Hearts and Kindness

Last winter I had just about given up snowshoeing due to severe knee pain. The trips I did make were very painful. How I looked forward to my daily trips around the brook, up into the woods and out onto the marsh, with BuddyTheElf as company. I loved going by myself as I used the time to "think". Not that I don't enjoy the trips I take with Mark on his days off....After months of tests, injections and doctors I received the diagnosis of fibromyaliga. Now I had answers as to why I was so exhausted, had such pain throughout my body and why I couldn't sleep more than a few hours of sleep at night. This diagnosis has given me a completely new outlook on life. I have to learn how to cope with the pain and exhaustion but I also am learning that there is alot more in life to experience and share. There is a saying that some good always come from the bad and this is so true with me. I feel like I have been given a "do-over"!

Fast forward to this winter....I am back to snowshoeing every day I can, a little bit slower but I am moving, taking photos and enjoying all that is around me. I don't have a life-threatening illness but a life-changing one. I am the only one who can change and live my life for the better.

Here in Maine we have had alot of snow this winter. Today a gentle snow is falling. I must get ready to head out and enjoy it. There is nothing that compares to walking in a snowstorm.

These hearts were found the past several days. I post photos on my facebook page as well. My niece Elizabeth found a snow heart and has put it in the freezer so I can see it. I never thought my simple photos of hearts in nature and sharing with others would make people happy! A simple act of sharing brings happiness to so many. It doesn't have to be an expensive gift, simply a gift from the heart.

I am also trying to "pay it forward" more often. I am still beaming over the wonderful gift I received from my Aunt Jean before Christmas, a total surprise but oh so welcomed. And the arrival of a package in the mail last week from another blogger friend, Gary. Inside was a beautiful, hand made red heart shaped cup and saucer. These two examples of kindness will be passed on......