Casting crowns - Already there

This song is a new favourite of mine, gives me peace that I am not alone on this journey.

Sometimes I feel like slipping away from things and I feel a crippling doubt in my ability to do anything - talk to people, start something new and even parenting.

Too little faith and too much fear in a world I can't control. Questions I want the answers too now !

I know we must also believe in ourselves and our unlimited potential even when things do not go as planned. Though things are going well for me health wise I worry about the unknown.

I am so thankful for faith - it gives me hope and strength to go on.

Do you have a song that uplifts you when you are struggling ?

Linking in Sunday Session
 ♥

If life seems jolly rotten

Today, as I was driving home from town I heard this song playing on my car radio. I started to sing along to the chorus , as you do ...cheesy song or not.

words and music by Eric Idle

 

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life...
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life...
(I mean - what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life...

I probably heard the tune dozens of times {& more} but I've never really listened to the words ...it freaked me out as suddenly got to a certain bit - you know that moment when you realise the actual lyrics...That !

ANY SONG mentioning death or dying makes me anxious . It was the second time today too !!.


In retrospect I have to laugh now, it is kind of a cheer me up song.

I was feeling very down and irritable today ... I can't use the expression 'pulling my hair out' anymore...but you get the drift.

I felt very vulnerable , deciding to attend the boys' school assembly to see their singing item {and see them not get the awards that are due to them}. 

Even going anywhere lately I feel anxious and paranoid. I see the second looks I get. I am continually wondering if my hair 'headgear' looks okay or crooked, weirdo or is scrunched and freaky. My husband wasn't here today to tell me - though the other day I was later horrified at his idea of fixing and straightening my scarf ...argggh !

Today, I couldn't help looking at another 'cancer' lady (about my age and obviously bald and wearing a CanTeen scarf and with a gauze pad taped to the back of her hand - I guessed rightly it was chemo related) .

I saw her{& hubby I presume} first in the HCF (Health fund office) in main street , then 30 mins later in the shopping mall across the road. As I was going down the escalator - there She was sitting down along the side wall, outside the loos, alone. We made eye contact and she smiled at me , I smiled back.

Then I walked over and said 'Hello'. We exchanged a few details. She thought she'd recognised me from the local cancer centre. 'Probably not' I told her - 'I am just about to start there'. Then I told her I have 'breast cancer' and she replied 'pancreatic cancer'. . She said ' I might see you around sometime'. I wished her well and off I went.

Other conversations are ...awkward. It just isn't the right word. Uncomfortable ? I don't know what to say , when people I barely know, ask me 'how am I going' or 'how am I feeling ?' People such as ... the School Principal and the boys' teacher or a random mother I've chatted to a few times. I am guessing they don't really want to hear the details of my side effects .... insomnia, flatulence, nausea, irritability, hot flashes , mood swings etc.

So, tactfully , I respond with "I am good, thanks !" The checkout guys and girls too - what is it with asking me how my day has been ?

Instead - I try not to make eye contact with anyone. Especially, now my eyelashes are sparse and my eyebrows too - coupled with my slightly crooked & turned eye, I probably look like a zombie. When I look in the mirror I see a zombie stranger.

I don't dwell too much on my appearance - seriously ! I know my hair will grow back...eventually. It could be worse, my SIL's friend just lost her foot to cancer {she has started chemo too}.

The final point - Today, I'm thankful for my new memory foam boobs and better fitting bras ...my lovely perky but comfortable soft boobs . Why I will never consider reconstruction is another post for another day.

Have you ever not realised the actual lyrics in a song ...or ones that were different to what you first thought ?


♥

Let me be there ~ brought to you by J, K, L, M, N and O

Yesterday, I heard this song playing on the radio.

I was already feeling a bit emotional{: ( }after meeting an older lady with breast cancer at a Lymphodema education session. (It was not intended to be a sharing support meeting).

