Ladies of a Certain Age ~ for those invisible powerful, dynamic, vital women

In the Fortitude section of my e-newsletter this month, I wrote this about the benefits of counting my blessings at the end of a trying day:

“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep, counting my blessings” These lyrics from the popular song “White Christmas” in the 1954 movie, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, came to mind one night when I could not sleep because–try as I might –I could not cure my beloved dog, make the refrigerator preserve my food, or turn on my ailing new computer! I counted several blessings and felt better. Then, I turned on a light and read a few pages from Julia Cameron’s book, Seeking Wisdom. She emphasized: 1. Think about a few accomplishments for the day. 2. Remember moods are time-based. They pass. 3. List five things in my immediate surroundings that I am grateful for. My list included a full moon visible in the window, bird song at the end of the day, available water in a dry year, and a comfortable bed.

What’s helped me the most to calm down and fall asleep are little snippets, quotes, if you will, that I remember. Some of these are from famous people, and some are from friends. They just pop into my mind.

The world’s not burning and crumbling

This too will pass

I cover the bad people in my life with prayer

Don’t walk in murky waters

No one lives forever

Right now, I’m okay

Don’t judge your insides by other people’s outsides

Gratitude bestows reverence

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers

“Well,” I say, “this much I know.” When the going gets tough, the tough keep going and say ‘Thank you’ at the end of the day.