One of my new dear friends, Debby, from https://dgkayewriter.com/, wrote this to me regarding my last health update and it stuck…
“We get what we focus on, so don’t make it fear!”
~DG Kaye
This message isn’t new, but it’s so easy to allow fear to slip into our thoughts. It affects not only our reactions to stressful times, but it also affects us physically, causing anxiety and even some unwanted aches and pains. So, this was a timely reminder for me, even though I’m not truly living in fear. However, I am inviting Optimism for a long stay, and if you’re dealing with stress in any form, will you join me in this attitude adjustment? I hope you will, and Thanks, Debby! 💕
And lastly, I’d like to wish you all a Fabulous Friday, and a Wonderful Weekend ahead. With love, Lauren ❤❤❤
Photos: Google
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Blessings to you Lauren!
Thanks, Nico, and to you, too!
I will be so happy to join you as I do know the damages of stress taken too far. Bless.
May you too have a good and relaxing weekend 💕
Miriam
I’m so glad you’re joining me, Miriam! The more, the merrier! And I’m happy the weekend is here, but Sunday is when my daughter is moving across country. Ahhh! It’s all good and exciting and we’re proud that she’s chasing her dreams. But it’s also heart-tugging, too, as we’ll miss her very much. Life! 🙂 ❤❤
Excellent.
Thanks, John! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
You as well.
Thanks! 🙂
This is a great reminder, Lauren. Now that my children are all nearly adults, they are out in the world and it’s hard not to be fearful for them. But fear and worry can really eat away at your core, so I am trying to keep it under control! Hope you have a great weekend!
I am right there with you, Barbara, trying to keep the fear and worry under control regarding our children. This Sunday is when our daughter is moving across country. And while it’s exciting and we’re proud that she’s pursuing her dreams, our hearts are breaking from missing her and she’s not even gone yet. Oh, the parenting joys, right? 😉 It’s all good though. Moving forward with Hope and a lot of deep breathing! 💕
Yes, deep breathing and nerves of steel. Our oldest is moving to his first apartment next week, and even though it’s close and I’m happy for him, it’s a new stage. I have a feeling when our next graduates from college in the spring, he will not be home for long. I guess it’s a time when we, as parents, need to focus more on ourselves and redefine what we do. We’re lucky that we have technology to keep us close to our family now. That’s what makes me feel better.
I think you nailed it by saying that it’s a new stage. With our daughter leaving yesterday, it was emotional. Yet, it’s not the end of the world, but it is a new stage for all parties. She cried, we cried, her friends cried during the week. But it’s all so exciting, too. And you’re right, the other new stage is we, as parents, getting the opportunity to focus on ourselves individually and as a couple. And yes, technology is great. When texting the miles are insignificant. 🙂 Thanks, Barbara, and I wish you all the best when your son leaves, also. Big hugs. 🙂
Great words from Debby, and so nice of you to share the message with us as we head into the weekend, Lauren xo
I’m glad you liked this, Christy. It just hit home for me; the timing was right. And who can’t use another reminder? Hope all is well, my friend. Hugs!
It certainly is good to try to concentrate on the positive if you can.
It’s not always easy, but when we can, I think we feel much better. Thanks, Binky, and have a good weekend!
It’s so easy to allow fear to control our thoughts. Faith is the opposite of fear, so each day I try to have a faithful attitude, rather one of fear. Thanks for sharing Debby’s words. Enjoy your weekend, Lauren. ❤
That is the right attitude, Jill, and one I strive for, too. Sometimes, I’m successful, and other times, not so much. But, we definitely feel better all over, mentally and physically, when we’re more hopeful rather then fearful. Enjoy your weekend, too. My daughter is moving this weekend, chasing her dreams. So, it’s been bittersweet and will be an emotional Sunday. All good, though. Hugs…
Wishing you the best with the move, Lauren. ❤
Thanks, Jill. They’ve said good-byes to friends and family this week, so emotions are wild for many. But they’ll have a lot of visitors, too, so it’s all good. We pray it works out and that they’re happy in their new home. 💗💗
Lauren, thanks for this important reminder. It’s so easy to get caught in the quicksand of fear and worry. But it’s also a great truth that we get whatever we focus on. Anxiety saps our energy, and as you mentioned it also can cause aches and pains.
Hope you have as good a weekend as possible. I’ll be thinking of you. (Still planning to email soon – hopefully tomorrow.) 🌻❤️💞💕
Quicksand of fear and worry says it all, Betty, and it’s so easy to succumb. Today is our family day, so it’ll be nice. Emotions have been wild for many as they’ve been saying good-bye to friends all week, along with family. But they’re all packed and ready to go. Boxes are checked off, so it’s been a good week. They’ve offered to put everyone up in a hotel when they visit. So the joke is that we’re all coming at the same time. 🙂 Anyway, just email when you’re up to it. Thanks, my friend. Big hugs and lots of love. ❤❤❤
A certain dose of fear in appropriate situations helps with self-preservation – and we can all do with a dose now and then, I reckon. But letting fear take hold of one’s daily life is self-destructive.
