Be Curious in the Moment!

"I know who I was, 

I can tell you who I may have been,

but I am, now, only in this line of words I write."

Ursula K. Le Guin

In this current life we have played numerous roles:  child, parent, neighbor, student, teacher, etc...

In our dreams, we can be play acting roles from different centuries or worlds yet to come.  Still, through meditation or visualization, we might expand into greater yet undefinable scenarios.

If we are not yet grasping the depth of our existence, we will be far less advanced.  Inspiration barrels through our dreams and then into our environment to attract our attention.  There will be prayers with unusual depth or songs registering more personally as our day unfolds.

Are we ignoring opportunities to become a fuller human being?  Are we missing the scenes being acted out in our community?  All of these prompts try to catch our attention so we can create better intentions.   Who we have been, who we will be has nothing to do with who we are in this moment.

Shrivel Until Death

"When people don't express themselves,

they die one piece at a time."

Laurie Halse Anderson

My once mother-in-law  (a woman I greatly loved and admired) was on one end of the phone trying to provoke her grandson into talking with her.  My child was shy and really never was a talker, but I was trying to force him to please say something to his 'Granny'.  Finally, he sighed and stated, "Our neighbors house burned down."  This of course was not true, but our pressure forced him to speak.

There are individuals who can talk all day long, but never really express what is inside of them.  There are those who choose words based on what they think you want to hear, but not having any relevance to his or her self.  In life, there are both men and women who choose not to talk at all as a result of having a speech impairment or have been ridiculed or abused in life.

I have journaled for years, so whether dainty or harsh, my words flow upon a page uncensored.  This is not to say that I have never experienced silence as a form of communication which does indeed speed the internal death of emotion.  Loss of expression stifles a sense of living and our inner sources shrivel until death.

That Aught Not Happen

"I am nobody.  Who are you?

Are you nobody too?"

Emily Dickinson

If someone decides to ask a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up," they had better have the respect to listen to the answer without editing any of it.  Often times the child is cut off midstream or totally squashed by negative feedback.  That aught not happen.

I believe the appropriate question is "What interests do you have and what will you do with them?" Some individuals know from childhood exactly what they want to be while others will work their way through a long list of differing occupations.  As we grow, our expectations change or depth is added as our creativity flourishes.

Often, we are told to be the best person we can be which is good advice except it may not run parallel to the direction we are headed.  When we give our lovely selves permission to grow into our skin honoring our inner beauty, we have time to appreciate the incidental things in life and applaud the unique accomplishments of others.  Perhaps if we never stop viewing through a child's eye, we will be more apt to encourage and support rather than defile and negate.

Sacred Cubbyhole

“ 

"So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters;

and whether it matters for ages or only for hours, nobody can say."

Virginia Woolf

It is advisable for each of us to have a private space, no matter how grand or small.  It can be a favorite park bench; a spare chair at the library or a nook in a cafe.  We each need an area where we automatically feel safe and comfortable.  Our bodies and our senses immediately recognize the comfort zone.

A contemplative writer lived in a petite studio apartment.  She craved a writing space separate from her other things.   Brilliantly, she turned a chair around to face the wall.  There was a small end table placed by the chair previously, so it could hold her coffee, paper, candle, and pens. The big over stuffed chair hid a decent blank space on the wall.   So she began daily to add a picture to the wall forming a collage.  When she turned the chair back around, nothing could be seen.

There are things we crave in our lives, but perhaps we feel it is too early or too late, which is not true at all.  A person with an unfinished dream can alter, switch, and regroup portions to fit a scale that can be managed at this point in his or her life.  Be creative and discover a sacred cubbyhole to hold  to give more life to desires.

The Wrong Turn or The Right Turn

"Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get

to the right place."

Mandy Hale

When we look back over our lives, marking the areas where significant change occurred, we can glance a little farther back to discover what actually triggered the movement.  Frequently, it would seem  prior to change, an occurrence unfolded making us uncomfortable, restless or unappreciated.  

All of us have these phases in our lives, the back stories, where we discover we are not on the right track.  It might be hard to remember how we got there and have no idea how to exit.  If we pull our view back and regard our journey on a map, we will discover some of these short uncomfortable situations connected us to the next step of success.

These short cuts even though uncomfortable tend to teach us something that will come into play in a positive way later down the road.   When we feel we have missed our appropriate exit, be patient as the right turn is not far ahead.  In looking back, it would seem that some of our wrong turns led to the perfect right turn. 

