Today I needed to take a time out. For the past couple of days I have been battling a nasty sinus infection and the beginning of bronchitis. Even though I felt miserable, in the grand scheme of life and all that is happening in the world today, my health issue is just a bump in the road. However, my inner SHINE is not in balance and I needed to fix that fast! It was time for a cup of tea, in my garden with Fred the cat, the birds, butterflies and bees. Ahhhhh, so peaceful.
Growing up, I watched my Irish grandfather sit at his kitchen table enjoying his cup of tea regularly during the day. As a kid, I thought that’s just what grandpa did. As an adult I look back and realize that grandpa was brilliant. He was finding BALANCE in the world and he was taping into his inner SHINE. The world could be crashing down around him but he would not budge until he was done with his cup of tea.
When I was a little girl, I was the flower girl at my Aunt Margaret’s wedding. The morning of the wedding the family was outside taking pictures before church. Everyone was excited and looked beautiful but grandpa was nowhere to be found. Frantic, my aunt asked me to check the house and find my grandfather. He was easy to find. Grandpa was calmly sitting in the kitchen in his tuxedo having his cup of tea – cool as a cucumber! I remember saying to him, “Grandpa you have to come outside now. We are taking family pictures.” He calmly responded, “Tell your aunt I will be out as soon as I finish my cup of tea.” True story – grandpa was a hoot! My grandfather was a poor farmer who used to live in the hills of Ballyboufet Ireland. He was a simple man who clearly was not comfortable with all the glitz and glamour of his daughter’s wedding. Having a cup of tea by himself? Yes, that is much better!
When I was 8 years old I spent the summer in Scotland with my grandmother. We stayed at her sister’s home in Old Kilpatrick where grandma grew up. At 4 o’clock each day my grandmother, family and friends had tea, scones, fresh jam, and cookies. We sat around the table, talked, laughed and enjoyed being with each other. What wonderful memories!
Today I am enjoying my cup of tea. I have rid myself of the negativity that tends to sneak into our lives daily. The key though is to identify it when it happens and rid your mind of it immediately. Life is short and it is meant to be enjoyed! If you meditate and fill your subconscious mind with positive thoughts you will look at the world in a positive way. My grandparents had it right. I am blessed to have learned such an important life lesson from them.
Feeling stressed? Go put up the tea kettle and get ready to……..
SHINE! oxox
Balance & Shine 