Wednesday, May 12, 2010

my bag of tricks

back in march, after reading this post, I started a "bag of tricks" list to use during the rocky spots in the road. it was a moment meant for me. I have looked at, and used that list numerous times over the past six weeks. the road on which I walk has been rocky; I've fallen down a couple of times; and have experienced deep sorrow. so having a list I can go to at a moment's notice was a blessing. these are some of activities I've been using to soothe my aching soul:
knit a spell in silence
snuggle up in my favorite blanket
take a walk...
maybe with my camera
watch a movie
call a friend
listen to music
take a nap
write a letter to a friend
make cards
look at photos
be with my family
read
purge and organize a space
do one load of laundry
do a dot-to-dot puzzle
share a memory
feel sad
pray
drink a glass of water
read a magazine
journal about my feelings

what are some of the activities you do when you hit a rocky spot?

thanks for all your kind and
caring comments on kris' passing.

11 comments:

stitching under oaks said...

great thoughts girl...I'm starting a list today! Usually when I feel a funk coming on I head outside and walk around the yard. Just getting outside and taking in some fresh air helps me a lot. I love the ideas on your list. Especially the 'call a friend' one...I like to do that too!

Gigi said...

Kristyn, I'm so sorry about the passing of your dear friend -- such a sad and difficult loss.
I'm saying a prayer for you and her family right now.
May the brightest angels be with you,
G

Rebekah said...

your list looks perfect! I do all of the same things to relax and can't think of anything else to add. Hope you are feeling more like yourself soon

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

This is a wonderful list. I'm just going to steal yours! Actually, I usually just crochet when life gets stressful.

Hang in there!

Gloria said...

Love your list! And I enjoyed reading the blog you linked us to.
Things I do when I get negative or stressed are: I pray, read my bible, journal, read positive books like: Joy for a Woman's Soul, and Hope for a Woman's Soul; talk with my hubby, get outside and walk or ride my bike, watch Pride and Predujice, Anne of Avonlea, or Love Comes Softly dvds; draw, paint, sew, cross stitch, garden, bake, or clean. Whew! I got tired just typing all of that! :)

larissa said...

wow, that's a wonderful list. I like walking my dogs through the woods so that i can watch them run and play and be happy - always makes me smile and forget my sorrows. Take good care of yourself Kristyn!

mark said...

i know the first earthly place i turn when things get rocky (you!), and i am learning to turn to the great Healer first and always.

other activities include ... reading c.s. lewis, taking a bath, music, bike ride, coffee with a friend, sitting in a rocking chair, music, wings or monk marathon, wiffle ball with the boys, legos, music.

sorrow is a place we have become familiar with this year. but i can honestly say that any place with you is infinitely brighter than the happiest place without you.

love you, sweet!

Jessica Lynn said...

Kristyn, I was so excited when I followed your link and found my blog! Thank you so much for that acknowledgement! It means the world to me! I almost didn't post that because it was so personal. You made me glad that I did. I love your bag of tricks. Those little self soothers are truly sanity savers. You're in my thoughts and prayers!

P.S. Marks comment is so sweet!

The WoodLand School said...

This list is just wonderful, Kristyn ... and such a good reminder in times of turmoil. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's passing -- know that her family and friends are in my prayers.

stringsofpurls said...

Still praying for you...and your list is my list pretty much.

Imene said...

I love your list!!! I like how you called it a bag of tricks. Might just make one for myself!