We deeply appreciate all the help that you give us. Meals, visits, rides, play dates, cards, activities, being lifted through your prayers and positive thoughts – All these areas where we need help and some where we cannot begin to handle by ourselves.
I know that we aren’t the only ones going through difficult changes. A friend of mine is getting a divorce. She is in the middle of redecorating her condo so that it doesn’t feel like it did when she was married. Her business is suddenly booming and she handling the legal details on her own. While this keeps her busy, she missed having her husband for both emotional and practical support.
But then, after a particularly busy day of running her business and meeting with lawyers, she realized that, though she was tired, she was also energized. By doing all the things she needed to do to take care of her life, she felt strong and empowered, and emotionally on a new level.
I could relate. Though the chemo drugs knock me down, I feel fortunate to get back up again. Often, it is slow return to life, and I don’t feel like doing much. But I find that if I do little things as soon as I can – take a shower, get my own glass of water, eat – then, gradually, I can do more and more. I notice that the more I do to take care of myself and my family, the better I feel, not just physically but about myself and my life.
Rather than a hassle, it is empowering.
For example, I love cooking. Cooking isn’t just one step: It includes planning and shopping and prepping and cooking. It involves managing the timing of the various parts of the meal as well as setting the table and serving the meal. And, inevitably, cleaning up.
Another example on the other end of the spectrum: As anyone who has been to my house knows, I am not the best at managing clutter. It feels like a chore, drains my energy, and is last on my list of things to do. But now I realize that having the energy and focus to go through the clutter (and essentially move it around) is a blessing.
I hope that you feel empowered as you go through your day, managing your life and contributing to the lives of those you love, one step at a time. And from those of us who receive your help when we need it: Thank you.
Love and blessings,
Marie
Adventures in Spiritual Living 
I love this post. Thanks for the reminder that doing is strength.
Remarkable observations on picking yourself up and making progress moving forward one step at a time, Marie. Anthony is swapping the engine in his pickup truck. It’s a very detailed and labor intensive job and he has taken your advice to heart – starting with small steps to make discernible forward progress eventually seeing major milestones coming together. Hang in there this week!