Thursday Thirteening It!

One of my projects for 2013 was identifying what was essential to my life.  This list of 13 essentials is probably not exhaustive but comprises the first ones to come to mind and not dismissed.

1.     freedom to worship God
2.     to love and be loved in return . . . for my darling family and friends
3.     books/learning and the freedom to learn and study those things I think are essential
4.     flowers...a total abundance of flowers
5.     air, water, fire and gardens (earth, if you insist)
6.     a spot in life where I can see forever
7.     hand work
8.     hope

"There is a secret medicine given only 
to those who hurt so hard they can't hope.  
The hopers would feel slighted if they knew."  
-Rumi

9.     colour . . .colour everywhere, even in my dreams
10.   simple food . . .fruits, veggies, nuts and grains with a few desserts for fun!
11.   laughter
12.   music, especially the cello
13.   literal thinking

And finally from the book Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert a quote that I think is very essential to my life.

"Offer it up personally then.  Right now.  
I thought of how many people 
go to their graves unforgiven and unforgiving.  
I thought of how many people 
have had siblings or friends or children or lovers disappear from their lives 
before precious words of clemency or absolution could be passed along.  How do the survivors 
of terminated relationships ever endure 
the pain of unfinished business?  
From that place of meditation I found the answer - you can finish the business yourself, 
from within yourself.  
It's not only possible - it is essential."  

Be well.  And to enjoy other Thursday Thirteen posts, click here.







Comments

  1. I think we under-appreciate so many of these - it's all part of getting back in touch with the "basic" elements of life. I'm still struggling with the element of forgiveness for some people I feel wronged me, and one day, when I'm able to think of them without anew feeling the hurt they caused me, I'll be a better, stronger person.

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  2. Good Morning, Kimberly...the element of forgiveness is essential to me but I have not conquered it yet either...once in a while I feel bitterness scrape my heart too...but I am wanting that gone from my life.

    It has taken me many years to come to such a simple list of essentials...earlier in my life I would not have settled down long enough to actually do an honest list...is it true that the older we get the more straight forward we become with ourselves?

    Thanks for stopping by...

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    Replies
    1. Based on my own experience: it *is* true that the older we get, the more straightforward we become with ourselves. But by that point, there are more, harder walls to bring down in the process.

      But it can be done.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Anthony...it is a process!

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  4. Wonderful list, Shirley, and a big "AMEN" to number one! Happy Thursday!

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  5. Cool list. I agree with many/most of them. I'd love to see what you mean by items 6 and 13.

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    1. Hello Brent...No. 6 speaks about my prairie-girl heat...I love to be anywhere where I can see with no hills or trees in the way.

      And no. 13 is just the way I see things. I no longer comment on all the phrases that people say that are not really what they mean, like today Sherwin says, I am going to drop you right at the door of the pharmacy...well he didn't drop me and he pulled up to the curb, not the door of the pharmacy. My mind immediately goes to the literal interpretation of words. And many times it can be very funny. But I have learned not to verbalize all my crazy interpretations!!

      Thanks for coming by.


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    2. I guess number 13 should have been the clue as to how to interpret number 6. I like being able to see forever, too, but prefer to look up at night. :-)

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  6. Very thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing. Happy T13!

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  7. interesting how many essentials we have in common ... thought provoking in crafting a day, a life not to be taken for granted

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  8. Fun post, especially lovely quote from Ms. Gilbert, and interesting to read all the comments too! xo

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