Tag Archives: inspiration

Don’t Lose Heart

The first time I saw Steven Curtis Chapman was over 20 years ago in a video of his song, Dive, which you can view here. It was playing in a church I was attending, right before someone was going to be baptized. They had a pool inside this church the size and shape of a hot tub, without the jets, that you stood in with the preacher. After saying the appropriate words, he leans you all the way back, completely submerged by water and pulls you back up.

January wasn’t the best and I’m grateful to be standing in February. There has been sickness, trials and tribulation all piled into one month, so by January 30th, Barb sat down and had a 30-minute crying session. This doesn’t happen very often, but I felt better afterwards. Pandora was playing in the background and in that moment I heard a familiar voice. It was Steven Curtis Chapman advertising one of his new songs, ‘Don’t Lose Heart’.

I opened my laptop and Googled the song.

I kept this song open on my laptop all week and listened to it everyday. The timing of hearing Steven’s voice was God using him to pull me out of despair and back into the light. Every word was like water to this weary soul, because my faith was crumbling and I was losing all hope this situation would end. I’d done all I knew to do, but then we need to hand the outcome to God. He wants us to trust His timing and I was failing miserably because I’m human.

Whatever you may be going through let me assure you, the hard stuff makes us better. We can’t see it while we’re in it, but it’s true. Just don’t lose heart.

30 in 30

Last year when my daughter moved out to begin living her young adult life on her own, it ignited an interest in decluttering for me. Our stuff was no longer mingled together because she took some of her things with her and what’s left is either mine, or not needed at the moment.

One of my jobs is working with a company called Zen Habits, so Minimalism is a way of life for most of the people I work with. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to that level of simplistic living, but I’m making a valiant effort for Barb. The actual Minimalists are friends with the owner of Zen Habits, Leo Babauta and you’ve probably heard their names, Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus. In their book, ‘Love People Use Things’, they unravel a fascinating tale toward their minimalism, but it’s not how I perceived it to be.

Minimalism is not about having less. It’s about making room for more of what matters.

The Minimalists

It all began when I started questioning my belongings by looking at each item and asking, “Does this thing add value to my life?” At one time it did and it may not mean much to me anymore, but I bet someone else would be thrilled to have it. This is where 30 in 30 comes into play by asking another question from The Minimalists, “What if you removed one material possession from your life each day for a month-just one-what would happen?” I walked next-door to borrow a giant box from Hercules and plopped it in the middle of the house.

This morning I was eyeing my wooden credenza where some of my favorite things are displayed, looking at each item and asking that question about value. I surprised myself by removing something I’ve had for years, but rarely use. This will bring joy to someone else, so into the box it went which already contains a few things because I began this practice days ago. This feels different than cleaning out cabinets, closets, or decluttering. These are items I live with everyday, and dust when required, but do they still add value to my life today?

As soon as I removed that one thing, I saw an empty space and was able to give the other items more space. I’m really starting to thrive in empty spaces.

With time this credenza could hold even less than what’s pictured here. The candle will burn out and be removed and the plant has numerous places to dwell in my home. What adds value to my life in this photo is my favorite lamp and some artwork is stored in the envelope propped behind the lamp waiting to be framed, but the most meaningful item is in the picture frame. It’s a notecard of a whimsical Emu I received from my friend Dawn at Aging With Grace.

I hope this inspires you to take a look around at everything you live with and as far as I know, 30 in 30 doesn’t include people, but I suppose it could.

Share What You Know

Welcome to another installment of Share What You Know. The years we’ve spent roaming this earth, offer ample opportunity to learn and share what you know. Recently, I shared this tip with someone and it was like a revelation to them, so it’s my pleasure to share it here with you.

I like to purchase substantial shower curtain liners instead of the thin, throw away type. They usually have metal grommets protecting the holes they hang from and are weighted at the bottom. The heavier liners are not very expensive and here’s how investing in a good quality one can save you time and money in the long run.

Depending on the frequency and how many people are using your bathtub/shower, the liner can begin to look gross rather quickly. The simplest way I’ve found to clean it is to throw it in the washing machine with some suds and bleach. If you have some old towels that need bleaching, throw those in the washer as well to help weigh the liner down. It doesn’t take a lot of bleach for this method and you don’t want to use to much because bleach will eat holes through the plastic.

Once the washing machine is done, grab a large bucket or storage container. You’re going to use this to place the shower curtain liner into to effortlessly carry it back to the bathroom without dripping bleach. Sit it inside your tub and begin hanging your liner. I do this a couple of times a year and haven’t had to buy a new liner in a long time. There’s one less shower curtain liner in our landfills. 🥳

Don’t Rush the Seasons

I did something completely out of character. I made a purchase even though it’s not quite time to use it. Of course, I could go ahead and use it, but there’s a peculiar sweetness in the anticipation of holding off until the right time.

Twice a year I go in search of a wreath for the front door. Spring/summer and Christmas. Sometimes I use the same wreath the following year, but most times I’ll give it away once the season ends. It’s still Winter here in Texas, and it’s been relatively mild as I see fellow Texans itching for Spring, but I really want to wait for it to arrive instead of rushing toward it. A friend of mine has already hung a Springtime wreath on her front door and she’s been working in her yard.

