Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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


Friday, July 23, 2010

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?

Monday, July 19, 2010

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



Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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

Sunday, July 11, 2010

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

Saturday, July 10, 2010

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!

Thursday, July 08, 2010

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

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

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

Sunday, July 04, 2010

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

Thursday, July 01, 2010

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