my best days are ahead of me

estoy listo

beach writing, nags head NC

I walk in the door to my apartment

The quietness engulfs me

It reminds me that I am alone

This reminder of being alone

Is packed full with intense emotion

At times I embrace the silence

It allows me the opportunity to dig deep into my thoughts

Create beautiful things with my hands

And connect with myself

But there are moments when that stillness is deafening

Feelings of isolation surface

A longing for connection swirls inside me

And tears fill my eyes

A constant tug back and forth

Elation and heartache

I cherish the solitude

But souls simply grow better when they are together

Each one reflecting back the others brilliance

Balancing and nudging the other forward

Lifting them up and holding their hand

For awhile I was not ready to embrace love

I needed to venture down my own path

Even though I was unsure of what that was

I stumbled and I fell

But I learned how to pick myself back up

The lessons that came my way were not always easy

But they were powerful

And opened my eyes up to the beauty in telling the truth

I feel confident in myself

Sure of the steps I am taking

And I am ready to not only give love

But to receive it in return

***

"souls just grown better together" ~ paraphrased from Elizabeth

Squam by the Sea

Nags Head NC ~ squam by the sea

My heart is full

and so filled up with love

I spent four marvelous days in Nags Head NC

Soaking in the magic that happens at squam arts workshops

I was seen for who I am by others

And for the very first time truly saw myself

I am a writer, what a glorious thing to realize

Breathtaking

Beautiful

Honest

Open

Loving

Soulfull

Tender

Brave

These are just a few of the words that describe what it is like being surrounded by the most radiant women and engulfed in their love. There is something so powerful about women coming together. Souls supporting one another, truly seeing one another, and reflecting back what we see to each other. Magic. Pure love and magic.

My world is a little bit brighter these days

Beauty surrounds me

And happiness fills my heart

Thank you squamettes

For being brave

Following the bat signal

And traveling to the sea

I cannot imagine my life without you

Sending you my love xoxo

To see clearly

Mindy's beautiful ring. Nags Head, NC ~ squam by the sea

She had to look through

Someone else's eyes to see clearly

She needed them to reflect

Back what they saw

She did not see it in her

She did not even know it was their

It was the vision of another

That opened her up to herself

Without them looking

She never would have

Saw it

Without their eyes

Hers would still be closed

Precious Moments

Last year this time I was on the Oregon Coast

Surrounded by the most amazing women

Each one so talented, so brave,

So willing to open up and share themselves

It was a moment in time that is forever etched in my heart

And since then I have not been the same

We stood along side one another

Held each others hands

Gave each other space to grow

We were present in the moment

And with each other

We learned how precious sisterhood really is

And we felt the power that happens when women come together

We laughed

We cried

We opened each other up

And held the space for one another

Even though a year has flown by

This sisterhood has remained strong

Support and love swirls through this group

My eyes well up with tears

When a candle is lit

A prayer is said

A hug is given

And a cheer is sung from the mountain tops

Even if it is virtual

It is filled with deep meaning

Thank you scarf sisters

For being exactly who you are

For spreading your wings

And soaring

The journey you are on is precious

And I am so lucky to watch it all unfold

so lucky!

My heart feels full

So incredibly full

I am surrounded by love

Encircled by people who support me

Cheer me on

And truly want to see me shine

How did I get so lucky?

I am amazed and in awe

Of all the love that swirls around me

Each kind word cracks my heart open a little more

Every high five brings a smile to my face

A knowing glance

A warm embrace

All of these things fill me up

How did I get so lucky?

I stand here

My soul overflowing with joy

An enormous smile on my face

Grateful for each encounter

I am so lucky in this life

And so appreciative for the chance to experience it

Thank you universe!

I stand here

I stand here

In an unknown city

Falling deeply into myself

There are parts of me that hurt

Pieces that feel broken

But I stand here

I stand here

Submerging myself into the moment

Refusing to answer any questions

Because it is here where I belong

Traveling down my path

So I stand right here

it was here

thank you

I stand here

In the middle of all of this

Thinking of those I love

My heart is full

With emotions that are impossible to express

I am so lucky

That seems to be the only way to describe it

So very lucky

I stand here feeling blessed

For everyone that I have encountered in my life

The friendships that have developed deep over time

The brief encounters of strangers passing by

And my family who has stood beside me through it all

The moments of laughter that have filled up my soul

And the tears that have fell from eyes because I dug deep and let myself go

I am grateful for all of these things

And grateful for everyone in my life

It is theses moments

And each individual

That make my life so special

Thank you for coming into my life

Touching my soul the way you have

Because of you I have smiled more

And felt the beauty of life

Showing up

I show up here 

because it is food for my soul

A space for my mind and heart 

to purge all the contents that are swirling around

I show up here

because I know no other way

This page is a canvas for me to paint my words on

A blank slate to open up into

I show up here

because it is here that I feel seen

I am freely able to express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings

With unwavering support from others

I show up here

because it allows me the ability to connect 

with myself and with others

It is here that I know I am not alone

I show up here

and I am so glad that you show up as well

Thank you for every time you visit

And for each comment you make

Reading what you have to say lights me up inside

I see you, in all your beauty

I show up here 

to feel the connection we all have

We are never alone, ever