Since today is a weekend again, I started out by thinking which weekend project I could complete. From last time, I did finish the downstairs ceiling (as well as cleaning the entire basement), and I am nearly finished with painting the sliding door (just need to scrape paint off the window and put back together). But, I couldn’t help but start another weekend project, simply because we had 80 degree weather, which, by the way, was a record-breaking temperature today! So, I went outside.
My project for today was to power wash the entire deck and walkway. My wonderful husband will be staining it after it dries – probably next weekend, since we are expecting rain and cooler temps starting Monday. I did over half of it this afternoon, after spending the morning on a family activity, and will finish up the rest tomorrow. I even forgot the sunscreen and got a little sunburned!
But, as I was power washing for hours, I had a lot of time to let my mind wander. Since the weekend project was not today’s goal, but a previous one that is ongoing, I was thinking of what my goal should be for today.
After much contemplation, I decided on love and forgiveness. Now, hang with me here a bit…
Several years ago, someone close to me hurt me very badly. While I was quick to forgive in that moment, and although I meant the forgiveness, I have recently found that I have carried some of the past around with me emotionally since then. This has most often surfaced in the form of bitterness and resentment.
Well, I was reading some interesting information the other day that links bitterness with illness in the digestive system. Coincidentally, I have had some digestive problems for about a year now.
This link made me think about the proper response to the situation, which is to forgive (I have), forget (I have not), and then love that person unconditionally, while expecting nothing in return.
So, today’s goal is a two part goal:
First, through God’s help, I have resolved to completely forgive and forget the offense, and will reach out in unconditional love, expecting nothing in return. The way I see it, not fulling releasing the past only does harm to me, not the offender. To bring back to mind something that offended me in the first place is allowing negativity in. Remember, I am aiming for positive and optimistic thinking!
Second, I am going to investigate the possible link between stress and the body. In the book How to Resolve the 7 Deadly Stresses, the author mentions seven areas of stress with corresponding illnesses:
Stresses Related to Bodily Systems
1. Anger — the cardiovascular system
2. Guilt — the nervous system
3. Lust — the endocrine system
4. Bitterness — the digestive system
5. Greed — the immune system
6. Fear — the respiratory system
7. Envy — the musculoskeletal system
So, I’ve ordered a copy of the book and will read it myself to do some research on the subject. I figure it can’t do any harm, and I might actually learn a thing or two.
Speaking of reading, I’ve finished all four of the books that were in process from earlier this month, and I’ve found two more hidden that were also in process while cleaning! So, I’m working on tackling those now, and because I had finished the four original books, I did start reading another, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God and one on my Kindle, Excuse Me Your Life Is Waiting. So, alas, I am back to four books in process again!
It’s hard to believe that there are just 2 more days in the 31 Goals in 31 Days Challenge. What a phenomenal experience this has been, and I’ll recap the entire thing when it’s finished.
Until tomorrow…
To your success,
Dr. Laura
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