This lady mentioned how alone she felt and how many people had disappointed her. She spoke of the people, including her daughters who promised to accompany her the 100km /1 hour + journey (and then return) to radiation therapy (4-5 days a week for 6 weeks).She was let her down, often at last minute, because they couldn't be bothered. She said her appointments were too late for community transport.

Then the kicker , that her husband was dead and tomorrow (now today) was also the anniversary of his death. She said how hard is was to be doing it alone with no-one special by her side. The health care worker leading the session said lots of reassuring things . The lady lives 1.5 hrs away from our town and was just there for the education session.

It made me appreciate what I have in my own husband, not that I didn't - I'm just saying, MORE. I met another women aged 52yrs , 2 weeks ago, whose husband left her for a 30yr , as she started chemo. She was very angry and bitter though it was over 2yrs ago.

I admit I'm finding in lonely here because my network of in real life friends are 4-5hrs away.They are busy dealing with their own lives and problems. I miss seeing and being with them.

I don't dwell on those who let me down anymore, I cherish those who hold me up and message, email or ring or send snail cards. Some dear URL are holding me up too with a tweet or two. I appreciate that there are people being THERE for me.

Last night , as I tossed and turned laid awake in the middle of the night {insomnia is handy sometimes}, coincidentally these people and letters were spinning around ...

J ~ an old friend from Mr 19yr old's playgroup messaged me to say she was sorry she hadn't been in contact but she was praying for me. She said her hub of 25+ yrs had also left their marriage and she was finding it overwhelming. I appreciate her prayers.

K~ my very dear , school friend of 33yrs read my blog post mentioning I had absent friends. K , emailed me to make sure I wasn't writing about her. I wasn't. I am so touched she is taking time off work to come and stay with me while I have my next chemo on 17th August.

L~ a lovely friendship that started online over 3yrs ago. L has sent me lots of cards, via snail mail and cheery encouraging handmade cards from her daughters, now gracing my vision board. It's lovely to get things other than bills and junk mail in the letterbox. L has also been making chemo beanies for another lady's 100 beanie project.

M~ a long time friend and was my bridesmaid, rang or messaged so many times to check on me last week. Even a missed call made me smile !

M~ a liker from my Facebook page has been messaging me and answering questions about breast cancer treatment , as well as being very encouraging and supportive.

M ~ a URL > now IRL friendship that started in an infertility forum over 7yrs ago. M, also a blogger now, has been emailing me . It's lovely to reply in longer than 140 characters. It seems people hardly personally email much anymore either.

N ~ a supportive blogging friend I've yet to meet . N sent me a care package yesterday. Though I certainly don't expect gifts , it was lovely to receive something I needed. Now if I can just master the art of applying dark nail polish.

Wherever you go

wherever you may wander in your life

Surely I know I'll always wanna be there

Holding your hand and standing by to catch you when you fall

Seeing you through I ev'rything you do Let me be there in your morning

Let me be there in your night

Let me change whatever wrong and make it right

Let me take you through that wonderland

That I only two can share All I ask you is let me be there

Watching you grow And going though the changes in your life

That's how I know I'll always wanna be there

Whenever you feel You need a friend to lean on here I am

Whenever you call You know I'll be there

Let me be there ...

I'm not in a position to start new activities and make new friends due to appointments and treatments. I have 2 friends here, one is a breast cancer survivor but has multiple issues and lives 40mins away. The other is a new friendship.


♥

{Giveaway} Sony Playstation 3 ~ Sorcery Prize bundle (win One of Two)

Are you ready ?

... to embrace the world of magic and wizardry as PlayStation® brings to life  Sorcery™, the newest addition to the PlayStation®Move motion controller software line-up.

The game appeals to those who like the magic and fantasy genre overlapping a little with real science.



As seen in this video hosted by Steven Mould, a BBC children’s TV presenter and scientist that briefly explains the way in which science was integrated with the game. This video is based on ‘The Ice Spell’



As the young apprentice, Finn, get ready to be transported into a world of magic and wonder Sorcery, the all new action-adventure fantasy game available only on the PlayStation 3 (PS3).