Listen to the Hidden Words

"One of the tasks of true friendship is to listen compassionately 

and creatively to the hidden silences.

John O'Donohue

During the holidays I had time to spend with someone I care about, although we don't have a particular bond or connection.  I sat quietly listening to her share all the places she had been and who she had seen, but all the while, her eyes were filled with misery.  

I was reminded how difficult the holidays can be for individuals in spite of being surrounded by people.  The gatherings tend to remind of us of previous gatherings when other loved ones still walked upon this earth.   And then there are the hauntings of unexplained happenings while growing up, when we were exposed to situations we had no business being in.

Hidden in the midst of this kind woman's words, there were untold stories of pain and suffering.  She was stuck in the pain of why people would choose to treat her so terribly.  It seemed to be crippling her, preventing her from physically moving forward both emotionally or physically.  I held her hand; shed tears; and told her how sorry I was.  None of which lifted her sagging spirits.   Let us be mindful of our friends who suffer by using our compassion to send prayers, cover them with new energy and light or to take the time to send a quick note.  

Like A Divine Ear ...

"Centering is a verb.  It is an ongoing process... Centering is not a model, but a spiritual resource in times of conflict, an imagination.  It seems in certain lights to be an alchemical vessel, a retort, which bears an integration of purposes, an integration of levels of consciousness.  It can be called to, like a divine ear."  M.C. Richards

Centering is different from grounding.  Centering is an inward movement to align within ourselves; whereas, grounding is an outward movement to be one with Earth.  Through the practice of Centering, one learns:   to detach; connect body, mind and spirit; sense sacred presence; flexibility of light; concept of time; breath control; meditation; healing; and unveiling the true self.

In the very early 1980's, I was desperately seeking resourced knowledge about spirituality which could only be found in the CULT section of bookstores.  Visiting Indianapolis, I ducked into a book store and boldly approached this section in search of knowledge for personal advancement.  I came upon a book entitled, CENTERING, A Guide to Inner Growth.  I quickly went to the check out, paid cash, and made my exit.

To this day, CENTERING by Sanders G. Laurie and Melvin J. Tucker is available on Amazon.  My copy is well worn, highlighted, ear marked, and tagged.  This all encompassing book opened me to chakras, psychic energy, working with dreams and attitude.  Each of these chapters grew into major segments of my existence allowing myself to be open to a Divine Ear.

I have not decided, yet!

"Not making a decision means

forgoing an opportunity."

Auliq Ice

There isn't any certainty as to when an opportunity will appear.  We may hope for years for something to come along or we might immediately catch a glimpse of a creative idea.  Unfortunately, we may be over come by fear and not be able to make a choice.  We remain stuck, inactive, and withdrawn based on fear.  The point is, to do nothing is a reflection of the choice to do nothing.  To say, "I haven't decided'" is fair and often times important, but when it continues to be a permanent position, the decision making is over.

The same holds true when we hear of an opportunity and a friend encourages us to participate, but we make up lame excuses.  Everyone in the family can make demands upon us, and yet we hesitate to carve out a small segment of time to nurture the self.

When people enquire about our progress, with relief we say the position has been filled or the class is full giving the power outside of our selves so we still don't need to decide.  Sometimes we even feel relief when we no longer have the option.  Please open those beautiful eyes to see an opportunity to enliven parts within.

Step Into the Unknown

"You can't make decisions based on fear

and the possibility of what might happen."

Michelle Obama

Women, when called upon, can be resilient and a true force to be dealt with, but it is not her regular speed.  Women will rise to the occasion in protection of her family, home, and endangerment to other loved ones.  When women focus on something with tenacity, they will see it to completion.

This can reference the stubbornness or willful spirit when the woman is looking outward; but what happens to that strength when it is called for in squashing self-loathing, lack of respect, criticism, and cowering to the needs of others at the risk of harming self.

In fear of outcome, women tend to be hesitant in changing her life.  She is fearful to be held singularly accountable or to be disconnected from what she has known.  Unfortunately, the pain women endure in unacceptable situations is far greater than the discomfort of making healthier decisions.  Once stepping through fear, situations might be challenging but they will produce far greater results.  

Know Thyself, But Be Open Change

                   

     "We  cannot let the haters of this world define us. 
                                                   Or frighten us into no longer being ourselves."
                  Mary E. DeMuth

                     

It is easy to be caught up in a crowd of sport enthusiasts or participating in an audience of a live concert.  If passionate enough, there are those who could be swept away at an animal shelter rally.  

