but, a few weeks ago it got lucky. i climbed up on a chair and, with pitcher in hand, separated the leaves so i could squeeze the pitcher through to the middle. when the leaves parted i saw something i wasn't expecting. i really should have though.
there were a TON of brown, wilted leaves in the middle! could i see them from the outside?! no! i had not the slightest idea there was death on the inside of my plant...which i happen to love actually. i would be so sad if it died!
why in the heck should i be surprised to find death on the inside of a plant that never gets water?! i find it laughable.
so, there i was, on my chair and looking at these dead leaves, then, i have an inspired thought. "if you don't water yourself, you will die inside". uh, what?!
i have thought of this much since then.
-i can look and act like all is well, but if i'm not careful and give myself the nourishment i need, i will die inside.
-as you die inside your whole self begins to wither.
-what is my water? good question.
-watering a whole lot in one session & then abandoning it for weeks/months is not the best thing for a healthy person/plant. :)
-this plant would have stopped being beautiful if i hadn't watered it. i so much enjoy this plant and the beauty it adds to my front room. my family and those around me, enjoy the life/beauty i bring. if i don't take care of myself, then i effect more than myself.
-take care of the inside and the outside just follows suit.
-plants are a lot like people, they deteriorate in the middle and then the outside starts to show signs of need for attention. this is what happens to me. this is actually what happened to me just a few days after i had this thought. i felt weak, upset, down and i just couldn't seem to get a handle on anything.
so, what is my water? and how do i make sure i get it consistently?
*the Living Water (scripture study-reading until i find a gem)
*praying
*quality time with those i love. (not just being in the same room, but talking, laughing, playing, working together, enjoying each other)
*laughing
*crying
*creating
*writing
*serving
*the Temple
* exercise
*fresh air and sunshine
*quiet time
*a good book
*doing what i say i'm going to do...but having appropriate expectations.
*kissing :)
what would you add to this list?
now, for the second question, how do i make sure i get it consistently? that is where it gets hard. but, i didn't always do "wednesday, wash day" religiously and now i do. so, i just wrote up a schedule that isn't too strict and allows for flexibility. i have been doing pretty well at following it. it will get better.
do you have any ideas?
with intent, i will nourish myself and water consistently. for THIS intent, of living on the inside.
