Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Peace Out!


Peace! I hope today is the most peaceful day you've had in a long time! Yes. We can have peace in our hearts through our relationship with God. Deep inner peace amidst the storms. I have enjoyed reading your comments.

I do also believe there are many other ways God has given us to find peace. I am an avid believer in exercise. The stress relief is huge for me. We were designed so that our bodies release endorphins when we exercise. It is now one of the important parts of treatment for depression. I try to make sure my boys get some exercise each day too. I have them come out in the mornings to Mozart playing quietly. There is scientific evidence that it changes the way your brain works. It improves thinking and calms. I believe in time for quiet contemplation is important. I get up before the boys many times (not all) so I can have that quiet before they get up along with my cup of coffee. Fresh air and the outdoors are healing for me. I've always loved the outdoors. Long walks help me clear my thoughts and relax. I enjoy a massage about once a month. They actually help clear your body of toxins along with relaxing you. Spend time with emotionally healthy friends and family. VERY important. Ask yourself when you are with them how often RAD comes up. Our attachment therapist asked me that once after an outing with one of my girls. My goodness. It was coming up to much. There are other things in life. It does not define who we are.

I've been talking with my friend Bren about this very thing. Many of you do not know me outside of RAD. It is only a tiny part of my life. I focus on RAD here because there are so many who do not have support, education or maybe even are just wondering if this is what your child has. If that is you, there seem to be a wonderful group of moms gathering here. Feel free to ask question. One of them is bound to know and have dealt with it. I hope you find peace in your life today. Pray, go for a walk, put in that old Richard Simmon's video and trust, that you are going to be ok.

I'm reminded of Daniel and his buddies who were about to be thrown into the furnace of fire because they worshiped their God instead of the king. Here is what they said "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. " My child may or may not heal. I need to live is though he will. If he does not, God is still good. My life is still good. We go on.

8 comments:

familygregg said...

Awesome post. Awesome truth.

C said...

Ya' know, God made us to toil the land. Built in exercise, which has built-in benefits to our body.

Yet, we've made everything more convenient now. We've taken away a natural way to feed our bodies and brains. Makes sense to add that back in.

I can't tell you how peaceful positive touch is for me. I have a child that hurts me through his hugs, for Pete's sake. It starts to mess with my own senses. Positive touch ... I have to reach out for it. I tell my husband, "You need to tickle my hair or kiss my neck. Quick! I'm turning into a robot!"

I sing a lot. God and I connect through music quite easily. I find peace in so many songs, and many of them have never seen the light of day in a church or a Christian radio station. I find God everywhere, even in the words of those who do not believe He exists. He's really amazing that way. :)

C said...

Oh, well, and I also make the peace sign a lot and say, "Yo, dude ..." in my best smoking-a-dubie voice.

That helps, too.

Brenda said...

Mmmm. Very nice good thouhts Christine. You bring up an interestng point. Nutrition. I also believe that chemical additives, lack of vitamins and minerals and too much processed food do bad things to our minds as well as bodies. Food the way God grows it is so much healthier...except chocolate. I have become really good at telling my husband when I need a hug, snuggling in the recliner at the end of the day with him and even telling him to tell me everything is going to be fine all help.

Brenda said...

Oh and Christine - When you read my title "Peace Out" you are supposed to hit your chest and do the peace sign. I hope you did that.

Denise said...

Well I feel a little embarassed to admit this after all the exercise talk, but I did something today I have never done before unless I was sick. After dropping all the kids off at their various locations, I came home to a quiet house; ate my yogurt; and then --- crawled back into bed! The sound of the rain hitting the roof was so calming and relaxing. The next thing I knew, it was 1:00 in the afternoon! I knew I was tired, I just didn't know how much. My weekend with my RAD child exhausted me. She has been out of control since her MRI and EEG last week. So, today, I slept. No kids at home, no worries - just the pitter patter of raindrops and my comfy blanket and pillow. It was GREAT!!!

Brenda said...

Denise,

Sounds very nice! Good for you! You can come join me at Guts and Butts class at 6:30 at the Y if you want! : )

Denise said...

Thanks for the invite Brenda! I could sure use a class like that. You would think that with all the running I do after my kids, I wouldn't even have a butt or gut?!? I have to take too many kids in too many directions again tonight - but I'd settle for a raincheck! :) Have fun!!!