Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sadness and Serenity

The death earlier this week of Elizabeth Edwards from breast cancer at the young age of 61 has left me with a deep sense of sadness that is hard to shake. I didn't know her of course, she was not a personal friend. However I feel a sense of hope and connection to all people with a cancer diagnosis and appreciated the energy she used to put a personal face on her cancer survivorship journey that showed both grace and grit.

I admit that I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with the woes of the world (and also the step, step, step process of repairing the house at the farm). It is easier to find myself in that state when there is no longer outside work to be done with planting, weeding, or harvesting. When I know that I need a "change in attitude" before I head to bed, I go to two different blogs I love for an uplifting view of our world.


Both are listed on the left side of my blog, but I am going to give them each a specific "shout-out" because I find them enjoyable and even necessary to keep a sense of balance and serenity in my life. I no longer remember exactly how I found each one of these blogs, but I truly enjoy coming back to read and look at the new postings on each one.

I hope each of my readers (and each member of the Edwards family) has or finds your unique way of overcoming personal sadness, along with your view of the world's woes, that lead to both a "change in attitude" and also good health, wellness, and sense of serenity.

"Cultivate your life - you are what you grow - inch by inch, row by row"

Diana Dyer, MS, RD

3 comments:

Cynthia said...

Her death hit me hard, too. Hope your spirits are uplifted soon.

Elaine said...

Oh, Diana. How kind of you to give Greens & Berries a "shout-out". I came to your blog this evening for the same reason you visited mine yesterday: to be lifted up.

Yes, I agree it's so easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. I felt that way this past week at work. So many patients, so many needs and so little time.

There is such wisdom in the last paragraph of your post. I agree. I find comfort through quiet contemplation of nature's beauty and wonder and also by connecting with my online community -- including and especially you.

Kateri said...

I was very sorry to learn of Elizabeth Edward's death as well. I feel so sad for her two young children.
Thanks for the linking my blog. :) It is nice to know that it is one of your ways of finding balance and serenity.
And, Elaine, I could have written that second paragraph in your comment, myself.
One of the redeeming things about my job is all the driving down long country roads--as much as I don't like driving, I find driving in the country very renewing...and I have lots of patients out in the country...I just wish I had more time to stop and take photos of all the neat things I see each day.