Saturday, July 14, 2007

one~step~at~a~time













the importance of pacing

Feeling encouraged, I was finally able to open up all of the accounts I've needed for the boutique. I have caught myself really stressing out about the photography. The weather has been in the high 90's and I'm not supposed to be in the sun. However, I did take a round of pictures anyway and then paid the price by feeling yucky for a couple of days. Now, I am in the process of creating a jewelry photography studio in the corner of a certain spare bedroom of my house. This has turned out to be a project in itself, but I know what it is I have to do in order to feel organized about this entire venture.

I fell apart in the arms of my husband a couple of nights ago. I had started the day rather grumpy and it escalated to tears, with him stopping me in my tracks and gently asking me what was wrong. He said something very wise and my heart listened..."You love doing this, so why is it making you so unhappy?" I went to sleep with those words planted like seeds in my soul and the water came from the comments of many of you. Maybe you heard the anxiousness in my previous posts, maybe you were just simply supposed to remind me to just take one step at a time, to pace myself.

Lupus won't allow one day's passing, without reminding me of its limitations. Even when I'm feeling good, I still have to pace myself because I can easily overdue it. My mind is racing with idea's, but my body only survives by literally taking only
one
step
at
a
time

easy to say
easy to write the words
easy to tell someone else
but oh so hard to remember to do

I remind myself that each step is moving upward towards a goal and that I will eventually get to the top, even if I have to sit down and rest for awhile.

15 Comments:

Blogger ::Bek Geach:: said...

One step at a time... that is all that is ever required.
Something from DailyGuru.com I thought you might enjoy:

A MOUNTAIN IS CLIMBED ONE STEP AT A TIME

To attain success or to reach your goal, don't worry about having all the answers in advance.
You just need to have a clear idea of your goal and move toward it.

Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were.
Your opportunity for success is right in front of you.
Don't procrastinate when faced with a difficult problem.
Break your problems into parts and handle one part at a time.

Develop a tendency toward action.
You can make something happen today.
Break your big plan for success into small steps and take the first step right away.

(hugs)
Bx

4:53 PM  
Blogger ::Bek Geach:: said...

You are an inspiration to all who read your blog Dar.
Bx

4:54 PM  
Blogger Wanda said...

How could anyone say it better than Bek...what a delightful and wise lady.
Darlene, the picture of you sitting on the step is lovey, mat and frame it and hang it where you can see it, to remind you to "pace" and "rest"!!
Love and Hugs!
We are so excited for you!

5:28 PM  
Blogger PixieDust said...

You are a loving wife, a wonderful mother, an inspirational artist, and a woman filled with beauty and gentleness. You have arrived where you are by taking each day at a time, the same will be true of your business and dreams.

6:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is so difficult when you are in that place where you are ALMOST there, and the creativity is flowing and you are full of excitement, but you are so right to pace yourself and take all of it one step at a time one day at a time. It will still be there and there is no doubt in my mind that you will get to that place where you are ready to launch....in short order.

Not only do you need to take care of your health, but you want to savour what you are doing. Your J was right in asking that question, and it sounds like it did the trick.

Sending you much support and love.

xoxoxo

8:12 PM  
Blogger LEstes65 said...

You are so brave. I know statements like that probably make you snort. But you are. I love that you are so open about how you wrestle with your humanity. I learn so much grace from you. You are so beautiful.

I'm with you on how that advice is so easy to dole out but so hard to practice.

God, give Darlene the grace to allow herself her imperfections. Give her the strength to proceed in your plan each day. Bless her wonderful husband, God. And bless her. Amen.

9:57 PM  
Blogger AMY said...

Pacing is such an important thing. I have to remember that too. And breathing. Good deep cleansing breaths are key especially when you are having to push through to finish something.

It has been encouraging to read abut the progression on your boutique. It has been one of the things that has caused me to push ahead with some ideas of my own.

Looking forward to seeing the pics!

God bless you!

11:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

darlene,
the realization of the need for correct pacing has often come to me with tears.
i hope you manage to maintain the balance for yourself and get to focus as much as possible of really doing just want you love.
glad to have found your blog.
m.

5:36 AM  
Blogger Mary Timme said...

Limitations have been happening in my life too, Darlene. I have to remind myself of the same thing, except I use as my "slow down, you've got to last," melody, "I can only do what I can do!" Sometimes, my response to myself is, "G-R-R-R!" and sometimes it is "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," in irritation. Lupus never lets up, not really and from this vantage point you do a marvelous job of 'handling' the disease as well as reaching out being a love. Just one step today.

12:21 PM  
Blogger Vanessa said...

you are doing great.
AND you (and your site) are worth waiting for :)
Vx

2:15 PM  
Blogger Louise said...

Keep on Keepin on..can't wait to see the completed project!
You've got a lot of people around you who care and who are wishing you success!!!
Hugs to you!!

7:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One day at a time... God gives us glimpses and we want the whole picture.

As I read your words tonight they were such a reminder of how important it really is to just to "take small bites."

I, too have been so busy and feeling overwhelmed as I have gone into business with my daughter and her mother-in-law. We are designing and sewing baby and toddler outfits. There is so much to do and to plan... but, we all need to take it slow... enjoy the process and leave the rest to God.

You are a very talented woman and an inspiration to so many... enjoy the moments and give yourself needed breaks.

7:49 PM  
Blogger Jack K. said...

bek rocks with her insights.

You rock with your desire to fulfill your passions.

I am reminded of a comment Maryann made when undergoing her chemo, "I've got cancer, it doesn't have me." That has held her in good stead even when it returned a couple more times. She is in remission. Her positive attitude and maintaining a cheerful outlook have paid dividends. Folks like you two are an inspiration to us all.

So, dear Darlene, keep on truckin', but just one step at at time. In between steps do the happy dance.

Just a thought or two.

6:59 AM  
Blogger Deirdre said...

It's so easy to forget we don't have to do it all at once. I find myself calmer about everything if I can break it into smaller steps. Just one thing at a time rather than the mad dash to do everything now. I'm glad you're pacing yourself - that way you'll have the energy to celebrate your grand opening!

8:14 AM  
Blogger sandy said...

I don't have lupus...but I know that when I get so far ahead of myself in things I want to do it creates such an inner conflict. I can't imagine if I had something that caused me pain and fatigue, how that could affect me.

Like you said, one day at a time and eventually you'll get there..but like you said, easier said than done. I am always racing around in my mind creating a million things I want to do.

Sending you lots of "calm" energy with purposeful movements that move you ahead even more....

10:59 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home