De-Cluttering

Today was dedicated to the cleaning and de-cluttering of my living area. Cleaning, organizing, and throwing away the junk I've accumulated over the years. So ready to move into my own place but the money is slow coming in.

Also got a chance to visit The Heaven & Nature Store in Harrisburg. Beautiful shop! If you're in the area, be sure to check it out. Well worth your time! I almost bought a new Buddha figurine for my altar but it was a little on the pricey side and honestly, I need to be all about paying all those darn medical bills that keep pouring in. I've gotten a few from collection agencies too as of late. It's definitely a stresser. But until the funds start coming in, there really is nothing I can do. If nothing else, the anxiety has given me opportunity to practice mindfulness in everyday life. I've made a commitment to save my anti-anxiety medication as a last resort, opting instead for controlled and aware breathing and thinking. It's a challenge, but one that I think is important and necessary in the long run. The last thing I want to be is dependent on drugs - prescription or not.

Ran a few errands with Dad as well. We were both in good moods, kept the fighting to a minimum and ended up spending some quality time really enjoying each other's company. Haven't done that in I don't know how long. It was a nice time of chatting, food, shopping and great music. Feels so good to spend an afternoon conflict-free!

Well, it's about time for me to hit the sack as I've set a goal for myself to get to bed earlier and start my days earlier. Looking forward to spending some quality time with The Boy tomorrow. Can't wait to see him! Hope everyone is well and enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. With the Thought of the Day, I bid you adieu.

This is an excerpt from a teaching by the Dalai Lama.
There was an empirical study that found that people who have the tendency to use more self-referential terms (I, me, myself) tend to have more health problems and earlier deaths. These people have more involvement with the self. Being self-absorbed has an immediate effect of narrowing one's focus and blurring one's vision. It is like being pressed down by a heavy load. If, on the other hand, you think more about others' well-being, it immediately makes you feel more expansive, liberated and free. Problems which before may have seemed enormous would then seem more manageable.