Our emotions can be like water flowing, the current pulling us faster than we want to be going, and has the power to pull us under.  Even if submerged briefly, collective force can suck us in.

It is important to be educated about a subject, and then conclude how we apply it our selves.  We need to listen when challenged because there is a chance we have changed and we may need to adjust our opinions.  Facing a challenge might even cause us to change immediately, as the supporting factors become altered. Our growth is stunted when we stop thinking and rely on outdated information.

Who Are You When It Is All Stripped Away?

"As an independent woman, you are not defined by your partner or

your parents.  You are defined by you."

Kailin Gow

Years in the 1940's and in the 1950's, female  children were groomed to be a wife.  A wife was a brainless woman, keeping all thoughts to herself, positioned herself to be a doormat for her mate, and created life in the glory of his name.  Then came children for which the mother was to give up all sense of self to devote every ounce of energy upon the wee ones until they left the nest.    It was this point, a woman could return to her desires or passions, except she was so exhausted it was difficult to think of who you ever were.

In the 1960's and the 1970's the pendulum for women swung towards liberation.  It was a time go barefoot, grow long hair, and burn your bra.  If a woman participated in this growing idea of women being equal, she was likely to be discarded by her family and to be determined never to marry, but have babies.

The 1980  and the 1990 years brought the pendulum more towards the center, and intelligent women began the long road towards serious acceptance; but there was lower pay and plenty of disrespect.  Observers held great anticipation for failure. And yet, we proceeded into the new millennium banning together and becoming a force to be reckoned with.  How is you define your lovely self?

Life in a Snow Globe

"Some of us aren't meant to belong. Some of us have to

turn the world upside down and shake the hell out of it

until we make our own place in it."

Elizabeth Lowell

Accountable for my choices, I do not necessarily feel ecstatic nor superior.  Fear and vulnerability continue to plague me; however, I do have a sense of finally pulling all of my parts together.  So this is what it feels like to be whole!

My choices have created a small snow globe where I can see others, but remain secure in my own private space.   It is a perfect place to be aware of the outside world, and yet be protected from harsh, abrasive, and intentional duplicity.     

I willingly accept some smart ass is going to come along and shake the hell out of my globe, but I do believe that this time my parts will have been mended securely for a powerful sense of self.   Life stirs everything up and we patiently wait for the distractions to settle and the significance of challenge to rise.

Asking, "Let it Be!"

 

"Certain voices heard are heard not because they are phonetic ...

But from one soul they head, to another, in the form of magic."

Jasleen Kaur Gumber

 Friends will sometimes say the exact words we are thinking or we will speak the exact same thing at the same time.  When we discontinue the thought of being solitary human beings, and accept that our body simply houses our spirit or soul.  Who we are at the core is expandable and contracting.  We extend ourselves or withdraw.

A mother frequently hears what her mischievous child whispers to his sister.  An office worker can pick up on gossip being spoken in a very low voice over in the corner.  We will find ourselves wondering who we just overheard speaking while home alone.  Or we might say to our mate, "What did you just say?" and the answer will be "Nothing."

Our thoughts can be very powerful and there are many positive ways to use them.  If we see a homeless person on the street, in our mind we can silently call out to others to give him food or money.  If we are driving by a prison, we can extend blessings to all of the prisoners with the hope they will find at least one hopeful thing in their day.  We can observe a parent inappropriately yanking on a small child and look directly into the eyes of the frightened child saying "I love you.  You are good. Be strong.  At the end of the day we can recap everyone we shared words with and ask the Universe to extend these intentions of kindness.

Simply Unconscious or Other Choices

"You've got to stop thinking of consciousness as your own.  

You're only thinking for yourself when you are by yourself.  As 

soon as you are in the presence of others, our consciousness is 

linked at some level to those of others."

James Rozoff

Collective Consciousness is a social theory becoming more complicated as it is investigated.  There is also Collective Memory and Higher Consciousness.  All three are interesting topics and are often defined by the perspective of the person sharing information.

In a small cafe, a woman is reading an inspirational book from a mentoring program.  As she sits quietly, the most awful violent and destructive visions and words race into and out of her mind.  Her immediate response is to deny these thoughts as her own.  So has she unintentionally plugged into the collective consciousness surrounding her by one or more people?

