Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…..it‘s distracting!!

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…..it‘s distracting!!

Hi there.
Good of you to drop in.
I can’t stop long; 
have a mile long list and two hours to do it all in.
And then she heard herself, and the noise in her head.
This will not do at all! she exclaimed.
If you are going to write a blog about being mindful,
then be blimming mindful!
So she went and poured herself a large glass of cold water,
for after all, it is the great life giver, is it not?

Do you get tired at about 3 in the afternoon?
I do. 
But a large glass of water will revive me like nothing else can.
So let’s focus on what we are doing right now. 
You are reading these words; 
I am writing them.
So I am focussing on you,
 and you are focussing on what I am writing.
The minute I concentrate specifically on EXACTLY what I am actually doing, the noise in my head stops and the anxiety 
around Clarity business disappears.
Interestingly, my ears have picked up the birds twittering away in the garden for the first time today.
So let’s talk about Distraction today….
A thing that prevents someone from concentrating 
on something else.
Distractions?
They are everywhere! It’s easy to switch off the external ones, 
like Facebook, Twitter, the radio, the phone. 
It’s the inside distractions that I am talking about, the thoughts that come into my head, or that other people plant there.
There were so many things niggling away at her;
 it was unrelenting!
One thing after another after another after another.
She was completely bogged down, exhausted.
I’m not going to bore you with the details!
It is all way too insignificant in the big picture to even consider!
But I have to do something to block those distractions or go mad.
If the game is to divert my attention and take my focus away from what I am doing, then the solution is to intensify my focus and put up a Distraction blockade. 
The challenge is on!
Here’s what I have come up with:
Groovi artwork.  
I get in the Groove and stay there until I am settled again.
That’s easy; I just prep a blog or a TV demo and get to tick a positive box at the same time.  
Gel Printing art. 
I get the paints out and get messy and just enjoy the arty ride until I am calm again. 
That’s easy; I just prep a blog or a TV demo and get to tick a positive box at the same time. 
Walk. 
I take a brisk walk and concentrate on the actual walking, 
the one foot in front of the other, until I have cleared my head. 
Once I can get over the notion that walking is a waste of time, 
I’m laughing all the way through the woods!
Singing & Dancing
I sing my heart out to happy music really loudly.
We bought a karaoke machine when the kids were little, because they both loved singing, and Grace wanted to become a performing artist.
So the kids are gone, but the Karaoke machine is still used regularly! And I do enjoy a dance in the kitchen when I’m on my own!
The Great Leveller
I think about the children in Pakistan in the Park at the weekend
or about the survivors of Brussels last week.
And then suddenly nothing is even remotely important,
let alone worth fretting about. 
TWO RULES TO FOLLOW:
1. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
2. It’s ALL small stuff.
So what about you?
Do you get me?
I’m not alone with this washing machine head, am I ?????
That’s it. Walkies.
She decided to make the most of the lighter evenings,
and got her old boots on. 
Love & Peace,

142 thoughts on “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…..it‘s distracting!!

  1. Oh no you are not on your own! I have so many things going on in my head about all sorts of things and crafting helps keep me sane! I love to sing along to music and am often caught by hubby strutting my stuff in the kitchen 🙂
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

  2. Thank you so much for your blog today Barb, your words are so wise. I must try to find someway to stop my head in the middle of the night. But what works for me is to get up, out of bed, make a cuppa of coffee (yes coffee) and read – that stops my head. Off to bed usually after an hour or so having enjoyed my book.

    Crafty hugs to all and makes a change I am first on the blog today.

    Love to you all. Mum in a bit of a better place as all her friends are saying what I have been saying for the last month. She needs help.

    Crafty hugs again Pen x

    1. Hi Pen – it's great to hear some good news about your Mum. Like Brenda, I hope that she continues the listening and agrees and copes with having the help when it is all there for you. Sending you positive vibes, that it will happen. Hugs Gilly xxx

    2. Hi Pen good to hear your mum has listened to her friends, hopefully she will think getting help was all her idea soon! Sending hugs xx

    3. Glad to hear Mum seems to be listening to friends. If she's like my Dad she probably still thinks you are her little girl who doesn't know what she is talking about and it often takes someone not so close. Fingers crossed for you xx

    4. Haha you have all made me chuckle tonight with your comments. Yes mum will undoubtedly think it's all her idea and I am too young to know what I am talking about. So like her.!!!!

      Thank you dear friends xxxx

  3. I do so get you Barbara, me too. Just wish I had your skills to do something about it. But I do keep trying to learn from you. Hope you're enjoying your walkies in the woods. And enjoy feeling the benefits of it after too. I wish I was allowed out of this, what's feeling like a prison cell, to go walkies! I'm going to try do a bit of my exercise tonight, my last attempt was too soon. Love Brenda xx

    1. Hi Brenda – I can appreciate what you mean, it is very hard not being well enough to get out of the same 4 walls! Good luck with the exercise – don't overdo it! Hugs Gilly xx

    2. Hi Gilly, if the only thing stopping me getting out of here was being not well enough I'd be laughing, and certainly wouldn't be letting it stop me. I also suffer from severe agoraphobia and severe social phobia, I literally can't step outside my door without someone I know and trust with me. I even struggle to open my door to people I don't know. For the past 4 months I've had no help or support at all, only human being is a guy who gives me garden visit once a month for a couple of hours. Literally. And before then it wasn't that much better. I'm lucky if I could count on one hand the number of times I am allowed to get out away from here in previous years.

    3. Oh Brenda, I'm so sorry, I didn't know about all of your problems – and if I came across as insensitive, then I am truly sorry, please forgive me – Gilly x

    4. Such a shame Brenda that you are housebound, wish I could say I understand your problem but have to admit have never encountered it. Sad that you cannot get support that you obviously need and are missing out on so many things. I so hope that maybe your situation will improve soon and you will be able to enjoy being outside. take care xxx

    5. Hello Brenda thinking back it must be ages since you last went out to the country park in the car with Daisy and Nicola. It's such a shame you don't get that oportunity now and your garden visits are only once a month. Hopefully as the weather improves you can stand at the back door and feel the sun on your face and breath in the warmer air. Take care with those exercises . Xx

    6. So sorry Brenda that you still have nobody helping you, surely your own GP should be getting on to the powers that be to jolly them along to get you a social worker that will help you. It must be so hard for you. Good job you have Daisy to keep you company. We are all here to listen Brenda when you aren't coping too well. Feel a bit helpless and wish we could be of more help. I've got more exercises for my back, saw the physio yesterday, evidently I was pushing myself too much so it was making me worse, so don't make the same mistake, take yours gently. Love and hugs,Pam xx

    7. Hi Brenda, It's great that your thinking about doing a little exercise. I'm with Donna on the 'step by step' Little steps and goals is always the best way to go. Big Hugs xxx

    8. Hello Brenda I too like Diane remember when you went to the country park it was such a special day for you when days are tough think of that day and come here to us to share your tough days thinking of you special blog friend hugs for you and daisy xxx

    9. Hi Brenda, so sorry to hear about how things are for you. I really do hope that something gets sorted for you soon,- it's so unfair for you. Pleased you've got Daisy to keep you company. Just remember that we are all here for you – I know it's not the same as having someone actually with you but we will all try to keep you going when you need it. Love and hugs, Alisonxxx

  4. Well I am glad I am not the only one, I constantly worry and over think which multiplys in my head. Crafting seems to be the best thing to focus me, I hope you get your list as near to completed as possible x

  5. I know exactly where you are coming from, Barbara as I'm a bit of a worrier. Crafting helps me enormously as I can focus on something I enjoy doing and block out the buzzing. I think the worst time is at night when you are trying to go to sleep and your thoughts go around and around. I keep a good book at the side of my bed to read until the buzzing stops. My son says don't worry about something that may not happen. Wise words but if only I could.

