I don’t know about you, but I struggle at times with the idea that everyone and everything has a purpose. On really good days, I know this to be true. On days — not so good — I wonder, is there really a rhyme and reason to it all?
This is how some of our garden grows….
These doubting days usually come about when I have a day of not feeling so good. Yesterday, I had one of those days. My eyes were really hurting and I just had one of those blah days. I learned recently that where I am is having one of the worst allergy seasons ever so that explains the eye hurting, head stuffed up and general feeling of malaise. I’ve never been one of those people suffering from allergy-type blah so this was new to me. I hate taking medicine so I just let it be.
I didn’t even want to get on the computer to comment on all of my favorite blogs yesterday. We curled up on the couch and had a movie day. Yesterday was supposed to be our writing group’s time in the city, but one of the members was suffering from an illness and I was out of sorts myself.
So we agreed to cancel and reschedule. It was really for the best because I wasn’t in the mood to accept or give criticism. What’s the purpose of those days? When we feel bad? Is it the Universe telling us to rest, regroup? Just give in and feel “bad” knowing that this too shall pass.
A New Day and I’m Up and Going
Some of our flowers….
It’s a beautiful sunny day here with low humidity. I’ve got a possible writing gig coming up so I’m looking forward to that — a new purpose, a new something to devote my energies to. Hubby loves to do yard work so he’s out trimming and mowing. We are avid planters and growers of things — flowers, herbs and such.
I’m summoning the strength to go out and join him and shake off the mundane-ness of yesterday and know that today will reveal another purpose for me. If nothing else than to get my hands in the dirt and know that — that new purpose will reveal itself in time.
And more nature to enjoy.
So this post is as much motivational (I hope) for you as it is for me as I’m writing it. Time to get back in the groove of being positive and feeling good. I can usually pull that off but I have my days. Yesterday was that and today is THIS:
You become what you think about. — Earl Nightingale
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make our world. — Buddha
Whatever a person’s mind dwells on intensely and with firm resolve, that is exactly what he/she becomes. — Shankaracharya
So I’m off to feed my thoughts with nature, goodness and feeling everything is right with the world. I think that’s a good start for my purpose today and it can’t lead anywhere else but feeling better and that everything (including me) is exactly as it’s supposed to be. And you, too.
Press play below and Happy Monday everyone.
Brigitte's Banter 
A U2 song is always a good thing in a blog post.
I’m sorry your allergies have been getting in your way, B. The past few days were rough. Hope today is going much better. Happy planting!
Posted by Madame Weebles | July 30, 2012, 1:47 pmIt is going much better and thanks, MWeebs.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:05 pmYes, it’s felt like that. And I know it’s not truth. xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | July 30, 2012, 3:04 pmDear M,
((((((((hugs))))))))))
Love, L
xoxooxx
Posted by Carr Party of Five | July 30, 2012, 4:05 pmUh, what? Oh, this is to MWeebs. Okay, me too then. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:13 pmWell at least I know others feel the same at times. It’s that human experience thing and yeah, I know it’s not truth too. Thanks, Margarita.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:09 pmYou’re welcome, sweet one! One of the lovely things about human experience is that we ARE all in this boat together. Just because Self expresses perfectly through me doesn’t mean I always GET it! It’s good to know others are bewildered, or bedeviled, or both, too! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | July 30, 2012, 4:13 pmWe are so on the same plane, Margarita. Thanks for the understanding — you always do. Good positive thoughts to you.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:16 pmGood for you about getting out there. I have found getting out into nature does wonder for me. I hope your allergies improve.
Posted by strawberryindigo | July 30, 2012, 3:06 pmIt does and thank you. Much better now, Strawberry. Appreciate your stopping in. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:10 pmI think allergies take more out of people than we often realize—especially if we don’t realize we have allergies! And there is definitely something about the dog days of summer that saps creativity. I’m not hearing too many bloggers saying things like, “I’ve written 3,000 words every day for the past 3 weeks” or “I’ve outlined a new novel.” Most of us seem to be struggling to maintain a creative flow.
