Silence Is Golden

Think about how much more you can learn by listening instead of speaking. You can't do both at once, so why do you continue to try. It is with great effort that you try to have others hear what you have to say. It's not that what you have to say is not important, it's just that they are also speaking at the same time. Listening is a learnt skill which not many people are very good at. Those who are skilled at it are ahead of the game. Their knowledge not only comes from what they learn through academics, but what comes from paying attention to what others are saying. Sometimes you can also get information by listening to what is going on around you. You'd be surprised as to how much you can pick up by being attentive to your environment. Although there is a time and place to speak your mind, being quiet is a skill worth excelling in. Silence is golden when you want to learn more about yourself and others. Today, speak only when necessary. Words are wasted when they are used only to fill in the silence. Be silent and you will learn so much more about the world around you.

Be really quiet and it might not fly away...

 

(Sometimes I'm guilty of talking too much, especially when I'm excited about something. But I understand the value of being silent after a long day at work. Nothing is like the peace and serenity I find at home when I can relax. Being silent is nice even when you have something to say.)

A Fortunate Day

Far and few between you have days in which everything seems to be going your way. Whatever you ask for is being manifested as quickly as you request for it. There are also moments where it seems that the universe is smiling upon you. Because you are unfamiliar with receiving such fortune, you may have fears that you may be misinterpreting what is occurring. How long will this luck last and will misfortune follow? If you believe that the universe truly has a plan for us all, then your fortune is part of your plan. Whether you are having good fortune or not, life is about the compassion we have within us for others. A fortunate day is one where you are able to be who you were meant to be. Today, is a fortunate day. You are blessed in having another opportunity to live a compassionate life. Use your fortune to help yourself so you can help others.

Everyday is a fortunate day...

 

(I think I sometimes forget that everyday is truly a fortunate day. Each day I have an opportunity to do the things I want to. I am the only one who prevents me from doing what I want . Although the challenges that surround me may change, I am the same person I was yesterday. So that being said, I can overcome all that come my way.)

No Excuses In Life

No one is perfect, so why set yourself up for failure knowing that life is a never ending lesson. In striving for perfection, there will always be someone who will point out the imperfections to you. You may strive to avoid making mistakes, but in making your mistakes you also learn to be human. It is in being who you were meant to be that you find perfection. There is no reason to make excuses when you act with the best of intentions. Learn what you can in life and move forward on your path with the confidence that you have a better understanding of the universe's plan for you. Today, be conscious of your responses to others. Are you giving excuses when none is needed? Go forward in the day with the best of intentions to learn from your mistakes and be the person you were meant to be.

Who knew that frosting melts?

 

(To me there is humor in life's mistakes. Did you notice that I didn't say my mistakes? I guess that's an excuse in itself, but if I understand the way the universe works we are only part of the bigger picture. And if we are, then there are no mistakes in life. So repeating myself, you can see the humor in life's hiccups. It's just a matter of my understanding what am I supposed to learn from this. Having a positive attitude and a sense of humor always helps too.)

Watching The World Go By

The world moves so quickly that it is sometimes impossible to be still. It is with effort that you try to quiet your mind so that you don't lose your thoughts so easily. Recapturing what was lost is difficult when you have nothing to remind you of what you were thinking about in the first place. As time goes by, it maybe more difficult to slow down your life. It may even be uncomfortable trying to empty your mind of all thoughts. Even trying to stop physical movement is difficult. Retraining your mind, body, and soul to be still again is important so that you can regain a sense of balance. When you move so quickly, your thoughts are easily entwined with others. Be still and you will see much clearer where the universe is leading you. Today, be quiet and listen to all that surrounds you. Notice how busy life can be and ask yourself if this is how you want your life to be. Living a gentler life does not mean being any less focused. By watching the world go by, you begin to better understand the role you play in the universe.

Sometimes we need to sit on the sidelines to see our path clearer...

 

(I have learned to slow down my life, although it's taken over a year to become less uncomfortable with my efforts. Sometimes when we change our basic nature, it feels unnatural. At first, I felt as if I wasn't accomplishing as much as I should but then I realized that the quality of my efforts weren't as good. Taking a break from the busyness has helped me to identify the priorities in my life and make the adjustments that I needed. It has been a work in progress but I feel so much better. I can hear the universe so much better now.)

