that includes yourself
if you catch yourself even thinking something negative I want you to think of one simple image
a heart
from now until Saint Valentine's Day - increase this love within yourself
(yes, let's call this a challenge)
to love yourself more
I've been caught in the midst of mothering these six children of ours, and truly, have not taken much time out for myself.....I have this problem see, of thinking I am not worth the time, that there is something ultimately more important to do.....and I'm not "a shopper".....or go to the gym......or something outside the home
I truly am home about 90% of the time.......by choice.........
I'm embracing my vocation as wife first, mother second - they both equally have their time upon me
but I don't want to end any day for which negativity has swallowed it up.......I refuse!!
I want to increase the love within myself for myself, in order for me to give it more freely to others
you don't have to tell a single soul......actually........I would highly recommend not telling anyone....not even your husband/boyfriend/spouse.........this is a secret challenge that will totally change the way you think of who you are and those around you....creating a tidal wive ( A TIDAL WAVE ) of love
no more negativity.......try it onto every aspect of your existence:
instead of: "I can't believe 'so and so' did that with her living room! so hokey" try: say nothing at all
instead of: "why can't I go to New York for Vogue Knitting but so and so can" try: I am going to the store to buy myself a really great knitting book and save up for next year's Vogue Knitting
instead of: "she really has to do something about those age spots on her face" try: she is such a wonderful soul
instead of: "she's always so happy...it's quite ridiculous" try: what an example to become!
instead of: "can you believe that way that person dressed in church?" try: focus on Our Lord - He is what matters
quietly be submissive to the negativity and you will overcome with such joy! fill yourself with this love!!!
xo+blessings,
Hmmmm, I was just chastizing my self for negative thoughts right before I read your post. One of my goals for the year is to be kinder. Of course we can't always stop the negative thoughts that pop into our brain, but we can choose not to act on them.
ReplyDeleteDarling photos!
Great post!!! It's so easy to slip into negative thoughts that it almost becomes a way of living. I've been working on this for awhile and will try even harder between now and Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteOh I agree what an awesome post! I try to run from negative thoughts and people! You always feel much better when you look on the good things and people that surround you.
ReplyDeleteI agree--say nothing, or speak encouragingly! (Is that even a word? Oh well...)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Anne-Marie and I think something we all struggle with! I am going to take the challenge, too. I think I am the hardest on myself and, like you, forget to take time for me once in a while:).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement!
~Julia
"MAKE IT YOUR AMBITION TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE, TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND TO WORK WITH YOUR HANDS, JUST AS WE TOLD YOU, SO THAT YOUR DAILY LIFE MAY WIN THE RESPECT OF OUTSIDERS AND SO THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DEPENDENT ON ANYBODY."
ReplyDelete1 THESSALONIANS 4: 11 & 12
I love this quote and have seen it on several homesteading blogs. While not homesteaders, we have definitely decided to try and live a quieter life and be a more positive example to others...being the light of Christ without having to shout that we are the light of Christ.
Blessings,
val
Thank you Anne, I was on a negative self talk roll this morning... This will be a perfect challenge.
ReplyDelete~Arneta~
What a beautiful post and a challenge I'd love to participate in. Negativity can be such a downward spiral and I strive to keep it from rearing it's ugly head. Thank you for the inspiration and challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'll take up the challenge, I have that heart in my mind and I'm ready concentrate on it whenever those negative thoughts invade my mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne Marie for this gift.
Such wise advice Anne Marie, I so agree with all you say and I do try to live my life this way, well most days.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is always saying to me MUM!!!! don't say that! sometimes I think she is my Mother!
It was so lovely to receive your note last week, I promise to visit you more often. I always love my visits to Na Da Farm.
Wishing you all a wonderful, creative (that goes without saying in your home), loving and fabulous 2012.
Sending warm wishes, hugs and many blessing from down under.
xxxxx Coty
So well said, as always. I love the "try" options you shared too. Not just lessons to teach to our children, but lessons we must practice ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI know your children are richly blessed by having you as a mother :)
Blessings,
Marcia
What a beautiful sentiment. I like the verse from Thessalonians that Valerie shared in the comments.
ReplyDeleteLUV this! Thanks Anne Marie!
ReplyDelete