Tipping the Proverbial Towel Outta the Way

Often times, with the weight of the world on our shoulders, we feel stuck, trapped, like giving up, like no matter which way we turn, it’s going to be the wrong way. We feel like tossing in the proverbial towel.

So many roadblocks, So many obstacles to overcome, and daily life becomes such a struggle. Who to talk to, Who to trust, is there anyone who will understand in such a way they can help us over to the other side? Is there anyone like that out there?

Sometimes it feels like there isn’t one such person, that there is no way out, and then before you know it your thoughts are going down a path that would lead to certain destruction.

Such was the case for me the last several days and without going into all the details of what led my thoughts there, I’ll just say that once again I managed to give myself just the boost I needed, without even so much as a plan other than to have something inspiring to wake up to.

I just downloaded a new app for my iPhone last night. It was an alarm clock with an option to choose a playlist. As my thoughts were reaching the ‘tipping point’, “I Believe” started to play, followed by “You are Love (Don’t Give Up), followed by India Arie’s “Beautiful Day”, followed by “Footloose”, and then my other alarm went off, with “I will lift my voice”….

The combination, the unique lifting of the storm clouds, gets me out of bed, dancing along. When the song is over and the morning D.J.’s start talking about having a need for inspiration and ‘tipping points’ I sit back on my bed in awe. “Better than a Halleluiah” starts to play on the play-listed alarm, followed by “Just Dance”. I couldn’t agree more!! lol

Coincidentally, the playlist was set to shuffle mode so the songs that I first heard this morning were not in the order I had chosen them.

Smiling internally and externally, my thoughts now on a brighter path…. “You’ll Never Let Me Go – Don’t Let me Lose my way” are the words to the song on the second alarm….. I’m no longer in that dark space I was moments ago.

My faith or spiritual path, often coupled with music is a shelter from many of the storms of my life. Today it managed to “Tip the Proverbial Towel Outta the Way”

As I end this “The Warrior” begins to play on my snoozed first play list alarm… I chuckle as I remember the picture of a Warrior I once wrote about after a lengthier though similar dark time.

What is it that provides shelter from the storms of your life? Be prepared to open your ears and hear the answers that are sure to come to a willing listener.

Tipping the Proverbial Towel Outta the Way
©Sue Anderson – (An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends & Laughter)™
All Rights Reserved
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

A Loving Tribute in Honor of Irene Hill

To Honor Irene’s Memory, I humbly present “A Loving Tribute”  ~ May her beautiful Soul Rest in Peace ~

a-loving-tribute-in-memory-of-irene-hill

The Essential “ME Time” – One Days Remedy for a Dreadful Noise

Less than a week ago I had a rather hair raising adventure. It was one of those adventures I TRULY could do without, uncomfortable would be an understatement as to how to classify it, so I have dubbed it “hair raising”.

Looking back, the oddity is that I’ve had similar experiences in the past, but it’s been a very VERY long time, yet the intensity of this one hit me like a ton of bricks, causing an anxiety attack that brought about gut wrenching sobs.

It started, the night before, at least that’s when I was aware that it had started. The next morning my husband found me curled up in my step-daughters bedroom (she still has a room here for when she wants to spend the night or, spend extra time with us, etc) So my poor husband thought he’d done something wrong. I reassured him that he hadn’t, and did the best I could to explain what was going on.

When I got in the shower to get ready for work, the noise of THAT bothered me SO much, it frustrated the bejeebers out of me. After I got out of the shower I began pacing, wondering what in the hell was going on. I remember at one point trying to shake it off, as though it was making my skin crawl, the anxiety level was that high.

I sent an email off to my supervisor that I was running late, due to an internal traffic jam. No sooner had I hit send, my anxiety level heightened, guilt set in only making it worse, and within seconds my internal traffic jam became a unrelenting roadblock. It was almost as if “internally” I had just slammed into a mack truck.

Knowing at that point I was going to be even more delayed, Sobbing with each keystroke & with every ounce of strength in me, I sent out a second email to my supervisor. “More like a darned road block, trying to work it out”. The “f” word would have been a more fitting descriptive word to use for the situation, but I couldn’t bring myself to that level outside of my head. Funny how some things just won’t come out eh?

