I love a good storm, one that is filled with loud clapping thunder, raindrops you can see coming down, and lightning that lights up the dark sky. I prefer that the power stays on, but if it does go out, having a flashlight or candles to light my reading adds a rather romantic sense. I’ve been watching way too much Jane Austen of late ~ all about the romance.
Today, as I sit in our favorite coffee shop to write, I am listening to the thundering rain and thunder. Sadly, no lightning at this time, but I am enjoying the moment. My Sweetheart sits across from me on his laptop, deeply involved with whatever it is he is doing. I love this time. This is one of our rituals we try to do every week if possible. Another is our nightly gratefuls, where we share one thing we love about each other, one thing we apologize for (it can be to anyone for anything), one thing we accomplished, and then six things we are grateful for. These can be silly things, serious, or whatever. I love this time too.
As I reflect back on this week, month, and even year, I have so much to be grateful for and almost as much to apologize for. The apologies are mostly to myself. Yes, you can and it is good to apologize to yourself. One main apology is that I haven’t kept my promise to start taking better care of myself ~ yet.
Do you ever apologize to yourself or tell yourself that you love yourself?
Last night, I was in the emergency room with a loved one, and even though it was nothing serious (stress and gas can make you think it’s something else), it gave me the opportunity to be reminded that: 1. It’s better to be safe than sorry, 2. Our health is the most important thing we have, 3. Do what you want in the present and stop putting off for tomorrow.
I hated seeing this loved one in that bed with wires connected, blood being drawn, X-rays taken, and concern on their face. Not knowing what was going on or what would happen if it were what they feared made me uneasy. I was at a loss for competent words other than trying to add levity of some sort or trying to connect with the understanding that, well, I’ve been there before. I’m used to being the one in that position, and well, I don’t like either the bed or the chair. I do know that if I don’t do better at taking care of me, there is an extreme chance it will be me in that bed. Which isn’t good for anyone, especially loved ones.
I’ve been saying that I’m going to exercise more, eat better, and meditate daily. After having the flu or whatever last week, and spending several hours in the emergency room with my loved one, I can’t keep saying I’m going to do it. I HAVE TO ACTUALLY DO IT! I have a semi-long bucket list of “want to dos” and, well, I kind of have to be around to get them done. Not to mention the multitude of characters living in my head that want out onto the pages of my books.
So, as I sit here reflecting in the rain, enjoying the peace I receive from watching the raindrops fall and the thunder boom, I know I have a lot to do that I want to do. Places to go, books to write, and loved ones to hug. I must get organized, stop procrastinating, and do what I have been “meaning” to do. I’ve made a few changes, but now it’s time to make more.
The next time I’m reflecting in the rain, I want it to be over the wonderful, positive things I’ve done and the amazing people I’ve met. Not because I’ve had a scare or two. Plus, I love to nap/sleep during a storm; I sleep much better, deeper, and soundly.
Storms, to me, are sometimes Mother Nature’s way of letting us know she is alive and cleaning up a few things, making way for a new day.
Marcus Smart (not sure which Mr. Smart) said, “Before you see the rainbow, it must storm.” Not sure about you, but I agree, and rainbows are beautiful smiles on the horizon for a positive new day.
What do you think about storms and rainbows? Do rainbows make you smile or warm your heart? Do you find storms soothing or scary? Maybe let yourself be like nature and know that you are alive and ready to make some improvements.
As I close this post, the rain has diminished to sprinkles in puddles for the time being. The forecast for today is stormy off and on all day, which, for me, means naps mixed with cloud bursts of exercise, writing, art, homework (I started classes this week), and games. 🤗
Till next time… I hope your week is full of love, laughter, hugs, blessings, and rainbows. 🌈

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