Ancient script and story tellers pass down information generation after generation.  The descriptions  in the story may change, but the basic principal remains the same.  This is similar to Collective memory. Then there is the Higher Consciousness which intrigues me the most.  It is a collection of spiritual knowledge we may not be cognitive of in our present life experience.  Higher Consciousness can guide, enlighten, and awaken us to a higher level of existing.  Then there are those who are simply unconscious ...

Strange or Familiar?

"Strange in a familiar way,

familiar in a strange way."

Yann Martel

As we try to live up to our expectations, keeping time management routines and scheduling meetings during every available minute, there isn't much time to do nothing.  We may think it is imperative to never be caught doing nothing, but if so, this is inaccurate information.

If we would slow down, broaden our view or listen more to others, we may find information outside of ourselves to be uplifting, eye opening, and challenging.  To travel through our day in a timely manner is respectable, but as we travel there is so much to see and hear.

As we learn to experience our existence in a more meaningful way through observation, we begin to realize sensations seemingly familiar even though we think it has nothing to do with us.  A place one visits for the first time awkwardly feels familiar in a strange way which seems unsettling or the surroundings feel strange, but in a familiar comforting way.  Play at expanding senses during a slower walk though life.

Love Intended to be Exchanged

"Individual cultures and ideologies have their appropriate uses

but none of them erase or replace the universal experiences,

like love and weeping and laughter, common to all human beings."

Aberjhani

Let us all choose a comfortable place to be, letting love flow through our hearts, minds, and spirits.  There is no need to visualize faces or geographic locations, as we are all one.  In that spirit, let us sit extending love out into the world, around the world, and above the world.

The element of water is emotion, so let us think of love as a vast ocean that never ends, with waves of love washing and cleansing all that there is.  Listen to the sound of the waves or watch the expertise of the wave as it spreads love forward.

Our spirits are filled with love intended to be exchanged on this earth with all of its population.  If we reduce our ego, love can overcome competition, hate, intolerance, judgment, violence, and harm.  It is a choice we can make every moment of our day.  Let our choices be an example of love for all.

Dreamwork Uncovers Elements

"I wondered, what are dreams made of?

Are they stardust and galaxies?

Are they tendrils of existence

Reaching inwards from eternity?

Justin Wetch

There are a few dreams lingering long after the day is over.  These nocturnal happenings can reflect our lives supporting our good or reflecting our doubts.  Either way, the dream can repeat itself of just hang over our imaginations hoping we will somehow understand.

There are dreams that I shall never forget by choice and there are dreams I have never been able to dismiss.  Not all visualizations in the night are pretty, but they all do reflect a matter of importance.  To take a dream at surface level is like reading the cover of a book.  As we discard this first layer of information, the true message is lost to us.

Dreams are mesmerizing when we take the time to understand them and begin to track the  significant  pattern developing from night to night and week to week.  Dreamwork is a language to be learned which will uncover elements we hide from our lovely selves. 

Undesirable Task Serves Purpose

 

"We develop grace as we learn, with the guiding hand of

the universe, life will unfold exactly the way it should."

Madisyn Taylor

Daily Om

We are guided to tasks we may think are beneath us and dream of when we will be the boss. We tell ourselves we won't have to be doing the grunt work, but performing at higher levels.

In the jobs we feel are beneath us, we learn something of importance that may not shine through until later in our life.  This undesirable task is giving us experience that will save us time or make a situation easier on down the line.

It is important to embrace all experiences with humility and to treat all workers with integrity and respect.  If we can sense the heart of the person life has pushed us towards, we will find value if we offer respect.

Naked Peace of Being

  

"Enjoy the peace of Nature and 

declutter your inner world."

Amit Ray

Each day, we need to place ego on a time out chair, and let our mind gaze out of a window, or be stirred by the wind on the porch or walk around the block looking up at the sky.  Freedom from calcified thoughts and disrespectful personal demands run rampant in our body, minds, and soul.

We may choose unique clothes or extravagant condos to reflect who we are, but time must be spent naked.  Who am I without all of these things?  Distance the self from all emotional and physical attachments and experience the feeling of being stark naked as that is who we truly are.

We feed our brain with unfiltered information and rarely delete currently unneeded information.  We may be over sleeping, over working, or over medicating.  We can view life more precisely if we declutter our minds and indulge in the naked peace of being.