I did everything I could possibly think of to get myself out of it, phoned several of my “personal support team” if you will, and got voicemail everywhere. I didn’t leave messages, I simply could not handle it. Eventually I decided to take a second shower, rather a way of starting the day over if you will. Music & writing are 2 of my favorite and treasured wellness tools… In my head as I headed in for that second shower was what I decided to sing as I got in;

“I’ve got the power, to get in the shower”

I don’t know how long I was in that shower, but I added to that first line as it came in bits & spurts. The tears really started to flow somewhere along the line and I was really glad that there was nobody home to hear my uncontrollable sobs, I didn’t try to hold it in as I would have done once upon a time, I just let it flow. Those tears made it into my lyrics…

I’ve got the power, to get in the shower…
Fake it til you make it is what they say,
And I can do quite good on most any bad day,
But sometimes it seems that it’s harder than hell,
 No matter WHAT you do, you’re still not feelin well.

Then before to long you’re caught in a jam,
 When suddenly you find yourself in la la land Singin
 La La LaLa La La, La La LaLa La La La La
 La La LaLa La La, La La LaLa La La La La
 Gettin Jiggy Wit It… Freakin!

Totally tweakin and I started to cry
 Just lettin it go as I wondered why…

There are bits and pieces of the words I came up with that have totally escaped my mind… I catch glimpses every now and then, but am never quite quick enough to grab ahold of them. Perhaps it’s enough that I’ve remembered as much as I did.

Not long after I had gotten out of that second shower, I got a call back from one of my personal supporters, despite the fact I hadn’t left a message. She listened without judgement, we brainstormed over some of the possible causes, and by the end of the call I was emotionally & physically drained. I had crawled back under the covers as we talked, and once the call ended I had decided some extensive self care was what this day called for; soothing music, some warm tea, and perhaps a nap – at home, Gave myself permission to do the best possible thing for me, and sent off the final email of the day to my supervisor; informing her of my plan for the day, and my needs for a better day the next.

Several hours later I had a post op for appointment regarding some oral surgery I’d had the week before. Leaving from my appointment I noticed a billboard with the following quote:

 ”All work and no play, creates for us an early grave,
ME Time is Essential”

Though I’m still experiencing some difficulty I DID make it to work the next day, despite the fact that I overslept. Ordinarily, this would have caused me to hit the ground running. So I did the next best thing, I calmly & methodically went about readying myself for the day to ensure that #1, I would make it to work, and #2, I wouldn’t be all stressed when I arrived.

I’m hoping this will all blow over soon, but in the meantime, I have an appointment with my doctor early in the week to have some tests run as a precautionary measure.

Do you experience hyper-sensitivity to noise and such? Does it leave you unable to think clearly, formulate a thought, or cause you to overthink or overfocus? If so, is there anything in particular that you’ve found helpful that you feel comfortable sharing with another straggler in this Journey of Life?

Silliness USUALLY works for me on just about everything – with one exception that I’m aware of…. THIS incident, and it’s continuing effects…

The Essential “ME Time” – One Days Remedy for a Dreadful Noise
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

This Is My God’s World

On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.” ~Zephaniah 3:16-18 (NIV)

- Watch on Youtube

This Is My God’s World
Sing to the tune of “It’s a Small, Small World”
Words Revised by Sue Anderson – 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™

It’s a World of Triumph
A World of Blame
It’s a World Where There’s No Need
To Stay Bound In Shame
For His Blood Has Been Shed
He Hath Risen From the Dead
This is My God’s World

(Chorus)
This is God’s World After All
In His Arms Is THE Place to Fall
This is God’s World After All
This is My God’s World

It’s a World of Laughter
A World of Cheer
So Then Where Do I Go
When I am Stricken With Fear?
In His Name I Shall Hide
Till My Fears All Subside
This is My God’s World

(Repeat Chorus)

It’s a World of Right Foots
A World of Lefts
With the Hokey Pokey
There Are No Sure Bets
Then God Turns Me Around
Takes My Eyes Off the Ground
This is My God’s World

(Repeat Chorus)

It’s a World of Singing
A World of Fun
There are Things to Do
When There Are Weeks With No Sun
In the Rain I Will Dance
And Perhaps Take a Chance
This is My God’s World

(Repeat Chorus)

It’s a World of Triumph
A World of Blame
It’s a World Where There’s No Need
To Stay Bound In Shame
For His Blood Has Been Shed
He Hath Risen From the Dead
This is My God’s World

(Repeat Chorus x2)

(Enthusiastically End With)
This is God’s World After All!!!

