Smiling while leaving the grocery store and other oddities of a nearly 40 year old wife and mother!

I find myself more and more prone to find the good in most situations. The power of positive thinking....feed the universe some of the energy you want in return.  With that being said, I must admit that I am recently on the tail end of a bout with anxiety and emotional upheaval.  I was feeling overwhelmed and not taking the time out to care for myself as I was for others.  It's nothing new for women the world over, but I rarely end up in that place.  I was physically and emotionally overextended and just needed a break.  I'd made several beach dates but hadn't kept them because it was going to cost money to get there and money to eat and money to....I'd cancelled a spa day here or there and had spent much of my afternoon writing time plagued with an unsettling feeling.  I don't do anxiety.  Be anxious for nothing and in all things with prayer and supplication make your request known unto God....I don't do anxiety.  Yet, I was tired, frustrated, discontent and overwhelmed.  I had a series of "come to Jesus" meetings (with myself, with my husband and with Jesus :o)  I really am more than a conqueror.  I know, I know...it's trite, but after what I'd been experiencing....BUT GOD.  So, fast forward a week or two and I'm finding myself being myself.  I was leaving the grocery store yesterday with a smile on my face as I walked to the car.  After becoming aware of it, I thought "I'm grateful for being able to buy the groceries we need and for my role in that process".  Today, after dinner, we all got up from the table and I noticed a family of deer across from the house playing.  There were three adults and a couple of fawns that were frolicking in and out of the woods.  I'm not sure how long they'd been at it, but we watched with anticipation for about five to seven minutes (that's a long time to watch deer at play:o).  I know, it sounds silly, but as I get older, it's the little things and getting back to the basics that bring joy to my life.  I'm contented to be with my family and enjoy the time without feeling like we need to be doing something.  Doing things is great, but I find myself only doing the things that seem worthy of my time.  I tried to watch Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, but....not worth it.  I've gone to mother's groups that don't mesh with my personality...not worth it.  I've expended energy over being unfriended on Facebook and I've agonized over not accepting friend requests from folk who I know aren't a good investment...not worth it.  I'm back to planning a beach day and this time I'll keep that appointment.  I need to honor what works for me.  I need to listen to that inner voice and respond with gratefulness.   One of my Facebook friends status updates read "don't belittle yourself...be bigger yourself".  I like it and I'm living it!
Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE