Standing Tall

It wasn't always like this you know

There were dark moments

When I felt so disconnected

When I felt like I did not fit in at all

When I had no idea who I was

There were moments of incredible sadness, loneliness, and deep despair

Where I hid myself

Trying to blend into the background

I did not speak up

I tried to go unnoticed

Afraid of making a fool of myself

I do not recall the exact moment it shifted

Maybe it wasn't a moment at all

Rather a series of events

Unlocking my heart piece by piece

Making me more aware

Allowing myself to feel more

Slowly shifting

Slowly my eyes opened

Opened up to the person who was me

Standing inside me this whole time

But I was to scared to look

To afraid to take notice

Now here I stand

Deeply rooted

Leaning towards the sun

Soaking in the beauty of life and living it each day

Smiling widely

Never would this have been possible

If I had not opened up my heart

My soul

Myself

But that tender moment occurred

That moment of opening

And now I stand

Showered in love

Heart feeling so full

The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "YES!"
It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed your children.
It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

--Oriah

Way of being

This way of being does not serve you

Your heart and soul are yearning for something more

Longing for a deeper connection

You have an inner peace about you

One that the world needs to see

Do not be afraid to embrace that

Do not be afraid to see where it will lead you

What kind of mark do you want to leave on the world?

How will you do it?

thoughts and prayers

It is wonderful having friends stretching all over the United States

But there are moments, like now, when I wish

I could snap my fingers and appear right beside them

So I can hold their hand

Sit with them in silence

Cook them a good meal

And let them breathe just a little bit easier

But I am here

and dear Liz is there

And even though we may be far apart

I am holding her and her new family deeply in my heart

Sending her love and healing thoughts

And I ask you to please do the same

Because during difficult times

It helps when we come together

And hold each other tenderly

Please send out your thoughts and prayers

to Liz, John, and their new baby Ellie

And if you feel inclined, go here

and leave Liz a little message to lift her up

I know she would appreciate it greatly

Ask

"Ask and you shall receive." I am sure we have all heard that expression before. But how often do we adhere to it? I know for myself that I find it very difficult to ask. Especially when it is something that touches my soul and means a lot to me.

When it comes to work it is easy. I have no problem asking for help. Why do I find it so difficult then to ask when it really means something to me? The gremlins enter my mind. Telling me that I am not worthy or deserving of what my heart is calling for. "Who am I?" the little voice whispers.

Who am I this voice asks?

I am someone who is pushing forward

Gaining courage and strength to reach for her dreams

I am someone who wears a smile proudly on her face

And has a skip in he step every once in awhile

I am brave

Caring

Kind

And I am fearless

I am someone that will no longer be afraid to ask

I will leap

And I will fly

Family

Megs graduation fiesta

because getting together with the family always leads to laughter, good times, and lots of incredible memories to look back on

another reason I am so lucky

Playing with Silly String

I stood back to back in my tiny apartment with Christian. Each of us armed with one can of Silly String. The rules were simple: walk three steps then turn around and shoot as fast as you can. Laughter filled my apartment as we did this. Each trying to cover the other with the silly string. Who knew two little cans could evoke so much laughter?

We sprayed each other until the cans were completely empty. My terrible aim and closed eyes approach caused silly string to be everywhere. Christians was dead on and left me covered in it from head to toe. It was a blast.

I was never so happy cleaning up a mess as I was with this one. I am still finding evidence of our fun together around my apartment. Each time I do I giggle and a smile instantly forms across my face.

One of the things I love about Christian is his willingness to play. He dives right in and fills the air with his contagious laughter. Playing with the silly string together was no exception.

You should give it a try. I guarantee it will lift your spirits and cause you to giggle. And if you do it, I would love to see photos. Happy playing!

First

Do you remember the first time you laughed?

How about the first time you cried?

Or when your eyes first gazed upon the ocean

Or you saw your very first shooting star darting across the sky

Do you remember meeting your very first friend?

Or who took you out on your first date?

How about the first time you held someone's hand

Or your very first kiss

Butterflies swirling around your stomach

That feeling happens the very first time we do anything

Nervous fright mixed with pure excitement

A feeling that cannot be anticipated

It hits you

Fast

Strong

And it is amazing

Nothing compares

To the very first time

You do something

Embrace each first

venture out

It is so easy to stay where you are

To fall deeply into your comfort zone

Stay within your routine

Day after day

Following along

This is easy

But every now and then

Someone comes along

And pulls you out

Takes you places you have never been before

Shows you things your eyes have yet to see

They open up your soul

To new adventures

And you are never the same

A mark is left on your heart

Leaving you longing to experience it again

The smiles

The laughter

The comfort

All of it brought on by this magical soul

Holding your hand

Guiding you through a new door

And opening you up

These experiences are cherished for eternity

Deep within your mind

As your wings expand

And you fly

Thank you

Honor those who are out there

Fighting for our freedom

Keeping us safe

Take a moment to think of them

Say a pray

And wish they return home free of harm

Thank them for their bravery and courage

Appreciate the risk they are taking

Think of their families as well

Because of each one of them

We have the opportunity here

To live free of fear

Thank you!

To all the brave men and women

Far from home

You are in our thoughts and prayers

Truth

Speak your truth

Because others need to hear it

You are not alone

And by speaking up

Like minded souls will fly in

Scoop you up

And hug you

And your words

Your truth

Will heal others

Touch their souls

And let them know they are not alone

Speak your truth