Dear TSJ Friends,
(Friendly reminder: if you are reading this on your mobile phone it is much easier to read if you click on the header at the top and wait a second or two for it to change format.)
Welcome to a few moments of reflection. Wednesday is our day to check in with each other and be infused with encouragement, nourishment and wisdom.
Are you emotionally or physically wilting a bit this week?
I am hoping you are thriving rather than wilting. I hope that you have searched for and seized opportunities to play, to feel generally positive, and have celebrated successes – both small personal wins as well as big wins.
I know, however, that sometimes we all experience a bit of depletion in our hearts and minds – like my wilted plant above. Are you feeling less vibrant and creative and positive about life than you wish?
What causes a plant to wilt? What causes us to wilt?
Obviously there are many answers. One plain and simple answer is – neglect. I had been busy and neglected my plant. As a result it became dehydrated. It was also a bit depleted of proper exposure to light (even though this is a shade-loving plant – it still needs more light than it was getting.) Sometimes overwatering or small pests can eat away at plants and cause wilt and decay.
I am sure you know where I am going with this! Yes, I often use the proper care of plants as object lessons for proper care of ourselves and each other. So today is simply one more reminder that it is wise to listen to our bodily needs, listen to each other’s stories and wisdom, and to guard against the pests of our souls – things that eat away at our vitality such as negativity, guilt, despair, self-doubt, gossip, and perfectionism.
That is it for today! Short and sweet. I have listened to several sad stories this week. And so have you… even if only on the news. And the saddest stories are those that have a layer of negative self-talk embedded in them. For example, we tell ourselves about how inadequate we are as parents, spouses, teachers and leaders. Chronic neglect of rest and feelings of guilt lead to the wilt you see in my neglected and dehydrated plant.
The good news? Once you identify the problem or listen to your needs you have that divine moment of opportunity – the mixture of awareness and possibility – to take at least one step toward realizing your potential to change. It is my hope for all TSJ friends that with a little help and encouragement, you will soon move from the guilt wilt to the “plant” you were intended to be.
The picture to the right is the same plant two days after it got proper attention! (water, proper light and a bit of care) 
Our wisdom lover, Solomon, says each of us can be renewed and happy like this plant or “all God’s sheep.” We need to water our spirit with kindness and our bodies with rest and our hearts with hope. We can start by prayer and gratitude mixed with some humility to receive love and help from God and each other. Now, that is what the Shared Journey is all about!
Blessings,
Margie and Solomon