    1. Hi Alison – My husband says exactly the same thing. I do my best but find it hard to switch off the "worry button". my excuse is a vivid imagination. If only I could just imagine the good stuff!!!
      Gayle x

    2. Hi Alison, my husband says the same to me as your son says to you, his other saying is if you didn't have anything to worry about you'd find something. Good job we've got our Barbara and our craft isn't it. Love and hugs Pam xx

  6. Hi Barbara – totally understand what you mean! Losing yourself in craft is the best course of action for you. I do this on my good days, and hence my taking up the Groovi journey, as it means that it doesn't need lots of equipment, and I can just leave off and go back to it. I often hear your voice in my head 'It takes as long as it takes'!! Also, I use Mindfulness CD's when I am not well enough to craft. Actually, even when I am – because they make you focus on the here and now, and you feel wonderful after doing it. Hopefully your list is now getting shorter – hugs Gilly x

  7. I so get you – the good news is that the more you practice putting up the barrier or ditching some of the rubbish in a virtual bin, the easier it becomes. My new life is so much less stressful that the one I used to have – the downside is I have less money, but money can't buy you health and happiness and peace of mind! Susan x

    1. That is very true Susan , giving up work meant getting rid of the stress and unpleasantness that made me Ill. There's a bit of money for crafty goodies and the true friends I had at work have all stayed in touch and pop in for lunch and an unwind. Where does the time I've gained go though?!

  8. Hi Sheila, Morag, Donna, Alison, Diane, Pam Dot, Jackie and Sue57 – I hope that you have had a good day with some sunshine. I have not done any crafting today, as it's been a rest day for me. I hope that you have done some resting too Sheila and enjoyed your time with your granddaughter. Hugs to you all Gilly xxx

    1. Hi Gilly, we had sunshine for most of the day today until the moment I took my eye off the weather when it rained over my nearly dry washing! Never mind, it will dry indoors instead. Hope you've had a good rest today and can craft tomorrow xx

    2. Hi Gilly, we've had a lovely sunny afternoon. Hope youve had a good day and that you are are still having your rest times and not overdoing things. I made some gelli plate cards this morning in preparation to try the the calendar challenge (a bit late I know) but thought I'd have a go & not send it in. Anyway messed them up, didn't really have anything that remotely resembled the contours of hills. So I'm afraid I've given it up as a bad job. Tomorrow's another as they say. Love Pam xx

    3. Hi Gilly, haven't managed any crafting today! I've been busy all day sorting out other people's problems. It's a shame I can't sort out my own as efficiently hahaha! So now I'm a bit shattered and off to bed as soon as I've read all down this lovely blog. Big Hugs xxx

    4. Hello gilly had a lovley time with my granddaughter she is so thoughtful bless her she had to go home a little early as I was very poorly and had to go to bed I don't like her to see me so poorly but she is a very grown up 17 year old she is 18 in September when I'm 60 I'm so proud of her,I was telling her about my dear blog friends sending her wishes hope you have had a restful day and is a brighter day for you tomorrow hugs xxx

    5. Hi Gilly, been doing some colouring in – my sister brought me a colouring book from Switzerland that is gorgeous so was enjoying doing one of the designs. Lovely day here today although it was cold, but I did manage to get my washing dry. Hope you had a good rest.mlove and hugs, Alison xx

    6. Hi Donna, Pam, Morag Sheila and Alison – thanks for all of your lovely comments. I didn't see them until today, as I needed an early night. Today the sun is shining here, and I hope that all of you have got beautiful weather too. Many hugs to you all, Gilly xxx

  9. You are so not on your own Barb. Nothing stops you fretting the small stuff quicker than the death of a family member younger than yourself. It makes you realise what the important things in life are. I went for a walk yesterday – got halfway up the hill and wondered if I would get to the top lol. I did get there and it made me feel really good. I shall do more walking as the weather improves and when the weather is rubbish I shall get inky in my craft room. The small stuff will not beat me – come to that neither will the big stuff. Xxxx

    1. That is sad Dawn, sending you big hugs. Well done for getting to the top of the hill, not something my wretched leg would let me do at moment. I am just hoping for some sunny days, garden is calling to me. xx

    2. I was thinking of that rhyme when I was up I was up and when I was down I was down and when I was half Wat up I was neither up nor down. Well done for getting to the top of the hill.

