Yesterday, I visited with a dear friend. We had coffee and a muffin and a good conversation about many things including Christian books that we’ve read or haven’t yet read. When I left Norma’s, I felt a whole lot better than I did when I knocked on her door. We’ve been friends for a good many years.
I wonder why some people just make me feel better and some really don’t? I like being with others who bring out the best in me; who don’t remind me of my short-comings and past bad decisions. Postive-thinking, sense-of-humor people who like to share a laugh or look on the bright side; the kind who put a spring in my steps and a feeling that maybe things aren’t so bad after all. Encouragers.
One of the books Norma mentioned and I want to read is The Gospel According to Jesus. I’m expecting to get some new insights and fresh ideas from this book.
I’ve often wondered why I am my own worst critic? It’s as if there’s a little imp with a pitchfork sitting on one shoulder who keeps telling me I can’t and I shouldn’t have and Why did I? And, on the other shoulder is a quiet little angel in white who says, It’s all right and You can do it and Forget the past and press on. I’ve found it useful to tell that negative little devil to forget it. Shouting, “No” to his accusations sometimes works which is OK if I’m by myself; while I’m shopping for groceries, it might attract some attention. Imagining locking a door marked “Negative Thoughts” is helpful too. And quieter.
It could be the heckler that sits on my shoulder is responsible for writer’s block. “You can’t write,” he tells me. “Nobody will read this book.” I’ve found the only way to be rid of the cranky critic is to write, just put my fingers on the keyboard and get with it.
Memories, too, can be hurtful or helpful. I prefer the warm, helpful ones. A long time ago, I wrote a poem about how memories can refresh and encourage.
“Ember Glow” by Blanche Day Manos from The Heritage of Etta Bend
When Winter’s winds blow bleak and bare the silhouettes of frozen trees Deep within my heart I go and warm myself within the glow Of love’s bright embers burning there upon the hearth of memories.
http://pen-l.com/Mystery.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blanche+day+manos
I know what you mean. Sometimes I have to remember that I am not a mistake.but a person God made and He doesn’t make mistakes. Self doubt leads to being stagnant if we let it.
You are right, Deb! I like that phrase, “self-doubt leads to being stagnant”. Self doubt is like a backwater pool in a stream. It doesn’t go anywhere, so it just sits there and becomes useless. Thanks for writing!
Beautiful poetry, Blanche. I guess that book is no longer available?
Speaking of self-doubt: there’s someone who wants us to think we are worthless and it isn’t God!
Thank you, Sharon. No, The Heritage of Etta Bend is no longer available. You are right. We have to remind ourselves that when such thoughts come to us, they certainly are not from God.