Believing In Happy Ever Afters

As much as you'd like to believe that everything will turn out for the best, there is still a part of you that doubts that there is a happy ever after ending. Having doubts prevents you from getting hurt and knowing that if things don't turn out, it was meant to be. That's a safety response that you fall back on, preparing yourself to receive less than what you desire. But is life about expecting less than what your heart desires. How often do you dream big or do you compromise so you aren't disappointed? In believing that all is possible, you open yourself up to the universe's plan for you. Knowing that you deserve all that you receive, you can live a life that is happy ever after. Today, reach for the stars. Notice all the beauty around you for it is part of the life that can be yours. Take down your barriers and let all that is waiting for you to be in your life. You deserve a happy ever after life.

Even through the forest you can see the light...

 

(It's sometimes scary hoping for happy ever afters because that would mean my life would change as it is. But would that be so bad to want something more than what I have now. Thinking about a happy ever after life seems so simplistic. My life has been filled with so many ups and downs that has made me who I am, so maybe for me happy ever after just means to being happy with myself and who I have become.)  

Expecting The Unexpected

Often times you get lulled in the comfort of your daily life that you sometimes forget how things can change quite suddenly. Not to any effort on your part, but the world as you know it suddenly becomes unfamiliar. The universe has it's ways of moving things around so that you get the things that you have wanted, but in ways that you had never thought of. It's not that you don't have the imagination to create a life you wished for, but you are caught up in your own fears that to create something so far fetched is sometimes not imaginable. That's why  it's good for you to be ready for the unexpected. Life is as you make it to be, but knowing that things can change unexpectedly will help you through your journey. To expect the unexpected will open you to so much more. Today, be ready for change. What you know to be, will not be in the near future. Adjusting to the change is something that takes time but acknowledging what is to be is half the battle. Be open to what will be and you will gain what you have asked for.

Even the strange becomes acceptable...

 

(Although I feel that I'm ready for the unexpected, how can anyone be really ready for something that you don't know is going to happen. Theoretically, you psych yourself out knowing that something is coming, but you are still going to be surprised when it happens if you even know that it's happening. Hindsight is often when I know that something has occurred. Life is full of the unexpected.)

Finding Peace In A Chaotic World

It's easy to get used to living in a chaotic world if that is all you know. You adapt to what you know to be true. For you the truth is so clear, but what may come out of the chaos is creating a false life. Moving to a pace that is not yours, may lead to confusion and disorientation. It may be that the only compass you have to lead you out of your busyness may be to listen to what your heart says to do. It's not an easy solution, but it's a good place to start. Today, gather your thoughts. Where do you want to begin? Focus your energy on creating a safe haven for yourself and leave the chaos to others. You deserve to live a serene and peaceful life.

A garden is a good place to begin to find peace...

 

(I think adapting to the chaos that surrounds me is one of the reasons that I forget what it is to be at peace. Once life starts moving me forward, I become a type A and quickly take on as many projects as I can. It's only been the last year or so that I've worked diligently on creating a peaceful life for myself. I don't use the word "work" loosely because it's been a uphill battle to release the control and relax. There is light at the end of the tunnel for us all.)

What A Difference A Day Makes

Sometimes when you've been striving so long to reach your dreams, it seems unbelievable when your luck changes seemingly overnight. Although it's important to appreciate your journey, you can't help but look ahead to see if the end result is near. At times, the path seems more difficult than usual and it takes perserverance to continue walking with determination. But one day, everything changes and you are living your dream. There may or may not have been a defining moment, but the struggle has finally ended. Another dream may take it's place, but for now you have succeeded in realizing your goal. What a difference a day makes. Today, make each moment count. Even at rest, you are on your path and moving forward. Life is about striving to reach the impossible, for one day everything will be possible.

You need to get in the canoe for you to experience the thrill...

 

(I think it's important to not only believe that your dreams or wishes can come true but to acknowledge and appreciate them when they do come to pass. We work so hard to achieve them, but move quickly on to our next vision once we get what we want. It's exciting to know that we never know when our luck will change, when our hard work turns the corner, when someone finally listens to our good ideas. I appreciate life's sense of timing.)