      X

  10. I'm sitting on my sofa , with a cup of tea ,and my two pug dogs by my side , reading Barbaras words slowing and savory each one . I stop in between and reflect , or meditate a bit and I give thanks for all my blessings . Do you have a friend who really listens when you speak , someone who is focused just on you . That is being present in the moment it is a Present ( a gift ) . Joy now. Jan

  11. Well my head is full of many things,so much happening in my life at moment. All good I hasten to add, son and fiancee have moved in with us for a short time, wedding plans for them and grandchildren needing looking after. Lists are running round continually in my brain but fortunately I am not a worrier, so that helps. Hope you enjoy your walk and it clears your head. xx

    1. Hi Donna it's been a sunny morning here today, won't mention missing the rain and finding my washing hanging soggily on the line next time I looked out. I must have been in my mindfulness stage doing the ironing!! You asked the other day if I was going to Ally Pally, unfortunately not this time but it's because Emma is coming home so I don't mind missing it for that – yep definitely taking my cushions there next time I go!!! Take care xx

    2. Hi Donna, nice sunny afternoon here but didn't see much of it as met a friend at our local Mall as I do a couple of afternoons a week with different friends. Did you say you're going to Ally Pally? I'm hoping to go on the Sunday, hoping to meet up for a little chat with someone I met there last year, if she goes. Love Ally Pally. I had my cushions out this morning again not long is it to save now, oh well. Love Pam xx

    3. Eeh, I don't even know if it's rained here or not today! Been 'one of those days'. I hope you managed to get some crafting done. Craft on the NHS! what a great idea. Can you imagine the prescriptions ……..
      2 x Groovi Plates
      1 x Clarity Stamps
      1 x Clarity Stencils
      To be used at least once a day!!!!
      Hahaha! Wouldn't that be FANTASTIC.
      That has definitely put a smile on my face just thinking of the queues in the GP surgerys!
      Big Hugs xxx

  12. Hi Barbara
    Oh yes washing machine head here too. If I'm not crafting, I like to put on my strange collection of music and dance around the kitchen making a cake. Smells lovely, tastes good, shame about the waist line!! Walking helps too, don't do earphones whilst walking, I like to hear the birds singing and hear the noises around me. Great blog today, thank you – hope your list is now much shorter.
    Love Diane xxx

    1. Hi Diane, have you had a good day, had sun this afternoon. Hoping they save some up for Saturday as we have that wedding and I'm wearing a summer dress, so I could freeze. Been looking for weeks for something warmer but everything I tried looked awful on me. That was typical with your washing getting wet, makes you mad doesn't it after it was nearly dry. Love Pam xx

    2. Hello Diana I did thank you even though she had to go home early as I was quite poorly and had to go to bed but she is so thoughtful and understands lots of hugs xxx

  13. No feeling my head is often swimming with assorted some good some bad over last couple years had to really work at keeping my head straight and feel it with happy thoughts keeping busy to keep the sad thoughts at bay crafting helps a lot hadvplaybtoday was great got a round geli plate so had play with it was fun kept my mind busy xxx

  14. You are right about concentrating on something totally and not letting outside things send your mind into utter turmoil. Crafting is a wonderful way to achieve something and get to feel calm at the same time, and exercise is great once you do it. I always think that thinking about it sometimes makes you feel that you can't be bothered, but once you get out in the fresh air you wonder why you don't do it more often. Hope you enjoyed your walk through the woods. x

