Bend Me, Shape Me

Along the Balsam Mountain Trail - GSMNP

September 18, 2010

 

This tree was huge and bent at an angle I could not believe!  It was healthy, green and so intriguing that we just stopped and observed it for a few seconds.  I was reminded of our neighbor's tree that was struck by lightening last week and thought once again, how we, like these two trees can endure the most difficult circumstances.  We may be struck from without, but our inner strength sustains us.  We may be required to bend so far it seems inevitable that we will break, but again, that inner strength sustains us.  Day by day, little by little, I think I'm regaining that inner strength that I actually never lost.  It just got struck by a heartbreaking blow and was asked to bend a little further than I wanted to bend.  But it was always there!

I think I've mentioned that I'd felt my schedule/routine had gotten more disorganized than I was comfortable with and I was hoping to make some changes that would help.  If yesterday was any indication, the decision to set Monday aside as my "quiet" day was a really wise one.  My plan is that Monday will be an "at home" day and only in rare instances will I accept any invitations.  I spent the day doing lots of things that are often spread out through the week and attacked on a hit or miss basis.  I walked early while it was still delightfully cool, did lots of laundry, paid bills, went through mail, planned menus, wrote some note cards, caught up on emails, etc.  I handle finances for my parents and Mr. B's mom, so had some things to do for them and somewhere in all of that managed to spend some time in BlogLand.  Today,I will grocery shop.  Having all those things done early in the week leaves me feeling energized and ready to deal with the rest of the week. This is a very busy one culminating with our annual choir retreat this weekend.  Not sure I'm quite ready to work on Christmas music when it's 95 degrees outside, but that's the deal!!  I think I'm going to like Monday.  I need to stand firm in my commitment to keeping it open.

Yesterday was a very healthy eating day.  I was so focused on getting things done, hunger pangs really did become my signal that it was time to eat.  I am so excited about the 100 day challenge.  This is exactly what I need to get recharged and many of my blog friends have chosen to participate so I think it will be fun.  I have set a high bar for myself, but one that has worked for me before and I believe will work again.  I'm still mulling over specific goals (I'm required to have at least three), so I will post those tomorrow.  

In the immortal words of that long forgotten 60's band, American Breed: 

Bend Me, Shape Me, anyway you want me,

Long as you love me, it's o.k.

Bend Me, Shape Me, anyway you want me,

You've got the power to turn on the lights.

P.S. You gotta watch that video, it's hilarious!