Peace,
Eric
Very good point, Eric. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Right now, I’m not worried because I have to wait until 11/29 for the next ercp. What’s the point, right? So, life goes on, and when I get an answer, then I’ll deal. 🙂 Have a great week, dear friend…
Wrapping you in love, Lauren. I love Debby, she’s a unicorn in human form. Mmmm, what we focus on expands with the emotions we wrap around it. You’re pure love. Xxx 😘 💗
Aww, thanks, Jane, and I love “she’s a unicorn in human form!” 🙂 You are so kind and such a beautiful friend. I’m grateful for You! Hugs and love! ❤💖🌻😍
Lauren, wise words from Debby and even if it is difficult our health – on so many levels – improves by taking the focus away from the negative.
I’ve been reading the comments and see yesterday will have been a very emotional day for you. How are you doing? How was the move? Have you heard from your daughter and if she’s settling down okay? Good for her to follow her dream but my heart feels your bittersweet sadness/joy! Next September my son goes to university and I’m trying to emotionally prepare myself but know I will fail … love & hugs, dear friend. Xx ❤️
I’m glad you liked Debby’s words, Annika. As to Sunday, it was an emotional day for everyone. But the first day is always the toughest, I think. Since then, we’ve talked to her and she’s texting to keep us posted on their arrival destinations. So, it’s all good and exciting. She and her b.f. of 7 years are moving together. They wanted to save up as much money as possible before this big adventure. He’s very nice, and they’re road-tripping it to Nashville, seeing some sights along the way, as well as visiting family, too. I think the anticipation and the day they left were the most difficult. Anyway, all is good, and now I’ll be thinking of you next fall when your son leaves. Ahh, the joys of parenting, right? 🙂 Love and hugs to you, also, my dear friend..xoxoxo
Happy to join you!
Thank you! 😊❤️
Lauren, I’m feeling the elevated vibes of positivity from this post! Stay on track and keep doing what you’re doing. And may I say I’m humbled that you quoted me. Please keep us updated on your journey of progress. ❤ Hugs my friend. ❤ xxx
I’m staying on track, Debby, and for some reason, your words stayed with me. So, I felt them worthy of sharing to this lovely blogging world. 🙂 Thank you for all of your support and encouragement! I’ll keep you posted, as well. Hugs to you, too! 💕💕💕
I’m thrilled to hear my words encouraged you Lauren. Keep it up and keep us posted! ❤ ❤
Those are some wise words from Debby, Lauren. We could all take a lesson from her. Stay positive! 🤗❤️🤗❤️
I’m glad you thought so, too, Michelle. They stuck with me, for sure. And I’m staying positive! 🙂 Big hugs, my friend! xoxo
I love your new picture (the one that accompanies comments) Lauren.
As for Fear: I realised a long time ago that the opposite is not hatred as is commonly thought. The opposite of love is fear. Love is about opening; fear is about closing up, closing down. Hatred is just a side effect of fear. There is so much hatred in your country at the moment (not that it’s exclusive to the U.S. of course) but when one looks into the matter we see these people full of hatred are in fact simply terrified.
Thanks so much about my new photo, Ben. My daughter took that on our outing with her the day before she left. So, it’s from great times and great memories. And she’s doing well, by the way. 🙂
I like your point of fear being the opposite of love, too. It makes sense, and then violence is another manifestation or reaction from the fear. You’re right, hatred isn’t exclusive to the U.S., but there is an abundance of its presence where there should be an abundance of love instead. I’m hoping for positive changes on the horizon. If we let go of hope, what is left? On a brighter note, I’m wishing you a good weekend, my friend…
It was fine, and very welcome following a week not without its challenges. Let’s look forward to a positive ending of October and the opening of an enjoyable and creative November. 🙂
Thumbs up! 🙂
🙂
A wonderful and important reminder, Lauren! Fear and worry can be very destructive and actually cause physical harm to our bodies. The Japanese even have a particular term for this which I can’t really remember right now but it translates to death-through-stress. Fear being a massive factor in our stress/cortisol levels which causes coronary diseases. The right attitude, socializing with friends and family and meditation are all good methods to deal with this.
Love your new avatar picture by the way!! 😄💕
Thanks, Sarah, and thanks for sharing your insight, too, which is so true. It’s amazing and scary what stress can do to our bodies. Thanks regarding my pic, too. My daughter took that on our outing with her the day before she moved. Sending much love your way…xoxo
You really look so happy in this pic, what a lovely reminder of that day you spent together! Wishing your daughter and her boyfriend all the best for their adventure! Xoxo ❤
Thanks again for all your lovely words and wishes, Sarah. We talked with her (and Ryan) last night for an hour via FaceTime and it was so great to see her and to hear her voice. 🙂 I’m sounding just like my mom did each time we spoke on the phone. Sigh…Anyway, she gave us a tour of their apt. so now we have a visual. It’s all good! Hugs, my friend, and have a great start to your week, too! xoxo
That’s wonderful that you got to see the apartment! The blessings of modern technology! 😄❤
Fab words by D.G.!!! She’s a smart one! ❤
She sure is! Thanks for stopping by, Resa, and have a great weekend! 💕