Wednesday, February 13, 2013

365 Inspirations—44: A Cup of Ginger Honey Tea

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."—Franklin Roosevelt

I'll be honest, last night I contemplated pulling the plug on my inspirations. Now that sentence has a double meaning, doesn't it? I've never been a quitter. Never.

I always find a way to complete or finish something I have committed myself to doing.

I remember the time I ran a half marathon in college. Half of the marathon was on the Washington Coast. The scenery was breathtaking, but it was very similar and there were times I felt like I was running in place with no end in sight. I'd look down at the sparkling sand and out at the ocean again and eventually I just fell into a rhythm. I was not the person running, I was part of all that I was seeing. When I took myself out of it, I actually finished the race happily.

When I wrote 365 lessons in 2010, I hit many walls. Blogging every single day is no easy task, but the people who came to my blog were so encouraging and I loved writing the posts. I made many friends during that year and met many of those bloggers in person. It was one of the best years of my life because so many unexpected things happened that year.  While blogging every single day and teaching English, I also received agent representation, got a book deal and wrote a book!

If you ask me how I did that, I'll say, "I do not know!" In fact, there were honestly times when I truly felt the blog wrote itself. There were also times, after completing a chapter on my book, I'd sit there at the end wondering, "Did I just write all of that?" I was so absorbed in the process, that I became the process.

Recently I've gone back to full-time teaching. I love both writing and teaching, but felt last night the strain of not having enough time to do both. I came home at 10:00pm after teaching 6 hours at the college. When I opened the door, I staggered to the sofa and lay down, unable to move.

My husband said, cheerfully, "Can I make you something to eat?" He has always been my biggest cheerleader and the person who knows what to say at just the right time. I opted out of the food and chose to sink into a bubbly bath instead.

Before disappearing into my Calgon-take-me-away bath, I said to my husband, half-jokingly, "Will you write my blog post?" (He has actually been a guest writer on my blog in the past.) He laughed and said, "Take a rest tonight, you can write it tomorrow morning and everything will seem fresh again."

I slipped off my clothes and sank into the bathtub. Suddenly my husband popped in and set down a hot cup of fresh ginger and honey tea with a squeeze of lime on the side of the bathtub. I actually felt like crying when I tasted it. It was exactly what I needed at that moment.

So this cup of tea that was lovingly prepared by my husband has inspired me to keep going. Plus, I really do get so much out of writing these posts and the interaction with you all! Thanks for being here.

Have you ever felt like giving up on something, but somehow found the courage or energy to carry on? What inspired you to continue or keep going?

12 comments:

  1. Sometimes I feel like I can't keep on writing blog posts as often as I do, and that's just 3 times a week! But I, too, love writing and interacting with readers, and something always pulls me through. I try to look at the bigger picture and what I'm trying to accomplish. I also try to write as much ahead as I can, though sometimes I'm staring at a blank computer screen just a couple of hours before I have to post. Taking time for yourself is important, and how wonderful that your husband was so kind to bring you a delicious cup of tea! Things like that can refresh the spirit.

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    1. I know what you mean and can totally relate! Thanks for being here and for reading Tina!

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    2. I know what you mean and can totally relate! Thanks for being here and for reading Tina!

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  2. So many times I wanted to give up on quitting smoking but I kept thinking of how my life would be better. Now, over 5 years later, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

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    1. That's a very tough one, but you did it and you didn't give up! So happy you saw that one through!

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  3. Please don't stop writing them! I read these posts every single day, and I'm often inspired by them to notice something around me that I'd been overlooking. :)

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    1. Patti, It's so nice to see your comment here for the very first time. I am very happy that you are getting something from these post and your comment has encouraged me to keep writing them!

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  4. I always wrote, that always helps me , along with the right persons present in my life :D

    That is such a beautiful text of inspiration and strength !

    God bless you both *

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    1. Hello Life,

      I really love saying that. Hello LIFE. Your name is perfect. Yes, the right people in our lives can make all the difference. Thanks for reading and for commenting!

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  5. I hope you find the time and energy to continue posting, but I know it is difficult to keep a blog going. I read your book and enjoyed it. Thanks.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Teri! I'm so glad you read my book and enjoyed it. It means a lot to me that you wrote to tell me that. All the best to you, Katherine

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  6. Ahh - a cup of tea - everything is better with a cup of tea and my husband does the same thing for me. My Dad is 73 and he wakes up early each and every day of the week and makes a cup of tea for himself and my Mum and takes it into bed for her. He then tickles her back for a bit every morning. They get up and always set the table and have breakfast together. It is a ritual I never tire of seeing when I stay at their house... so to answer your question my parents have been one of huge inputs in my life to keep going when the going gets tough. Cheers, Wendy

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