RicelandMeadows

Naturalizing for mom

June 1, 2011

 

     In the photo above, you can see where I have been planting flowers and hostas near my mom’s final resting place. She chose my farm too. My father and step-father are here, as well as ,the old couple who used to own our farm. My parents are close enough to talk ,but far enough away from each other so as not to fight 😮

 

     Each person picked their resting spot. The old couple is laying out in a quiet place in our woods. My dad chose the draft horse pasture under a Hickory tree. My mom and her husband wanted to be near the sugarhouse. They lay on the hill above it, where mom watches me. I feed the birds there for her.

 

     Our farm is full of quiet places. These are spots where the world can’t be heard. A person can just sit alone and drift on their own thoughts. I thought this was unique when we first moved here, but the quiet , comfort of this place made me see the same spaces everywhere I go.

 

     At the place where I work, quiet places are found up high on the structure. The din of the machinery is quiet,  the sunsets can be magnificent. When the sun comes up in the morning, waking the sleepy world, the view from up high is also a nice quiet place to be. I have found respite in city parks, along country roads and even on rooftops.

 

     I think quiet places exist as much in our minds as they do in the outside world. I am sure folks who work in small cubicles can find quiet moments where they can touch their dreams, plan a future or just rest their weary brain. The key rests inside of ourselves.

 

     Give yourself permission to take a little piece of your day, just for you. Sit quiet. Block out the world around you. Sip a favorite beverage. Shut off your phone … it’s only a few minutes people 😮     Let your mind and body relax and leave your worries behind while your mind visits a special place. Perhaps it’s the ocean, a mountaintop or on the rim of a canyon. Maybe your destination is high above the Earth like a bird or hidden in the tall grass like a leopard. The point is, to take just a bit of time to unwind. Find a way to let the stress of our busy world roll off your back rather than consume you.

 

     I struggled with a few things for three or four years. I let those things eat at me to the point where it affected my health. I am usually the eternal optimist, but the monster under my bed followed me my whole day long. It consumed everything I did. I was not happy with the way my life and working career were working out. I want to farm full-time, putting my hands where my heart tells me. I was frustrated because I couldn’t find the way. I blamed others for my problems, sank into despair and hated most of my favorite things.

 

     After two trips to the hospital from stress related incidents, I snapped out of it. I studied my situation, figured my way out and am following those plans and goals. One very big part of my life plan is to take a break everyday just for me. I love harder, making sure that those I love know it. There will never be any doubt in their minds that I loved them and I will not have regrets for  something I should have said. I am getting out of debt by buckling down, paying stuff off and not buying anything more. I am treasuring every breath I take, every day I get to enjoy and every blessing that I am given.

 

     I urge you to find that special , quiet place that is just for you. It is not stealing to allow yourself part of your day to sit quiet away from stress, perhaps in God’s council, but at least in an inner spot where nothing can touch you. Work out your life plan, be who you are and know that many people love you. Lastly ………….. call your mother, she needs it and so do you!