The Weight of Lethargy: How It Affects Our Spiritual Life

On September 5, 2023 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In our fast-paced world, where the demands of daily life often leave us drained and depleted, it’s not uncommon to experience bouts of lethargy. Lethargy, defined as a state of tiredness or lack of energy, can have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives, including our physical and emotional well-being. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is its effect on our spiritual life. We will explore how lethargy can affect our spiritual journey and offer strategies to combat its negative influence.

The Connection Between Lethargy and Spirituality

Hindered Meditation and Reflection Lethargy can hinder our ability to engage in meditation and reflection, two essential practices for nurturing our spiritual selves. When we lack energy and motivation, it becomes challenging to sit quietly, clear our minds, and connect with our inner selves. Our minds may wander aimlessly, making it difficult to find inner peace and spiritual insight.
Weakened Sense of Purpose Spirituality often revolves around a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Lethargy can dull this sense, leaving us feeling adrift and disconnected from our spiritual path. When we lack energy, it’s easy to become complacent and lose sight of our spiritual goals, leading to a sense of spiritual stagnation.
Reduced Empathy and Compassion A vibrant spiritual life often involves feelings of empathy and compassion toward others. Lethargy, however, can make us more self-centered and less inclined to reach out and help those in need. This can weaken our connection to our fellow human beings and hinder our spiritual growth.

Strategies to Combat Lethargy and Nourish the Spirit

Prioritize Self-Care To counter the effects of lethargy on our spiritual life, we must prioritize self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Taking care of our physical well-being can provide the energy and vitality needed for spiritual practices. Always remember that taking care of ourselves is not selfishness, we can’t take care of others until we take care of ourselves.
Establish a Routine Creating a daily routine that includes time for prayer, bible reading and meditation can help us overcome lethargy. Consistency is key in maintaining a strong spiritual connection, and a routine can provide the structure needed to stay on track.
Seek Inspiration Engage in activities that inspire and uplift your spirit. Reading spiritual texts, attending church services or events, or spending time with like-minded individuals can provide motivation and counter the effects of lethargy.
Practice Gratitude Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the small blessings in life can help shift our focus away from lethargy and toward a more positive outlook. Gratitude practices can open our hearts and nurture our spiritual well-being.

Lethargy is a common challenge in our modern lives, and its effects on our spiritual well-being should not be underestimated. However, by recognizing the connection between lethargy and spirituality and taking proactive steps to combat it, we can nourish our spirit and continue on our spiritual journey with renewed energy and purpose. Through self-care, routine, inspiration, gratitude, and mindfulness, we can transcend the weight of lethargy and experience the profound benefits of a vibrant spiritual life.

Be blessed!

Labor of love

On September 4, 2023September 3, 2023 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Have you ever thought, how no matter what job you have you’re doing a service onto others?

On a day like this we honor those that are contributing to society. The reality is that there are many ways to provide that contribution. We only think of work or labor as a typical job, but there are many unsung heroes who give time, energy, and effort to our society.

No matter what cog in the machine you play. If you work taking phone calls, lifting boxes in a warehouse, raising children at home, or volunteering your time for others you are providing labor to our society; and with your labor and sacrifice you are bringing value.

As a person of faith, I think every act of labor is an act of worship. If you believe in a higher power, you should consider even the most mundane task to be an offering. It’s hard to see sometimes, but it should feel our hearts with gratitude when we get the opportunity to serve. In one way or another we’re all serving.

The bible tells us on Colossians 3:23 (“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”)

When we look at our labor as a sacrifice of love for those who we serve and those whom we love, the burden gets lighter. We understand that our actions have a higher purpose than the report we’re writing, the food we’re cooking or the floor we’re cleaning.

Today we celebrate the fruits of our labor. The hard work we have been entrusted and the reward beyond finances that a well-done job does to our soul.

Happy Labor Day!

The puzzle of life

On September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

I really do not believe in coincidences. I do believe in a masterplan, which is like a puzzle with many pieces that need to fall into place for the complete picture to come together. Here are some of the issues we face when we are trying to complete the puzzle.

