Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thankfulness Thursday - Thank God for New Tools !

What do you do when you are feeling stressed, anxious, on edge ?

I have some bad habits - old tools that I pick up,

that I think will help

even though

over the years

I have learned that they really don't.

(journal page 2008)

I used to pick up a cigarette.

Oh, some days, I miss those puppies !

I don't choose those anymore (it is about a year and a half now...).

I still go to the comfort food - you know, kind of medicate with food...

That will be my next battle...

But in the meantime,

I have also learned how to pick up some new, healthier tools as well.

Yesterday was one of those days.

I was literally buzzy with anxiety.

I have stopped asking why for now.

That just seems to make the whole thing worse in my crazy brain.

I just try to accept that some days are like that

and look for the tools to help me get through...

Yesterday, my tools of choice was this :


I literally lost myself in the painting of my rocks.

I had the tunes on.

I was in a rock painting zone.

No anxiety.

No worries.

Just in the present moment...

Ahhh, the relief...

Most of the other stuff was just in my mind anyway and had nothing to do with the present moment. Besides, it would still be there when it was time to deal with it all.

In those rock painting moments, I was able to just be...

The Buddhists say that happiness is relief from suffering...

I think that is what I experienced yesterday...



Today, on Thankfulness Thursday,

I am so very grateful for my new tools.

I hope your present moment brings you to happiness today, Beautiful Ones...

Big Love to you !

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19 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:33 AM

    A collage of lovely painted words, rocks of will and mindfulness.

    If you keep up at this rate, there will be no rocks left in the whole of
    Eastern US...

    xo

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  2. Lynn CohenFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:16 AM

    Good choice. boy, that is a lot of rocks!!!! You Rock! rock on! Gotta love a rock.

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  3. minlinheFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:27 AM

    Hi, Kim,
    I sent you an e-mail but I know how spam blockers can be and not deliver messages.

    I just wanted to thank you for your very beautiful heart card! I think your sewing turned out wonderfully! It was a crazy day at work so when I came home and found your card, it really brightened my day.

    And yes, I have enjoyed this project so much. Looking at everyone’s blogs and writing them personal messages was even more fun than making the cards!

    I hope 2010 is fun-filled and very creative for you.

    Take care!

    Mindy

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  4. Cindy February 18, 2010 at 8:27 AM

    I love your rocks, I have painted rocks for about 10 years now, and now have started carving rocks, the way you describe painting and just being, I can and do relate to you 100 per cent. all the best, c

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  5. SueannFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:48 AM

    Beautiful!!! And they make an awesome collage!!! I used to reach for cigs too..but that was 20 years ago. Then I reached for food...now I have stopped that and lost 125 lbs. with more still to go. Now I do art...creating is so much for fulfilling!! Glad you have found that tool as well
    Peace and hugs
    SueAnn

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:52 AM

    always inspiring us Kim!

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  7. Commuter's JournalFebruary 18, 2010 at 10:54 AM

    Perfect! Banish the anxiety stories by being in the moment with your Zen rocks. Rock on, Rock Fairy, rock on!

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  8. jgrFebruary 18, 2010 at 10:58 AM

    Congrats on your new tools and new choices. You're awesome, so are your rocks.

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  9. pattiFebruary 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM

    It can be really difficult to battle theses crutches we have made a habit of leaning on. You are right though, they only make things worse.

    Painting your lovely love rocks with music in your ears is a much better way to Be.

    Love to you Kim and bless you for all the kindnesses you have sent my way. xx

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  10. DebbieFebruary 18, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    What a lovely habit to lose yourself in, Kim! You are an inspiration.

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  11. iHannaFebruary 18, 2010 at 2:57 PM

    I'm proud of you for not smoking girl! Yuck that stuff, good on you for stopping!
    Beautfule stones, beautiful message as always... :-)

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  12. Kate RobertsonFebruary 18, 2010 at 4:59 PM

    I love the rock picture and your words, I can just picture you listening to some tunes and painting away, all in the zone.

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  13. PaulaFebruary 18, 2010 at 5:33 PM

    Clapping for my friend here. And...honey, if you can figure out how to beat the comfort food bit, do let me know! Thank God for art.

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  14. SE'LAH...February 18, 2010 at 5:42 PM

    have i ever told you that I LOVE YOUR ROCKS?!

    they always bring me peace.

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  15. bethFebruary 18, 2010 at 6:15 PM

    I love that you have a habit that won't require rehab !

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  16. Teresa aka TessFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    This is what I have been telling people for some time now. I write, paint, sew, color, scribble,. alter, etc., etc. to relieve stress and anxiety. It just has a wonderful calming effect over me. And when something doesn't turn out right in the real world it bothers me but it the craft world..I just change it. Now if only I could learn to do that all of the time.! I love your painted rocks.

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  17. Julie PrichardFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:05 PM

    Being able to just be IS an awesome feeling....ahhhhhhhh...

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  18. The Bodhi ChickletFebruary 19, 2010 at 6:16 AM

    How perfect is that - sitting on a deck in the sun in February! There is something wonderful about that that only people who live in the north can understand. Yes, you can give yourself a good pat on the back for not picking up any more cigarettes. Your self discipline is something to be grateful for as well. Beautiful, beautiful spray of rocks there!

    P.S. Skipped my class this morning - no willow charcoal for me today!

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  19. deb did itFebruary 22, 2010 at 4:42 AM

    ROCK ON SISTA~~ your words fly into my life every single day as I keep a precious painted round box ~wink~ by my door full of your kind words. Love ya Kim~!~

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