But still, I shudder when cold words are spoken in negativity around me. Maybe because my spirit recognizes them so strongly, being personally acquainted with them coming out of my own mouth.
Today I recognized this as a lesson, insight into just how much I effect everyone in the room when I lash out with my words. To know that, even when they are spoken in a whisper, these words reverberate across the souls who have to hear them. Loud and louder. Until the whole room is taken over by their cold power.
This is an especially good lesson to learn right now, as I sit down to write a list thankfuls for Lizzi at Considerings Blog. Thankfulness is like a warm blanket, the extreme opposite of negativity's dark chill. With that in mind, here are my thankfuls for this week:
1. Worship music.
2. The closeness of summer vacation.
3. Bookish emails.
4. Facebook statuses that say things like...
Watching Black Beauty with Katarina. It is hard to hear the horse talk to me over the exclamations of, "Inaccuracy! Inaccuracy!" and "This is NOT how it happened in the book!!"
I'm raising a book snob, and I'm okay with that.
5. Clean dishes. Clean, because someone other than me washed them.
6. Dress shopping with a friend who is renewing her vows for her 10th anniversary. Which is basically wedding dress shopping. Plus I tried on a bridesmaid dress that wasn't at all bad.
7. Feeling the chill of negativity recede as I focus on thankfuls.
8. Prayer. And being reminded that the saying, "Prayer changes things," usually means, "Prayer changes the hearts of those who pray."
9. Watching Jeopardy with my family. Even the times when I have to admit someone else got the correct answer before me.
10. Bookish shopping. And finding bookstore coupons on GoGoShopper.com that make even more book-buying possible.
10. Bookish shopping. And finding bookstore coupons on GoGoShopper.com that make even more book-buying possible.
11. Art. Sculptures. Beauty in public places. This is the Discovery Muse by sculptor Meg White. Thomas and Katarina found it in Downtown Orlando by Lake Eola. Everything about this picture makes me happy.
What are you thankful for today?
I needed this post today. Like so often, our minds and hearts seem to be in tandem. I'm going to try now to craft my own list of thankfuls so I can combat the stress, worry, and negativity that is swirling around me.
ReplyDeleteThank you love<3
I love you! <3
DeleteThose thankfuls are powerful things. I hope they helped you.
agree about the sculpture…how cool must it be to be able to imagine (and) create something like this that effects everyone who encounters it?
ReplyDeleteas an exercise the TToT seemingly cannot be without effect… (did I get the right number of counterbalancing negatives in that?) lol
Negatives are hard. LOL!
DeleteThis artist has several huge projects like this one, I got lost in the rabbit hole of her website looking at pictures. So much good stuff.
Clark... crack me up... anyhow... a bridesmaid dress that is acceptable never mind downright attractive should be enough for all ten in my book!
ReplyDeleteVery true!!
DeleteThere are some truly awful bridesmaid dresses out there. Scary.
That sculpture is truly something. I find it deeply affecting in a picture so I can't imagine in person.
ReplyDeleteI love the language you use about combating the negative with the warmth of thankfulness. Lovely image.
Thank you.
DeleteThat isn't even the entire sculpture - she is actually lying down on a hill, so you see her leg coming up from the grass as well.
I look at #4 as more of an exercise in reading comprehension. I mean, what is better than reading a book then watching a movie and talking about what was different? It's not snobby, it's smart!
ReplyDeleteHope your gratitude list helps you banish negativity - at least for a little while.
Reading comprehension. I love it!!
DeleteI'll take smart any day!
Actually sitting down to think of things to be thankful for is not something I normally do; and sometimes I too get negative thoughts that overwhelm the good stuff. but I am so glad that I participated in this TToT and glad to meet nice bloggers like you!
ReplyDeleteIt is great to meet you, too! Sometimes changing up the normal can make a huge difference in the normal days to come.
DeleteI am thankful the weather's cooler! We've had a really hot spell. But I am uber-thankful that we also have fans that work!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are raising a book snob!
That art sculpture is amazing. It is the second huge hand I am seeing today!
Cooler weather is always a good thing! As are working fans.
DeleteWhat was the first huge hand?
thank you Tracie, this really is a wonderful post. You started by acknowledging negativity, and you kept going until you affirmed in so many lovely ways how it feels to choose to be positive! jean xox I heard it and I love it! Prayers are wonderful aren't they?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean.
DeletePrayers really are wonderful.
We watch Jeopardy as a family, too! It is my favorite parts of our day! :) I know exactly what you mean here. Great post!-Ashley
ReplyDeleteI love that y'all are Jeopardy watchers, too. That is awesome!
DeleteAmazing sculpture! I'm thankful for cool mornings for walks in the park, and time off during the summer to truly unwind!
ReplyDeleteI love cool morning walks. My daughter and I have one every day before school, but they have been decidedly less cool the last couple of weeks. Maybe we should think about heading out earlier in the day!
Deletelovely list. Gratitude always combats negativity!
ReplyDeleteCool photo!
ReplyDeleteI love Jeopardy.
I would love a vow renewal ceremony because I think I want a do-over!
Negative comments can upset me a lot more then they should but I am getting better at letting things just wash over me
ReplyDeletePhil 4:8 baby!!! I just love how authentic you always are Tracie!! It's amazing how negativity can permeate a room, and hearts all around it. Good for YOU for stepping into goodness, and reaching far and wide for it. You found it in beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteI have been wallowing in negativity this week and it wasn't a fun swim. That is always the hardest thing for me to control. I've been trying to take my morning walk time to send positive thoughts to all the people in my life and have gratitude for them. I've also been trying to spend a little time outdoors on my lunch hour. I think that little bit of greenery and sunshine is just a good thing and has helped improve my overall mood.
ReplyDelete