Too many pieces

When we look at all the things that we are juggling we become overwhelmed. How is this going to happen? How is that going to happen? It can be overwhelming. But just like a puzzle, you can only put one piece at a time together. The same way, start with the corners. In real life, the corners are those small tasks that make it easy to check off our lists. It will give us a sense of accomplishment to have something done.

I am currently helping homeschool one of my nephews. It is a lot of material that I must review every week to make sure that he has all the lessons he needs to complete. It is also a lot to review afterwards. I made a spreadsheet. That is my way of organizing my pending tasks. I have all the subjects we need to cover with the dates that we will be working. Every week I go cell by cell of that spreadsheet, adding each task that he needs to complete per subject. If it gets to be too much, I do something else and come back to it.

I printed all the worksheets and literature that he will be reviewing this semester and it is in piles in my office. Once I schedule on my spreadsheet the tasks for the week, I go to my piles and pull out those sheets, then I put them in a binder for him.

If I were just looking at the piles of work that needed to be completed, I promise you that I would freeze and get nothing done.

It does not fit

Many puzzle pieces look alike, and we do not understand why this one is not fitting in place. We can be exceptionally good at trying to get a square peg in a round hole and get frustrated of why is not working. When something is not working, it is time to take a step back. Are you trying to do something that is not beneficial to you? Are you trying to go about something the wrong way? Are you trying to take a shortcut when the only way to get to the goal is by following the steps? Stop, see what you are doing and why are you doing it? Be honest with yourself. Talk to someone you trust about this roadblock. Sometimes another set of eyes can help you see where that piece fits, or if that puzzle piece is not part of your picture at all.

I have tried several business ventures. Aside from writing, I would like to be an entrepreneur, but not all business models are right for me. They do not fit my schedule, my personality and/or my values. I have had to take inventory when things are not working and realize that is not lack of dedication or motivation. This one is not for me. That is ok, not everything is for everyone.

Communicating, writing, interacting with people, that, is my gift. Selling products is not.

It is taking too long

I complete puzzles every day for fun. I do it on a mobile app. The game allows you to do as many pieces as you want. The same puzzle can be divided from 36 to 400 pieces, your choice. My usual setting is 144. The smaller numbers are too easy and boring. The larger numbers take me too long, usually more than one day and I want to see at least one complete puzzle a day. But the game has events that include puzzles of all sizes, you cannot customize those. I am not going to lie; I live the 400 pieces one for the end. It takes too long! But if I do not complete it, I cannot complete the event and get my reward.

The same happens to our daily life. The constant pressure can be paralyzing and give you the desire to give up. Sometimes it is ok to take a break and then come back to the task. Giving up is not a choice if you want the reward. Stopping and restarting is not failure, not continue to try is. Of course, that is if it is not something harmful that you need to stop altogether.

I hope this motivates you to go on today.

Blessings

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A moment at a time

On August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Are you having a rough day today? I know we’re all going through something. Don’t allow anyone to minimize how you feel. Yes, sometimes looking around and realizing that there’s people around us whose misfortune looks a lot more severe helps us put our problems in perspective. That doesn’t make your problems any less real or important.

Phrases like:

Those words, even if you believe them, do not bring immediate comfort to your anxiety. You think, how can I see that it will be ok, when I can’t get past right now. The great thing about faith and history is that they can reframe our anxiety.

Stop to think, when have you been in a similar situation and how it was resolved. Did God come through for you? I’m sure he did. Because even when the answer to your prayer may have been “No”, with time you have come to realize that it was best for you. Faith is the ability to trust what we don’t see. Are you able?

Amid storms, it’s hard some time to step out of the boat and walk on water. It’s sometimes even hard to breathe.

Let me tell you a story of something that happened to me some years ago. I honestly can’t remember why I was anxious that day. I had a lot going on, but I do know how I got through that day and made it.

There’s a portion of the extended serenity prayer that says: “Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time”. That day I focused on that verse. I remember I was on my way to work when I became overwhelmed with anxiety due to whatever circumstances I was dealing with. I told myself that there was nothing I could do while sitting in my car. I decided to focus on driving.

