Reflections

The New Year is upon us, and so we say goodbye to the old in order to make room for the new.  For some of us, it is with a thankful heart we leave trials and troubles in the past; for some of us it is with trepidation for what lies ahead.  If you are a die hard who puts stock into the "2012 World's End" belief, I imagine you fall into the latter.  For myself, I find myself somewhere in the middle.  There was a great deal of change in 2011 for me.  Old hats from previous jobs dusted off and doffed once again, adulthood long careers left behind with early medically required early retirement, family leaving and then returning, babies being born.  Some of it scary, some of it thrilling, some of it still taking shape.

I haven't blogged as frequently as I promised myself I would, but I felt that I couldn't let 2011 slip away without a nod if recognition.  And while I am not one of the many who are stockpiling canned goods, bottled water and burying weaponry in the desert to prepare for the end of the world, I cannot ignore the nudge in my gut that says prepare.  Prepare for what, I have no idea.  But with a year of such political change (has anyone else noticed the volume of deaths of leaders that has a history of conflict with the USA?), such technological advances, and more--it is certain there will be a great deal more change ahead than many are comfortable with.  As one who understands that I have little to no control over the change, I ask you-why worry about it?  Energy spent worrying is energy taken away that could be used to be in the present, to enjoy life now.

The birth of my great-nephew and niece have reminded me of how important it is to remain present.  When we are stuck in our heads, we miss so much! Each laugh, tear, and breath is precious-regardless if you are 6 months old, or 90 years old. LIFE is precious.  It is our purpose on this planet, to live. 

On this New Years Eve, I challenge each of you to make a promise to yourself to practice being present this new year. Do not allow yourself to become so rooted in fear in your life that you stop living.  Take chances, step outside of your comfort zone, and tell people you love them.  Don't wait, for tomorrow may never happen.  All we have is this moment...

I am using this moment to enjoy my margarita as I embrace 2012 with open arms, and shout "I am ready!"

...I am ready.

Much Love-and as always, life fearlessly.

Ten Reasons to Read Books

I have been an avid reader ever since I could speak the word "Seuss", so it is no surprise that as an adult I enjoy my position as a bookseller.  Stumbling upon a new author who spins a gripping story is like that scary blind date, in which you are surprised to find that you can hold an intelligent and stimulating conversation with the person you just met.  That feeling of excitement and exhilaration as you gently turn the pages, the plot thickening...there is nothing like it.

Though it astounds me whenever I meet a person who tells me "Oh, I don't read", it probably should not when most prefer to text.  Speaking of texting, while I partake in this pastime frequently myself, allow me to state my overall view:

 Texting and online chatting is destroying the majority of America's ability to read and write properly-including their verbal and social skills.

READ America!  It's fabulous, I promise you!  As proof, I offer this list of ten reasons how reading will improve your life:

1. Reading improves your vocabulary. (Seriously, those of us who do partake of the pastime, can tell).
2. Reading allows you to travel all over the world-if you have a library card, the journey is FREE!
3. Reading stimulates the brain, keeping it active and assisting with memory issues.
4. Did you know that a book can teach you how to fix a leaky faucet, speak a foreign language, or manage your finances in a  more efficient manner?  I do not lie.
5. Reading reduces ignorance, and therefore potentially reduces racism, intolerance.  (By saying you choose not to read is the same thing as saying you choose ignorance.)
6. Reading is FUN!  You just have to find the right books that you resonate with-ask different people what they are currently reading, and I bet you find something that piques your interest quickly.
7. Reading can make you more employable.
8. Reading helps you connect with family, especially if you turn it into a family pastime.
9. Reading arms you with fantastic conversation starters!
10. Reading is sexy.  

Now you have ten perfectly good reasons to go pick up a book-new and exciting adventures await you!

If you have more reasons why everyone should read, I would love to hear about them-so please leave a comment!

As always, live life fearlessly.

Double Features and Indulgence

     What do you do when you wake up late on a warm, breezy Sunday afternoon, and realize that miraculously you have no honey-do's pending, no errands to run? This is a question that ambled into my sleepy brain this morning-a question I felt deserved serious consideration.  Serious consideration that lasted for, goodness-perhaps 30 seconds-before the answer teased me to full alertness.  Cinema Sunday!!

     There is a small Mom and Pop run cinema a short jaunt down the road from me, and this morning I recalled a "Sunday Special" they ran year-round.  All movies all day long were a mere five dollars-and when you are on a very limited budget like I am, that can be a beautiful thing, indeed!  Due to extenuating circumstances, my movie viewing has sadly decreased by appalling numbers the last several months.  This was my day to take in a flick and catch up.

     Upon reaching the theater and approaching the ticket booth, some imp took control and requested a ticket for 2 separate movies, time-slots in immediate succession.  Two movies?  In one day? Did I dare?  Oh, I dared-I threw all caution to the wind and eagerly clutched my two movie tickets in hand.  Cinema Sunday was turning into Double Feature Sunday, and it was glorious!

    I decided to give in to my often sophomoric sense of humor and start my double feature with Your Highness, a movie that lived up to it's hype as being crude, self-deprecating and small budgeted; though it somehow managed to ensnare/cast Natalie Portman--someone of a higher caliber of acting prowess than the rest of the cast.  I suppose everyone likes to slum it on occasion.  Perhaps a script that called for an impressive, yet decidedly creepy, penis to be worn around the neck as a trophy was simply too good to pass up.  Makes one wonder about the "real" Ms. Portman. Hmm...