  15. I know exactly how you feel Barbara. As a head in a small primary school I never got to the bottom of the pile as something else was always put on the top! Some days I would not even get beyond the first thing on the list done. I tried not to do anything myself that could or should be done by others, instead I tried to empower others and support them where I could – that came after I was photocopying a pile of stuff and the visiting bursar told me I was a very expensive admin worker!
    Not easy to let go and when it's your "baby" it must be even harder.
    The thing I enjoy most about being retired is having an empty head sometimes.
    Carry on finding ways to give yourself "head time" xx

    1. Alimecca – if you drop by today – I record and watch on Freeview and sometimes watch on the laptop. If you are having ipad issues it may be worth going in to an Apple shop and getting their help if there's one near you, I think Apple are supposed to have issued an update to put things right. Good luck xx

    2. Thanks Chris. I'll take it up to Newcastle next time I go, it's just a blooming nuisance. The update I downloaded yesterday was supposed to fix some issues but obviously not mine!!! I'm with you on the retirement empty head too. Love Alison xx

  16. What an absolutely fabulous blog post Barbara. I bet there isn't one amongst us who doesn't have the same feelings and the same thoughts at various times throughout our lives. Card making is my absolute distraction at times when my head is like a washing machine. I put on some music, get out my inks and stamps, and that's me in my peaceful place. Walking early on a morning helps too, when the air is so clean and fresh, and for me, it's like starting a clean page in a sometimes messy book. Thank you for such a thought provoking post and I wish you peace, wherever you can find it 🙂 X

  17. I'm an overthinker and always have unnecessary things going round my head but as I get older I am getting better a shrugging my shoulders to things. The thing I need to work on is realising I'm overthinking so I can apply coping strategies sooner rather than later by which time I've convinced that I'm such a bad person because I can't do everything.

    1. Hello Julia, you're not a bad person because you can't do everything. You are, like us all, a human being who was never meant to be able to know and do everything. Hugs xx

    2. Thanks Morag & Sheila, I think too many women these days are trying to be superwomen. Unfortunately my childhood wasn't good which is where that ingrained nonsense comes from. I am a good person and I am good enough. I do however go on strike every now and then, the making the dinner strike or ironing strike, well it makes the family appreciate me, ha ha.

  18. You are definitely not the only one to get a washing machine head Barbara, I can understand you having one though, running a business, blogging, doing shows on TV etc etc. The good thing is you know how to get rid of it. I can cope in the day, just go for a walk, go up and craft, but when you're in bed trying to sleep I find its difficult to get rid of it. Usually I try concentrating on my breathing, this sometimes works, they also say concentrate on one part of your body at a time tensing it up then relaxing, several times, working up from your feet to your head, this also works sometimes. If all that fails go downstairs make a cup of tea then read for a while until your head clears. Wish I wasn't a worrier. Hope you enjoyed your walk and it cleared your head. Love Pam xxx

  19. You are definitely not the only one with a washing machine head, Barbara. But the more you stress about all the things that have to be done, the less you actually get done. I know the theory and how to sort it out, but it does not always happen that way. I know that I have wasted a lot of time today worrying about all the things I need to get done this week, with the result that I have actually done nothing on the list. Deep breath and start again, one step at a time. Tomorrow is another day and another start, one step at a time, and ignore everything else that is rushing in to disturb me. Hope your walk did the trick for you. xxx Maggie

  20. Evening Barbara, I'm definitely with you on this too, I wish that I could turn my mind off, the mind is a powerful thing, mine goes over and over things in my head, especially if they are upsetting. I find that distraction is very good. I also have a 'meditation' tape to listen to and also some relaxation music. I do an hour Monday to Friday inclusive on my treadmill and that certainly helps me. We all know that stress is bad for us but trying not to get stressed is very hard to do if you are a 'born worrier' like me haha. Like Pam above, if I have problems with clearing my mind whilst trying to go to sleep, I concentrate on my breath coming in through my nose and out through my mouth very slowly and very controlled, it was recommended on my meditation tape and certainly works, because it makes your mind concentrate on that one thing. Before I got my meditation tape, I used to do a similar thing, I tried to concentrate on the scene which was I was lying on a sunbed on a beautiful beach and the water was lapping all around, and I concentrated on the sun warming my body lyingon the sunbed, and that was a similar thing as it focussed on one single thing.
    I hope your walk did the trick for you.
    Enjoy your evening.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

