Hidden Gifts

Everything has beauty,

but not everyone sees it.

Confucius

Sometimes when we are just staring off into nothing, we will notice an object taking form in our line of vision.  Perhaps it had been hidden by its very nature or just not seen, but once our interest is peaked the unexpected discovery becomes a gift.

We prejudge by appearances or what we may hear prior to an introduction, so we may miss the hidden gift entirely; but if we open our selves to each experience we very well may discover the hidden value.  

A diamond in the rough or a pearl in an oyster are examples of what I am saying or how about "Don't judge a book by its cover!"  Every single human being is born with unique gifts and talents ... some are obvious, while others not.  Every one we come in contact with has a message for us if we but take the time to experience an exchange.

When a friend transitions from this life into another, loved ones gather and listen to old tales.  We often times hear friends exclaim, "I knew him all of his life, but I never knew that about him!"  There is so much we leave undiscovered when life takes us too quickly through the passages of time. 


Begin to notice everything around you, looking for the hidden gifts.  There may be a bird in the tree, a heart shaped rock by the path or a depth of wisdom in the elderly neighbor.  When we allow our selves to step out of routine, the extraordinary appears.  Life is an adventure and adventure unfolds mystery and mystery unravels the hidden.  Where is your sense of adventure, hmmm?

Self-Sabotage

As the long night slowly yields to day,

I, too, surrender to my next step

Which carries me toward

My natural state of limitlessness.



Danaan Parry





Every day of this week, I have been hoping to have a solid time for writing. I have this idea in my head that needs to get down on paper before it floats away as quickly as it arrived. It is a great thought and I keep adding color, feeling, and substance to it. Each day, however, something gets into the way.

So this morning I awaken, knowing that the day is absolutely free! I can get up, put the coffee on and begin my journey through the written word. I can finally write to my heart's content.

This doesn't happen. I sort laundry, brush lovely Hannah our Golden Retriever, wash out the bowls for Trudy the Tuxedo cat, dust mop floors, run the vacuum, and think about tackling the linen closet that seems to be in disarray. 

This is clearly self-sabotage! I need to give myself permission to create the time and space for my artistic or creative expression. Self-worth is certainly laced into this scenario. All of the roadblocks I have been placing in my way are just distractions. This hesitancy I feel is nothing but fear.

The ego laughs at its ability to mess with my mind. It whispers, "who do you think you are?" It creates images in my head of others invalidating my work. I know this old trick and I must quickly step through this self-imposed fear before my ideas evaporate into thin air.

I open the back door, slip off my shoes and stand on Mother Earth. I let her energy run up my legs and restore my energy. I look at the birds flying freely, flowers pushing themselves up through the ground, and the beautiful blue sky. I breathe in the crisp calm air and release my stagnant thoughts. 

I am ready now. Once again, I am excited to share my words even if they never get read. It is what I do. It is what brings me fulfillment and joy. I am happy to be me!

 

Celebrating Self

Some people think letting go

is the same as giving up.

It's not.

It's releasing those things

that are no longer right

for you

or your happiness.

It's making room in your life

and in your heart

for something new.

It's believing ~

like I do ~

that you are

a wonderful person

who deserves nothing

less than the best.

Carlton Cards

I purchased a card with this inscription in it, intending to mail it to a friend.  Then realized I wanted to share it with everyone!  

If you are reading these words, I cannot help but believe that you are consciously or unconsciously searching to stretch and grow.  And in order to do this, you must make room for the new by letting go of the old. 

The challenges in life can be very trying so you must try to keep support in place ... mentors, teachers, retreats, classes, books, etc... In truth,however, the person you see the most is yourself.  You need to be your best means of support.

Very few of us see ourselves as being 'wonderful' and that is a horrible loss.  A loss not only to ourselves, but to our friends and community.  We each have a gift to share.  We each are a piece to the puzzle.  Without our individual contribution, the whole is lacking completion.

No matter what poor choices we have made in the past or what we have left undone, we are all deserving to lead creative and nurturing lives.  We must set the pace for others to follow by respecting and honoring our gifts and talents. 

Begin to fan the flame of passion and seek ways to make authentic contributions no matter how great or small.  It is through giving we truly begin to receive.