Fledgling apprentice Finn , who must use his newly acquired magic skills, travels deep into the heart of the Faerie Kingdom. Along the way, Finn must master the various types of magic - arcane, earth, ice, fire, wind, and lightning - in order to stay alive, and to become truly deserving of bearing the title sorcerer.

The Nightmare Queen has broken the ancient pact with mankind and threatens to cover the land in eternal night. As a young sorcerer’s apprentice, it is up to the player to master the arcane arts and fight back the foul creatures of this magical realm. Sorcery puts the power in the players’ hands using the PlayStation Move motion controller and letting them conjure and command powerful magic as they brave the dark world of the Faerie Kingdoms.

Players undertake quests throughout Faerie Kingdom, rescue kidnapped children, recover ancient knowledge from the City of the Drowned and aid the local townsfolk. There is even a magical cat Erline to help Finn.

Players will encounter a multitude of enemies on the journey , solve ingenious puzzles, learn powerful spells, and craft strange potions with the in-game alchemy system. With over eight spells that can be used in various combinations and countless items to discover and collect, Sorcery immerses players in a unique fantasy adventure like never before.

 KEY FEATURES

A REAL MAGIC WAND – Use the PlayStation Move motion controller as your magic wand.Cast extraordinary magic spells, brew enchanted elixirs, solve ingenious puzzles, and defeat the forces of darkness!

The PlayStation Move motion controller mirrors your actual movements in-game.

 UNIQUE COMBO SYSTEM – 

The gesture-based casting system lets you chain together basic spells into powerful combos. Freeze and shatter your enemies, electrocute them with lightning called down from the heavens, or incinerate them in a lethal firestorm! So you can switch spells with a specific gesture, no need for buttons or menus.

DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTER – 

Collect magic items, learn new spells, and concoct upgrade potions, to turn your humble apprentice into an unstoppable magic force! Sorcery has a deep alchemy system containing over 50 potions to discover . An unending search for ingredients & powerful recipes.

A LUSH AND VARIED WORLD – 

Explore five unique realms, each with their own enemies and challenges. Descend into the kingdom of the dead to battle the Banshee and the Restless Dead warriors, venture into the endless stair where vicious bogies are wreaking havoc, brave the faerie forest, raid the Slumbering Palace to free Lord Fey, the Faerie King, and much more! Immerse your apprentice in an ancient mystical world with unique realms to explore based on Irish mythology.

The good news is I have two of these ultimate Sorcery packs valued at up to $550 RRP* to giveaway. It was just released yesterday 24th May.

Each bundled pack includes :
- 1 x PlayStation 3 console
- 1 x Sorcery game
- 1 x PlayStation Move starter pack (includes PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera)
- 1 x PlayStation Navigation motion controller


*Please note prize value may be subject to change

The winners will be chosen for humour , creative and original content -  

What magical ability would you desire or what spell or potion you would conjure if you were a sorcerer’s apprentice ? 

They can be silly , practical or fantasy or whatever  ??

Time travel ?  Ability to turn on and off rain ? Mute potion for my your children




Please complete the entry form ONCE and leave your comments in comment box below .



Closes 11th June 11.59pm AEST.
Optional entries if you
Like this post (see below)
Like My Little Drummer Boys
Tweet the giveaway tagging @mylittledrummer
Share on FB tagging My Little Drummer Boys

I'm feeling generous so you can enter once a day if you like as long as it's a new answer - spell,  magical ability, rhyme or potion etc...


Disclaimer:  I already own a Playstation 3 (thanks to a previous giveaway) .  I received the Sorcery game, PlayStation Move starter pack (includes PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera) and PlayStation Navigation motion controller to try the game myself. No financial payment was received.

Today is my 5th birthday blogoversary  - so as a present to my readers - I had to start this awesome giveaway today. I'll have to properly test out the game with my nephews and teenage son. The target age is 8 - 13 yr olds but in my opnion it will have a wider appeal - even I'm really keen to play ... just like Harry Potter series being the Childrens' books that I read before my teenager. I was also the Queen of Pokemon battles on his Gameboy.

