BABY STEPS

My good friend Jude was a rock to me throughout my recent trials and tribulations, especially when I professed on my blog that I had fallen into a situational depression, and that I was in the grief stage over losing my job.

Jude wrote,

"Hi, Jules,

Anyone who has ever grieved knows that grieving carries with it a tremendous wear and tear to the body, never mind the soul. (I read that somewhere and it is very true.) Take baby steps now. It's the steps that count, not the size.

Jude"

In the next few days she sent me the following five baby steps:

STEP ONE:

One wee step for today - you know the chair you like to sit in? Give it a plumping and a bit of a vacuum, maybe even a spritz of Fabreze on the cushions. You know the table next to it where you might rest your cup? Give it a clearing off & a polish. Now you're ready to brew that cup of tea and sit down and think of five things that have made you the happiest and let your mind wander where it will forever long as it takes.

STEP TWO:

You know that cupboard you went to yesterday to get your tea? Well how about straightening the tea/coffee supplies, throw out the old, and give the whole shelf a spit & polish and the next time you are out and about, buy yourself a new tin of tea for your afternoon pleasure. There's nothing quite like it for a pick-me-up.

STEP THREE:

(This was written with the knowledge that I had a job interview that day.)

Prior to 4:00 PM, read Galatians 5:22-23. Meditate upon what the Bible says about the fruits of the spirit such as peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.

STEP FOUR:

No matter what happened yesterday, your step for today is one of "strengthen." Remember the comfy chair, the one you fluffed and freshened? Take a seat and simply, silently, hold your hands together. I know of no better way to communicate love and mercy to ourselves. Try not to think nor to fix - just let the goodness and grace flow.

STEP FIVE:

This will be the fifth step from me but not for you. You, my dear, will continue to climb and your happiness is all up to you. Don't depend on others to make you happy. Continue too develop your talents and interests that are God given to you. Do not worry about "the speck in someone else's eye." The rest of the stairway is yours and I know you will learn something to gain and guide you each step. As you said [regarding my interview], they "really, really want me" so keep this as your mantra to take into your work each day. . . what empowerment. Now you "really, really want" yourself to be happy.

**********

As you know, I got the job. And once I started practicing the baby steps around the house, the floors were cleaned, everything was dusted, new sheets and a comforter were purchased for the bed in summery blues and greens, the throw rug on which Gracie had piddled too many times was tossed, and all the bills and papers were paid/examined/organized/thrown. I still haven't organized the tea/coffee/soup packets shelf, but I plan to get a tin of tea on Saturday and before I add it to the shelf the shelf will be cleaned!