Good In The World

When you are only aware of the ills in the world, the good is often times overlooked. You see only what you want to see. It is easier to see the hurt, disappointments, jealousy and anger that everyone has for each other that it sometimes overshadows all. It is not that these ills do not exist, for they do but it is harmful to say that this is all that there is in the world. If you look between the cracks that the media has shown you, you will see the light that shines from the good within people. For every negative that you have heard and seen, there are multiple positive things that are occurring simultaneously. Be assured that there is still good in the world and there is more good to come. You are part of the movement to change the world for the good of mankind. Today, be the change that you want to happen. If there is only despair around you, be the light that shines through the darkness. You have the strength and courage to be the one to step forward to make the change that the world is waiting to happen.

We will worry about the ills of the world tomorrow...

 

(It often times amazes me when people only see what is wrong with the world. They are so busy grumbling about how things could be better, that they overlook the wonderful things that are happening in front of their eyes. So many moments are being missed as their blindness keeps them from seeing the beauty of the world. I truly believe that there is so much good in the world and not all of them are hidden from us. If we can accept that goodness exists, we may be able to see it. I hope I am part of the goodness that exists in the world.)

Different Yet The Same

We might as well agree to disagree. No matter how different we may be, we are still similar in so many ways. Most of the times, we base our judgements on what we are able to see. We don't take the time to get to know people and who they truly are before making snap judgements. Our decisions are usually based on false beliefs that we create in seconds of meeting someone. If we take the time to listen to others, we may find that although there are many ways that we are different, we also share similarities. The more we understand ourselves, the more we will be able to understand the needs of others. Today, be yourself. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to self defeat. Celebrate the differences between yourself and others, for it is in the differences that you shine.

It would be helpful to have signs to tell us what to do in life...

 

(I don't usually compare myself with others, but I guess on bad days it's an easy thing to do. During these periods in my life, no matter what other people do, they seem to do it better than me. I don't have a problem with people who are different because it makes my life more interesting. I truly believe that it's better for everyone if there are differences in who we are because in the long run, we are more alike than different.)



Your Mind, Ego, and Emotions

In life, it is so easy for you to lead with your mind and ego. All your actions are well planned. Even those that you feel are spontaneous are not. Your mind would not allow you to do anything so hastily and your ego would agree. The thought of what is best for you may lead you astray. For if you were to do everything that is to your benefit how would that help those that you care for. Often times your mind and ego war with your emotions. You can hear the voice within arguing that what you're planning on doing is not best for everyone, but the ego may win most of these battles. It is not a case of right or wrong, but you need to pay attention to the direction your decisions are taking you. You are responsible for your actions and how it may affect others. Know that you are more than your mind and ego when making decisions, for their consequences affect others besides yourself. With the combination of your mind, ego, and emotions, you impact the universe much more than you realize. Today, be mindful of the decisions you make. Their consequences may be long lasting. Ultimately you determine the path you take.

 Let me just sit for a moment...

 

(When I started writing this piece, I thought my decisions were directed by my mind. I'm not sure about the ego part, but definately the mind. I tend to be over analytical. But as I thought more about it, I can see where my emotions can slide through without my knowing. Prior to making any decisions, we need to have pre-thought whether to be part of the decision making process in the first place. Of what benefit does making a decision have to do with me. In most cases, it does or you wouldn't be making any decision. So here in lies, the emotion, how much does this mean to me. So I guess I do include all; my mind, ego and emotion. Hopefully to the benefit of all)

Trusting In Yourself

Now more than ever it's important to trust in yourself. You stand on a strong foundation, so move forward with confidence. In this world of technology, you will hear and see so many deceivers that it is difficult to believe in anything. Some things may not ring true, although you are being told that this is what is happening. Look within yourself and feel what your gut is telling you. Only you can decipher what is true or not. In the coming year, there will be many people who will spread gossip and untruths. It is not that they mean to be vindictive, it is only what they have been told is the truth. The lies stop with you. Be mindful not to spread to others what you know is not right. It would be unjust for you to hurt those that are being slandered by continuing the tales you have heard. Trust in yourself that you live by a different code of behavior. Only you can hold yourself to a higher standard. It is admirable for you to separate yourself from what you know is not true and live a life of integrity. Today, listen to others more closely and see between their words. Trust in your instincts and you will be protected.

There is beauty around us if we only open our eyes to see...