Creativity is not about Perfection nor Mastering

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things,

because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Walt Disney

When we over extend ourselves into our family, community or careers, we drown out the sound of creativity within us.  Too often, creativity is linked to an image of perfection..  Creativity is meant to be developed to bring us expression.  We are allowed how to share it,  if we share at all, and to what degree it is calling to be developed.

Inspiration rises viewing a person's skill, seeing what pleasure they receive, and how unique it is to the person.  If this is true, perfection is not the name of the game.  A unique flair or added twist attracts more interest than perfection.  What is it that calls curiosity within our own mind?

If we say,  "I'm not very creative," this is more than likely untrue.  The statement may be more spot on if we report, "I haven't found anything that attracts my attention to expand and create."  How much time has been given to an area that appeals?  Start small and slowly add more of personal perspective to the appearance or the rhythm of the work.  Everyone begins small. Be anxious to discover personal ability and to be filled with the greatness of self respect for the talent our mind has been given.

Honor The Heart's Desire ... All Else Will Follow

"Your work is to discover your world and

then with your heart, give yourself to it.:

Buddha

As odd as it sounds, we truly can choose and pick aspects of our world.  First we learn to navigate the outer world and then we explore our inner world, and then we create the best of both worlds.  There are ways, as an average individual, we can address and impact our world.

For example, if we really have an issue with people being without food, we can create anything from instigating a food shelter to personally never wasting food or hoarding more than we need.  If we want to shield ourselves from violence we can discover the best route for ourselves knowing safe places to stop if there is ever trouble.  We can be mindful about security at home and on devices.  And truly, stop watching or reading excessive violence which we then bring into collective thought.

Human beings have power that is often overlooked.  We find strength within ourselves by focusing on what we do well and how we want to apply this to our world.  If our heart says, "This is what I want to do!" we need to build upon that idea.  Our focus needs not to be on higher income, better opportunities for pleasure, or higher recognition.   All of that just might be drawn to us if we perfect the path our heart has chosen.

Introspection and Tantalizing Ideas

"I've learned to heed the call of my heart. I've learned

that the safest path is not always the best path."

Steve Goodier

There are times when our desires fall into place by being forced or manipulated.  Attractions may appear distracting us from our normal routine which might be good or might be something just to let pass.  Just because the occasion is attractive does not mean we need to partake.

How do we know the difference between making a foolish mistake or accepting a perfectly invigorating idea to bring us into alignment?  When we are consciously paying attention to life, we begin to see multiple possibilities.  The fact the choice is safe, appealing and timely, does not mean  we should be the best choice for ourselves.

If we zip along with our choice, we may be flying by needed landscapes or not greeting resourceful people.  If we take a longer route, we may travel more slowly and begin to hear the voice of our soul and the desires of our heart.  Quietly sit with our lovely selves, leaving heart and mind open to add to or distract from tantalizing ideas.

To Choose Just One

"Mindfulness helps us to focus on one goal at a time.

It helps us to be more relaxed, patient and compassionate

towards the goal.

Amit Ray

It is important to keep a loose agenda of where we are going, with flexibility willing to shape itself around change.  Our best intentions are often interrupted by outside forces ... some welcome and some not so much.  

Which sounds better?  Sorting out all of the plans for the week, hustling them around in our mind constantly trying not to overlook anything; or,  mindfully preparing a flexible outline just for the day.  We can mentally prepare the day so enjoyment can be found in each segment without excessive pressure to beat a time line.  This would allow us to productively move through our day with a calmer disposition. 

When we have our goals gently listed, we have relaxation without pressure of how we will ever get everything done.  It feels good to check off goals as they are completed.  Our task is completed in a better form than if we have been pressured through it.  Agreed, there are many things waiting for our attention, but just in this moment I choose to do just this one!

When Life Grows Too Old

"Just when I think I have learned the way to live,

life changes."

Hugh Prather

Never be satisfied with who you have become.  There is no end result unless one simply gives up.  If we are honest, we will bring to mind aspects of our being that have never been pursued.  We can always expand if we choose.

Through travel, community groups, educational seminars, or a vision quest, one comes across new information that can trigger a change within our selves.  It doesn't have to be expensive, physical, or life changing....but it could.

For the person who sits in a chair aging, thinking there is nothing left to lift one's soul, he or she is too complacent.  If we use our imagination we can have things delivered to our home, visit a library, or view a documentary.  Any of these things can spark newness in a life that has grown old.