♥

Lazy Sunday

It's been quite a grey and dreary day here . Therefore ...

Insert Me !

Source: tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

I discovered I can waste hours on Pinterest and You tube...getting inspired :)

Source: etsy.com Pinterest

I really want to make this blackboard !

I discovered I need to practice my A B C's .

Source: beautifulyoubyjulie.com Pinterest

So I am going to print this out and frame it .

 

Source: Uploaded by user via Trish on Pinterest

 This I love this whimsical poster too !

I've also been listening to lots of old favourites and making new discoveries . This song - Can you stand the rain ? speaks volumes !



This I can't embed but over 9 million people have watched it . The message is Hold onto your dreams - when you least expect it be surprised and don't judge anyone !

Be kind to every one you meet this week and go dance in the rain.

Linking up with Thea's

♥

Monday Muse and Song ~ I am

I love this song and Australia day is just around the corner.



Another quintessential Aussie song.

Linking up with Thea's

because it is still Sunday somewhere !
What are your favourite Australian songs ? What songs inspire you ?

♥

Sunday ~ A good day

I've been a bit busy the last few weeks , hence the blogging hiatus. It wasn't something I planned but that is way it panned out.

Suffice to say we have had a wedding, funeral, moving , our 18 yr son moving out of home ( on good terms because he has a job in Sydney training as a Fire technician ) , Christmas , new puppies , packing to move (we are renting our house not selling so we had to fix things and leave the place spotlessly clean) and general displacement in the crazy mix. Plus other stuff and matters I can't blog about because it is not my story to tell.

Last night to top it all off we had a severe thunderstorm - causing a power failure at 9.30pm. I was home alone with the twins. Lucky I found a torch (or my little guys did) minutes before - as the power had been flickering. Eventually I found a candle, then a lighter gun. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

I then had to check the new puppies were ok in their temporary pen and kennel , way down the back, in the pouring rain and lightening all around (again my little guys came to the rescue because they knew where a Ben 10 umbrella was). Then I had to close all the wide open windows in the caravan.

The storm was quite scary, thankfully my boys didn't freak out. Though they did ring my husband on my mobile phone while I was out in the storm and they were inside in the dark (it was before I found the candle) with lightening flashing everywhere.I didn't dare risk taking them outside with me. It looked quite spectacular even if a bit scary as only a few windows have curtains...

Normally, I would have been more prepared but everything has been moved about due to moving in Wednesday. Usually my White Knight  is here for such emergencies.

I heard this song recently and it resonates with me .



song #2 As we packed (and decluttered) there were a lot of memories that came flooding back. I had to throw out a lot of things I have held onto for years physically and mentally.

This year we will make new memories !



I chose Elvis in honour of the Elvis festival being held nearby in Parkes.

Thea @ Do I Really Wanna Blog hosts  Sunday Session, where you get to share the songs that you love. It is just the way I like it - no rules, no themes – free rolling fun.

I've always loved - My Little Drummer boy Whoa - who hasn't recorded My little Drummer boys ?

Whoa - who hasn't recorded My little Drummer boys ?



John Denver's version is so graceful



Josh Groban




Justin Bieber



Johnny Cash




1970 Michael and the rest of the Jackson Five recorded



Bob Dylan


I like Faith Hill but couldn't embed it


Vienna Boys Choir is heavy but I like it. Neil Diamond - he has nailed it too.

What's your favourite version ?

What's else is on your play list today ?

Ps Try playing a few at once ...
♥

It's all in the timing

So we are almost back to where we started from.
Our Farm.
Not quite home but our home away from home.
We stopped in town to do some food shopping and fuel up.
The drummer boys had a play in the little park near the shopping centre while they (& Dad) waited for me.
Joel tells me as soon as we get in the car " I have a headache "
Uh oh ...that means puke !
We hear the tell tale cough and splutter.
I yell "Stop" !
I get the boy out. Quickly.
He coughs and pukes on the grass.
I clean the toy debris off the floor and find a lunchbox they have been using for play.
We drive off.
5 mins later it is needed.
Then again.
We continue drive to the farm it is 10-15 mins away.
Stopping at the farm gate Hubby empties the box ...the bumps you see.
We arrive and my poor little guy is still puking.
He has barely eaten in hours , save for a few chips at DH's cousin's house.
Good timing is all I can say.
He fell asleep after a few good pukes.