 

(Sometimes I'm too trusting that I don't always see lies until someone points them out to me or until I see the consequences that come out of them. I know that many repeat things only because it makes for a good story, but how many people are hurt because of it. It's at this time that it pays to have a bad memory. I can't pass on what I can't remember. Although I guess it wasn't good to hear it in the first place. Gossip is truly toxic.)

The Power Of Your Words

Who would think that your words hold the power to shape who you are. They can lead you astray from your dreams without you even being aware of what is occurring. Often times you hear how words can destroy relationships, hurting those that you love and care about. Whether you believe it or not, by using destructive words you can change the direction of your journey. There is a direct correlation between your thoughts and the words you choose to use. If you take your time to process what is going on in your thoughts before you speak, there will be more harmony in your life. Positive words lead to positive outcomes. It's not in your nature to hurt others, so be careful of the words you choose to speak. Let your words reflect your compassionate nature. Today, think carefully before you speak. Be mindful when communicating with others. Let your words reflect the spirit within you that only wants the best for you and others. 

Let there be beauty in our words...

 

(My words reflect how I am feeling, so I try to make sure that I don't hurt anyone when I'm not feeling well. I feel so much joy when I make people smile and laugh with my words. I think that's my mission in life, to use my words to make people feel better. No more, no less.)

Enjoying Life A Day At A Time

You can often times forget the joy in life when you carry the worries of tomorrow. Although the future is not quite here, you plan as if it were the present. Although there are so many things to be joyful about, they may be easily overlooked because you are concentrating so far ahead. When you don't appreciate the present, it's difficult to remember the experiences that made you who you are today. Enjoy life a day at a time and you will reap the rewards for a lifetime. Today, do something memorable. You can make each day a special day, by letting your spirit guide you.

Loving something so cute is such an easy thing to do...

 

(How many times have I spent the day planning and worrying about tomorrow? I have such a difficult time remembering the present because my mind is on the future. This is something that I'm always working on.)

Who Am I?

When you have questions about the life you are living, ask yourself first "Who am I?" The answer to this question will help you to know if you are journeying on the right path. Often times, you can get swept away with your daily obligations and responsibilities that you may lose your focus on where you are headed. By doing the same thing every day and responding the same way, you may not realize that you have changed. As you journey on your path, your experiences and the people you meet can change who you are. You are no longer the person you were, but are the person who you have become. These changes may be so minimal, yet significant that when you respond to situations that have come up before, you may react differently. So when you begin to question yourself about what you should be doing, ask yourself "Who am I?" You may be surprised as to the response you receive. Before you take a step further on your path, make sure you are aligned with who you are at this moment and that your spirit is guiding you. Today, ask yourself "who am I?"  Are you comfortable with the answer? Are you okay with the person you have become? Are you living a life of good intentions and compassion to others? If not, change what is keeping you from living a life that brings you peace and happiness. Knowing and understanding who you are gives you the power you need to make the change in order to be the person you were meant to be.

Sometimes only you can see the beauty that is hidden...

 

(I asked myself  "Who am I?" and came up with a few superficial answers. I then thought about "What do I stand for? and What is important to me?" all of which makes me who I am. What are my expectations as a person? How do I expect people to treat me? Am I in conflict with who I think I am and how I present myself to others? Answering the question, "Who I am?" may seem easy enough, but I know the answer will lead me to the person I am today. I will think about this in the next few weeks as the universe changes my life to what it will become.)

Leaving Your Mark

Life is definately for the living. You live your life the best that you know how. Whether for the benefit of yourself or to help others. Life is truly what you make it. Once you are gone from this life, what legacy do you leave? Is there anything that is left here that reflects who you were? Is there a part of your essence that remains although your spirit has left this world? You worry about your daily life and all that it is, but after all is said and done, what was your life all about. It may as simple as, live your life with good intentions, be kind and respectful to others, and to find peace within yourself so that you can hear your spirit speak. Allow yourself to express the joy and happiness that is within you, so that you may share your love of life with everyone around you. Life is so short, so waiting for the right moment to do what you'd like to do, may be too late. Make the best of every moment in your life. Today, live for the moment. Make the time to do things that give you joy. It may be a small thing, but do it without guilt. You deserve to live a life that brings you happiness. Smile and laugh for it's your life.

It's time to leave your cage and be happy...

