Hard Things

We can do hard things…we can, can’t we? I know some days it sure doesn’t feel like it. Especially when it’s not just one thing, and it feels as if we are just surrounded by stuff that doesn’t feel good. I’ve been feeling that lately. Since I like to keep it real and share my own experiences, I’ve been dealing with being bullied by a neighbor (yes, even at my age), tending to my furry best friend (Jack) who isn’t feeling so well, and finishing up a renovation project that I thought I paid to completion. So, three very different scenarios. But, nonetheless, all feeling pretty heavy.

I noticed last week that I was going through my days feeling the weight of it all. Jack is my main concern, of course, so I am choosing to spend quality time with him and make the best of the time we have together.  In the midst of my angry thoughts about the bully, I remember advice I used to give my kids when someone was being mean to them or someone else ~ It must take a lot of energy and effort to be so miserable, so feel sorry for them that they are so unhappy with themselves. I instantly felt differently. Not that I won’t hold this bully accountable to do what is right, but I won’t let him upset me because it’s really not about me. It’s a him-problem, not a me-problem.

As far as the painting goes that I’ve been left to finish, I was procrastinating so badly and feeling sick about having to take this on since I was never the painter in the family. As I finally filled up the container and grabbed the brush, I heard my husband say, “don’t be afraid to put enough paint on the brush.” Perhaps a metaphor for dealing with what’s on my plate right now. Along with a few tears, I instantly felt better…about a lot of things. Hard things.