Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Life Isn't a Dress Rehearsal

I've begun reading my Simple Abundance book. It's interesting to read this book again after having done so eight years ago. I find that there are a lot of things in it that I have applied to my life. It's also great to reflect on how far I have come emotionally and spiritually since I read it back then when I was trying to work myself out of a depression and make sense of things on a spiritual level.

Yesterday's entry talked about the six threads of abundant living which it claims are: gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy. They are principles that build on each other. For the most part I think I've got gratitude down, most days anyhow. I think I waiver in the other areas though. Right now I think my focus is on achieving order in my life. I'm on the edge of becoming obsessive about it though, probably because my life feels so very disorderly. I look around me every where and see chaos, both personally and professionally. I feel buried by it. If I reflect on yesterday, I feel like I did get a lot accomplished. After writing my last entry, I went to the grocery store, I cleaned some more around here, and did several loads of laundry which I even managed to get put away. Yet, it feels like only a drop of water in the sloshing bucket of disorderliness that is my life right now. But, I am trying to remember the drop of water that I removed from the bucket instead of the water that remains to be moved. It may be small but it is movement and that's what I need to remember.

Today's entry talks about life not being a dress rehearsal.  As I read the entry, I thought I had it down pat. It talked about not saving pretty china for company. I fully believe this concept. I do believe that we need to use the things that are precious to us and not save things for company or special moments because we never know how much time we have on this earth and every moment should be cherished. However, when the author began talking about the little things we can do for ourselves that make us feel better such as putting on makeup or doing our hair, I gulped. I feel more "together" when I take those steps but often times I don't take the time. Yeah, I can be a real frump sometimes. Okay, most of the time. I don't pay much attention to what I wear, and more times than not I don't wear makeup, even  to work. Mind you, I'll never be a high maintenance kind of person. I've been there and the time it takes to remain there isn't worth it to me. But....there are some things that I can do that would enhance how I feel and wouldn't take that much more effort. So, this morning I will get in the shower early enough so I can take the time to put on a little make-up. I'll organize my jewelry so I can easily access it and start accessorizing my things better. And, I'll do it for me because it really does make me feel better and I am worth it! Life isn't a dress rehearsal, so why am I sleeping through it?

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

    Robbie, sometimes picking up a book that we love is like visiting with an old friend. The Simple Abundance and Something More books are 2 that I turn to quite often, reminders that it's not all about having what you want but wanting what you have and loving it. Hope your revisit with this treasured book adds something of value to your life and I'm glad that you are planning to share it with us.
           
                                      *** Coy ***  

ahhh ... I do the no makeup thing alot too, especially in the summertime.

Anonymous said...

Ever since my "Christian years," when my life seemed like it was one big self-help book, I have stayed away from formulaic solutions for my life.  If I ever get to the point where I think I have taken all the steps I already know I have to take to make my life better, then maybe I'll go get a book that can help take me to another level.  I've just now gotten to the point where I feel like I can make New Years Resolutions without letting them become more of a source of depression than of accomplishment.  But I don't think I'm ready for a whole book aimed at improving my life...  Does that make any sense?  Lisa  :-]  

Anonymous said...

I have that book too....should pull it out and re-read it.  It's really a worthwhile read.

Anonymous said...

I'll have to get the book. My Martian actually tweaked me to the concept of using my 'good' stuff before I met him. I had sent him some pictures of my home, including my china cabinet filled with wonderful things from a past life. His comment was, "You have some really nice things. You should use them." I thought about explaining how you only use those things for company, but then I thought, "Yeah, why do I drink my wine out of these cheap little dimestore glasses every night when I have good Lenox stuff that could make me feel like a queen every day?!"

Anonymous said...

Well, from my point of view, you are great the way you are. No amount of primping or frimping will change the goodness of a person. But if it makes you feel better about yourself then by all means, do something for you. I've always been a believer that you have to take care of number one first before you can honestly share yourself with the rest of the world. You are balanced young lady, with a heart of gold that may tip you over every now and then but that's a good thing. Hugs Lanny

Anonymous said...

Order would be my problem; I'm a dyed-in-the-wool slob.

Anonymous said...

I don't think you are sleeping........you seem so vibrant.  :)

Anonymous said...

I have the book too and love it.  I try often to remind myself that this life isn't a dress rehearsal- it is so easy to think- I'll save that for a really special occasion- and then never use it or wear it.  Thanks for nudging me to once again keep this in focus.  -Kari

Anonymous said...

Robbie,
Oh hon, I know what you mean.
I feel like I'm just sleeping through
life sometimes too.
Big hugs to you,
Connie

Anonymous said...

Simple Abundance is a wonderful book.  I received it several years ago in a passalong, one friend was to give to another at the end of the year.  This year at a Christmas party, the same book inscribed with the names of the friends who had received it was given to another in a tradition of giving a gift you had once received that had personal meaning to you but wasn't too precious to hold onto forever.  That was a wonderful feeling.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful entry :)
Just take it one day at a time...that's what I tell myself anyway. I'm going to have to check this book out.

Gretchen
http://livinginsavannah.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

wow what a nice entry! i like that. alot of days i wake up go to school and im in a daze dont reallly want to put any effort into looking good just trying to stay up lol. i continue to wish u luck on ur journey to find balance!

Anonymous said...

yes, you are worth it.  i love the entire last paragraph you wrote here.  things that are simple, but, well....we never do think of them.  thank you for sharing!  i've never read this book, but i think i might go check it out!   (from my favorite place - the public library!!)    xo phinney

Anonymous said...

You know...I don't think I have EVER eaten off my wedding china. Ever. Makes me wonder why we bothered registering for it. Rather than start eating off it now, I should sell it and use the funds to organize my home. LOL

Anonymous said...

"Life isn't a dress rehearsal, so why am I sleeping through it?
great question for me too....
good luck with your new adventure, it sounds like a worthwhile one. :)

Anonymous said...

I think this entire past year has been about disorganization.  It must have something to do with the cosmos - stupid as that sounds, and really is - because the year before last, I had everything neatly put together.  Then 2004 came and untied my whole life.  I think I'm trying to go into 2005 with a renewed sense of purpose and focus, with a great need to tie up all the loose ends in my life.  We'll inspire each other!  LOL  :D

Anonymous said...

Robbie, this is one of my beliefs I try to share with friends and my journal readers. Life is often much shorter than we expect. We shouldn't waste time. I try to prioritize now and that helps. I find being organized eliminates stress from my life. At times, other things take priority though and I have to reorganize as life permits. I have learned to be patient and gentle with myself. This helps me to remain calmer and be more productive. Nelle

Anonymous said...

great entry robbie -

always look to the unexpected delights -

they are in every new day...

Anonymous said...

Maybe it's no "dress rehearsal," but lately I've been thinking about my life as "research." Somehow, it seems more bearable that way.

Anonymous said...

As usual I have internet Alzheimer's and I have no Idea how I got here but the music is nice