Being Your Own Best Friend

2-56pm

I’ve written a bit about this in recent months, but today’s blog is about being a fly  on my wall!

It’s been quite an interesting season of my life these past 8 months. One of the pleasures or challenges – you take your pick – has been the larger-than-normal amount of time I have spent on my own. Mike leaves home around 5-30am and returns, usually, 11 hours later. If there’s been a work crisis, it could be as late as 7pm.

When I was presenting Rise and Shine, everyday there was sensory overload.  I longed for peace and quiet.

Now I have it in chunks.

I have to admit, IT’S WONDERFUL!!!!

Don’t get me wrong. I love people. I love company and too much of my own will drive me to find others.

But having myself as company for several hours each day has been a loving experience. I am not lonely. I am content. You have to be your own best friend.  

If you were a fly on the wall, this is what you would see…

Me smiling – oh yes, you would see me smiling. Every time I lift my lips just because I can, there’s a mini party in my brain. The higher the curve, the bigger the gig! There’s a chemical reaction when smiling – that’s for sure – it releases something – endorphins. I once did a blog on it called Keep the Smile Going.

You would also see me talking to myself. When I think about what I say, it’s usually a couple of things – I’ll say things like, “Oooh, it’s nearly 8, I’d better get ready for gym.” “I’d better go make the bed!” That’s the practical stuff. Other times, it’s positive affirmation – “I’m feeling great!” “Today’s going to be a fabulous day!” “You’re looking good today Helga!” It has emphasis speaking it out loud, rather than thinking it. I think it too, but it’s better speaking it.

You’d see me praying. Not kneeling next to my bed praying, but spontaneous conversations with God – “Thank you Jesus for this beautiful day.”

You’d see me talking to the cat. Truffles and me – we are tight!

If you were a fly on the wall, sometimes, by God’s grace, not often, you’ll see me behaving badly. I had a tantrum the other day. Mike was out. I was frustrated about something and I took it out on the vacuum cleaner. Gratefully, I didn’t break it. But the rage was scary! There is no place for behaviour like that. It has to be stopped. Repentance was called for. I was forgiven. I was glad Mike was not around to witness it. I was ashamed that God was.

Hebrews 4:13

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.

Stay close to Him and keep short accounts.

Yes, being alone is a learning experience. There are highs and lows, but gratefully, 90% high. 10% low. Yeah!

If you are lonely and being alone is not a positive experience, then get out. Go and volunteer at any number of organisations that need people, even if it is only once a week. Living Hope and Nazareth House come to mind.

It’s a happy day! Be your own best friend.

Keep the smile going!

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