Little Cares

The little cares which fretted me, I lost them yesterday,
Among the fields, above the sea, Among the winds at play,
Among the lowing of the herds, The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds, The humming of the bees.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 19th century poet

My life is much less complicated these days. I've learned to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me on a daily basis. Now I notice when the birds are singing, when the breeze is blowing, when there's a small cat or rabbit in the field next to my house. This is the world that God created and there is beauty everywhere.

I was someone who used to let everything worry me. I've come to realize it was happening because I was worried about what people would think of me. I felt as if I had to be sure everything was perfect all of the time. That took entirely too much energy and I wore myself out pretty quickly. I had to find another way to live. Thankfully I met some people who showed me a better way to spend my time. I was able to stop fretting over everything, big and small.

These days I appreciate everything around me. I thank the God of my understanding for creating all of it and sharing it with me. Every time I feel the wind, I imagine that it is God whispering that He loves me. With each breeze, I imagine the Spirit of my Higher Power filling me up with strength to face the day ahead. That may sound silly to some people, but it works for me. I'm grateful to be alive and I'm even more grateful for getting the opportunity to experience everything that comes my way.

This poem is a beautiful reminder of just how much there is to admire in our world.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the Poetry of Love (Nineteenth-Century Studies)

Believing in Ourselves 2011 Day-to-Day Calendar