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe, I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. ~Psalm 61:3-5 (NIV)

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. ~Psalm 18:28-36 (NIV)

I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise and I have been saved from my enemies. ~Psalm 18:1-3 (NIV)

This Is My God’s World
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

In Honor of “Think Like a Kid Day”

Quote of the Day:
“Play is the exultation of the possible.”  ~Martin Buber
 

Challenge of the Day:
Write a list of ways you can make the day more fun. 
For added joy, write a list for the week, the month, etc…

Sue’s Positively AMAZING List

When you’re feeling down and out

Refer back to your list and shout

I have strength, I have support

Who will be my next co-hort?

 

When you’re feeling down and out

Refer back to your list and sing

With support and encouragement

I can do most ANYthing!

 

When you’re feeling down and out

Refer back to your list and prance

Skip around and grab a hand

Get SOME-one to join you in the Hokey Pokey Dance!

 

When Your feeling down and out

Refer back to your list and say

I’ve been inspired, it’s all Sue’s fault

Now watch me do this somersault!

 

When you’re feeling down and blue

Remember you’ve gotten through this, and that thing too,

Then lift your head and PROUDLY SHOUT

I’ll get past this, without a doubt!!!

 

This has been a LIVE Positively Amazing You!™ moment spontaneously delivered straight from the brain of, the one, the ONLY, that Positively AMAZING

©Sue An-Ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, and Love

(Yes folks the tag line just keeps on growing!!)

 

Have a great day now & do a Happy Dance or Somethin!!

Who’s Up for the Cha Cha Slide?

Click above link and picture all them Positively Amazing Peeps

Cha Cha Slidin right there along with you!   

In Honor of “Think Like a Kid Day”
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

The Search for Acceptance

“Low self esteem is like driving through life with your hand-brake on”. ~Maxwell Maltz

The Search for Acceptance

Reflecting on the above quote, I found myself looking back on my life. My own inner self critic often displays itself as such a hand-brake. I’ve fought with a need to be perfect. I’ve struggled with not being able to do some things as well as others could, which meant I often compared myself to others, further raising the hand-brake.

It’s been said we are often our own worst enemy. I am no exception.

At the beginning of October, I attended an ADD Conference. One of the speakers said something that made me bristle. “Take the word can’t out of your vocabulary”. I stewed for a few days over this, allowing the quest for perfection that I’ve been trying to overcome, and my inner self critic to run rampant. “If I take the word can’t out of my vocabulary”, I thought… that would mean anything anyone asked of me, I would have to find a way to do”. This thought further reinforced that feeling of the need to be perfection.

I think it was another speaker who said, “we need to accept our deficits/or weaknesses and focus instead on our strengths”. I sighed, wondering how on earth to do this, while challenging myself to eliminate the word can’t. Have you ever found yourself over thinking a situation to such an extent it drives you batty? I found my thoughts to be in total disarray!!

My therapist and I spoke about this not long after. I told her about this war within, “there’s no way I can be perfect. I KNOW that, so why is taking the word can’t out of my vocabulary causing me such grief. The only perfect person I’ve ever known of, is Jesus…” Suddenly the light bulb went off.

“I could be perfect if I was Jesus, but I’m not.” I am Sue, and what that says to me, is that I’m a LOT different than Jesus. I’m different in SO many ways. We ALL have differences making us the unique individuals that we are! How could I have NOT have gotten that?! Exploring further, I thought about other “cant’s” I’ve found myself saying, and began rephrasing them. Taking the word can’t out of the equation, (I never thought I’d say this), stretched my imagination and became FUN, it even got my creative juices flowing. Dare I admit that speaker was on to something?

Acceptance of what is realistically within my scope of abilities as well as acceptance what I CAN do, what I need assistance with to be able to do especially when something falls within the scope of a weakness, and what I specifically would need to have, or be, in order to accomplish those things I would normally use that blasted “can’t” word on. I find myself having WAY to much fun with this realm of thinking now that my brain is headed in the right direction. It’s really quite thrilling.

