Hello Sunshine

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The sound of heavy rain and wind is the first thing I heard as I woke up this morning.  My head ached as I lifted it from my pillow.  But, when I looked at the clock, it was 6:30 am.  Since, I woke up at 2am on Saturday and 4am on Sunday morning.  I was pretty happy for the lengthy sleep.  My morning meditation series is done.  Easter was pleasant, but that means my Lenten readings are over. I rise to get my computer and actually feel pretty excited.  I usually get my quotes from my meditation, and I will today, also.  The meditations and Lenten readings have been all about hope.  So, you'll see a change of focus in my writing now also!  How do we focus on the future, without hope?  What do we do, to make ourselves feel more hopeful?
We can't give up hope.  Like faith and love, it is everything.  So, I am going to list some things that give me hope:
 Find a tribe:  I have gone on creative retreats,  joined weight watchers, made dates with friends who share the same interests,  and  created a creative environment for co-workers.
Start a 21 day challenge:  Feeling hopeless...... is a bad habit that gets in your way?  Whatever it is, if you want to break it, try to give it up for 21 days.   Write down your struggles.  You will see how through time and determination just how strong you are.  And, by the end of three weeks, you might see your trigger behaviors.  And, through finding less addictive substitutes, you make break your unhealthy habit.
Keep a journal:  I find gratitude journals are the easiest.  Because, there is always something to be thankful for.  My blog is my journal.  I love to create 21 day challenge journals and photo journals.
Surf the internet:  Set a timer if you have to limit your time.  But, the wealth of GOOD  information on the internet is endless.  Find a focus and everyday spark your imagination with learning something new.
Take an online class:  Learn something new.  There are so many free resources right now.  Colleges are even offering their classes for free.
Visit a museum:  Again, most museums are doing daily and weekly interactions and virtual tours.
Set a goal:  Keep a calendar of what you want to accomplish during this "free" time.
Garden:  Planting seeds is the most hopeful of accomplishments.  Spending time and weeding out the bad is good for the soul.  And the beauty you create each day is gratifying.
Cook, Bake, or mix a new cocktail.  Again, online has endless resources for recipes.  Follow a favorite chef or bartender through instagram or their blog.
Take a Drive:  Go to a drive-thru and get a hot cup of comfort and take a road you have never gone down before
Take  a Walk:  Carry an umbrella, step in a puddle or two.  Ok.....parks are closed.  Discover and explore somewhere new.  Find the right entrance and beaches are accessible and free right now.
Listen to Music:  I am loving google home and take it from room to room.  Hello google.....play some seventies music.....and I am in heaven!

 The reason I feel so good today is, I am ahead of my schedule and achieved two goals already.  One of my biggest faults was being a procrastinator.  I don't find that as much as a fault, as I used to.  As a matter of fact, I have been doing the hard stuff first.  One goal was a letter writing challenge for the month of April.  I joined the group write-on in 2016.  It shows the reality of how hard the last four years were, for me to get anything done, for myself.  But, I would start off the first week, life would get in the way, and I wouldn't finish.  This month I have already sent out 20 cards with notes.  I have a whole week to prepare to finish my goal.  The other goal was to start a Facebook group on tablescaping  An interest, I didn't know had a name for until January, when I saw a report on a State Fair competition.  The group is formed and has 28 members already!  And, that was on my calendar to start today.

So, most of all I feel we can make our own sunshine.  I hope you can take the time to do that for yourself today.

Quote for the day:  “Hope is not dead, it is just larger than our imaginations: its purpose extending far beyond our comprehension.” – Kathy Hobaugh

Song for the day:  Hello Sunshine by Bruce Springsteen


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