 

(Today, I attended a strange funeral. No one there was a friend of the person who passed. Most were there because of a sense of obligation to the family. No one really knew her because she wasn't the type of person you'd like to know. But the strange thing was that she left the world in two quart sized zip lock bags being thrown off a wall along the beachwalk. I had mixed feelings about what I saw. I'm not sure if I was sad because her family thought so little of her or if I was more shocked that no one reacted to what they saw. They just watched the bags float up to the top of the water and continously hit the wall. I understand this person is not here to witness her funeral but I thought how sad that this reflects how she lived her life. I understand more than ever that you get what you put in to life. My life means more than ending up in zip locked bags being tossed over a wall. I will continually strive to be true to myself. I will also give my family detailed instructions about my wishes upon my passing. I did think sunset at the beach was nice.)

Less Is More

In a world where you have access to so many things, what is enough. The more you desire, the more you will accumulate things that have already lost their value. There is something deeper than your desire to attain things, it may be the excitement of getting something that others have. Once that wanting is satisfied, you still may feel empty inside. Moving so quickly in life, talking endlessly without purpose, setting goals which satisfies your ego, these are all signs of living a life where purpose is not clear. There is a reason that less is more. In living a life that is simple, you appreciate all that you have. When you slow down, you will see things more clearly and life will begin to make sense again. Today, live only with the basics. How would life be without all the extras? Sometimes you need to change what surrounds you to get a better perspective of where you need to be.

Things are so much better when you can get it fresh...

 

(This past year, I've pared down my life so much. I feel so much better and it's definately become a lifestyle that I can continue. The challenge is that my old lifestyle can come back so easily if I let it. I find myself sometimes slipping into the fast track. I have to purposefully stop and ask myself if this is where I want to go. The answer has been "no", but this is still a work in progress. It is with concentrated effort that I am where I am today.)

 

Waking Up To Change

Often times it seems that we wake up to a world that has changed overnight. What we left behind yesterday is no longer what is. There is no normalcy to your life and the balance you've created is now being challenged. As you sit and look around you, you must rely on what you know from the past to help you. But sometimes what you know to be true is still not enough for you to understand what is now occurring in your life. Although your foundation may be strong, it is your ability to accept change that will be challenged. In the coming months, as the universe shifts, all of what you know may no longer be. If you look upon it with a child's innocent eyes, that all is an adventure then you will do well. But observing the world with a weary and jaded perspective with not be to your advantage. Change is inevitable to your growth and building strength within yourself. Seek the change that will come and you will have a successful journey. Today, be open to all that happens in your life. No one is so perfect that improvements can not be made. Be at peace with yourself as the universe continues to create balance with a chaotic world.

Are we as flexible as the bamboo...

 

(I find change challenging. Although it's not often to my liking, I'm a fixer by heart. So whenever things drop into my lap that I wasn't expecting, I find that I have to resolve the problem. It's disconcerting when I feel as if I have to take action when being in reflection is often times the best thing to do. There is so much happening in the world today that affects everyone. We are all connected. I will be mindful and aware of others in the coming months.) 

 

There Is Freedom In Knowing Who You Are

It becomes tiring living your life for others. It's not that you stop doing for others, but that you become who you think others want you to be. No one sees us for the person who we truly are because we do not reveal who we are. Even to ourselves, we are a mystery. You may not give yourself as much time as you give to others in getting to know yourself. You know more about the needs and wants of your loved ones, then you may know about yourself. If you were to take as much time and effort to discover your own hopes and dreams, strengths and weaknesses, you may see the world in a different way. There is freedom in the knowledge you gain in not only knowing but accepting who you are. Today, begin anew. Although the year is coming to a close, things are going to escalate. It would be a good time to reflect upon who you are and find a sense of peace in that person. Being in a place of balance will help you through the coming months.

There is freedom in doing what you want to do...

 

(I know that I am generally who I present myself to be, but depending who I am with, I am different. Because I am so conscious of how others are feeling, I tend to be sensitive to their emotions and act accordingly. This doesn't change who I am, but I may be more reactive if someone needs my help. Although my foundation is very strong, I'm not sure if I'll ever know who I truly am because I will always be evolving. Living with good intentions is the best I can do for today.)

