Monday, April 9, 2012

This blissful life

Wow...I read in our Sunday paper's Parade this weekend about a family who really really suffered. They've endured though and they keep going. So, I've thinking that one just never knows what the future holds. We get very comfortable in our lives and are blessed with family, good health and more than we could ever want for. And, while we may be thankful, I want to be even more thankful and not take what I have for granted at all. It gets all too easy to just enjoy everything we have and the thought of losing much of what we have just doesn't even cross our minds. I don't think we need to live in fear that we could possibly lose everything at any minute. But, I want to truly be grateful each and every day and express my gratitude more often. The excuse of living on auto pilot, which is really easy to do, isn't a good enough excuse. I drive a lot, back and forth, taking kids here and there. I shop for food, I make the lunches and dinners...I clean the house and do the laundry...and sometimes I find myself growing tired. Well...I need to snap out of it because heaven forbid is something ever happened...I would find myself wishing I could just drive a kid somewhere, or make their lunch and dinner. I don't always enjoy what I'm doing at the moment, but I love doing what I'm doing. I love being a mom. I love knowing that I'm a daughter of God. I love that God has been forgiving and patient and I can do the same. I really do love my family and they do bring me my greatest bliss.

1 comment:

Mallory said...: I love you Mama and am so grateful for all you do!; May 15, 2012 at 10:55 PM

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Love the Bliss

I am Janet and this is my personal blog. I won't be blogging just about me. You'll read about my family, our lives and our adventures. We're the Dixon Family living in the far north in Alaska. Fairbanks is located about 365 miles north of Anchorage along the Chena River...smack dab in the Interior of Alaska. We have gorgeous summers and cold beautiful winters. Originally, there were 9 of us...but four have grown and left the nest leaving Ralph and me with 3 daughters at home.

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!