’t have to stay with someone that makes you cry. You’ll end up killing all the love you have inside.

Can’t hope to see the sun if you don’t open your eyes…

You’d be amazed at what comes your way – once you let go of all the hurt and anger – and replace it with peace, love and forgiveness. Ive had to separate myself from people (family and friends) in order to find just that.

No Title A Poem A Wrote

Published on October 5, 2014 by SylviaLeave a comment

Im definitely not an expert at writing poetry but I try *smiling*

Battered, torn and bruised

My past I cant escape

But I refuse to let my abusers – fill my heart with hate.

They tried to keep me down

But Im much stronger than they thought

Cause here I still stand – a great battle I have fought.

My trials and tribulations have been placed in His hands

To have made it this far in life,

I know there’s nothing I cant withstand.

The 5 Stages Of Grief – From My Personal View

Published on October 4, 2014 by SylviaLeave a comment

Les, my late husband, had been having headaches that just wouldn’t go away. Very unusual for him as this was someone who rarely had a cold. One day while at school, he lost feeling in his legs and had to be carried to his car. I don’t remember if someone drove him to Urgent Care or if he met me there. Anywho, we were told we needed to go to the E.R of an hospital instead.

Once at the E.R., they ran the usual C scan, etc. I remember saying to the doctor – Youre joking right? – after he informed us there was “something” on the C-scan and that an ambulance would be transferring him to another hospital. I remember the lights flashing from the ambulance as I sped behind it. Its so funny ’cause after we reached the hospital, Les said that one of the paramedics asked if he owned a black truck to which he responded yes…The paramedic then replied….I think that’s your wife behind us and they all bust out laughing.

brokenheart — I felt that my heart had been shattered into a million pieces, the next morning when we were told he had brain cancer.

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