THINGS ...
Life can be crazy and hectic. After working all day, taking care of home and family, and maybe catching a few minutes alone in the bathroom who has the time to take care of themselves? I must admit that I am guilty of putting myself at the bottom of the list when it comes to making sure everyone is being tended to properly. Often I ignore what I want, what I need, and what I wish. Basically this is due to how I prioritize my responsibilities and the time I have in which to complete it all.
But I have found some things that make my life better, make me feel better, and enrich me as a person. Maybe there’s something among my things that might work for you. I have tried to include information and resources so that you, too, can take advantage of some of these things. Take what you like and leave the rest behind.
SPIRITUALITY
I do not intend to debate religion, jump on a soapbox, or make any inflammatory comments. God and everything about Him is something I choose to embrace. I was raised Presbyterian and many in my family are Baptist. My brother and his family follow the Greek Orthodox path. We’re a mixed group.
What I have learned is that there are many resources available to help people make choices, healthy habits, and develop understanding. I have been influenced by Billy Graham and Charles Stanley. In my opinion, Billy Graham will lead you to accept God and to become a Christian (what it’s all about). Charles Stanley, in my opinion, teaches you what to do once you get there (how to live it) Both of them have clear, concise, easily understandable lessons that apply to present day life. And both of them, and their messages, are available in a multitude of forms (print, radio, TV, internet, etc.) so that anyone anywhere can choose to listen.
COMFORTING WORDS
I also utilize The Upper Room devotionals for daily reminders and practice. They have a wonderful website and offer a free devotional emailed to you everyday if you sign up. I have found some excellent reading and study materials at LifeWay Christian Stores.
And there are several Bible verses that bring me comfort and peace:
List being developed ... please check back.
THE HAIR
I love my hairdresser but he probably hates to see me coming. I have patronized DARRELL WHITSEL of DESIGN SYSTEM in Clinton, SC for more years than I can remember. Darrell is truly a master and an artist. I have never gotten such wonderful and expert treatment in any other salon. Not only does he give a fabulous cut and style; but the next day when I am at home and standing in front of the mirror, my hair just seems to naturally want to do what he cut and styled it to do. It’s a miracle. It’s the magic of a truly good cut and the talent of a shear genius (corny pun intended).
I love Darrell and appreciate all he’s done for me and my family. We have a unique relationship in that he maintained the hair of my grandmother before she passed away and currently maintains the hair of my mother, aunt, and myself. So he really “knows” our family and our family soap opera histories. Somehow my mother, aunt, and I have gotten into a rotation wherein I am the last one in the chair by the weekend and get to hear all about what’s going on with Momma and my aunt.
Darrell is an expert at color, cut, and design. He established his own school to help train people (The Hair Academy, also in Clinton, SC). Darrell has salons in SC located in Clinton, Greenwood, and Columbia. He also travels to see clients in Greensboro, NC.
Recently Darrell’s partner, DAVID, opened a fabulous interior design and antique store called DESIGN SYSTEM INTERIORS in Clinton, SC. I say a prayer and clutch my purse tightly to my chest before I go in there because David has the most wonderful and fabulously beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Visiting with Darrell and David when I go to Clinton to get my hair done is truly a self-indulgence. I drive for an hour each way to patronize their businesses and I always end up spending more than I should. But it’s worth every moment and every dime. They are wonderful people and are important to me.
You can reach Darrell and DESIGN SYSTEM here:
106 Wall Street
Clinton, SC 29325
864-833-5686
You can reach David and DESIGN SYSTEM INTERIORS here:
208 West Main Street
Clinton, SC 29325
864-833-2002
THE BODY
I had always wondered what it would be like to have a massage. But for many reasons (and mostly embarrassment) I’ve never had the courage to try it. That changed in December 2004 when I went on a cruise with my step-daughter, Sonya, and a friend from work. We decided to have a beauty day and I decided to try a massage. I figured, “What does it matter? I don’t know these people and I’ll never see them again in my life so who cares!”
I was so nervous as I stood in the darkened room trying to stretch a tiny towel around myself. I was full of embarrassing fears: what if I gross the massage person out, what if they laugh at me, what if they tell me to get naked, etc. The usual fears I suppose everyone has at some point in time.
Then the lady entered the room and deftly put me at ease within minutes. And before I knew it, I was down on the table and overwhelmed with the blissful relaxation I was feeling as she worked on me. I have never felt so wonderful, relaxed, and exhilarated at the same time. It was a rejuvenating experience. It was heaven on earth.
Later, down in our cabin, I met up with Sonya who had just finished her massage. We collapsed on the bed and stared at each other and then erupted into giggles. We were feeling so good it was as if we were drunk or high or something. And right then I committed to myself that I would attempt to find a massage place at home where I could have regular appointments.
The following February my husband gave me a gift certificate for a massage place at the mall called A SOOTHING AND COMFORTING TOUCH. After overcoming some lingering
fears, I made the call and set up the appointment. I was so pleased to meet the owner, ANYA, and felt so comfortable with her that my fears and anxieties disappeared.
Anya has a beautiful spirit and excellent manner in handling her clients. She provides a long list of services that are well worth the time and money. A visit with Anya removes all the pent up stress and anxiety in my body. And I leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and peacefully happy. I try to schedule a visit with Anya every two to three weeks. Maybe I’ll win the lottery and then be able to afford to visit her every single week.
You can reach Anya and A SOOTHING COMFORTING TOUCH here:
... more to come.