In The Grips Of Your Fears

There are times in life when you feel unable to move because of the fears that are lodged in your heart. It would not make sense to another if you explained the feelings that grip you, for it is only for you to understand. In fact, they are so vague that you only have a sense of foreboding that what is coming will not be fortunate for you. No matter how much you try to take apart the fears that exist in your mind, it's difficult. As hard as you try to move forward on your journey, you feel helpless when you are in their grips. It's as if you are solving a problem that has no answers. Know that your fears are only your spirit's way of protecting you from the dangers you may encounter as you journey on your path. Let your spirit know that by releasing you from your fears, you will become the person you were destined to be. Today, be in the moment. Acknowledge your fears as they come. Have the courage to face them as they try to immobilize you. It is time to move forward on your path and seek the opportunities that await you.

As beautiful as they are, they still give me the creeps...

 

(Fears are so intangible but they can stop me in my tracks. No matter what I do, my mind does a good job of creating something bigger than it is. The other day when I was at the beach there was a tiny crab, about half the size of the top of my small finger, that was crawling up my neck while I was in the water. Although I pushed it off, all I could do was focus on it's tentacles as it swam away! Then I found another one on my shoulder. That was it, I was out of the water in a seconds. One of my biggest fears is the stuff found in the water. I had forgotten about it because I haven't been to the beach in years. It's going to be difficult going back into the water because now it's in my brain. But I will overcome this...)

Acknowledging Your True Emotions

Although you'd like to live a balanced life, there are times when your emotions run high. They may seem to get the best of you and are difficult to control. After the drama has passed, you may feel guilt or remorse about your reactions to what has occurred. For many of us, we let our emotions take us to places where we normally wouldn't venture. As hard as you try, when in the moment you react instinctively and think later. If being honest, it is during these times that you are the most true to who you are. In order to understand yourself better, you must first acknowledge your true feelings. Your initial reactions are the most pure and tell us how you are feeling about the situation. If you keep your emotions hidden, they will turn up in the most inappropriate times. In some cases, you may over react because you haven't dealt with feelings that you've pushed aside. When you are true to who you are and what you are feeling, you can then develop stronger relationships. Today, be aware with what you are feeling. Are you reacting appropriately to the situations that are occurring? Be mindful about hurting others as you maneuver through your emotions. The more you understand yourself and how you are feeling, the more you become the compassionate person you are meant to be.

I know you're upset, but don't use me as target practice...

 

(I don't get upset that often, so when I do I really have to take the time to think about what is going on. About 100% of the time, it's about my preception of what is going on. Depnding how close I am to the person, they are usual clueless about how I feel. It's usually my family members or closest friends who know me well that will know that something is up. I guess the first step is to acknowledge what I feel and the second would be what to do with how I am feeling. Being honest with myself is not always easy.)

 

Giving Unsolicited Advice

How many times have you given advice to someone without being asked? There is an urge to help others when you feel that they may be making a mistake. It's the nurturer in us that makes you want to help others. But you see the world from your perspective, so you're not listening very carefully of what is being said. You think you know what is best and that is why you tell others what they should do and often times are confused when they do the opposite. You have learned by your mistakes, why shouldn't others. If you take the time to truly listen, you will realize that others share with you because they need a compassionate listener, not someone who tells them what they are doing is wrong. Sometimes our friends and loved ones need to work things out for themselves, for in the process they discover their strength. Today, be a good listener. Be quiet and be the friend that you know you can be. It's not your position to judge others, for their journey could also be yours one day. We are meant to be compassionate people, so reflect that in your daily life.

  Just eat it and enjoy...

 

(I always have to remind myself when I'm speaking to people "Do you just want me to listen or do you want feedback?" Sometimes I want to give advice, but people don't always want to hear what I have to say. Then I get hurt when I'm told to butt out. I guess they don't really say it in those words, but it feels like it. So this is a lesson that I'm still working on. Being compassionate is one thing and being a busy body is another. I'm going to have to be a better listener.)

You Will Never Be Overlooked

There are times when life gets a little rough that all you'd like to do is find a safe place where you can hide until everything blows over. But no matter how good your hiding places are, the universe always finds you. It's human nature to want to get away from things that create drama in your life. All you want to do is live your life in peace without so much turmoil. It's not that you aren't able to handle what occurs around you, but you'd prefer not to. Sometimes when life gets too crazy, time goes by so slowly that it seems it's always been that way. But in the peaceful moments, we tend to become complacent and eventually stop evolving. Our walk down the path ceases as we sit on the many benches contemplating life. It's not easy to adapt to the changes that come our way, but as we journey forward, we grow and become much stronger. Today, enjoy your retreat for times are changing and things are going to be much more challenging in the next three years. Know that life has purpose and you will be successful in all your endeavors. Don't hide for too long, otherwise you'll forget how important it is be a part of life.