Photo by Aayush Srivastava on Pexels.com

It was the morning rush, so you can imagine the amount of traffic I was facing. Sometimes when my anxiety levels are very high, I can’t even listen to music; any noise annoys me. In other occasions, is the opposite, I start playing music and sing very loud. I don’t care if I’m ridiculously dancing. It gets the anxiety kicked out. This particular morning was one of those where noises were not part of the plan. Focusing on traffic was not going to help, but there was nowhere to go. So, I focused on my surroundings.

How many times have you driven down a road without noticing things? We’re going so far and focused on our destination that we miss a lot of what’s around us. That day I saw businesses that I didn’t know where on my commute. I noticed trees and trash on the highway. I wondered, how and when that trash would be picked up? By the time I made it to work, I hadn’t resolved a thing, but I could think more clearly. I have also gained insight into things I hadn’t noticed before.

So, if you’re having the kind of day where you can’t get past the next five minutes, DONT. Don’t think about what is going to happen five minutes from now. Focus on what’s immediately in front of you. After that, focus on what’s immediately in front of you at that time. Do tasks one at a time. You may think that you’re slowing down, but the reality is that you’re accomplishing something that you were not doing at all, while paralyzed with anxiety.

Take a breath, what haven’t you noticed around you. It may or may not have the answer to your problem, but it could give you a new perspective.

Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com

Want to share with us your moment of stress or ways in which you have battled your own moments of anxiety. Feel free to comment below.

If you want to do so privately, feel free to email me at @therisingmuse

Blessings!

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Let’s get reacquainted

On August 23, 2023April 19, 2024 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts, Worship3 Comments

“Cough” “Cough”. Oh it’s so dusty in here! I can’t believe I’ve been away for so long.

There’s much to update my readers on. Looking at my last post it’s amazing of all the changes in my life, that somewhat have kept me away. My last post was posted on 8/4/2020. I’m sad to announced that was the day before my beloved mother passed away. I will go into more details later.

If you go back, I was recovering from surgery after that. Good news, I’ve recovered well.

There’s a little person in my life. That’s another story in itself. It’s also another reason why I haven’t thought of butt to chair in a long time.

I’m currently between jobs, which was the last time I launched a book. I think everything happens for a reason.

I think what I miss the most is sharing praise and worship music with you.

It’s good to connect again. Let me know what’s going on with you.

And here I leave you with a song that the Lord placed in my heart.

Be Blessed.

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More than Pumpkins and Cancer

On October 7, 2018 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts1 Comment

October

October marks the beginning of the fall. The weather starts to cool off a little, or at least I’m waiting for it to finally do. The stores start carrying everything in pumpkin flavor. I like pumpkins, but some things should not be pumpkin flavored, just my opinion. October is also breast cancer awareness month, a very worthy cause, but let’s not forget that it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Since I started blogging, I’ve tried to make a concerted effort to recognize this cause, because it’s close and dear to my heart. I try to provide information and a venue for survivors to share their stories. This year will not be different. I’ll admit that some information may sound like repetition, but some things are worth repeating.

To anyone wanting to share their stories, I have a form on the site where you can share the story confidentially. I will post it on the main page, only if I have your consent. If not, and all you wanted to do was vent, I’ll consider it an honor the fact that you decided to share with me and I’ll pray for you.

To family and friends of victims, I say this: be patient. You may not understand why someone doesn’t leave an abusive situation. I can promise you that it’s complex. Rushing the person before they’re ready or putting them down will make the situation worse. Offer a listening ear and support as much as you’re allowed to.

To those who have survived, I say this: you made it! You may still be dealing with y battle wounds and other struggles, but everything will be OK. It may take a while, but it will be fine.

To those in the situation (men and women), I say this: You are loved! Don’t even believe that you’re not worth it, because that’s a lie. Don’t ever believe that you are stupid, because that’s a lie. Don’t ever believe that you can’t do any better, because that’s a lie. You are precious, loved and wonderfully made. Reach out, we’re waiting for you.

