I was thinking, (have actually been doing some of that lately) about how inspiring the "Stew" really is. It in itself is like a garden, with the many varieties of flowering folks and the diversity of it all. Of course, if it weren't for Frank and the great moderators keeping the "weeds" out of the garden it wouldn't be as nice. It is so encouraging to be able to visit without gossip and negative feedback. It really changes my thought pattern when I find myself discouraged and in a blue mood. I have had some "weeds" creep into my life. Just as in the garden, sometimes when they first show up and you don't know what they are, you kind of wait and see what it produces before getting it out of your way. Like weeds in the garden, the seeds can spread and eventually take over if you don't do something about it. Some things we invite, and they seem good, but like pretty invasive plants, these people can start taking over and become a pest. It is up to each of us to "keep our garden of life" in cheque. I am at a place in my life where I have had to "clean the garden". It's not so easy when some people have been a good part of your life, then things change and they are no longer producing fruit or seeds that are beneficial. When the time comes that these people are counterproductive and choking out the joy in your life, they have to go. People here seem to not take things for granted and enjoy the things in life that may seem small and insignificant if not brought to attention. We really do have so many things in life that are good and uplifting when we set aside the rubbish and worries and look around a bit. Everyday is a choice. Somedays you find yourself at a crossroad. Life these days has become so hectic for most of us that we move ahead almost robotically. We become so caught up in routines that life gets boring, we get exhausted and life just starts sliding by. From now on, I will think of my life as a garden. Keeping the beauty of flowers, (my friends) keeping the soil (my self) conducive for the flowers to grow, and keeping the unwanted, weeded out of my garden of life. Then there is the garden "junk". I haven't quite figured it out yet, but it is something like icing on the cake. Yes, the junk has to stay!
Good thinking! To know when to call it quits is important, both in life and in gardening. I've learned the hard way to choose my battles carefully. If things won't grow in my garden, I'm sorry, but I won't go to great lengths to make them thrive anymore.
Well said desertflower. And without realizing it, I have started to "weed" my own life. I'm going to stop and smell the roses...
desertflower: How beautifully written, and so true . . . I guess I never thought of things that way. I too am doing quite a bit of weeding . . . in several areas of my life.
Well said Desertflower. I just joined the stew not to long ago and have really enjoyed being here and making new friends. I have also started weeding my life as you stated and have to agree with you all the way. Thanks for sharing that thought.
That is deep thinking DF You are so right giving us these deep thoughts of yours. I also find my life being weeded due to stewing. You seemed to have captured the essence of stew with all its facets. - very well tought through.
Thanks everyone. I'm still "feeding" on this myself. Sometimes when I can't seem to bring things into perspective, it helps to create an anolgy. Now things ae beginning to seem in order. If the floods can just hold off until things are well established, I'll be ok. If not, I'll just have to wait for the floodwaters to settle and begin again.