There are places in the world which brings us serenity

 

(Today, I met someone who said they were keeping a low profile for now. It's interesting that we think that we have control over how our life will transpire. I always think that I know what will happen, then the opposite occurs or nothing comes to pass. I understand that the more I hide, the more the universe seeks me out. I have faith that what will be will be, but that doesn't make life any easier.)

Opening Yourself To Receive

Many of you are more comfortable in giving than receiving. You are taught as a child that it is better to give than to receive and you continue to reflect this as you become an adult. Whether it is help, kindness, or love, when you are not used to receiving, it may make you feel very uncomfortable. But this is an important part of learning more about ourselves and others. As we learn to receive, others learn to give. This is a part of the life cycle that never ends. Some may view the act of receiving as being selfish, but it is in this moment that others experience compassion. Today, give others the opportunity to give from their hearts. The more you receive, the more others will experience the joy of giving.There is a balance in life, that begins with giving and ends with receiving nothing more than yourself.

  These lemons are just about ready to be picked...

 

(It's so much easier for me to give then to receive. Growing up that's one of the things I was taught to do. It was an unspoken rule that I followed without thought. I don't think I've ever stopped to think how uncomfortable I feel to be on the receiving side, but I do. It's funny when we think about receiving things, we think about monetary or material value. But it's actually our spirit that needs a little help every once and awhile. I just need to remember to keep my arms open so that the things I need most in life, will flow more easily to me.)

The Journey

In our enthusiam to reach our goals, we sometimes forget that we have to journey to our destination. Our thoughts are focused on our vision of how things will be that we discard the present. So why are we surprised when we run into difficulties along the way. The picture we've created overshadows all, but it's the journey that is our reality. It never dawns on us that no matter what we see in the future, we still have to continue walking along our path. There is no skipping steps to get where we need to get to. If things were easier, we would attain our goals so much more quicker, but that is not the case. It is in the journey that we build our character and we become the person we are. Today, live in the moment. You will fulfill your destiny whether you appreciate your journey or not. But just imagine, the joy you will experience when you live life not only for the future but for each day. Each journey is unique, so live yours to the fullest.

Enjoy the present moment...

 

(Sometimes seeing the future is not worth it because I get so impatient for things to happen. It doesn't matter if I see so clearly, if I don't know which path will lead me to where I want to go. I've learned to take the future with a grain of salt, then let it go. I want to appreciate the present, so when I get to the future, my life will be that much fuller.) 

So What Have You Learned

The world being as chaotic as it is, life becomes very challenging. For many of you, living day to day has been a common experience. As you struggle through your professional and personal life, you pride yourself that you've overcome many obstacles. You have become resilient and flexible in handling difficult situations. But it seems that many of you, after going through your hardships, you have become forgetful as to what you've learned through these difficult times. Your ego interferes in your judgement. The universe does not give you hardships just to make life difficult, hopefully you gain some insight from your trials and tribulation. Pause for a moment between the most stressful times in your life and think how you could have done things better. Life is full of opportunities in which you can improve who you are as a person. Today, think about how you are resolving your problems. Are you able to return to balance after the storm has passed or do you feel as if you have been depleted of energy? No matter what occurs in your life, know that if there is balance within you can overcome all obstacles and still be at peace. Learn from the chaos for it's within the darkness that you will find who you really are.

The more you look at something, the more familiar it becomes...

 

(I hope that I learn something as I go through my stressful moments. It seems as if I am calmer and more thoughtful as I am experiencing crazy moments. Does it make the problem go away? Never, but at least I'm not crying as much. I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older so the situations are more familiar or that I'm realizing that all that emotion is being wasted on something I can't control. Okay, back to life.)

