Feeding My Soul

 The takeaway from mass today was "feed your soul".  So many ways to keep the soul fed.  

While the kids were growing up and I was working many hours as a nurse, I enjoyed my life but never really thought about how I was feeding my soul.  I did feel grateful that I had a job that allowed me to help people during some of their "bad" days.  I felt a lot of satisfaction (mixed with angst some days).  When I left bedside nursing to be a supervisor , the satisfaction was slower for me to recognize.  I only started to feel it when I had opportunity to share life lessons with younger nurses.  Now that I have retired I am spending more time with friends and family and more time learning about me and what I enjoy in the quiet moments.  

Family.  Being with family.  Just hanging out, playing cards, eating, watching the kids.  Sharing new experiences.  

                                                                Me and Paul

                                                Karen, Mom, Marc and me

                                Megan, Brianna and TJ                    Maddy, me, Mom and Karen

                                       Brianna, Megan, Paul, Lucille, me, Kevin, Scott, Rebecca, Isis

                     Thomas, Linda, Nick, Dan, Kevin with Brianna, Isis, Peter, Mom, Scott, Rebecca, TJ
                                            Kim, Paul, me, Maddy, Megan with Annie

                                                        Scott, Mom and Megam

                                                                            Kevin
                                                    Maddy, Kevin, me and Scott

Friends.  Those who accept me as is, don't try to change me and still love me anyway.  Those who choose to hang out with me.  Laughing, crying, sharing.  All food for the soul.

                                                                Lisa

                                                                    Donna and Lisa


                                                                Mori and Lorelei

And being outside.  Watching all the wonders of nature and the beauty that comes with every day.  Food for the soul.



Keeping it simple.  "Things" will not feed my soul.  Less truly is more since I spend less time with clutter and more time doing and being.  Hiking, walking, exploring.  Listening, reading, painting.

Being thankful.  I am blessed to have family and friends who love me.  My kids are awesome people, good citizens, independent and have made me so proud to be their mom.  That I have friends who make me laugh and help me grow.  So grateful for being able to enjoy a new phase of life with all its unknowns.  I am so blessed.  


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