    1. I couldn't do that one about the beach, or the one my friend did about a beautiful place and walking through it, or thinking of a lovely rose with all the petals etc etc. Have a job to only think of just one thing.xx

  21. Evening Barbara, I'm definitely with you on this too, I wish that I could turn my mind off, the mind is a powerful thing, mine goes over and over things in my head, especially if they are upsetting. I find that distraction is very good. I also have a 'meditation' tape to listen to and also some relaxation music. I do an hour Monday to Friday inclusive on my treadmill and that certainly helps me. We all know that stress is bad for us but trying not to get stressed is very hard to do if you are a 'born worrier' like me haha. Like Pam above, if I have problems with clearing my mind whilst trying to go to sleep, I concentrate on my breath coming in through my nose and out through my mouth very slowly and very controlled, it was recommended on my meditation tape and certainly works, because it makes your mind concentrate on that one thing. Before I got my meditation tape, I used to do a similar thing, I tried to concentrate on the scene which was I was lying on a sunbed on a beautiful beach and the water was lapping all around, and I concentrated on the sun warming my body lyingon the sunbed, and that was a similar thing as it focussed on one single thing.
    I hope your walk did the trick for you.
    Enjoy your evening.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

  22. Hi Sheila, Morag, Sue and all the bloggers, hope you've had a good day and had some sunshine. Hope you aren't overdoing it Sheila and that you are feeling better. Love and hugs Pam xx

  23. Evening Barbara!
    I understand you completely! My head is so full of stuff at the moment I sometimes fear my brain will implode! I can guarantee that when this happens my hands ankles and feet break out in eczema! But crafting does help and when I'm very stressed I seem to get even more creative. It's amazing how calming playing with ink or paint can be or using a groovi plate! I'm eternally grateful to you for letting me be part of your amazing team which gives me lots of ways I can be creative!
    Love and hugs xxxx

  24. Evening Barbara!
    I understand you completely! My head is so full of stuff at the moment I sometimes fear my brain will implode! I can guarantee that when this happens my hands ankles and feet break out in eczema! But crafting does help and when I'm very stressed I seem to get even more creative. It's amazing how calming playing with ink or paint can be or using a groovi plate! I'm eternally grateful to you for letting me be part of your amazing team which gives me lots of ways I can be creative!
    Love and hugs xxxx

  25. Hi Barbara, what a thoughtful blog. It seem you've really hit the nail on the head today for just about everyone. I don't tend to worry about me, but my head is mushed most days worrying about, and trying to sort out, other people's problems/issues. I sometimes think that it was easier before I retired! Or was it!!!!!!
    Crafting really is the only thing that de – stresses me! When I can't sleep I always get up and do some crafting. I totally agree with Donna, that it should be on the NHS..particularly the Groovi!
    I hope you continue to be able to find the peace that you provide for all of us. Reading your blog always helps me to put things into perspective. Thank you. Hugs xxx

    1. Hi Morag, been colouring in, washing and doing some retail therapy. That along with giving a very fussy cat lot of cuddles and cleaning up when she's missed her tray again has kept me busy. I think she is still a bit traumatised from her injury and possibly her broken tail is throwing her off balance a bit bless her . Love and hugs Alison xxx

  26. Hello Barb,
    You are not alone, remember that, and if you have time to read your comments think about my little coping strategy.
    I say to myself "Will any of this matter in 50 year's time", and my answer is always NO!!!
    love Maureen xxx

