“When I find myself in times of troubles,
Mother Mary comes to me,
Speaking words of wisdom,
Let it be.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What’s a nice Jewish girl doing writing a post that begins by singing praises of Mother Mary?
Yesterday, I re-watched Sir Paul McCartney being honored at The Kennedy Center Honors. This is my favorite award show, when peers honor the best and the brightest artists. Musicians such as Nora Jones, Steven Tyler, James Taylor and Mavis Staples belted out McCartney-Lennon songs for Sir Paul. I broke out in goose bumps.
And when the broken hearted people living in a world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see.
There will be an answer. Let it be.
When James began strumming on his guitar and singing “Let It Be”, I realized what the next topic for my blog post would be.
When I was first diagnosed with MS, I was told to learn to handle stress for optimal health. Through the years, I’ve read about and tried many different ways of coping; some have worked and some have not.
After all of my searching, I realized the most important lesson I’ve learned.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else believes in. (At least not to me.) It can be Mary or Jesus, Moses, Buddha or The Golden Rule. As long as you have something of your own, something tucked safely within your heart and soul that is your personal belief system. That is what matters. Because inevitably, someday, somehow, when your faith is tested, your beliefs will step up to the plate for you, ready to help you navigate your bumpy road. It will give you comfort, courage and hope for a better tomorrow.
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me.
Shine until tomorrow. Let it be.
My personal beliefs are a recipe of sorts. I start out with my Judaic beliefs, lines from great poetry and the teachings of Buddha. Add to that the many lessons learned from my father and my uncle, great readers of literature and poetry. Blend in large amounts of the wonders of nature. Top it off with meaningful stories shared by close family and friends.
These beliefs are the ones I turn to at the end of the day. They renew my spirit, and give me courage and strength.
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me.
Speaking words of wisdom. Let it be.
Let it be, let it be. Let it be, yeah, let it be.
Through my advocacy work and my writing, I’ve spoken to hundreds of people
struggling with the burdens of living with an autoimmune disease. I tell them how I’ve learned to deal with stress. I hope someday they will think of me, and discover what beliefs work best for their journey.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be,
yeah, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be." ~John Lennon/Paul McCartney
Let me offer a few ways I’ve learned to try to lower my stress levels:
So, whether it’s Mother Mary or Moses or The Golden Rule that you believe in, each ARE standing right in front of you. Waiting to help. Waiting to keep you brave. Waiting to give you wisdom. Waiting to give you hope.
What beliefs help you handle stress?
DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained and my posts are of a journalistic nature and not in lieu of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from the use of this blog or any data or links provided.
Paul McCartney Fast Facts
Beautiful post; thank you. Let it be...simple, yet wonderful advice.
Beautifully stated wisdom. My comfort comes from faith in God. I pray and pray and pray until I feel like my head just might explode... then I pray that it won't. I also need to walk my dogs on a regular basis to relieve stress, have QUIET often, and adhere to a regular bedtime (even if "regular" means lights out by 12:30). Hugs help an awful lot, as well.
Great post! Thank you.
Great Post Cathy! Music has always been my therapist, as well as, my church and energy source! What else is on your playlist?
I totally agree, Cathy. It doesn't matter what your faith is, or whether or not you consider yourself a religious person. Dig deep into your soul to look for strength, and you will find it. Wishing you strength during tough times, my friend.
This is a wonderful, heartfelt, intelligent post. I also believe in needing something - anything - to hold onto when you are feeling vulnerable and scared. Different things work for different people. My wish for you is you continue to utilize all your wonderful skills to keep you life on an even keel. It sounds like you've learned a lot and have a lot to share with those around you!
I think this is wise advice whatever makes your life not perfect--be it disease or aging or just stuff.
Oh--and the fact that it's from Paul McCartney just makes it better. Sigh.
All such great info on handling stress, something I definitely need now. My mom loved the Beatles (who didn't right?) and "Let It Be" is such a great song. Thanks for sharing your insights...and just wanted to let you know also thinking of you and your family...hoping for positive news.
I loved this...first, because I've always loved Paul McCartney (one of my close girlfriends in high school would call me Paul as a nic name). Secondly, this is good advice. Especially the part about limiting the news. I get most of mine online because I can't bare to watch more than a minute or two of network news. Even locally.
lovely post and so true on how stress affects our bodies, no matter who you are! I have practiced yoga for almost 20 years and find it invaluable for my well being, particularly now that I am in peri-menopause. I highly recommend it!
First of all, beautiful post Cathy. And the thing that most de-stresses me is to sit on my back deck and watch the birds. They focus only on the moment, and their beauty reminds me that any universe that contains them must have been created by something spectacular. It provides my best God moments.
Thank you, Cathy, this is just the motivation I need to get off my chair and get some exercise today before it is too late. I, too, love Paul McCartney and think is a particularly soothing song.
Carhy Cathy,
Amen,sister!
Your blog of Paul McCartney's song"Let It Be"
and its meaning to you was so personal for me and really hit home.I loved how you broke down the lyrics and explained what they meant to you.
I also have had MS for 14+
years and am constantly trying to cope with my situation through music(those Kennedy Center Tributes are amazing,I even have five favorites,along with a Billy Joel master class session and a few other gems that are great boosters when my spirit is flagging.I share them with my cohorts& will send you links if you wish-thank G-d for u-tube).
In addition,your AnEmpoweredSpirit website is a wonderful way to reach and enlighten women.What a gift you have,for writing and for connecting with women.
Although having progressive MS has pretty much rendered me immobile these days,your"Let it Be" blog really moved me;my own Jewish culture gives me comfort and strength,as does music,reading,writing,
drawing,watching movies and family, especially my husband who puts up with my physical limitations ,and my younger brother who also lives with this disease but has handled it with such patience and grace,in a positive way.He is my hero.
Thank you for sharing JT and Mavis with us-I love how they turned a pop song into a spiritual of sorts-another great tribute was Heart singing Led Zeppelin last year,so touching it made Robert Plant cry.
Thanks again,
Debbie S.