The Lesson of the Half-Dressed Tree

Happy Friday, everyone.  I know I have been a little off the radar this week, but for two weeks I have been fighting a bronchial infection and it worsened this week.  This picture was from the same time last year…still love this Talbot’s faux fur vest.

These have been my beauty treatments and, eventually, the doctor added an antibiotic to the mix.  That is why I was unable to do a photography session for posts.  But, I will return next week.  While sitting in the waiting room at the doctor, I noticed their Christmas tree.

The front of the tree was beautiful and the back of the tree was bare.  My first thought was…I feel like this half- dressed tree…kind of sad.  Something I noticed the last two weeks is how easy it is to fall into negative thinking when we are sick.  Typically, I do not result to thinking negative of myself any longer, but this lingering sickness had me looking in the mirror often and thinking….

  1. I am so fat
  2. I am so old
  3. I am ugly

I finally caught myself and realized I was allowing this to happen more lately…just because I wasn’t feeling good.  So, I mentally have thrown up a STOP sign and am now aware.  I tell you this story so that you will be aware also.  Do not allow your “sick” times to cause you to get down on everything about you.  Also, though still not feeling 100%, I decided to make myself “dress my entire tree.”  It is amazing how it will help us feel better when we still take time for hair, makeup and nice clothing.  It does help a little…at least with attitude. We should not allow anything to rob our joy and force us into negativity.   I am done with the negative messages in my head and so glad I noticed it.

I hope all of you are well and feeling great!  I am still looking for gift ideas for you and have some in the slideshow below! Make sure you check out extra savings for a few of these retailers!  See you tomorrow for a different WOULD YOU WEAR IT….

KEEP SMILING, AND STAY HEALTHY!

15 Comments

  1. Oh, Pam. Hope you feel better soon. It’s a pain to be sick this time of year when there’s so much to be done!
    And I know what you mean about how easy it is to fall into negative self-talk when you are under the weather. Your posted photo is beautiful and you’ll be back on top of your game soon!

  2. Thank you Stormy…I am doing everything I can think of to get back to good health. Appreciate the encouragement.

  3. I’m so sorry you’re not well, but am so glad you got to see your physician (even if his tree is half-dressed). When I’m tempted to get “down” on myself about my weight or whatever, I self-talk in rebuttal and tell myself “I have lots of cute clothes and jewelry. I have friends and a family who loves me. I have a beautiful home and plenty of everything I need. Best of all, I have Jesus and a heavenly Father who saved me. I have it all!!!” Thanks for the reminder, Pam … hope you’re feeling better very soon.

  4. Pam, I get a bronchial infection nearly every year in spite of my efforts to “sanitize” my grandchildren when they are at my house. One year my doc asked if I had grandchildren in daycare. When I said “yes”, he said “stay away from them.” I said I would not do that so he gave me meds instead. Last year was the end of daycare, but I still have hacking, snotty kids in my life and I tutor elementary school students. It’s hard to keep your spirits up when you feel miserable, but I am definitely a person who feels like I look, so even a hot shower, a pretty robe and cute fuzzy slippers helps if I’m sick.

    Feel better soon and thanks for letting us know you have bad days too. We look up to you with admiration and a difficult bar to reach, but your counsel is always appreciated.

  5. Having spent five days bedridden, after not having any sort of respiratory infection in over a decade, I didn’t think too much. Well, there was a period of thinking,”Why is this crackling sound in my chest so loud that the dog is giving me strange looks?”

    I can’t wait for this to be done. Looking forward to eating more than a spoonful of soft food today.

  6. Take care of yourself! So sorry…it sounds like you are much worse. I hope it improves very soon.

  7. Hi Pamela I’m a recent follower & enjoy your blog. I feel your pain I have had this yuck for a month went to the doctors got more antibiotics starting to feel better. Reading your blog today made me realize we are all (women) are similar when we get sick. Thank you I don’t feel alone & finally getting things done for the holidays. Merry Christmas & Happy New Years

  8. Hi Lynn, Welcome here! Thank you for sharing…I know it is hard to shake it! I am glad this brought some encouragement and hope you get better really soon. Thank you for being here.

  9. I hope the antibiotics do the trick, and you are soon back to your joyful self. It is amazing what a little self love can do for our outlook. A few weeks ago, I decided to wear a blouse that I disliked because it was a stay at home day. I felt like a frump and was out of sorts all day long. That blouse is now in the donation bag.

  10. Good for you, Becky…sounds like it needed to go on its merry way. I have sent many pieces along that same path. Thank for sharing.

Comments are closed.