Verigated Leaves

Today's Joy: Hard Work Paying Off.

Well, Reader. Today marks the end of Week 2 of my No Grumbling, No Complaining Challenge. In some ways it was harder than Week 1. But I'm grateful for the test of my resolve. The more of a habit it becomes, the easier it will be to stay aware of how my words and actions impact others. I already feel so much more positive and proud of myself for finding opportunities to lift others up, rather than lament the things that aren't perfect in my life.

Today was also my last day of farm-sitting. My cat will be very glad to see I'm actually sleeping at home tonight. It will also be nice to sleep in my own bed. That being said, I really came to enjoy doing chores every day. Taking care of the critters and cleaning stalls became a familiar rhythm. It even turned into time spent with God, once I found the barn radio and got it tuned in to K-Love.

I love infusing God into little moments during the day. After all, He wants a living relationship with us. That means going beyond attending Sunday service and prayers before bedtime. It means sharing our thoughts and concerns, joys and disappointments with Him as we go about our day. It means being focused on that love throughout the day--and how we can demonstrate it. What a difference it makes when all of your actions originate from a place of peace and fulfillment. Makes life a lot less frustrating too. Give it a try, Reader. See how an attitude of loving compassion changes your interactions with people this week. You might be surprised...

Today's Joy: A Challenge Extended & A Getting-to-Know-You Gift.

Well, Reader. Today was the official end of my personal one week No Grumbling, No Complaining Challenge. For the most part, I did well. Was certainly much more mindful of the amount of complaining I do and how that negative energy affects the people around me.

But, am still feeling vaguely dissatisfied. So, I'm going to extend my challenge for a second week. As of 10:45 pm on Monday, June 14th, 2010, I will spend another week not complaining and not grumbling and not voicing the derogatory, sarcastic or otherwise inappropriate remarks that tend to waltz out of my mouth. While they may be funny, I'm not sure I like the judgmental attitude they reinforce. (Feeling a Come-to-Jesus-Meeting coming on...)

Am also farm-sitting for a family friend this week. This morning, the delightful resident barn cats left me a present on the porch. A little, fuzzy mole. Quite dead. But intact. Considering we've only been acquainted for 12 hours, that's the feline equivalent of Will You Marry Me?? Very sweet...in an icky, ewww, get-a-paper-towel sort of way.

Note to Self: in the morning, wear shoes when going out on the porch.

(Lord, please don't let them bring me anything that's still alive. Amen.)

Today's Joy: Setting Myself A Challenge.
Reader, if you listen to K-Love, you know today is Make A Difference Monday. You also know it is Day 15 of Sterling's month-long challenge to America. Simply put, she's challenging us not to grumble or complain for 30 days. Yup, no mumbling under your breath. No crabbing. And no spewing negativity. No complaining of any kind for 30 whole days. Could you do it?

What would the month be like if we weren't wasting time and energy putting negativity out there? How would your life be transformed if, instead, you were directing that intent into positive things? Imagine the difference you could make if instead of detrimental statements, each thing you said throughout the day lifted someone up.....powerful stuff.

I've noticed over the last few weeks how much time I spend complaining. Have caught myself dozens of times each day throwing out a comment or observation that doesn't enhance the conversation or make anyone feel good. In commiserating with friends, family or co-workers, I'm actually just spreading moments of mini-misery. A rude awakening for someone who prides herself on being positive.

So, I've decided to accept Sterling's challenge. But I'm such a complaint-offender, I better start with smaller chunks. As of 10:46 am today, I will not complain, grumble or say anything disparaging, sarcastic or derogatory for 1 week. The challenge became apparent almost immediately, but I'm proud to say, I am making huge strides! Made one slip this afternoon--I complained about building a hard-to-assemble shelving unit when, for the 3rd time this month, a floor model was sold even though we had several unassembled units in stock. As soon as the comment left my lips, I winced. I immediately apologized to the recipient of my complaint and then cheerfully built that shelf! Hurray, progress!

I can't wait to see how this challenge will change the way I live. What about you, Reader? Are you ready to make a change?

Today's Joy: Flexing My Creative Muscles.
Got a chance to indulge my inner decorator today, Reader. One of the things I like most about my job is putting together fun & fresh looks for my customers' homes and for store displays. Decorating a customer's room challenges me to create something that's both gorgeous and practical for life with kids and pets. But store displays are where I can really dive into creative whimsy. Today I whipped up an ice cream-themed table setting with polka dot dishware, bright yellow salad plates, pink and orange spotted placemats and ice cream sundae cookie jars. Okay, it sounds like a nightmare, but it came out all sherbet-y and delightful.

Evidently cow-patterned stuff is big this year. We've got a whole line of cow-themed dishware: bowls, mugs, spoon rests that could double for dessert plates and two varieties of salt and pepper shakers--all with prominent pink udders. Well, we had an extra table top so I decided to do a cow table setting. (When in Rome and all that.) Someone suggested using black leather placemats, which I paired with white-washed scroll chargers, cream dinner plates and cow bowls. Each setting also got a cow mug and cow dessert plate. I topped it off with a centerpiece display of all our cow merchandise. Surprisingly, it was so wacky it was cute! Not my taste, at all. But someone somewhere will come in and rejoice in cow nirvana.

Where else do you get the chance to try out many different looks without spending a fortune? Ah, creative itch scratched.