Be blessed

Naty

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Saying Yes to Love: The Christmas Story

On December 23, 2017 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts3 Comments

Christ xmas

We all have heard the story of Christmas. The baby born in a manger by a virgin. The wise men guided by a star. When you look at it closely it’s just a story of deciding to say yes to love. The main festivities related to Jesus are his birth and death. Both were celebrations of saying yes to love.

The first was Jesus’s decision to save humanity through becoming one of us to save us from ourselves.

That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. Hebrews 10:5

God said yes to Jesus and sent him to earth.

baby

He then chose a woman named Mary to carry that son and bring that son into the world.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

Mary said yes, despite knowing the consequences of being judged since her “fiance” was not the father of the baby, which would bring shame to them.

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement[c] quietly. Matthew 1:18

Although our redemption came later with Jesus’s resurrection, Christmas was the first step in the journey of him showing us how to live a life for God within our human condition. He said yes to dying to save us all.

I believe that the best way to celebrate this time is to reflect on this love that was given to us and freely give it to others. It’s not about money or presents, it’s about spending time with those we love, but also sharing ourselves with those who don’t have anyone to love them.

This is the real meaning of Christmas: saying yes to love.

How are you showing your love for others this Christmas? Share it with us!

merrychristmas

Blessings

Naty

Adventures in Snowcalypse 2017

On December 9, 2017December 9, 2017 By Naty MatosIn Articles3 Comments

Let me set the stage by explaining that although I was born in New York, I celebrated my PR2 first birthday in Puerto Rico and the following 28 as well. If you don’t know this, Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean, where snow is only seen on television. I did see snow before I moved to Atlanta. I think my most vivid memory of snow was when I was eight or nine. My brother lived in Maine by a lake. My mother and I went to ring the New Year with his family and there was snow, oh there was snow!

Anyway, fast forward to the present time, snow is a treat for me. In Georgia snows for a couple of hours and it quickly melts, but I get to see snow and even walk in it for a few minutes. Back in 2014, Atlanta had a “big” snowstorm. Now, you north snowbirds can stop laughing right now. It was big for us, so stop it! The city had a real meltdown. Cars were in the highways for days, people were stranded for hours, it was a total mess!

I’ve been fortunate that I’ve always been home when snow comes. I haven’t had to deal with traffic or other kinds of issues. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know how to drive in the snow, therefore I leave the deed to the professionals.

snow1 Meteorology in Atlanta is a game of Russian roulette. They will tell you that it will rain, and you find yourself with a pretty sunny day. They tell you that it will be beautiful outside, and you get soaked. So, when I saw that the forecast was announcing snow mixed with rain, I figured I would see a few paper towel dust flurries, rain and move on. To my surprise it started snowing. I ran outside to take a video of it to make sure that I captured the few flurries that were to come.

An hour went by and it started snowing; really snowing. That’s when I realized this one was for real. (Again folks, stop laughing). I was working from home, so I opened all my windows wide and enjoyed the scenery while working. snow2

The first thing that should have clued me that this was not like other times, was that when my dog tried to go out for her morning bathroom break, she seemed to be ice skating on the deck. I told a friend that I was going to take my lunch break to go to the store and get a few things. He asked me if I was planning to walk to the store. (He’s a comedian) When I stopped laughing, he asked me if my car was a four-wheel drive, that was a no as well. He recommended that I stay home unless it was an emergency; and it wasn’t. After work, because I’m a big girl, I got bundled up and decided that if I drove very slow I could make it to the store, get my wants (because there were no needs) and come back. I opened the garage door and proceeded to try to get the car out.

I must clarify that even my realtor and his lovely wife described my driveway as a launching pad because it’s a steep hill. I finally got the car out of the garage and it started sliding in the ice, not something I’m used to. I have very good news, the breaks on my car are perfectly fine. I, still stubborn, tried to get the car a little lower on the driveway. The car was still dancing in the snow3 ice. This is where a little bit of anxiety kicked in, forget the store, will I be able to get the car back up? I opened the garage door that was now closed. Between the gas pedal and my very good breaks, I was able to get the car back up the hill. I closed the garage door and said to myself, “You know what? I really didn’t want hot cocoa after all, what I really want is some tea and I have plenty inside”

A few hours later, looking out my kitchen window, the neighbor’s kids were building a snowman. I smiled and contemplated the idea of making a snowman until I remembered that required getting dressed and being out in the cold. I decided that watching the kids do it was more enjoyable at this point.

