Life is in full swing around our home. Both great stuff and stuff I would prefer just went away. I’m sure everyone can relate. What happens when “that stuff” overwhelms you? For me, I typically power through it and keep busy. But every once in a while, my body resists and screams out for rest. And this past week, my body put the brakes on full force. I have taken several naps, been to the gym, been on my knees in prayer, been relatively quiet on twitter, and hugged one of my kids who has needed some extra attention.
Do not be alarmed, all is well. I am immeasurably blessed. Life just happens, and sometimes it just happens despite my well intentioned plans. I am on this journey trying to figure it out just like you. And sometimes I have the answers, but those answers like “This too shall pass” and “It will all be ok” don’t seem to provide the instantaneous gratification and resolutions that I desire.
So blog calendars, projects, and to do lists have to wait, because life happens. And you know what? That’s ok. No guilt, no shame.
This evening I went through my pictures and realized how many wonderful projects are in progress. I had a light bulb moment where I realized that I am living a full and abundant life. I am working towards my list items. I’ve actually done more in the past month than I had done in the six years after my cancer journey. My goal was to finally live. And well … Hot dang, I am!
So despite the spice of life, here are some of the great things in progress. I’m so grateful.
Making my first of 4 quilts for the kids. Squares, circles, and colors, oh my.
Learning how to brew beer with Jeff. Love doing things together and learning something completely foreign to me.
Scanning tons of pictures, art projects, documents so as to be paper free before our travel adventure this summer.
Learning more advanced songs in my piano lessons. An immeasurable blessing in my life right now. A new found sanctuary.
Project Health is going strong with a new found focus on healthy eating and exercising. The small muscles underneath my fluff are screaming right now – that’s a good thing.
And I’m progressing nicely with my daily 5 habits: bible reading, making dinner, writing an encouraging letter, exercising, and practicing the piano.
I can’t begin to explain the satisfaction and peace I feel when I get all 5 done in one day. And multiple days in a row of completing all 5 things is like a list maker’s orgasm. How is that for a visual?
And Jeff’s brussel sprouts have been one of the highlights of my week. Delicious.
I hope this finds you well. I so appreciate your comments and emails. I am blessed to have you in my life – even if it is at the other end of the computer.
For my cupcake fans, I have 2 wonderful treats coming to you this weekend!
Blessings sweet friends – Jenny
If you are new to my site, welcome! Like what you see? I would love for you follow along on this crazy adventure of mine by subscribing to my blog and joining me on facebook, twitter, and pinterest.
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Comments
Kerry
You inspire me every day. I realized how silent I was about what I want. I always advocate for the kids. Well, it has been just the same for them helping me set up a craft room this week. They just like to do things with me and they don’t care at all if they fet stuff or not. They just want my attention. Which they always have. A lesson learned for sure.
Jenny
I’m so glad you are doing things for yourself. I’ve realized the more I take care of my physical and emotional health, the better I take care of my kids. It’s not selfish, it’s about balance. Something that I am still seeking to find.
Kerry
“get”
Tracey
I love reading your blog. It almost always makes me smile and always makes me want to get up and try more. Thanks for your inspiration.
Jenny
Thank you Tracey. I’m just as thankful for you reading and your encouragement. Excited to hear what you are trying!
Heather
A listmaker’s orgasm…girl, you crack me up!
So glad your Daily 5 is going well!
LOVE having projects; can’t wait to see the finished quilts!
Good for you, listening to your body and getting some extra rest this week. We can only push ourselves so far before our bodies push back (I am living this right now, as I pushed my knee too far in a race this weekend, and now am paying for it).
You’re an inspiration, as always, Jenny. Stopping by your blog is one of MY daily 5
Jenny
Heather – You always make me blush. And yes, I knew I scored some classy points with my orgasm comment, but I am just keeping it real. It really does make me happy.
Marna
I wish my mom lived closer to quilt with you! She started in full force after my dad died over 12 years ago and hasn’t stopped. She makes some beautiful works of art, some of which I am blessed to have. Me…I haven’t done one since that little flag you and I learned to make years ago.
So far it just hasn’t been something I wanted to do. Maybe at a different point in my life. You go girl!
Jenny
I would love to have a quilt party with you and your mom. How fun would that be? And I started laughing remembering our flag quilt – I was really proud of that. Thanks for the note about your mom’s friend who quilts. I’m sure I’ll drop you a line as I get closer to being finished. Thanks as always. XO
Julia
I just love everything about this post, Jenny. The colorful pictures, your goofy visual and all the great insight. I’m leaving inspired…
Jenny
Colorful and goofy pretty much sums up my life so I think I achieved blog perfection today then! Thanks Julia.
cathy stolze
You are the real deal. <3 U!!!
Jenny
Cathy – I loved all 3 of your comments friend. I laughed when I got all the email notifications. It made my meeting so much more fun as I was looking at my phone under the table!
cathy stolze
ok, that’s suppose to be a hear, cuz don’t 3 u, haha Keep doin U.
cathy stolze
no, not hear, HEART!!! that’s it Ahhhh..haha
Carissa
You’re a busy, busy lady! I love that your passion for each activity comes through so strongly. Can’t wait to see the quilts- my 2 favorite things from childhood are a quilt and a pillow that my mom and grandma made for me.
Jenny
I’m excited too Carissa! I made a raggedy quilt about 10 years ago for my oldest and it is probably the thing I am most proud of out of all my projects.
Trying to vary up the patterns and learn something new with each of these quilts. Still will be somewhat basic as I’m not an experienced seamstress, but completion is most definitely more of a goal than perfection for me. Thanks for stopping by!-Jenny
Melissa O
A friend introduced me to your blog a few weeks ago. I love your zest! I started making a life list and find it amazingly fun! My 15 year old who doesn’t think anything about his mom is cool…thought my making a life lst was “very cool!” AFTER starting my life list I found a lump and another crazy symptom…I am in the process of diagnosis. Can I just say I am so grateful for you and your blog! It’s all going to be OK!!! Whatever I have to go through…it will pass. Just look at you! Anyway, thanks! You are an inspiration!
Jenny
Melissa – Cheering you on and praying too. I’m thrilled that you wrote a life list and I think you are cool for doing that as well. You score extra points every time a teenager thinks you are cool.
I’m so glad you stumbled upon my blog and you will get through whatever unfolds. Praying hard for anticancer test results.
Julie McD
Okay, the “list maker’s orgasm” comment made me laugh out loud. literally. I love it and can so relate. Thank you so much for inspiring me to stick to my dreams and goals. I have lots and am great at wanting to do them, but I often fall short of following through to the end. Blessings to you!
Jenny
I still have tons of unfinished scrapbook projects from years ago. I’m going to finish some and throw some others out. But I’ve made a commitment to finish all projects I start now – it makes me think twice about starting one unless I REALLY want it. Perhaps that will help.
My problem is that I can get bored. Maybe I have adult ADHD? I wouldn’t be surprised in the least.
Julie McD
I don’t know if it’s ADHD…I think that most busy and creative women have this issue. I think it’s a result of too many ideas floating around in our heads and not enough uninterrupted time to devote to one specific task.