I wake him, to check him, after an hour (being a former Paediatric Nurse I am paranoid about checking and waking sick kids ...headaches & vomiting = meningitis ? )
He is a little better, cranky,
He is alert and he whinged when we brushed his teeth.
They still hurt.
He seems Okay again.
I hope we all he sleeps tonight.
It is good to be almost home.

This always makes me laugh



♥

It's a long , long road

Update - Unbelievably - Today we came across The Storm Trooper - his name is Jacob and he has raised $30,000 so far. He plans to walk to Sydney via Adelaide and Melbourne. His website is www.troopertrek.com

I never knew much about the Nullabor before our Western Australia adventure. I still don't.

The Nullabor plain or desert breaks a number of world records across it's 1200kms of rich history and stunning (or not so) scenery. The name means treeless plain but there are are a few trees.

1. The distance to from our current location (16km east of Norseman) to our destination (home) according to google maps is 3260km exactly by car - route 1 (54turns) or 3230km route 2 (62 turns). The estimated time is 1 day 11hrs ...I presume this is non stop driving. It is only 1180 to Ceduna in SA.
2. To walk the Nullabor you either have to be crazy or you undertake it to highlight a cause or significant fundraising - we passed two different walkers in September.
   
   One dressed as Stars Wars - storm trooper
   
3. An Englishman Edward John Eyre was the 'first' recorded man to cross the Nullabor East to West in 1841 - a journey taking 4.5 months -  from Adelaide to Albany (south West Coast)
4. It is the longest straight road in the world , the first car crossed in 1912; 99 yrs ago I can only imagine the challenge it was back then.

Ps I hope this post works as blogpress has crashed and I'm using my iPad directly through blogger which doesn't support compose mode.

We have travelled 731 km today. We are just about to cross the border into south Australia.

It might be the only chance I get to post today ;-).
Hubby has been teasing me about being shaky all day ...who me I am not addicted !
♥ Never miss a post

Anyway ~ Chasing a dream

An inspirational song for me - no matter what others think !
 Anyway
DO it anyway .
Life is too short not to !
It is a song about hope, and faith that tomorrow will be better and if not so be it !


Martina McBride - isn't she great !

You can spend your whole life buildin'

Somethin' from nothin'

One storm can come and blow it all away

Build it anyway

You can chase a dream

That seems so out of reach

And you know it might not ever come your way

Dream it anyway

[chorus:]

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good

When I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should

But I do it anyway

I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe

That tomorrow will be better than today

Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart

For all the right reasons

And in a moment they can choose to walk away

love 'em anyway

[chorus]

You can pour your soul out singing

A song you believe in

That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang

Sing it anyway

Yeah, sing it anyway

I sing, I dream, I love

Anyway

yeah

This one is just for a giggle- got to love Facebook friends

 

What dream are you chasing ?
♥

Sunday song

I have a million crazy thoughts running through my head right now.

Last night as we laid in bed we heard this song .As we listened , it spoke to me



I had to Google it this first thing this morning.
We both love a lotta little country music.



Linking up with Thea's Sunday Session

What songs move you  ?

Happy Father's Day to my husband and all Dads today and especially remembering my~ Dad~ today !

♥ Never miss a post

Power of your love

Just a quick one tonight , we sang this song at our local church this morning.

We have missed a few weeks due to being away, illness and farm visits.

I ♥the Power of your love



A powerful song of faith for me. It moves me to tears often.
Actually the artist/musician/pastor who wrote this song 'married'  my husband and I. The female artist singing sang at our wedding in a humble warehouse...many 21.5yrs moons ago. I must dig out our video.


