Looking for Light

Just a quick note for some spirit boosters :)

Being Thankful . . we used to call them "affirmations" . . oh my god, you can tell how old I am with that one :) However, when I'm feeling like I wanna sit in my own pity pool . .I have got to think about all those things I am grateful for . . and it's amazing that once I start this list it could go on and on . . and it always starts with . . dear god, thank you for my children . . .and their health and their spirits and their smiles . . and their children . . and their genuine love . . and thank you for letting me see their beautiful faces and share in their lives . . and well . . you can begin to see that this could take up my whole page . . so go ahead and begin to list your own . . .
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Keep Moving . . I always hate this one because I always feel like going in and lying on the sofa and taking a nap . .thinking I'll feel better (which I never do) . . and then I groan and squirm as I put on my tennis shoes or my swimming suit and head outside and put one foot in front of the other until . . .believe it or not, I'm moving . . and if I get nothing else done in the day . .at least I've done that . . and wow, my youngest daughter did all of those today in a triathlon and kudos . . .xo . . can she motivate me . . and can she move you . .(notice there are no lines for a list . . you're supposed to be out moving ;)

and . . if you're still here to finish before you head outside . .

Look ahead . . and catch a glimmer of where you want to go and what you want to accomplish . . even though we live in the present, there are often baubles of the future that can help us over those "bumps in the road" (thank you Mr. President :) . . so close your eyes and see the biggest and best . . why not reach for the stars . . I still believe we can touch them if we keep spiraling up . . .

And so as I'm reaching I remember some very touching words that continue to inspire and hold me and move me forward . ."I want to be far enough away to watch over you and close enough so that you can see my light" . . .(thank you dad:)

What's your inspiration . . share as you give thanks, keep moving and reach for the stars . . . I'm really listening . .

To Tell the Truth?

There's been so much in the news lately about sex and lies . . .but have you noticed that rarely has anyone mentioned that the real heart of the matter is: we don't tell the truth anymore. Matter of fact, we don't seem to tell the truth about anything . . .it's not socially or "politically correct". And from this sidestepping of words (perfected in the presence of our boss or our co-workers) we've adopted a very grey sense of truth. What used to be an uncomfortable feeling for telling a "little white lie" so we didn't hurt someone else has now become a dismissed or disregarded feeling . . conditioned away so that we don't even carry that discomfort into a conversation with our closest friend over coffee. We've "forgotten" it already . . until it doesn't even exist anymore and our ability to stretch, spin, and contort the truth to fit what we want to protect or promote is unconscionable if we allow ourselves to "think" about what we are doing.

And yet, with this comes the silencing of our inner selves . . our inner conscience . . about everything. When we cannot and do not tell the truth . . . nothing else is real, is it?

So where do we draw the line? What is acceptable to hide? When is it okay to lie? Is it alright for someone else to hurt us by omitting the truth?

I'm listening . . .

Choosing to Accomplish . . .Something

Both of my daughters and I have had several conversations lately discussing the choices that we make . . or our thrashing about over choices . . that seem to push us in one direction or the other. And I am so guilty about spending an inordinate amount of time in the "thrashing about" stage . . to the point that I have tons of great ideas and projects that never get off the ground!

So here I am, again, this morning trying to identify the ONE project that I will work on . . and to promise myself that I will follow through (at least until tomorrow :)

What I know is that life does get in the way . . and I certainly don't want to be the one with one toe sticking up out of the ground saying "well, I was dedicated to my project . . so sorry I missed the chance to gab with you today . . or to throw back my head with laughter . . or to listen to your worries . . or to soothe your furrowed brow".

So, even as no one is in need this morning (other than me with my project deadline), I am torn between savoring the moment of the day and sticking my nose back into my research . . .

I'd love for you to help me out of my dilemma . . I'd much rather chat or listen . .