Compassionate Love: Displaying Compassion for Those Who Struggle with Mental Illness   (c)2017 Nancy Virden, Always The Fight Ministries

Driving up to a CVS drive-thru, a thought that has been on my mind lately paid another visit. 

You see, a few years ago I used the term “assuage” (meaning to lessen an intense feeling) in an email to my therapist.  The reply included, “I never knew that word until I helped my daughter with her spelling list last night. One of the words is assuage. HaHaHa. It’s in the small stuff!”

It’s in the small stuff. Joy.  Amusement at life’s little quirks.  Relief from negativity. Hope.

My aunt, who has been a huge inspiration since my childhood, once talked about finding beauty spots wherever she travelled. Lovingly cared-for flower gardens in a front yard, a wild daffodil on the side of a freeway, a pretty city square – these are all types of things we may not notice every day. 

Inspiration in motion

When I first moved from  country to city life thirty years ago,  the idea could not have been less appealing. Why, cities are ugly with cement and wires, very little grass, few trees, and more cement!  These were my thoughts concerning Cleveland; I needed to find beauty in my new town.

The first house was old with prism windows. Rainbows splattered across the furniture and floors every day. Later, the home I am still in,  has woods out back. Deer come regularly to munch and sun themselves,  birds sing,  and even a family of ducks once waddled down our sidewalk.

At CVS this morning, I noticed the bright yellow of the poles protecting the building from careless drivers. It brought a small smile to my face because that shade of yellow is my favorite color. Talk about small stuff! That made me laugh, too. 

It takes practice, but anyone can start today. Start noticing.  Start appreciating.

Two mantras to keep in mind

1. It’s in the small stuff
2. Beauty is everywhere

Discovery is a fun game to play whether alone, car-pooling, playing with children, or at work. What is beautiful in your life today? 

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 106:1, 2

 

 

************

Comments are always welcome (see tab below).  NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.

• log pic by kozzi.com tree pic by RWLINDER on rgbstock.com