Perspective: What makes your life good? What gives you joy?

General
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This is from my blog. It was suggested that I also post it for discussion:

I do get tired of starting each day taking so many meds - and then having to medicate one of my dogs as well. But then I think of women a century ago being called hysterical or having a mystery "neuralgia". There wasn't much they could do back then. We struggle with fine-tuning our meds, dealing with pain, and pacing every activity. Yet, I can't imagine what women went through back then. Many were housebound. Many could not participate in family life, since invalids were often isolated in their bedroom.

Today I took my meds, took care of the dog, and went out to buy a special Valentine for my dear husband of 35 years. I came back to both dogs wagging their tails, two cats waiting their turn for attention, and a dishwasher had been run late last night by one of my adult children who live at home. I have two young adults living at home trying to make their start in the world, and they are a pleasure to live with. Does it get any better than this? Yes!

OK, I have rampant allergies today, tinnitus, and pain down my spine. But I am alive to see the beautiful sunny day. I played a wonderful CD that is both relaxing yet complex enough to invite active listening. The gift of this music is a blessing and a great way to start the day!

I have another poem bubbling up through my brain. I am working on an anthology of poetry for my third book, and I am up to 33 poems. My first book was on poetry, and my second book was on living with chronic illness. I am an indie publisher, which means I self-publish. I looked at my book listings as Susan H. McIntyre and found another 5-star rating. That is so rewarding!

I could have a husband that beats me. I could have children on drugs who sass and steal. I could have lost my home when finances were really tight (I can't work or qualify for disability). But there is a roof over my head, at least partial relief for my 18 chronic conditions, family who love me and who I love back. That last one is particularly on my mind this Valentine's Day. Is there someone in our lives who loves us and who we love back? A friend? A romantic love? Love of a pet? May you all find love somewhere in your lives - treasure it, for that is what makes a good life!

What makes your life good? What gives you joy?

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Scribelle this is so beautiful !!! If the world could only have a glimpse of your gratitude :slight_smile:
I keep telling my son (19) who whines about his life… That true happiness can be found in an attitude of gratitude … Hey there’s a rhyme for ya… Lol
CONGRATS on 35 years of marriage, your books and mostly your sincere special spirit !!
You have put a smile on my face :slight_smile: and brought thoughts (of what bring me joy) to the forefront of my day !
The amazing smile on my grandsons face when he see’s me !!
God bless & special big hugs to you

dee

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Hi,

What a great post! I loved it, it made me smile! I have a lot of joy in my life. I am by nature a very positive person. I can look all around me every day and see the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me! My husband and I have been married for almost 41 years and we have made it thru thick and thin. He takes care of me like no other. I appreciate him so much and I tell him that every day. I thank him for all that he does for me daily. We have great kids and grandchildren. They are the joy of my life. I am involved in a group that makes scrapbooks for critically ill children and I am also involved in a group where we make scripture quilts for critically ill adults so I feel like I am giving back and I am passionate about both groups. This also gives me joy.

Thanks again for a great post.

Jackie

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I WORK FOR THE KENSINGTON ITS AN ASSISTED LIVING SENOIR CITIZEN COMMUNITY THERE ARE 12 AND 3 MORE ARE BEING BUILT OUR CEO OF THE COMPANY SAID ITS OUR JOB EACH DAY TO MAKE THAT DAY THE BEST DAY AND THWORKPARTNERS ITS SO FUN TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER OUR COMPANY MOOTO IS TREATING PEOPLE LIKE FAMILY IS THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO I TELL THE RESIDENTS WE COME TO WORK SAY HI HOW ARE YOU TO EACH OTHER AND THE NEXT MINUTE ITS TIME TO SAY GOODAFTERNOON OR GOIDNIGHT WE HAVE SO MUCH FUN AND THEY PAY US AND BEING WITH MY FRIENDS EVA AND JOAN THE PEOPLE AT CHURCH MY DOG MY FAMILY EXCEPT FOR MY MOTHERS PARTNER I RESPECT HIM AS A PERSON BUT NOT AS A PARENT HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE AND YOU MY FIBRO FAMILY THE DEON WARWICK SONG THAGA WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

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Hi Scribelle,

You are so right about our ancestors suffering, I can remember many of my Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers and how they suffered from arthritis, the same arthritis I have, and how it had crippled them, the hard work that they did in spite of it. Yes, she and my Mom referred to it as Neuralgia, and my Mom still uses the term, especially if she sleeps with a window even cracked and the night turns cold and damp, and how adversely it affects her, and I am the very same way.

You are such an inspiration to us all, with your gratitude for the good in your life. I too am very fortunate, there is nothing I love more than to answer the phone or the door and my son, or one of my grandkids are there! I have a good man for a husband, have a best friends relationship with my Mom.

