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I hope you find my writings interesting and inspirational. They are often filled with emotion because I write without many filters, and they are interwoven with my faith because I know no other way to live. May you find tidbits of information, a dash of humor, and much encouragement here. May this place be a sanctuary for your soul.
Having lived with chronic illnesses for many years, I have spent a great deal of time viewing the world from my living room window. Being homebound, I have created an important sanctuary for myself. On my sofa I have fluffy pillows and a warm wool comforter affectionately named, "Woolie" that keeps me warm in the fall and winter, or during Lyme and CFS crashes. In front of me is my coffee table that holds my writing materials, remotes, cordless phone, etc. There is a photo of our family, and a photo of our oldest son and his friends in their police uniforms, to remind me to pray for their safety. The lower shelf is overflowing with stacks of books, papers, my Bible, and articles I am reading at the moment. I have easy access to my TV, stereo, and cds, and I am only a short distance from the kitchen and bathroom. My recliner is close by with my laptop "Libby" right next to it. It is a good place to be.
There is a beautiful view into our backyard, where squirrels, rabbits, robins, cardinals, finches, morning doves, goldfinches, and sparrows gather. Quite often a deer or two will cut a path through our connecting yards for us to enjoy. Trees, flowers, and bushes brighten the landscape. I have watched this view change from season to season, and never tire of its beauty. Even though at times I get tired of living life mostly from my living room, how safe and cozy I feel in my sanctuary. I am blessed.
Laughter...it can actually move us from the adrenaline surges and anxiety of the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing our serotonin. Deep breathing will also bring you into the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, but laughter is more fun! I have one friend who says when she finds herself getting anxious or moving quickly into one of the adrenaline surges that come with CFS/ME, she uses laughter to bring things back into balance. It can often be as good for calming down the body as meditation.
What makes you laugh? For me the TV show The Golden Girls pops into my mind first. They are such characters and can be so out of line but so funny at the same time. Another show that makes me laugh is a ridiculous show on the USA channel..."Psyche". I cannot even tell you who the stars of the show are , but it makes me laugh. Funniest Home Videos is another good one to get your shoulders shaking, and I mentioned before that I like to watch the movie "Birdcage" when I am down and out. The antics of animals are another way to bring a smile to my face. I cannot leave out the many books that bring humor into our lives. One of my favorite's is titled, "Fifty Acres And A Poodle" about a couple who move from the big city to the country with their dogs.
Our grandchildren bring me joy and laughter. Recently one granddaughter told her mom she just felt like being mean. She did not know why, but it felt good to be mean sometimes. Later she put herself on "time out" because she felt like being mean, so thought she needed time out before she really WAS mean to someone! Ahhhh the honesty of a child.
Here is a picture of our youngest grandson in the tub. Now you have to admit, it made you smile right?
If you find yourself with a furrowed brow, put on a happy face.. find something fun to laugh at....like my grandson's picture, and let your body heal....one smile at a time!
10 comments:
You are very right Renee. We all need to laugh more!!
Thanks for the photo, it did make me smile by the way.
I also like home movie clip shows - what is it about other people's (temporary) misfortune that makes us laugh? I like catastrophic destruction of swimming pool by child on bicycle best.
One time I slipped slowly off my bed and got wedged between the wall and the bed. I had time to squeak 'help' before disappearing completely. I was helpless with laughter and so was my other half. It still makes me chuckle.
It's interesting about the adrenalin surges. Laughter gives us a release doesn't it? I find there's a fine line between laughing and crying, but, as you say, laughter is so much more fun.
Love the photo of your godson!! So sweet -- definitely made me smile. :) The story about your granddaughter was too cute, too. Kids are the funniest,, and often without even realizing it.
Laughter is definitely essential. I'm lucky that my fiance has a terrific sense of humor, and makes me smile every day. :-)
Amen to that Treya. I find myself being too serious and have made it a conscious effort to smile more adn worry less.
Your story of being wedged between the bed and wall made me smile! I can visualize it so well....I did not realize what a physical release laughter is until my friend told me about her way of changing the adrenaline surges. We are really made quite well functioning arent we. Too bad illness tries to change that.
Yes Laurel...having someone who makes you laugh is so important too. My Joel is like that...when he laughs I can't help but laugh!
Great post! A day without laughter is a day wasted. There is no sound sweeter to my ears than the sound of my children's laughter. I love to lie in bed first thing in the morning, listening to them giggle together. Like your photo, it always brings a smile to my face!
I just realized I wrote godson instead of grandson -- oops! :-)
Thanks Shelli for your comment. There really is nothing like the giggles and laughter of children.
No problem, Laurel...I have lyme brain and totally get it.
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