...These are a few of my favorite things

Do you remember that song from the Sound of Music?  I thought about it this morning.  That movie had some great music in it.  The Ninja is the only person I know who doesn't like it.

But anyway, I woke up having a panic attack in the middle of the night.  Totally unreasonable based on my life, but it was there.  I don't get them often, but when I do or when I simply have trouble sleeping I do two things.  First and foremost, I pray.  It generally works well for me, and as I go down the rather long list of people I pray for, I tend to fall asleep in the middle of it.  In my infinite wisdom, I reverse the list each time so that both ends of the list eventually get prayers, but I may need to start a third version that begins in the middle.

My kids used to watch veggie tales and in particular I have talked to the grandkids about the episode with monsters.  I remind them frequently that God is bigger than the boogie man as the song from that show goes.  It probably also helps that I tell them about the magic in my house and how no bad creatures can get in....but that is another story. 

But back to my panic attacks.... usually in the morning after I have had one, I remind myself of all the wonderful things in my life.  It is too easy to forget about the positives and only focus on the negatives and/or our fears.  I remind myself that I have a husband who has stuck with me through thick and thin for 35 years.  I remind myself that I have seven amazing, talented and faith-filled children who have wonderful spouses and significant others in their lives.  I remind myself that I have six grandchildren who are healthy and loving.  I try not to focus on the messes that seven dogs have a tendency to make.  I remember that I am healthy.  The list gets really long, but it does make me smile and relax.  My "favorite things" don't rhyme like the song, but I do love a cool breeze, sitting on my porch during a rain storm, colorful leaves in fall, snow on Christmas morning, Santa Claus, snuggling with my grandchildren, hugging my children, mowing the lawn, (cooking did not make the favorite list, neither did cleaning the house), singing, and music to name a few.  I love the smell of babies, baby feet and puppy breath. As my family knows, I love to rearrange furniture.  I love my family and friends.   

So, if you have a moment of panic or sadness or stress, try praying and then listing your "Favorite Things", you will be amazed at what happens inside of you when you remember to count those blessings.  As a good friend of mine says, "Don't stress about things.  Stress gives us wrinkles and then we will look old."  Who wants to look older prematurely?!  Have a blessed week and smile as you make your list.