28 February 2012

Simple Living Tip: Careful What You Wish For

This post has been brewing in my mind for a month now. It all started with the surprising death of my laptop right before the beginning of the Simple Living Challenge. I couldn't figure out how I was going to manage a three-week challenge on a tiny 10 inch screen (that is how big our spare machine is) but I decided this was my challenge in real life.I wanted simple living and that was exactly what I got - no chance for too much work, because that tiny laptop was slow as well.

And the challenge began. 

Hour after hour I spent open-hearted and positive about what we were doing until I got the most amazing of laptops, the L520 from Lenovo - the greenest ever ThinkPad. Oh, were we a match made in heaven! Amazing machine - fast, sturdy, reliable - a dream come true for a heavy user like me! What is more, it is made from materials that use up to 30% post-consumer content, meaning it was made out of  office-sized water jugs and used IT equipment, recycled into parts like the LCD cover, palm rests, and top/bottom case. My laptop even saves the equivalent of 10 plastic water bottles. Additionally, it promises to save me up to 40% per year on operating costs and power. Was I glad to show off my environmentally friendly machine to Beth Terry!



And the challenge continued in higher gear.

I was unstoppable. I felt the wind under my wings. You and I were discussing, motivating and inspiring each other, I felt like I was walking the talk and the whole challenge was wrapping up perfectly (did you just noticed the sneaky "perfectly"?).

And then the challenge ended. 

It was a blast. A wonderful love story with a happy ending. Everyone was happy - all the guest posters did their best, I was excited with the new connections being made, I had achieved my goal and was now ready to fly even higher. 

Until the day the challenge ended and I was able to breathe in. That was when my eyes gave up on me. I couldn't and still cannot look at the monitor for longer periods, I cannot wear my glasses, I cannot be without them. It is a long-standing problem that obviously was ignored by my previous ophthalmologist. 

The thing is that sooner or later I am going to be fine, which I definitely am not right now. And I know why. I ignored everything I was talking about in that simple living challenge. I forgot Thoreau, I forgot my first post about dealing with perfectionism. I never slowed down. And what fate tried to do with ruining my laptop, my husband fixed by choosing me the best of laptops I could ever have dreamed of. Then fate waited and landed its lesson heavily on my head. 

I had to slow down and it had to be definite. Now, I am forced to live a slow life, away from the computer. For the past 5 days I've spent not more than 40 minutes a day in front of the screen. And still, the thoughts are running in my head. Still I am worried. Still I have too much to do online. 

This all being said, I am the living proof that you get what you wish for, even if you don't realize that in the beginning. There is something - a force, fate, God that is carefully writing down your wishes and takes care to see them through.

That is why, my friends, I wish you not only to dream big, but to be prepared for the outcome. You WILL get what you want. Just wait patiently.

Hope to see you soon.

In the meantime, do you think that your dreams are coming through?

23 comments:

  1. Hope your eyes will soon be better.
    And thank you for the beautiful blog you made.
    Thank you eyes, that you did the work till the end.

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    1. You are right, I have to thank my eyes! And thank you for following along!

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  2. you know, I was a bit worried about you. you're always sharing great tips on simple living but you also do such a busy job that I couldn't help wondering how you manage it all. however, last series were a great success and I hope you will get the well deserved rest. I think that you don't need to worry about posting daily or something like that to keep your readership. we will stay here even if you take some more time off than usual. :)

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    1. Ah, there you have it - the whole truth exposed - I overworked my eyes! Thank you for the nice words. Would I have gone so far if I didn't have you? NO! So, thank you for showing me such great support. I appreciate it!

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  3. Isn't it 'funny' how our blessings arrive? Often they take the appearance of pain (mental or physical), but if we're patient we can be led to the most amazing and life-changing places and people. It's often hard to see how things will eventually unfold, but with time it always becomes clear. I'm glad that you're listening to your body, it has so much to say if we only take the time to listen. I've had to learn my lesson about slowing down time and again. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. Sending healing thoughts your way... :)

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    1. Yes, yes, you are right Melinda. We sometimes need to revise and refresh the lessons learned... Thanks for thinking of me!

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  4. I just love that inner believe that all will come to you in time, and evertyhing is a phase so yes be careful what you wish for.
    Hope you feel better soon.

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    1. Thank you, Charlotte! With such amazing support I will surely get better sooner because you keep my spirit high!

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about your eyes. I hope you feel better soon. Take this opportunity to enjoy the slowing down that God has given you. We do eventually get what we wish for, but yes, the waiting can be very difficult.
    Laura

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    1. Thank you, Laura. The waiting is what is helping me right now to see the bigger picture. It is so educational!

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  6. It is so true. This just seems to be the way things go.

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    1. The sooner we embrace the flow of things, the better we'll feel, right?

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  7. You just take it easy and keep resting your eyes. We'll be here when you are ready.

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    1. Thank you, Katie! I am so grateful for the amazing support from all of you!

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  8. Sometimes I knit until my hands hurt. And I think, why do I enjoy this? But it's the method to our madness - both the process and the results are enjoyable, but they take a toll on the physical body. We know the results will be amazing or life-changing or even just enjoyable, so we push push push - but the world will wait for you!

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    1. Yes, we push, push, push, to break our boundaries and get at least a it beyond our own expectations. And the pain is worth it!

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  9. We tend to push ourselves to achieve our goals, and sometimes a little to far. Our body always finds a way of making us slow down. I'm sorry to hear about your eyes, but take this time to rest and relax you deserve it!
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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    1. Thank you, Valerie. I am relaxing virtually but my mind is exploding with ideas!

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  10. Sonya - you never stop being a source of inspiration. It is so refreshing to find someone so optimistic. I am actually trying to stay off the computer as well. Nothing gets made or done when I sit here at the computer. Trying to find that balance is a bit of a challenge but I will get there!!!

    Happy Tuesday - Brandi

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    1. Thank you for the nice words, Brandi! Finding balance is, I guess, our lifelong mission...

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  11. Hi Sonya,
    I am so sorry to hear about your eyes...do take good care...and rest them...finding balance...is challenge isn't it?
    Thinking of you!
    Julia

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  12. I have been thinking of you, Sonya, all week. I do hope your new doctor can help. I've also been having some physical issues, partly from too much time at my computer. I keep telling myself to take regular breaks, get up, walk outside. But here I am, on the computer again! I'm going to do my best to be away from the computer this weekend. I wish you much rest and healing!! xo, Mary

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  13. Wow. I didn't realize you were doing the challenge from a little netbook! I used to have a netbook before I got my Dell, and it could be a big pain to use. It just makes all of your posts and hard work even more impressive! I love how green your new computer is, however, and I can only imagine how excited you must have been to get it. :)

    So sorry to hear about your eyes, though. That stinks!

    And I think that a small break from the computer could be a good thing. When I stopped posting every other day and decided to try once a week instead, suddenly it felt like I could breathe again. I hope that you're able to feel that relief! Sometimes, you need to take a breather and do what's best for you.

    Hugs!

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