Freedom for the Soul

I had a recent visit from a relative that I love and admire.  She is currently having issues with her brittle diabetes and its resulting effects on her physically.  While she was visiting, I observed her drinking alcohol, eating sweets and desserts. I know that she didn't realize that while she was "cheating" with her diet, she was cheating herself, her loving family and her own health. Often we face obstacles in our lives that seem overwhelming and insurmountable.  However, if we tackle these issues head on and decide to not be captive to fear and insecurity, we find we can rise above and overcome them triumphantly.

"The prerequisite to true freedom is to decide that you do not want to suffer anymore.  You must decide that you want to enjoy your life and that there is no reason for stress, inner pain or fear."

"You can live a life completely free from the fears of the psyche.  You just have to learn how to do it. Let's take smoking as an example.  It is not hard to understand how to stop smoking.  The key word is "stop".  It really doesn't matter what patches you use; when it is all said and done, you simply must stop. The way you stop smoking is to stop putting cigarettes in you mouth. All other techniques are just ways that you think will help. But the bottom line is, all you have to do is stop putting cigarettes in your mouth. If you do this, it's guaranteed that you will stop smoking."

Michael A Singer, "the untethered soul," the journey beyond yourself

We are in control of our thoughts and fears.  We can use our personal power to achieve mastery over any addictions such as drug use, alcoholism, anger, fear, self-judgement and judgement of others, anxiety, stress, or anything stopping us from being our optimal selves. With support of faith, friends, and our own willpower, we can love ourselves and others just the way we are. We can reach for the stars to create a positive attitude and a willingness to achieve the best that we can be.  We control the freedom of our soul. 

Check out my book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live," my art gallery with originals and vinyl prints

Caregivers For Elderly

My mother has been having significant changes in her condition.  It has been challenging to be her caregiver, POA and daughter. The support I receive from the facility staff has been invaluable. I'm impressed with all of the individuals who work with the elderly and are able to share love, care, kindness and patience with each older individual who needs assistance. 

A Prayer For Those Who Work With the Elderly

Lord, give me the peace to greet my patients with consistency and strength; to welcome the uniqueness of each day and each individual

Provide me with the stamina to keep up with their demands, even on those days when I feel inner limits

Let me remember their frustration at not being able to perform ordinary tasks and let me manage to aid them with understanding, easiness and compassion

Let me remember to laugh.  Give me the ability to see the humor in each situation and to recognize  that life need not always be so serious

Provide me with the opportunity to touch.  To demonstrate acceptance, assurance and compassion through a gentle pat or a loving embrace

Give me the power to recognize the struggles within each person; to remember their own dignity and the importance of their individual past

Lord, let me cry out when there is injustice toward any person.  Give me the wisdom to recognize abuse in every form and the inspiration of how to stop it

Let me remember that families cope with age in different ways.  Let me forgive those who do not visit; understand those who over compensate and cooperate with those who demand

Provide me with the insight to support my fellow workers.  Help me remember their own struggles and let me reach out in genuine cooperation

Lord, let me remember love not only in the individual that is lovable, but in the person that is difficult.  Let me look into each separate face and know the unique beauty within

And when they have all pushed too hard let me remember gratitude.  Through them I am provided the opportunity to soar above mediocrity, to create change and a better world

Thank you Lord for I am blessed                      Greta G Sherman 

Check out my book, The Dying Teach Us How to Live, my art gallery and vinyl prints