I Am Here

There are times when life gets so busy that we're not sure where we are. We become so scattered that we are only capable of handling what is in front of us. We worry about what happened yesterday and are dreading what we've scheduled for tomorrow. How are we to focus on what we are doing in the present moment when our mind is so unfocused? It's difficult to concentrate when we are so scattered. Gathering our thoughts should be a priority but we've become too busy to stop and organize ourselves. That's why we sometimes need to remind ourselves where we should be. Even to say "I am here." with conviction. Being in the present, we can see more clearly where we have been and where we are going. Today, appreciate where life has brought you. If you are not where you want to be, then with determination and conviction of living a better life, make today the day you begin to move forward. You are here now, but tomorrow you will be where your heart desires.

The beauty of it, makes me sigh...

 

(I am the worst person to talk about the present. I'm so in the future that I've moved on before the moment has finished. I have a difficult time appreciating the here and now that I do have to remind myself the importance of where I am. Today, I saw this tatoo on this guy's wrist and all it said was "I am here." That was it. Bold lettering, no fuss. Just a reminder to where you are. I loved it. I'm not saying I'm going to get tatooed but it was awesome. Maybe I can make magnets and stick them all over as a reminder to be in the moment.)

 

Taking A Leap Of Faith

There may be times when you're unsure whether or not you should step outside your comfort zone. Just knowing what makes you comfortable is an important key in making decisions. From that point, you can stretch yourself a little bit at a time. Challenging yourself to take advantage of opportunities which you may have not even looked at because they were so different from what you normally have experienced in the past. Sometimes, we may not have a choice but to take a leap of faith. When there is no time to think but to act, what will you do? Would you believe in your abilities to achieve whatever you seek? Go ahead and take that step which will lead you closer towards your destiny. Today, be at peace within yourself. There is no time but the present to attain your dreams.

It doesn't matter where this leads to...

 

(I think life is about taking a leap of faith. What is one person's leap is another person's baby step? That's why I try not to compare myself with others, otherwise I'll never be happy with myself. I have leaped alot these past couple of months, that it's a wonder I'm not dizzy. I guess it's been that kind of year. In the year of the snake, nothing stays still.)

 

Follow The Leader

For many of us, we let others influence who we are. It's easier for us to follow what society decides what is normal than it is for us to follow our own unique journey. Sometimes, we don't have the strength or energy to do our own thing. Standing out, being different comes with it's own challenges that we don't want to deal with. Not really knowing what being different really means, we shy away from listening to our own spirit. At one point in our life, we may begin to question whether following others is worth not being true to ourselves. What does it take to become who we are meant to be? I'm not sure if anyone can really say. Each of us has our own path to walk which is made up of the decisions we make and the consequences that come with our actions. All that can be said is that by following others, you may never find the leader that exists within yourself. Today, do something different. Whatever it may be, have a unique experience. Life is made up with special moments that you find along the way.

Follow me and see where I lead you...

 

(I never thought about following others. I guess it's because I'm so structured. If I don't make the rules, then how do I know where I am going. I guess it comes down to trusting others to know what's best for me. No, that doesn't sound right either. Maybe there is a time and place for leadership, but right now is not the time.)



 

The Art Of Conversation

Often times what we hear is not what is meant. There is so much miscommunication when we assume what others are saying to us. Because we come from our own experiences, we can only understand what we've learned from the past. How can something so simple be misunderstood? When someone speaks to us, how well are we listening or are we filling in the spaces with meaningless words.  We don't aways have to rush to fill in the silence. Learning the art of conversation is the key to a successful relationship. Today, just listen. You don't always have to say something. Sometimes contributing to the conversation can mean just being a good listener. Understanding the meaning of what is being said is all that is asked of you.

Beauty of the mountains...

 

(If we only open our eyes, what beauty can we see. When I saw this picture, I really missed living in the Northwest. I know I need to be where I am at this moment, but that doesn't make it any easier. I guess that's what life is about. To acknowledge that although we may be missing something, we understand that there is purpose in our life at this time. To feel better, I tell myself that I can always visit the beautiful Cascades.Q-Thanks for the great pictures of your Spokane trip.)  

 

Being Happy

Being happy may be a goal for many of us, but how we define happiness may be different for everyone. Again our perception comes into play. We are guided by our own understanding of what makes us happy. We can easily define the word by looking it up in the dictionary, but what does it matter if we know the meaning but can't incorporate in our life. One of the reasons defining it may be difficult may be that it's more of an emotion or feeling than a finite thing. We can't attain happiness by just going to the store and buying it, although there may be a few people who find happiness going shopping. Being happy is an ongoing effort and evolves over our lifetime. When we find happiness, we need to truly appreciate the experience, for it is a special moment in our life that hopefully will linger with us for awhile. Today, find joy in your day. By learning more about yourself, you will be able to define what will bring you happiness.

Sometimes we need to look between the trees to get the best views...

 

(I find the word happy is not enough to express what I'm feeling. It's such a soft and sweet word. Sometimes what I feel is so much bigger than this. But if happy is the word to use, I guess that is where I am at this time.)

 

Facing Reality

Reality is somewhere between what is and what your perception is of what exists. No matter what anyone tells you or what you see, you will only believe what you perceive to be true. Is that a subjective view of what is occurring? Absolutely, but there is no deliberating after you have made up your mind. Perception is a funny thing, for no one is ever going to see the same thing as you. That is why there is so many communication problems in relationships, how can you explain to someone what only you believe to be true. But yet, there is a purpose for that. How willing are you to listen to others with an open mind, compromising what you see as reality. Facing reality is not only standing up for what you believe, but being humble enough to say that you may not always be right. With an open mind and heart, you will experience what true reality is. Today, think about how many times you've changed your mind because of what others have shared with you. How flexible are you in accepting that there may be more beyond what you know to be true? Face reality knowing that it is always evolving and will bring opportuntities that you never expected.

Whaling ships were a reality in the 1800's...no longer

 

(When I first read this message, I thought reality is what it is. Scientifically, we can prove almost everything. But I understand, in thinking about it more that what we perceive is our reality. I can be explaining something that is so clear in my mind, but my daughter always calls me on it saying that she has no clue in what I'm saying. Frustrated as I get, I now understand. It's funny how much more we can learn if others are honest with us.

Q- thank you for setting me straight. You've learned to do it so well without making me feel bad.)

  

Seasons Of Life

Although at first glance our life may reflect the seasons in the year, it may be more complicated than that. The seasons usually describe the stages of life, but they can also express what we are currently experiencing. Even if we are in the autumn stage of our life, we may be living in winter weather. We are stagnant and unable to move because everything around is at a standstill. Communication is poor and we're unable to make any progress. It would be best for us to bunker down at this point and use the time to do more planning since nothing is happening. Using the seasons is a good way to understand where we are in our life and what we need to do in order for us to be more successful in our ventures. By understanding what season we are in, we'll know what to do. There is no sense in going outside to ride our bikes, when there is a blizzard brewing. By assessing what season we are in, we can prepare for anything. Today, dress for the weather. If you are comfortable with yourself, you will be more at peace where ever you are.

Have a seat and make yourself comfortable...

 

(Intuitively, I think we can all gauge what season we are in. Sometimes, I get frustrated when I get stuck in a season for awhile and see nothing in the horizon. That's when I have to remind myself that I'm here for a reason. Whatever it may be, I am learning something even if it's hindsight. Being at peace with myself, is the answer no matter what season I am in.)