[Marylin]

I got up at 5am this morning and worked in the garden,such a wonderful time to be out there,I took a hacksaw to my overgrown hydrangea and cut it down,I filled five garden waste sacks with it.There are three or four very thick stubborn branches I didn't have the strength to finish off today but they will get done another time.I also have a clematis to cut right down and get rid off,it is boring non flowering and i want to replace it!

The garden and working out there lifts my moods I think the exercise gets my endorphins going and it helps me to de stress.I feel I have achieved so much when everything is tidy and tamed out there.I liked it today very much.I feel strong when I get things done in the garden.I am managing it on my own again cutting the grass and all.

I had a gardener for about five weeks but he turned out to be unsuitable and I had to let him go,but all is good I can do it.It helps me get back my power after my narc sister tried to make me dependent on her and helpless.
I keep finding things she did out there to sabotage my efforts but she can't get into my property now so I can put that behind me!

I also got a big hedge cut at the front of my drive a couple of weeks ago.I did it myself with the hand held hedge trimmer,it took me three hours but I can't tell you how good it felt to be able to do it myself and not rely on someone who holds it up to you and says I have to do everything for you you are useless!

It helps me find peace of mind the garden and while I am out there not only do I push myself to do difficult jobs but I find myself practicing mindfulness,how to empty and still the mind, get rid of anxious and obsessive thoughts and learn to observe my thoughts and emotions and detach.

It brings me peace and I like the stillness.I also like the nature sounds,the birdsongs, we have wood doves cooing and robins and finches as well as the crows that turn up every now and then.

So I recommend that everyone spends time in their garden and if you can get stuck in and do some garden work it will help you lift your moods and relax the body and mind.

[lizardlady]

Working in the yard is a great stress reliever for me too!

I deeply miss my garden but I DO know the wonders of one; the soothing emotional release, the reward of eating the produce.