Six Month Reflection

Half the year is over and a good time to reflect on what has passed thus far. My biggest change has been the ability to live in the present moment however it may appear ... meaning a joyous, sad, troubling, or peaceful moment. I realized that I was spending more time resisting the moment instead of embracing it. That's a lot of energy tied up with avoidance.

When I finally welcomed whatever was happening and what I was feeling, all the stress dissipated and I had a sense of quietness, peaceful acceptance. Someone called it surrender in a conversation last night. I don't like that word surrender because, for me, it means to give up, however, giving up gives a chance for the workings of the universe to prevail. If I orchestrate my life with detail, then I am missing out on a chance for the universe to create one far more powerful, colorful and enjoyable. To surrender to the universe's infinite design, I have a life that is large and not diminished by my narrow vision.

That revelation was tremendous in allowing myself to get unburdened and start living a life that comes with grace and ease. I am still paying bills, working for money, interacting with people and seeing a bigger picture for me. Really marvelous. Yihaaaaaa!

And, I'd like to give thanks to Marilou, Dale and Tom for this one!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

Can this only be the beginning of February? From the amount of snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures, New England has turned tundra-like in landscape. But what does this kind of weather do to people for an extended period of time?

We are New Englanders and 10 degrees can take on a balmy aspect when the winds don't blow but they have ... unyielding vents of cold, seeping into layers of sweaters, jackets and hats. Bitter beams of pale yellow sunlight, casting vague earthly shadows ... oh, the memory of scorching asphalt through flip flops. Seeking shade instead of heat huddles.

While I personally have not visited a tundra, the intense feeling of being blocked by the elements is evidenced by my perception of a never ending season. And, to add fuel that that non-fire (sorry about mixing metaphors), the economy is also signaling a freezing up of sorts. Getting squeezed into a place of unrestricted fear with no place to run!

Ultimately, in times like this, going inward is the only safe haven. And, by doing that gain the grace to press onward with plans, goals and dreams. Moving forward with new ideas and prospects for a better and warmer tomorrow. No one or thing can take that away unless you give permission.