And U2 is always a good choice. 🙂
Posted by jmmcdowell | July 30, 2012, 3:53 pmHey JM, well at least I’m in good company. Thanks for that and here’s to hoping that creative flow gets better. In my case anyway — yours seems to be flowing right along. :). U2 — can’t go wrong there.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:11 pmDear Brig,
It wouldn’t let me play the song.
What?
And I’m having a day, also.
Sigh.
I think I need a nap.
I am sorry about your allergies.
I’m glad you re getting out.
I think I need to do the same.
Thanks friend.
🙂
Love, Lis
xoxooxx
Posted by Carr Party of Five | July 30, 2012, 4:05 pmUmm, sorry about that. Not sure why — It’s U2’s Beautiful Day. Sorry you’re having one of those days — go out and take a walk or take a nap. It’ll help. Thank you! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:12 pmGlad you are having a better day today, but I think sometimes we need those yesterdays. I mentioned you in my blog for today so stop by and check it out. Everyone liked your perspective better than mine. (hugs) 🙂
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 30, 2012, 4:24 pmHi Lou Ann, yeah you’re right, we do need those yesterdays! And thank you for the mention — you just made my day.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:33 pmwhen I get smarter I will not just mention but put a link to your blog but I think you already have millions of followers so you probably don’t need me
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 30, 2012, 4:36 pmYou are smart and you are wrong, I need you, appreciate you and love your posts as well! See my personal email to you, Lou Ann. Hugs.
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:44 pmGetting outside always helps me on days like that. Glad to hear things are looking up! Hope the allergies are getting better.
Posted by newsofthetimes | July 30, 2012, 4:53 pmThanks, Jenn, it does and they are. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 30, 2012, 4:55 pmGlad to hear it! 🙂
Posted by newsofthetimes | July 30, 2012, 4:56 pmYikes!! I hope that yard work doesn’t bring on another enslaught of allergy symptoms
Posted by dianasschwenk | July 30, 2012, 7:35 pmNah, everthing’s good. Thanks, D.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:20 amDecember through April are Husband’s hell months. He lives in an antihistamine/albuterol fog. Allergies are a bitch. I’m glad you are feeling better.
Posted by Fish Out of Water | July 30, 2012, 8:08 pmI’ve never experienced this so I’m hoping it’s a one-time, weird kind of one-of-a-kind spore or pollen that caused it. Thank you, Fish.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:21 amLove this song! I’m composing a response with Bono in the background, but I have to keep stopping to sing along to the chorus! This is a perfect pick me up song, Brigitte, and I hope it works its magic on you! I’m back from a long weekend away from any internet access, and I feel so recharged and ready to face my blog again. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to step away and not even think about blogging. “It’s a beautiful day, la la la….”
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | July 30, 2012, 8:57 pmYay! Well good then, hope the song brightened your day, Sally. And you are so right, you have to step away from the computer. You do! I think even a week is good for the soul sometimes. Glad you did and glad you’re back, recharged. Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:27 amI’ve been in one of those moods for a while now, and all I can imagine is that the blah days make you appreciate the rest. Maybe we just need something to compare to so we really appreciate things? Who knows? Great song.
Posted by SzaboInSlowMo | July 30, 2012, 9:07 pmI think you’re right, Szabo. I think that mood is shared by many. But yes, it does make one appreciate those great, joyous days. Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:28 amThanks Brigittle — it’s nice to realize in the middle of a slump that you can start over with a positive perspective.
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | July 30, 2012, 9:38 pmThanks, Sandee. It’s difficult but possible, huh? :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:28 amI got here late again (and that’s probably gonna be my lot in life until at least September), and so I’ll probably just be echoing a lot of points other commentors made, and not doing it as well, but I’ve never let things like that stop me.
You said: If nothing else than to get my hands in the dirt and know that — that new purpose will reveal itself in time.
I think that’s absolutely true, although it might not necessarily be a “new” purpose. Our purpose can change, of course, but I don’t think it does as often as we think. Even on bummer days, I don’t ever doubt that there is a meaning to life, and particularly to my own (I think you need to start inside-out). I think it can be helpful to meditate on that meaning. Now, this may at first be a frustrating experience, because revelations come in stages sometimes. This is something I think about a great deal, and have for some time now, but if I had to, this very instant, write down my purpose/identity or reason for being, it would still take some thought. It’s a meaty question, and can never be so simple as “I am a fireman” or “I am a writer” or “I am a mom” or “I am a gay person” or even “I am a righter of wrongs.” It’s hard enough to simply describe an inanimate object sometimes, let alone something as complex and multifaceted as a human being.