Finally, I woke up this morning with snow still falling hard. It is beautiful to see all the white fresh fallen snow on my yard and the streets. I’m writing this from my bed, my dog is curled up in her bed snoring. This is how snow days should be spent.

snow5

I still pray for those who lost power and those who’ve had no choice but to be out on the streets.

Ok, laugh now as much as you want! :)

Stay safe and warm

Naty

Ending of the new beginning

On November 30, 2017 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts, Short StoriesLeave a comment

Today is the last day for NaNoWriMo and I can count myself a winner. It’s a thrilling feeling, as I had paused my writing for longer than I expected. I’m also excited about feeling fulfilled like I do when I write a good story.

I have to admit that I’m not thrilled with “ Christmas in London”, my NaNo novel. I guess it will take a lot of rewrites. I know stories have lives of it’s own, but this one really went left from what I had planned.

Today I also started my writing course. It will take me about a year to complete. This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but never thought I could. In a leap of faith and a friend who found the course, I’m really excited to be able to improve the talents that God gave me.

My first class is on short stories, which is ironically how I started my public writing career. I published the short story “The Janitor” as part of an anthology. The story of a troubled man seeking answers, stops at a local church. There he meets the church’s janitor who has some very wise words for him.

My favorite short story, which I’ve only publish within a writer’s website it’s “ Waffles and Coffee”. This is the story of a Christian family that loses perspective of life and each other because they’re lost in their routines and ministry commitments. They learn that the simple things in life can mean more than grand gestures. They also learned that those small gestures are what keep relationships healthy.

short stories

As part of my course I’m reading “ Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories” by Margaret Lucke. The first few pages were things that I already knew, but as I keep reading I’m getting more intrigued about the content. It’s going to be a good ride.

Share with me what new journey you are about to embark, even if you have not made any steps towards it. Remember, everything starts with an idea. (Yes, I got that from the book !)

Before I go, Happy Anniversary to The Rising Muse. On and off we’ve been at this for 8 years and God willing many more ahead.

Until next time,

Be blessed.

Naty

Perspective: Dallas Shooting

On July 12, 2016July 11, 2016 By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

dallas

I was on the phone with my mother, with the news on the background, when they started talking about the Dallas shooting. It was a confusing situation. During a protest by Black Lives Matter and other organizations, a shooting broke out. 12 people were shot, 5 of them died the rest wounded. 11 of them were police officers and 1 civilian.

This was a significant incident given that the protest was against police brutality and the target of this shootings was the police. At the beginning it was thought that there were multiple shooters, but at the end it was found that it was just one well trained one.

You can find bad apples in every bucket, that doesn’t mean that all the apples in the bucket are rotten. I can remember every interaction with the police that I’ve had. I don’t have a particular bad experience to recount. But I know that’s not everyone’s experience. I have been stopped for no reason to ask for my identification, but it has never developed into a situation. They take the information, they verify and I go my merry way. So I can’t relate to those who have had bad experiences, but I do know that they happen and they are real.

However, the majority of police officers go into this line of work for one reason, and one reason only: to serve. Every day and night they risk their lives to ensure a safe society. Do they need better training? Yes. Do they need better pay? Yes. Are there some that shouldn’t be on the force? Yes. But just like we don’t want racial, socieconomical and gender generalizations, we shouldn’t do it for the brothers in blue.

police 2

The story that really encompassed what happened that night was told by one of the protesters. He recounts that he was running when he heard the shots. A police officer pushed him out of the way to safety. At that same moment that cop was shot and was one of the casualties. John 15:13 tells us “
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That’s exactly what this officer did and many do every day.

It’s ok to make callouts to justice. It’s not only proper, but a legal right. But we should hold accountable those bad apples instead of harming all the good apples that are working very hard for us.

Food for thought.