  27. Evening Barbara I've always Worried and stressed I've been through some very traumatic times in my life I've been told that's why I'm so ill now trying to hard for others but you cannot change the past .my future now is my craft Tom always says he wishes he could hover out my head but i torment myself if I could have done it better or different like many on this blog .comming here each day helps me cope each day so look at what you have created here Barbara it speaks volumes hugs xxx

  28. Yep, been there, wrote the book and bought the t-shirt too. Got forced into making some changes, it was when I found the church of crafting, hallelujah I saw the light that lead to many a crafting adventure! Enjoying crafting heaven these 2 weeks, away in France. Have been thinking about my goals and where I want to get to and the steps along the way. This all against a background of exploring some creativity, just playing. I started an art journal a few weeks back, just a small one, so much less intimidating than a full size one and you know what, I have found much freedom in not having an end product in mind, a card nor gift to make. I have just focused on the pleasure of creating whatever come out. It just switches off all the bother, peace and harmony rule. Much love and hugs Karen xxx

    1. Oh Karen that sounds wonderful an art journal that would be lovley to see and been able to craft in France for two weeks also bliss hugs xxx

  29. Oh aye I definitely get you I try to reach for the off switch but can never quite reach it then it turns in to an all night wash cycle that never reaches the final spin stage, and the one person who would have calmed me down is no longer here with me and I miss him just to hug me and say it will be o.k. that's when I do a bit off Groovi or a bit off colouring or crafty stuff that helps me a great deal even just logging on here just knowing that there are people that care and that we can make each other smile for just a wee while it does help.
    So Thankyou Barbara..xx Keep dancing like know ones watching..xx

    1. Hi Dot knew I missed someone out, loads of hugs coming your way, it's very emotional tonight, feel like crying with you. Then Julie above made me laugh. Thanks Julie. Love Pam xx

    2. Thank you all sorry about the wee blip there normal Daft Dot now back in service..so put another log on the fire as my goal is usually to make you all smile this is a lovely place to be….xx

  30. Hi Barb,
    I certainly don't think you are alone. Reading everyone's comments shows that you aren't. I'm much less of a stree head now that I've retired. I just take things a day at a time now. When I was teaching I was always snowed under with paperwork for child protection issues and special needs issues and that was before thinking about planning and preparing lessons and meeting targets etc. I can remember having to interview 100 girls one day about someone who was grooming girls on Facebook. It was horrendous and I'm sure it took years off my life. Now all I have to worry about ( apart from the cat) is what we're having for tea, will I get the washing dry, what Groovi and Clarity stuff do I need to buy and can I afford it! You should be so proud of yourself for what you have achieved and how much joy you give to others. Love and hugs Alison xxxx

  31. I totally agree it is the only thing that works for me and it is how I got into crafting. Thanks for taking the time out of your always busy schedule. X

  32. Hi Barbara I think crafting helps so much I have chronic Back pain due to arthritis all my life. I joined a church craft class many years ago this was my saviour I force myself to do my crafting make cards for charity it lets the sunshine into your life.
    Love June Horrocks xxx

  33. Well crafting has helped me to stop thinking of other things just lately. This month has been not good. But you just have to try and get on with it. Having my Groovi club and stamping club to look forward to is great. Kee up the good work. Such lovley people in this blog. Hugs Lynn xx

  34. Good for you Barb, I am disabled, and most of my 'small stuff' is about how I can do what I want and avoid aching too much. But of course that slightly larger 'small stuff' of world hunger and goodness knows what else, is also hard to push out at times. Perhaps I can imagine myself taking that walk with you, it would be lovely to chat as we walked along.

  35. Reading all these comments had definitely made me appreciate a huge blessing – I'm lucky enough to not get anxious over the big stuff, let alone the little things. Actually, I'm a bit too laid back and things that I guess I should worry about I don't. Drives my whole family mad. Maybe it's because I've always crafted? Or that I love to walk? Sending calming thoughts everybody's way 🙂

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