We attend a different church than the one in the video now but it still holds a place in our hearts.

Unrelated perhaps to Christian faith but totally to the power of love we saw the movie RED DOG tonight, a 'tale' of love and faithfulness, and grief and more grief. It was funny and I highly recommend it to everyone.
It confirms our decision that Red kelpies or a cross will the next family dogs we own.
I have a very cute story about when we gave teen a new puppy for Christmas when he was three... later ...
Linking in with Thea's Sunday session.

♥ Never miss a post

Summer days ...slipping away

It's the first day of Autumn and it is cooler today, though still humid. I've noticed the last week the mornings are cooler, the grass is dewy. 

Summer days will soon be slipping away as Autumn gets a grip. I love Autumn as it means cooler days but more than enough sunshine and light with gentle breezes to enjoy the outdoors.

As the nights get cooler I'll get my slow cooker out and begin inhaling the comfort food we all love. My downfall rich sauces and meat.

Eight weeks under my belt. I am now at week 9 of the Couch to 5km program, two more runs to go but that's not the end.

I'm now running 30 mins in one go. Incredibly ! hard for me to even imagine and complete ! .I doubt I have ever done this ... not that I can remember anyway on a regular basis. I do remember running a little.

I have plans to register for the Mother's Day classic (Annual funDraiser for Breast Cancer) , just deciding whether to do the 4 or 8km run , or to travel to Wollongong and do a 5km run. I want to make it a little challenging but not to hard. Race day is 10 weeks away Sunday May 8th.

22 years ago I rode a 'push' bike 1100kms+ from Melbourne to Sydney (one way riding 12 days of 15 days). I did some running as part of my training and fitness preparation - (I was 22 then so it was easier.)

I need to learn basic stretches and do some strength training (at home). The MDC has some preparation guidelines for all the different length runs/walks so I am trialling the beginners to 8km. I started today -it has longer run sessions and shorter faster sessions with some cross training/strength exercises.

On the weight front I haven't lost much at all (all that exercise makes me hungry ). I know I am fitter and my endurance has improved. So that is good overall.

I'm not overweight but the kilos have been creeping on and up again the last year or two. I am at the top end of my healthy weight range. It is so easy to 'inhale' food  >one chocolate bar is the equivalent of an hours walking or running. Nutritious food also has just as many calories I've noticed if you enjoy even reasonable servings.

My aim is to ultimately lose a few kilos more to get back to my goal weight.

It is about balance and what he said ...

PS :No offense intended just saying there is the element of truth in this for me too.By the way the you tube site has some very poor taste comments I don't agree with, at all. ♥ Never miss a post

Xanadu

Xanadu was an Olivia Newton John movie from 1980. The movie wasn't such a big hit but the soundtrack was.



'Olivia' aka Kira was a muse who broke the rules and fell in love .
The Muses visited Earth often to help inspire others to pursue their dreams and desires .
Xanadu was the title track.
I just loved the roller skating and Olivia was my idol lol.
Songs of the 80's...my teens are my favourite :) .
What's your favourite 80's song ?
or play along @ Thea' s
Thea's rules are simple

On Sundays pop two favourite songs onto your blog.

An oldie but a goldie.

And a newbie, fresh off the charts.

I am thinking about a newie.

or there is
♥ Never miss a post

Rainy days & Mondays

It's one of those days... remember Rainy days & Mondays.

Do I feel down ?...maybe.
I am certainly anxious as we head off to a followup appointment for my husband about his cancer.
Six months ago we got the diagnosis that his tumour was malignant and would require radiation therapy.
The radiotherapy has been done & dusted. The rest is uncertain.He will have regular followup and scans for the next few years.

It just undoes me every time we go there. I can't explain it.

It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can help another without helping himself." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Now for a little linky love

Something to giggle about kids & lubricants @Very bored in Catalunya (guest poster)
A message about our elderly are sad & forgotten ...why @Living life as me
Something heartwarming @Life with Kaison
Something cute ...

♥ Never miss a post

If ...