In “Man’s Search For Meaning” by Victor Frankl, the author contends that to a large degree, one’s happiness stems from an understanding of your purpose, that thing which gives your life meaning.
Good for you for searching. To a certain extent, I hope you’re forever searching. I think it’s important sometimes to ask yourself these questions, just like any other subject or field of discipline, the more you know yourself, what you are and what you aspire to be, the more aware you are to make decisions that act in accordance with this nature.
Posted by Smaktakula | July 30, 2012, 9:59 pmAnd your yard is lovely!
Posted by Smaktakula | July 30, 2012, 10:01 pmHi RK, That’s okay….stop by whenever! It’s so strange that you brought up Victor Frankel. I was just reading that very thing you mentioned, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Now if he can find meaning/purpose, anyone can. I agree with you and I’m always doing that searching — I can’t imagine not doing that. Because a person changes according to different stages in her/his life — that’s normal. It’s when you become stagnant and cling to past memories or missteps that you don’t “grow” and/or rethink your purpose in life.
Thanks, RK and appreciate the nice comment about our yard too.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:39 amYour thoughts can definitely lead the whole rest of your day…but I have to say…those allergies can just knock you off your feet. When your head is so stuffed up and achy, it’s hard to even think anything except…”When will this stop?” Glad you’re feeling better. Love your beautiful pictures.
Posted by char | July 30, 2012, 10:24 pmYes, it was strange, Char. Never happened before but it is better now and thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:40 amI was just thinking this morning on my way to work whether there was a purpose in us having bad days and feeling down. Talk about being on the same wavelength! I’m so glad to see you wonder the same thing and that you’re feeling better today. It’s impossible for us to always have a up-and-at-’em attitude but I say as long as we remember to keep going, we should be okay.
Posted by lillianccc | July 30, 2012, 10:32 pmWe seem to do that alot, Lillian! Yeah, everyone has those “eh” days and that’s okay too. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:41 amBeautiful flowers! And totally diggin U2! 🙂
Posted by finally_write | July 30, 2012, 10:36 pmHey Sue, thanks. I love U2 as well. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:41 amI always find Mother Nature a good cure for the blah days. Lovely pics of the garden. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | July 31, 2012, 3:22 amIt certainly is, Teresa and thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:47 amLots to think about here. Sorry about your allergies and funky mood. I feel like I’ve been in a weird place for several months now. Sometimes I’d just like to empty my head of all it’s contents. It’s easy to get de-railed. I always tell people to just go with where their energy is taking them and if that means doing nothing, then so be it. Our energy ebbs and flows. Too bad I can never follow my own good advice! ha! I always feel like I’m fighting the current.
I love being in the garden, too. I love my Limelight Hydrangeas, right now. They give me such joy! Wish I could crawl inside one. : )
Posted by A Gripping Life | July 31, 2012, 9:43 amHi Lisa, I am way better at giving advice. When it comes to applying those same principles to myself — not so good. I seriously think when one has “one of those eh days” it is just best to go with it. Maybe its your mind/body/spirit telling you to just rest and that’s okay. I always feel as if I need to be DOING something. I love looking at flowers and pretty things and really the most beautiful “things” are the ones in nature. Thank you and I like that “empty my head” idea. That way new things, ideas and all kinds of stuff have more room. Take care, friend and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 9:53 amI love this thought:
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make our world. — Buddha
Posted by reptilesintheicecream | July 31, 2012, 11:55 amI know, isn’t that great? And true, I think. That’s Rep.
Posted by Brigitte | July 31, 2012, 2:13 pmHi Brigitte, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award :-D. More details on my post
Posted by English Rose-C | August 2, 2012, 2:14 pmThank you! I’ve been awarded this but it’s so nice to get it again, Rose. Thank you so much. :).
Posted by Brigitte | August 2, 2012, 5:18 pmIt has a different logo this time!! LOL
Posted by English Rose-C | August 2, 2012, 7:45 pm