Sabotaging Your Future

You wish to reach for your potential and you often ask what lies ahead, but when the time comes to realize your vision you sabotage your future. It's as natural as breathing and most times you may not even know what you are doing. When things don't occur the way you were told, you rationalize your failures. Some of you may say it was meant to be. The universe allows you so much freedom to accomplish so much, yet you let your fears block yourself from achieving what you know can be yours. No one said the path to success was going to be easy or that it would come without a challenge. The more difficult your path, the more you reason that it is not the way for you to go. Look beyond the path and visualize your goal. What will it take to get to where you want to go. sometimes your goal may not be as clear as it was when you first saw it, but take a moment to remember what you envisioned. It is still there waiting for you, but getting there depends on how much you still want it. Today, give no excuses. Do you want it or not? You decide whether the future you saw is worth fighting for or be content with what you already have. The future is truly yours to design.

 When things get in your way, go around it to get the best view...

 

(It's frustrating not being able to help others through their difficult time. As an outsider, I can do only so much. I realize their future lies in their hands. I can only pray that they have the courage to overcom what is familiar and reach for what they dream for.)

Doing What Gives You Joy

It would be a blessing for everyone if they are able to do what gives them joy. To have your heart sing every day because you are able to do what is right within your soul. The difficulty is not only allowing yourself the freedom to what is clearly what you would like to do, but finding exactly what gives you joy. For some, this may mean a career, but not necessarily so. Joy is found within who you are. It is a feeling that stays with you throughout the day because you are content with what you are doing and the person you have become. When you find joy within yourself, it doesn't matter what you do in life for it remains close to your heart. Think about all the things that make you smile and brings laughter to your spirit and you will have found your joy. Today, give yourself a break. Leave the chaos of life behind and find peace in your day. For it is in quietness that you will find your joy. Don't look too hard, for it will come to you. You deserve to be joyful in life.

Things that are made with love bring the most joy...

 

(These musubis (rice balls) may not be perfect, but they gave me joy because my daughter made them with love. She and I had a picnic on the beach and made dinner to bring with us. It was the most mismatched food, but we had a great time because we spent time together. If you think about it, there is so much joy in our lives, we just have to remind ourselves that it's sometimes the simple things that bring us the most happiness.)

What Is Your Life Purpose?

There are many of you who want to know your future and what your life purpose is? Why would you want to know your future when you are trying so hard to balance your life right now? Knowing what will be won't change the present. By living in the moment, you gain so much more than focusing on a vision that may or may not occur. Your future changes depending on what you do in the present. This is the same as wanting to know the purpose of your life. What if everyone has the same purpose and that is to help themselves and others? This idea may seem simplistic, but this may be the case. There may be different ways that everyone goes about pursuing their purpose, but the end result is to live with good intentions and to be compassionate to others. Living in the moment by doing things that give you peace and being aware of those who are in need of help is what life is about. Today, be at peace with yourself. Do not expect more from life anything that you aren't ready to give back to others. Be content with the present for it is where you need to be.

Nature is something that you can depend on and enjoy...

 

(I think it's human nature to want to know your future and your purpose in life. I know that I am curious about what will happen in the future, but then I get so caught up with what I've been told that I miss something in the present. It's my experience in the here and now that I need to remember. As to my purpose, I believe that I am here to help others and by helping them it helps me in my own growth. My life lessons are definately tied to my purpose.)  

Keeping Your Committments

Many of you make commitments so easily. Your promises are so many that you forget what you said during passionate times. In that moment you speak the truth, but as time passes all is forgotten. In most cases, what you promise is not as important as that the act of promising itself. There is a reason that you have made a commitment, this is what you need to remember. If you cannot keep your commitments, how are you to reach your heart's desire. It takes courage and strength to continue on your path which may be filled with unexpected twists and turns. If you do not believe that keeping your word is important, you will not understand the true purpose of your life's destiny. Think long and hard before you make any more promises to yourself and to others. Your word is what separates you from others, for everyone is unique. Today, think about the promises you have made. Be more selective when making future commitments. You only have so much time and energy that overextending yourself is foolish and you set yourself up for failure. Value yourself and the promises and commitments you make and all will be met.

Doing what we love to do takes courage...

 

(I rarely make promises or commitments because I tend to do things right away before I forget. When I think about commitments, I think more about what I commit myself to do. Working on my health will be a life long commitment that I began about a year and a half ago. It's truly been hard work, but I find peace in running and going to the beach by myself. Eating healthy has become routine for me so I don't have to think too much about it. The most difficult is to have peace of mind. Making promises and commitments is the easy part, implementing them is a challenge. I'll have to work on this for awhile.)