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Year Two, Day 260: Kindness Today, Longsuffering Tomorrow!

I did it! I am woman, hear me roar!

I made it through my first week in my part-time, "administrative assistant at a church" job!

I kept my head up, and didn't let nagging doubts bring me down.  Mostly I was worried about not getting up early, being late or being just too worn out to work as an administrative assistant, piano teacher and choir accompanist.

But I did it!

I have been focusing on the "fruits of the spirit":

Galatians 5:22-23New King James Version (NKJV)

22"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

 
Monday when I felt myself allowing negativity to creep into my heart and mind, I focused on "love". I would just say the word over and over and again. Smile and breathe.

Tuesday, I added "joy". I would repeat "love, joy" over and over again. Smile and breathe.  The funny thing about that word combination is that there is a NW Lovejoy street in Portland.  I would think of the street everytime I said "love, joy". LOL  But it kept my spirits up!

Wednesday, I added "peace".  I would say "love, joy, peace" until the darkness subsided.

Today, Thursday, I added "kindness".  I would say "love, joy, peace, kindness" and keep breathing and smiling. I found myself just saying "kindness" today.  My neck and upper back are sore. And a bit tired I am. But I have kept to my schedule! Mornings have gotten easier. I manage to get through my whole routine before I leave the house.

Note:  I just noticed that today I should have focused on "longsuffering" if I was going in order of the fruits.  But kindness seemed to be needed today. I bumped into a lot of grumpy people on my assorted bus rides. So kindess today, longsuffering tomorrow! Arrggg...hope that isn't a premonition!

I think I might have slept funny last night. Plus I have been drinking extra caffeine which can make my muscles tense. Oh and then there was the backpack.  Monday and Tuesday I loaded up WAY too many things in the backpack.  I had the illusion that I would be able to fit in a gym workout on top of everything else.

It didn't happen. But what did happen was I wore my running shoes every day. And I walked quite briskly. I believe I put in over 3 miles each day.  My walks feel stronger every day!

I have the next three days off from the church.  Tomorrow is my light day.  So is Sunday. I plan on going to the gym those two days.

Walking, and breathing in to the fruits of the spirit will have to suffice until I have more energy. Or the days are longer. Or both!

I am at my library office right now. I need to leave shortly and hop on yet another bus to a student's house.

Oh, I am pleased to announce that I have stuck with my abstinence from social media in the morning.  I have limited my time to when I am waiting for a bus.  

Perhaps this is why I am still smiling amidst neck and shoulder pain?

I also notice a feeling of inner peace.  I like that.  Who needs Facebook when you can have inner peace?

And now, I wish you a happy Thursday filled with love, joy, peace and kindness!

:)

Zita

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