“I can be organized with support, encouragement, and someone to assist in this majorly overwhelming area of my home and work life”. “I can touch the ceiling on my tip-toes if I were taller, or had stilts, maybe even an extra large ladder.” “I can fly if I were a bird, a fly, a bee, or an airplane, etc.” “I can do a good many things that fall within the scope of my natural strengths, talents, and abilities.”

“I can write. I LOVE to write! Sometimes it takes a little time to get the creative juices and the brain started, not to mention having a cooperative connection between my brain and fingers!! When it all connects, when it all comes together… Yes, I can do this with a little bit o’ something that triggers my creativity, time and most especially… PATIENCE, – which is one thing I need to find more of within myself.

What about you? What are those areas you struggle with being able to do that cause your inner self critic to run amuck?

Let’s take some time to explore those barriers, and find a way to make them work for us towards acceptance. My hand brake is lowered. Are you ready to lower yours?

Let’s See What We Need to Eliminate Our Barriers to Acceptance!

Think about…

1. What things, tasks, or chores do you struggle with the most?
2. What would you need to accomplish that task?
3. Is this something you would find yourself saying “I can’t do________” to?
4. Using my theory in the search for acceptance, how would you rephrase that thing, task or chore that you feel you can’t do?
5. If you eliminated the word can’t from your vocabulary, accepted your strengths as well as your weakness could you, would you, find a way to share your story to encourage someone else?

The Search for Acceptance
©Sue Anderson,  All Rights Reserved 2010 – 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

Held Fast

Held Fast, Cradled In The Palm of His Hand

I’m not a regular watcher of “The Ellen Degeneres show”.  I do however admire her humor, spunk, and zest for life, as well as the sensitivity and compassion she shows as she addresses the tough issues. I would not be one to live the life that is under attack in this video. There is NO excuse for such cruelty on another person. Not one!!

An Important Message from Ellen Degeneres

I can’t begin to describe how I felt when I saw this,…. Shocked, Saddened, Humbled, Alarmed & Compassionate, are a few words that spring to mind. As I wrestled with the emotions that surfaced, I thought of my own children, my grandchildren, and those who are near and dear to me, and found myself writing as I picture each victim of such cruelty Held Fast, Cradled in the Mighty Hand of God, Safe, Secure, and Free at last!

Senseless bullying resulting in death is no laughing matter. Each person on this earth is different in some way shape or form. It’s best, in my opinion, to embrace our differences, as well as our similarities, and to recognize the contributions we ALL have the ability to make in society. Ultimately, rather than tearing one another down, we ought to encourage and empower one another to be all we were each meant and designed to be.

Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Exodus 20:13
“Thou shalt not kill.”

Luke 6:37 -38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

To those who have nearly lost their lives to senseless acts of brutality of any type and to the families of those who have nearly lost a loved one to such acts, I pray that you find peace and comfort in the words below:

Psalm 56
“Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;
all day long they press their attack.

My slanderers pursue me all day long;
many are attacking me in their pride.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.
On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help.

By this I will know that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise-
in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

ESPECIALLY for those who have lost a loved one, know that God, and God alone judges those who have acted so brutally. I pray you find comfort and healing in the words of Isaiah 49 as written in “The Message” version of the Bible;

“I’d never forget you—never.

Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.
The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.

Your builders are faster than your wreckers.
The demolition crews are gone for good.

Look up, look around, look well!”

Wishing each of you peace in the days ahead,

Held Fast, Cradled in the Palm of His Hand
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2010 – 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

The Brotherhood of Shawn & Art

Miles away from my familiar surroundings I found myself at an extended (of sorts) kitchen table eating a scrumptious Spaghetti Dinner in the home of Shawn of Davenport. 

Early Saturday morning, I along with Art, his daughter Aubrey, and her boyfriend Adam we set out on a journey “out of dodge”.  This is from everything I’ve learned through the years a regular ritual.

It was at one point during the dinner conversation that the Brotherhood of Shawn and Art came up, totally catching Art off guard.  Secretly I have a hunch about how this came about initially, but I’ll get to that later.

From the other table extension Miranda sat, along with Alysha and their Mom Laurie (THE spaghetti chef), and Shawn.  Now in ordinary times one might not have suspected a thing.  Dinners happen often in this place, the faces may change, but Shawn’s house is a gathering place of sorts. 

On this particular occasion however, Miranda kept stealing glances…  back and forth between Art and Shawn her eyes traveled quizzically, focusing longer than anything on Art.  It was truly humorous actually, probably one of those most people would say you’d have to be there to truly experience, but some stories are simply meant to be told.  This is one of those.

