Oops! I Lied
Habits or addictions are a tough thing to break. Researchers say that it can take 10 weeks or longer to break a habit. And then one day, you decide you will have just one cookie or buy one little thing – and your back in the habit.
In last week’s blog, I stated that I no longer collect things except perhaps scars (which I don’t purposely set out to do). While shopping with one of my dear friends and a faithful reader of my blog (bless you, Claire); she pointed out that I really haven’t stopped collecting. I said “Yes, I have”. To which she merely pointed to a cute little figure sitting on a display shelf for the 4th of July – A gnome.
I smiled and sighed.
Gnomes are mythological and diminutive creatures first introduced by the author, Paracelsus in the 16th century. Its characteristics have been reinterpreted by many story tellers but are mainly considered to be small in stature and live underground. Gnomes are known as symbols of good luck and protection. They are still used today to watch over crops and livestock; often tucked away in rafters of a barn or in a garden.
I have to admit, I think they are just plan cute! I have become enamored with gnomes. Over the past year, I have developed a great affection for them and when I see them I always smile.
It started out innocently enough with a Medicine Man Gnome that was given to my aunt as she faced her first cancer at age 36.
When she passed at age 73, I inherited that Medicine Man. Most thought it was an ugly little thing, and one cleaning lady was actually too afraid to dust it. But it made me smile every time I saw it and brought comfort to me as I went through my own bout with cancer.
Little did I know that with the gain in popularity, so would my attraction to collecting gnomes. I have one that sits on each of our beds and then some for each holiday throughout the year. I have developed a scotoma for gnomes – always keeping my eyes open for those little squishes everywhere I shop. I have wrought iron ones in the yard, and one by my front door that welcomes our guests. Meet the Schoen Gnome Family.
I knew I needed to stop this habit of searching for gnomes when my neighbor texted me a picture of a Halloween gnome she had seen in TJ Max and wondered if I wanted it. As I was in the doctor’s office waiting to be seen I quickly asked “How much? and How tall?” I wasn’t paying much attention to her answer because the doctor was on her way in to see me and not being very good with numbers but seeing it was cute, I quickly texted my reply – “Bring that gnome home! I’ll pay you when I see you”.
Imagine my surprise when she comes lugging this 40 inch, 15 lbs. gnome across the street!
Too big to store in a closet and too precious to put in the attic, it now resides in our office by the door with a sign that says “If you have nothing to do, don’t do it here”. While it may have started out as a Halloween Gnome, I made a new Velcro fleece cover for its hat so that it stays out all year long.
Truth be told, I really have enough gnomes. So right here and now I am officially and publicly
announcing that I will no longer be adding to my gnome collection.
At least until I see a gnome that is just too cute to pass
up. And then, of course, I will bring it home – because you can never have enough gnomes looking out for you.
You see my friends, while you may try to give up a habit or an addiction or a collection, every once in a while, life presents something that is just too good to pass up. And so my message for your today is – don’t pass it up. Life is too short to walk away from something that makes you smile.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.