Two weeks ago we were fortunate to see 1927 in concert ...they perfomed for a hour or so. This is one of my favourite songs of theirs. I am showing my age now ...

---

If ...

How many times do we say to ourselves, or to our friends or spouses if we are open enough;

I could be happier

• if only I (or spouse) had a different job or was earning more
  
• if I lose weight
• if I didn't have ...
  
• if my in-laws ...
• if we had a bigger house or a new car
  
• if only I had a house cleaner, chef or laundry fairy
• if only I can get through this rough patch
  
• if only I wasn't juggling way too many balls ...or rather #FAILing at it.
• if I could had more control over ...
  

or maybe we have a little more positivity and we say when

I'll be happier when ...

• I lose weight
• get a job
• move house
• finish my studies
• have more money
• this year is over
• win ...
  

Everything will get better....when ?

I've seen a few people write about what is happiness ? They all say it so differently.

I think I am happy enough ; I am blessed compared to many people. However, I feel guilty I want things to be happier, easier and better.

I certainly have goals and dreams of things yet to happen.
I find it's easier to look further down the road and want that kind of happiness; when .... all the planets are aligned and the pieces fit together.

I realise, instead, I should live for today, find happiness in the now.
I should accept the hard things and get on with it ... being happy today.

I qualify the above by saying that sometimes we need help when we speak about depression and deep abiding unhappiness or discontent.
Unhappiness that endures for a long time or robs us of any joy is not something you can just get over. (My DH has taken medication/counselling for depression for several years.)

I should ...write down 5 things that made me happy today ...to really tune into the bright spots or moments in my day.

I just don't make the time. I will.
If I can't find 5 ...then 2 or 3 will do.

God, grant us the...

Serenity to accept things we cannot change,

Courage to change the things we can, and the

Wisdom to know the difference

Extended version ...

Patience for the things that take time

Appreciation for all that we have, and

Tolerance for those with different struggles

Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the

Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the

Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.Commonly attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr

In 1953 William Spence added a new section after the first 4 lines:

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

Just for today !

At some meetings of Narcotics Anonymous, the line "Just for today" is added to the end of the prayer (WIKIpedia)

A few will know of the more humourous versions.

God grant me the senility

to forget the people I never liked anyway,

the good fortune to run into the ones I do,

and the eyesight to tell the difference. –author unknown

or this naughty one

Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.

How do you define happiness ?




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I just remembered

duct tape is great for hair removal and other acts of torture

... why my hubby won't let me use the duct tape on the kids !

Once upon a time hubby was a member of the sound & light production crew that set up the weekly services at the Church we attended. The use of duct tape (known also as gaffa tape) was popular and they had access to dozens of rolls .

On his buck's night DH's ingenius mates decided to wrap him in duct tape (probably stole it) .They bound his hands, legs (...onto bare skin) & clothes in it. They also covered him in egg & flour & ? .

Duct taping him to a tree in the local park too. After that (or before) they pushed him blindfolded, onto a train , skinning his shins when his leg slipped down between platform & train, pushed him off at another station, they tortured him with a heap of other mean acts ...including driving him around in the boot of a car. Finally , they dumped him, more ducted taped up, outside his mother's home , where he lived.

She of course was horrified ... when she ripped cut & peeled off the duct tape , she also took off a layer of skin and a large amount hair off his legs, backs of his hands etc ...seriously he was a mess. He was left with some very raw skin patches ....thankfully it wasn't the night before our wedding but a week before.

I don't think his 'mates' (mostly in their late teens & early 20's) realised what they did. He was a little shocked but never said too much about it ...

I thought it was very stupid and dangerous ... first I cried when I heard. ( It was so horrible he wouldn't tell me the entire truth least I go after them ...because I got very ANGRY).

He recovered enough to marry me the next week =) and I calmed down ;) .


PS On the subject of train stations. Yesterday I saw this at Kim's @All consuming and I think it's brilliant & fabulous so I'm sharing it too. I love this song. I was singing it all day.
Here is the NZ version it's great too !

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