Are You Who You Were Meant To Be?

"You cannot dream yourself into a character;

you must hammer and forge yourself one."

James A. Froude

It is rather intriguing to listen to friends explain who they meant to be and who they have become.  Some unfolding stories are hilarious while others are heart breaking.  The story teller may have developed physical strength along the way, while others corrected dysfunctional patterns.

There are few people who can report having perfect parents, spectacular childhoods, and easy financial outcome.  In fact, unless they are a stage actor, they most likely are not being truthful.  

We tend to harbor the pain accumulated throughout our journey, but honestly, it is too heavy to carry.  Put it down.  Let it go.  Lighten the load, cleanse the host, and fill with positive choosing.  Follow who we were intended to be .... the image will grow.

A Shield for Protection

"If you work in an area where most feel depleted and you don't, 

it may be that you have very strong spirit helpers or you have

developed a kind of subconscious shielding."

Denise Linn

It is important for a person to know how to protect themselves emotionally/mentally from the drama in the world or rejection from career, relationship, or self-criticism.   There is a woman I admire who steps outside bare footed every morning, year around.  She does this to connect with Mother Earth and for protection of her spirit traveling in this human world.

There are many others who use prayer or meditation to cover themselves with a protective wall from harsh words or chaos or uncertainty.  Energy workers cleanse themselves and protect themselves while working with light.  

Individuals enjoy adding a layer of protection to their physical body to maintain balance in a wobbly world or as a barrier from germs.  No one of course steps out in front of a speeding car, but it is definitely is a wonderful feeling to know that angels or spirits or light energy surrounds us and helps to protect us.  This shielding is especially important when our energy field is extremely low from stress, pressure, or illness.

Hang On While Transitioning!

"I know well what I am fleeing from but

not what I am in search of"

Michel de Montaigne

 Life is filled with transitions. Some we see approaching, but there are those we meet at the bend in the road.  Transitions from one experience to another can be joyful, heart rendering or fearful.  Whatever we learn from one transition may not help us with future changes.

Although, sometimes painful, transitions are part of the learning process.  It is the movement after the incubation, the bridge linking us to a new future.  We are not allowed to see clearly into the next stage and sometimes that is a good thing or else we might be overwhelmed.

As we choose our perspective towards our transition, it frames our experience.  Our perspective is colored by our emotions.  If we are fearful and non-trusting, we may face uncertain opportunities.  If we are strong in our sense of self, believing our journey forward will be rewarding, we will still be challenged but the growth will be deeper.  Stay in the present moment, don't get stuck in your past nor overwhelmed by the future.  Just be....but hang on!

Do Not Be A Sponge For Anger

                                       

"There is no satisfaction that can compare with looking back

across the years and finding you've grown in self-control,

judgment, generosity, and unselfishness."

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

When younger,  I self-appraised my lovely self, and realized all forms of anger were avoided or denied.  I would own the situation and accept responsibility for it so I would not have to yell harsh words.  

Even as I grew older, my tolerance for displays of anger were unacceptable.  I would walk into another room, leave entirely, or find another way to numb myself against the rising tension and violence.  My belly became a hot and roiling pit of black tar.

Eventually, I also coined healthier responses to anger that did not impact my own emotional makeup.  "I can see that you are upset now ...." or  "Perhaps when you are calmer ..."  I have experienced people who do not want you to fix them, but rather to listen. I have witnessed the importance of being the innocent by stander who exerts personal control, no judgment, and a heart filled with compassion.  

Exploring a Weaving for Insight

"I don't know whether you can look at your past and find, 

woven like the hidden symbols on a  treasure map, 

the path that will point to your final destination."

Jodi Picoult

It is often said life is like a tapestry with various colors and textures running through it.  It would be interesting if we could examine the weave and detect which colored texture was the wild and crazy one running sporadically throughout the entire piece.

Somewhat the same can be accomplished by harvesting our journals.  As we go back through our own long ago writings, we are reminded consistently of certain behaviors and accompanied emotions.  We find our motivation if often sincere, and yet when we enable, we rob the other of a needed experience and we become discouraged by our own lack of success.

It is interesting to pick up old books read so many years ago, remembering them in a certain way or a particular admired quality.  And yet, as we browse through the book, it my have lost the original tug we experienced as life has moved us through layers of multiple experiences.  Words stay the same, and colors do not change.  We are the ones who are forever changing and all of the rest are just book marks along the way.