My husband and I had planned to travel together, and though that is out the window, I enjoy watching shows of the places that I would like to have visited. I have a love of the ancient civilizations, have quite a good library, am especially fascinated with Ancient Egypt, and was fortunate enough to get to Egypt to see the Pyramids and temples in the mid 1980's. I now watch all of the shows on the history, science, or PBS channels.

I am hoping to someday soon get my pain under control enough so that I can read the remainder of this library that I have collected, as I just do not currently have the ability to read and retain. The shorter in length, the better. I do much better with a one page short story than a 'War and Peace' tome, but I may be able to watch the movie! So adjustments are made! I have always been an avid reader. I was the kid who slept with dictionaries and encyclopedias, but did not want to read the dull required work of school!

I am so happy that you have your writing, and are getting such good reviews, how rewarding!

I also love it here, I have met so many wonderful people here, made so many good friends here, this site is making me a better person, I get so much from this group, and work very hard to give back a fraction of all I receive from all of you! I am very thankful!

Peace to all,

SK

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I am humbled by your response. Thank you so much. What we go through is bad - I hope you have success in getting your pain under control. It's so hard, isn't it. Rather like constantly being in a ballet - everything that changes affects another.

I am working to get my vast collection of specialists under control so they don't schedule appointments so close to each other (no time to decompress). Yet, a hundred years ago there would not have been specialists to deal with. I am grateful for their help, and working on that scheduling issue. :)

Regardless of what we go through, we must still live our lives. Like you, I have come to appreciate short stories and movies. I especially appreciate all the wonderful people I have met here - each and everyone of us walking similar paths and sharing both the bad and the good. I am so grateful for this special companionship found only here!

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I like that - make each day the best day! It shows such thankfulness and looks for the good that comes through the day! There will always be struggles in life, but also much to be grateful for. You put it so well!

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Jackie, thank you so much! Congratulations on 41 years of marriage. I feel similarly about my husband - all the love, appreciation, and thankfulness for the wonderful man he is.

I think it's wonderful that you are making scrapbooks for critically ill children and scripture quilts for critically ill adults. That is so encouraging to them, and it does make a difference. I had a friend with a husband who had been critically ill with heart disease and then survived. For over five years he held his encouragement blanket with him as he lived the rest of his life in a wheelchair. It meant so much to him that he held onto it to the very end!

Yes, it gives you joy to do these things, but wow, what joy it brings to others! I think that's fantastic and inspiring. You remind us all to consider the needs of other people and to appreciate the special ones God sends in our lives.

Hugs,

Scribelle

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Well done, Scribelle! I grieve for the person I once was but the blessings that are in my life overcome it. My sweet, sweet granddaughter, Kenadee Grace is the sunshine of my life! And…I’m so looking forward to another granddaughter, Syndee Mae coming in June. My daughter and son-in-law are in the process of IVF, as he has cystic fibrosis and due to the disease 99% of males and females are sterile. Literally have to extract those swimmers in order to proceed. And I am blessed to have a husband who yearns for the old me but still hangs around with hope in his eyes. My dog Kirby is my companion when I’m up or down. He’s my therapist who doesn’t answer back!

Thanks for making us look on the bright side for once! hugs ~

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Hey, you're a poet! Yes, it's hard to convey gratitude, even in my 29 and 30 year olds. They struggle, but don't know how to see the blessings. It takes a long time, but I am finally making progress by saying out loud what I am grateful for. I tell them everyday there is a challenge to overcome, a scavenger hunt to see where/who you can help, and a blessing waiting for you to discover.

That I have put a smile on your face has made my day!

Hugs,

Scribelle

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Thank you so much! First of all, congratulations on the grandchild you have and also may the second one be destined to arrive as well! My brother and sister-in law used science to help, and I have two wonderful nephews because of it. In their case it was slow swimmers and resistant/acidic eggs. One nephew is 7 yo, and the other was just born this year!

I think all husbands yearn for the way we were, but we find new ways to enjoy life. That we grieve for our old selves is an important step to eventually finding our joy. I was an intellectual jock at one point in my life -no more! However, I spent Saturday watching "Hunger Games" on Netflix with my husband while sharing a bowl of popcorn. I can't handle the visual overload in a theater, so we create the 'theater experience" at home. What fun! (I love movies....)

Dogs are wonderful. I talk to Oscar, Cody, Kitty Kitty and Twobert (2 dogs, 2 cats/all rescued). They are cheaper than therapy and twice as effective! :) They add joy to my days.

Keep me posted on how the IVF goes - I have seen wonders in my brother's family, and I look forward to hearing that you have the second grandchild on the way.

May you have a joyful day!

Hugs,

Scribelle