Day 2 of Appreciation Challenge

My experience with art therapy led me to discover another visual arts technique called Soul Collage. (www.soulcollage.com). I am not artistic and found that I enjoyed collage making as  my preferred form of art therapy because it does not frustrate me. I took a class last spring and enjoyed it, but the class changed location and it was too far for me to feel comfortable driving at night. This winter I found a class on-line for Soul Collage geared specifically for people who were dealing with a life threatening illness. It was a great deal. Three classes on a conference call and it also utilized a website and a Facebook page. All calls were taped so that if you could not join live, you could listen at your convenience. I loved it so much. I am thinking of becoming a Soul Collage facilitator when I am feeling well enough to think about going back to work. There is a training coming up sometime in the fall and I have my eye on it. I still have to read the book and listen to some audio tapes that are prerequisites to the training. I am hoping as my energy increases so will my motivation! 

I am still enjoying the blog called Momastary.( momastery.com) Has anyone checked it out? Glennon Doyle inspires me on so many levels. She refers to herself as a shameless truth teller and hope spreader. She has about 60,00 plus followers now. Sometimes I am so moved by her posts that I read them over and over again. Last week I participated in my first LOVE FLASH MOB sponsored by Momastary (ww.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/love-flash-mob-by-momasterycom-helps-homeless-indianapolis-teen-mom-get-home-at-project-home-indy) It was awesome to be a part of something so inspiring and to be able to participate with just the click of the mouse. Technology just continues to amaze me. 

As you all may recall, my position at work was terminated while I was out on my medical leave. I miss the people there quite a bit. I went in a few weeks ago to clear out my office. The higher ups did not tell my co-workers that they eliminated my job, so it was a shock to them that I was not coming back to my full time position. It is OK, I do not take their actions personally. They were great to me through out my illness and well, business is business, and those directives come from the higher ups anyway! There may be some part time opportunities for me when I am ready. To be discussed when the time is right.

It was so wonderful to see my co-workers. I enjoyed about a million hugs. Some people just hugged me, no words. It was wonderful. I have been gone a long time and I had so many pulling for me and praying for me. I wanted to see them and show them that I am doing fine with my recovery. 

Day 2 of Appreciation Challenge:

 1. All my co-workers who prayed for me and supported me during my illness and still keep in touch!

2. My older son's humor. He is a riot and he had me roaring today.  I think he missed his calling as a comedy writer. 

3. My husband. He helped take care of my mom when she stayed with us for a couple of weeks after her surgery. It was touching to witness the kind things he did for her while still taking care of me! 

4. My friends. They are my safety net. They are there for me.

5. Disability insurance. When I got it, I had no idea that I would ever need it. 

6. My sisters. They came down to help out with my mother, too. 

7.The library. Since I am not working and money is tight, finding things to do to get out of the house is hard. But thanks to the library I have a place to go and come home with books that I have been wanting to read for a long time.

8.  Cooking. I cooked a delicious dinner tonight. Pineapple chicken with brown rice. Being able to cook again in my kitchen is something I will never take for granted.

9. My hairdresser. She found someone to come to my house to do my mom's hair just the way she likes it. It made her day. 

10. My cousin B. She is a nurse and has been my biggest support during my illness and beyond.