From previous experience, I don’t trust buying wreaths online. The photos look amazing, but once the wreath arrives I’m disappointed in the lack of quality. The other day I was at Target, strolling through the Magnolia section of the store and didn’t really have a wreath on my mind, but there it was sitting on the bottom shelf as if it were waiting to be noticed. There was no hesitation in stepping over to take a closer look and knowing instantly that was the wreath for this year.

I’m excited! Once home I thought about going ahead and hanging it on the front door, like my friend, but my heart pressed the pause button. It’s only January, and February can be an unpredictable month for weather, so I vowed to wait to enjoy it Spring through Summer. It came in a sturdy box with a lid, so I closed it up to wait. Every time I see that box, it brings a smile to my face like I’m ready for the next season, but for now will slow the pace to embrace this season we’re in.

Take a break from reading and let me read this to you:

You Do You Boo

It’s Friday morning around 10:00 am, and I’m sitting at the massive wood kitchen table that has evolved into a giant desk. Looking away from the laptop screen onto the window I spot the mail carrier’s van sitting in front of my mailbox. Laying my glasses aside I head for the door, step outside and stroll through the front yard, across the street to the mailbox. That’s when I spotted it…

My neighbors had company and they were still seated in their vehicle with a clear view of yours truly. It bothered me for half a second, but then I felt my back straighten to stand at full height and lifted my chin as if I belonged there.

Here’s a detail about my walk to the mailbox. I was still wearing my pajamas, robe and pink suede house boots. This is not unusual and sometimes you’ll catch me still wearing that at noon if it’s a Friday, or weekend. (The joys of being single and working from home.) None of my outfit matches, so I’m sure it’s a sight to behold for a stranger, but my actual neighbors seem to think it’s part of Barb’s charm. Hercules commented recently, “That’s a nice robe you have there Barbara.”

When people ask, “What do you do for fun?”, I exclaim…”I write letters to people all over the world!” Silence. I wrote about letter writing last year that you can read here, so seeing the mail arrive is happiness for me. I don’t expect a letter in return, but opening the mailbox and seeing a small stack of them is sweet!

Don’t give a single thought what other people think.

You do you boo.

PS. If you’d like to receive a hand-written letter, email your details to Inbarbsworld@gmail.com

In Awe of the Moment

You know I’m feeling better when I slip on a sarcastic saying t-shirt and go for a walk. That will be the one time you bump into a neighbor you’ve never met before and they’ll want to stop and chat, but you hold firm to no apologies for the shirt.

Afterwards, I really wanted a cup of coffee, but not just any coffee…I wanted a magical cup of brew, so that idea took me to the coffee shop where I first purchased the shirt. When I stepped into the shop, the girl behind the counter busted out laughing and commented on the shirt. I ordered my favorite drink, picked up a couple of funny cards to send to friends and came home.

The coffee tasted like magic.

During my walk, I couldn’t get over how perfect the outdoor temperature was. I stopped at one point in the middle of the street and looked up at the sky to marvel at the shade of clear blue. I could have stood suspended in that moment for an hour, but heard a truck coming up behind me and moved out of the way. If someone would have looked out their window and saw me wearing this t-shirt with my face tilted toward the sky they probably would have wondered what the heck I was doing, but that didn’t bother me.

If they asked I would have told them….

I’m standing in awe of the moment.

You can listen to me read this post here:

Butting Heads With God

I wasn’t sure when I’d show back up here, but today seems like a good day to return. Since the first day of the new year I’ve been sick, but two weeks later, I can actually form a coherent thought! I’m never sick, so having this lingering illness that refuses to leave is foreign for me. I’ll never take being healthy for granted again.

By day 12, I was pretty upset with God. Every morning I’d wake up with a speck of improvement, but didn’t feel like myself. I haven’t been able to drink any coffee which is scary enough within itself, but the terrifying part is I don’t even miss it. I discovered the pure joy in having groceries delivered to my front door, but fear I won’t leave my house as often anymore. I’ve become highly disciplined at meditation just to hear myself breathe and my daughter’s dog, Winnie usually joins me.

Yesterday was day 12 and I went for a drive just to make sure I still knew how to drive. I told God the most frustrating part of this illness for me was not feeling like myself and I miss her, so I pretty much begged God to bring her back!

I wasn’t willing to give her up.

And on this faithful morning, of Day 13….my favorite parts of her returned. Thank you, God.

The Best Gift of All

Earlier in the week, I walked to a friends house for coffee. We had agreed to exchange gifts this year, but keep it below $20. It’s humorous how well she knows my heart. She served Christmas cookies with our coffee.

She flung open the front door and yelled, “Happy Christmas, Barbara!” I grinned at her knowing full well, we don’t say that in Texas and gave her an accusatory glance of being from California, but she’s one of my best friends.

I went from there to run some errands, but I’ve learned the value of having a few good souls in your life and to spend as much time possible with them. I was talking myself out of something and sharing my thoughts with my friend when she saw right through me. Lady A, nudges me to make decisions. She highlighted my choices, gave me permission to do either, but encouraged me to pick one as she unraveled each end result. As the day unfolded, so did the decision.

I simply wanted to pause here a moment and wish ya’ll a peaceful holiday season. It doesn’t matter the amount of presents under the tree, but rather the names written on each tag is what counts. They are the true blue souls who share your life and spending time with them my darling is the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas lovelies. Barb.