In the online "virtual" world, I am privileged to enjoy and embrace friendships and associations with some awesome individuals. All sorts of folks from all racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, from all around the world.
We share stories, useful links, job leads, and collaborate creatively.
Three cheers for the Internet and how it has allowed us to connect and enrich one another, learn and grow together!
But, in the "real" physical world, I find that I prefer the intimacy of a small group of people.
I'm very selective about the people I call "friend."
Even the "Good Book" admonishes us to "guard the heart."
So, each March, in conjunction with Women's History Month, I celebrate the fabulous females that comprise my "inner circle."
Sisters, with whom there is no need to compete.
All accomplished in our own way--
Sisters who accept me with all my flaws and shortcomings. Women who celebrate me, not just tolerate me. :-)
I do this through a "Girls' Night" event sponsored at my home.
We laugh together, break bread together, talk about guys, and enjoy a toast or two to celebrate our bond.
Some of these chicks I've known since college days; others became friends as a result of our love of writing and creativity. Among us are teachers, a retired cop, and other service professionals.
Which brings me to today's topic...
I find that the things that feed our soul and spirit can also feed our mind and creativity.
How about you?
For me, it's spending time with bright, bodacious friends, and sharing good food and stimulating conversation. The gathering and support seems to make some of the other harsh events experienced in life more palatable.
Perhaps for you it's spending time with nature, or planting your rose garden, or a church service, or cooking in the kitchen.
Whatever the indulgence, in the aftermath, you feel lighter, more optimistic, joyful, inspired, blessed.
The more you are fed, the more you can feed others---through your words, through lessons learned,
through a bigger harvest.
How about you?
What feeds your spirit?
Jen, I absolutely could not have said this any better. Hubby and I play pinochle with friends nearly every Saturday night. It's been going on for 30+ years and I can't imagine not being fed by their love, fellowship, and awesome dill dip. So glad you have a 'circle' to call your own! They are a blessing, no? Great post. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteYep. And most days I wouldn't trade them for the world; they are among my most cherished blessings. Lucky for you that I don't live near you. I suspect you'd have to count me in on that Saturday night pinochle! LOL
DeleteLike you being around select groups of people feed my spirit; living in the moment feeds my spirit-- a lesson that I've learned to appreciate recently because of challenges I've had to face; reading, writing, dancing--spending time with children from whom I learn a lot. I've been pre-occupied lately and my spirit has been drained. So when I remember to stop and count my blessings-- I have many-- my spirit is fed. Thanks for the reminder.
DeleteSteph,
DeleteThanks so much for sharing. May you continue to enjoy "seconds." :-)
Spending time with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, writing, engaging in spirited debate, time with my nephews and twin god daughters are all things that feed my spirit.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen -
ReplyDeleteI start my days with prayer, journaling, and Bible reading. This helps keep me focused on what's important in life. Everything else, including my writing, flows from my relationship with the Lord.
Susan :)
Hi Sue,
DeleteGreat to reconnect. Thanks so much for adding to the "brew" here.:-)
It's the spiritual food that I get from the Bible, church and the like that nourishes my spirit that ultimately keeps me going across the board. And like you, my in person close friends are fewer than my online gang. I enjoy quality time with these friends and family - this interaction plays a big role in recharging me as well. This is not to say I don't enjoy my online gang. All important pieces of the puzzle that help keep me going!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. Great getting your perspective here. :-)
DeleteThanks for bringing this up, I basically enjoy lot's of things that are Fun & Relaxing, for example devoting some time to just things like hicking or with friends playing on an Air Hocky Table, something that's great fun as I discovered during a vacation.
ReplyDelete(I actually once wrote a blog post about it for my Travel Blog, and you just Inspired me to come up with an idea to put an Air Hocky Table link on that blogs Great Links & Resources page.)
For playing on an Air Hocky Table you have to have real quick reflexes, and it is really great fun.
Welcome back, H.P.
DeleteGlad to inspire your creativity with the Air Hocky! :-)
A cup of tea in the early morning as I sit quietly and peruse blogs and munch four, flat, dark chocolate covered pretzel thin. That is the beginning of relaxation. Then an hour of watching M*A*S*H reruns, because I think the scriptwriters were outstanding. The dialogue trips my trigger. But a walk on the beach, which I look forward to all year, is the one thing that touches my soul. And I can't forget my writers group the WWWPs...wild women wielding pens. Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteAhh, tea...I too find peace in that perfect cup. I haven't seen MASH in quite awhile. Thanks for adding to the mix here. :-)
ReplyDeleteArt of a good conversation, positivity and good people warms my heart.
ReplyDeleteRed,
DeleteThanks for sharing.
The art of a good conversation,like minded people feeds my spirit. ..
ReplyDeleteBonding with friends, families and other creatives, reading good books, brainstorming ideas, discovering new tech programs and working my purpose feed my spirit.
ReplyDeleteGood books. Love this too. Thanks for weighing in.
DeleteThis is so true for me. I have a few things that really "feed my spirit," such as making things, listening to really great music (I like classic rock and 80s hair bands, your mileage may vary) and "talking" to my best friend. She lives four hours away, our schedules rarely mesh and we mostly communicate by email. Reading email from her or writing her something funny or heartfelt feeds my spirit.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do any of these things, I'm able to settle back into my writing with a renewed energy and passion.
Angie,
DeleteWelcome! I can relate. Making things is also something that feeds me--whether it's a good meal or gift baskets. Thanks for connecting today. :-)