Unaware of Miranda’s earlier quizzical glances towards Art, which I wasn’t aware of until this morning, It all made sense.  Miranda you see, was trying unsuccessfully, to solve a puzzle.

After she could take it no longer she finally blurted out the question… “Are you two REALLY brothers”? Art nearly fell out of his chair laughing while asking “Where on EARTH did you get THAT idea?”  Shawn’s reaction though laughing as well, led me to believe, that hunch I had earlier was correct. 

If you knew these two guys, for any length of time, you would see that they both have a knack for what some would call “tom-foolery”, Art I KNOW is a MASTER of blarney, he could tell a tale a mile long and have you believing it.  Shawn, from the little I know of him, is much the same.  Indeed these two could be brothers, but they’re not the blood related kind. 

The Brotherhood of Shawn and Art began in 2001 when they met through involvement in the Boy Scouts.   It’s no surprise that they became fast friends, and though they now live miles apart, there is a bond that resembles a Brotherhood of Sorts.  They have weathered many of life’s storms through knowing they had one anothers back.  It’s rather neat to see them together.   Their camaraderie is something to be admired!

The Brotherhood of Shawn & Art
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2010 – 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32

It’s only a big deal if you make it one.

It’s only a big deal if you make it one..

If you’ve ever felt like you needed a pep talk from a best friend, I highly encourage you to check out “DailyPepTalkFromABestFriend”s blog!!  The above link should take you to this fun site.  Sometimes a little reality check is helpful.

Enjoy!
Sue

It’s the Little Things that Count

 Joy is the will which labors, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph. ~William Butler Yeats 

Yesterday I was reminded of some little things that bring me joy. 

· Hot Chocolate
· Dancing
· More Chocolate
· Singing
· Spending time with friends and family 

As I drove to work this morning, I noticed a little girl around 10 or 12 running along side her Mother who was in a wheelchair, (at least I imagine it was her Mother). I couldn’t help but notice the look of joy they both had on their faces. Mom’s chair was not electric, the fact that her daughter had to run to keep up with her as Mom spun those wheels struck me with amazement, awe, and a deep feeling of joy for them both. What they had, was priceless. 

Often times we look so hard, and so long at the obstacles we find ourselves in the midst of, we sometimes forget to take a little time out for what I like to call “Joy breaks”.  Joy is something that helps give us the will to overcome our obstacles so that in the end, we triumph over them.  I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that sometimes this is easier said than done. 

Yet when we look at the time we spend alone… gazing out the window, or wondering what on earth to do, we can easily be overcome with a feeling of boredom. 

“Boredom before the fact is just a defense against enthusiasm.” ~Robert Bly 

Last week I was asked to bring some “fun activities” to an afternoon retreat. Since this group focused on mental health, I decided for one of the fun activities that we’d play “Mental Health Recovery Bingo”, and so I stopped on my way to pick up a few fun prizes which included, Hula Hoops, Hand Clappers, Silly String, and Gigantic Bright Orange Sunglasses. I also brought along a couple of my favorite karaoke songs and my little mini karaoke machine. (Of course I could NOT forget my Pom-Poms) 

As I wrote this, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of these people who have become so very dear to me, dancing, & singing, while enjoying their prizes… And Yes, Just for the Record, that DID include hula-hooping!! I even loaned my pom-poms out…. The only thing I didn’t see was the silly string flying (Probably a GOOD thing!!) 

This was an afternoon that I found a lot of joy in, not only because of the enjoyment I saw that came from my contribution, but moreso because as soon as I walked in, I heard the music this group had gathered in a circle to make. It wasn’t anything fancy, a variety of drums, shakers, and other musical pieces, with everyone playing at their own pace, and yet it lightened and lifted the clouds I’d felt just moments before. 

Joy can be found in a variety of ways, so take some time to think about, and make a list of those things that bring YOU joy. Then challenge yourself to take at LEAST 10 minutes a day for a joy break, I can almost guarantee it’ll lighten your spirits. 

It’s The Little Things That Count
©Sue Anderson, All Rights Reserved 2010 – 2011
An-ders-(S)on-shine, Silliness, Stories, Legends, Laughter, & Love™
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps.18:32