     Regardless, the movie is what I expected-corny, campy and very much an over-the-top fun filled one and a half hours...that I am grateful I paid a mere five dollars for.

     For the second feature, I decided to go for something slightly more...well...more.  Limitless is something I had wanted to see since it had been released several weeks ago, mostly because it showcases Bradley Cooper.  Anything that showcases Bradley Cooper is something to be grateful for-I find the man positively drool-worthy and will cross swords with anyone who dares say otherwise!  Or I would if I owned a sword.  At the very least I will engage said person in a most heated discussion!!

     I exited the first theater and took my place in what was now a lengthy concession stand line to refresh my beverage and indulge in a bit of popcorn.  While standing in the lobby, and waiting for my turn at the  counter, I took the time to look around and study my fellow movie goers.  Families, couples, singles, young, old...it was somehow reassuring to see people enjoying their day with some story-telling and escapism.  While I was by myself at the theater, I really did not feel alone.  And that was nice.  After I had my refreshments, I took my seat for the next film and enjoyed both some lovely eye-candy (Thank you Mr. Cooper!), as well as an intriguing story about possibilities.  If you have not yet had the chance to see Limitless, and have the time, I recommend giving it a whirl.

     A brief stop at the local bookstore, and my day was complete.  I headed home, books in hand, and a smile upon my face after having indulged in the type of day that everyone needs, yet so few take advantage of.  I certainly hadn't taken advantage of a day like today in quite some time.  I had forgotten how rejuvenating and inspiring a day like today can be.   And I am grateful for the reminder.

As always, live life with enthusiasm.

  

Dalai Lama Wisdom

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered "Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

A Message...

Occasionally I will have a dream in which I feel an important message is being given to me.  Last night was one of those dreams.  In the dream I was speaking with my deceased father.  I do not remember the exact topic we were speaking on, I only remember that it was about giving up, and losing faith.  During this time of the conversation, more and more people began to populate the area around my father and I, and the conversation-as well as the dream-shifted to include the people. 

We spoke of the importance of not giving up hope, that within hope there is always promise.  Never forget our faith, for that is what empowers us and makes us strong.  As I spoke these words to my father, I was filled with a strong sense conviction, as though I was remembering a long forgotten, ancient truth.  While I was speaking, I also became aware of two things:  an insidious presence among the people present in the dream, as well as an increasing number of people who despaired and felt like giving up.  I encouraged the people to pray-even going so far as to lead them in a repetition of Hail Mary and the Lord's Prayer.  In doing so, I realized that even I had forgotten some of the words, and I began to stumble through it.  All the while seeing smug smiles upon a face here and there in the crowd.  

This is a very important message, everyone.  As a people, we are giving up.  We lose faith in our fellow man, in our government, in the world-when it is imperative that we do not lose faith or give up living our purpose.  It is so easy to become distracted by the unimportant things in life, to become caught up in the mundane routine of things and before we know it, time has gone by.  We forget to be present, to see the gifts and messages our angels, guides and the Ascended Masters leave for us.  Every single day we are given reminders, yet we have become closed off from accepting these messages.  Remember to be open to recognizing and accepting these beautiful signs, for they are what nourishes our very essence. 

If you are unsure of what the important things are, I cannot answer that for you.  I can, however, tell you what I use as my personal guide in when to let something go or when to hold onto it and cultivate it.  I simply ask:  When it comes time for me to leave this physical plane, will this be something I can carry with me, or will it truly have made a difference in life?  If the answer to this is no, then I know that for myself, this is not that important.  

Perhaps this is resurfacing because of events in the news.  Devastation caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, war breaking out again, these are all tests to our faith and hope.  It is during these times that our faith should be at it's strongest.  It is during these times that we should all be in a place of service to our fellow man, and reach out-when instead we seem to withdraw, and pull our material goods closer in fear of losing them.  Ask yourself: Can you take your possessions with you?  Will they have made a difference?  The answer is no.  Reaching out with hand and heart to others-the rewards of that are something you can take with you.

I spoke with a dear friend about my dream, and both of us were surprised (pleasantly) by her following response:

"We are being pushed to give up.  Hope, love, our dreams, ourselves.  I've felt it too. And it's a constant battle.  When we see others who don't seem to remember or want to do good, it's easy to lose our words and our way, but that's when we need to buckle down and focus.  We can only control ourselves and our actions and choices.  One person has the power to tip the balance between good and evil. But if we focus too much on others, we'll stumble.  

Focus on the words and actions you want to express and let them inspire others ot join of their own free will.  Don't force it.  Just let yourself be a source of inspiration and guidance when people come to you."

While her message holds special meaning for me, I felt that it was a message meant for everyone.  I don't believe this to be a message of my friend, exactly-but one of a much higher source.  Whether or not you decide this is one of the many messages you can be open to today, is up to you.

Remember to always live fearlessly.  But also remember to live spiritually awake.

Blessings.

Hello, goodbye...

...and Hello again.


I have been remiss in my blogger duties-my apologies.  Periodically life will throw us a few more balls to juggle, and our focus shifts to make sure they stay in the air.  Our hands frantically move to and fro, in a game of catch-and-release, wondering when we can let the balls fall where they may.  I say anytime you want!  My balls have dropped (tee-hee!) and they will stop where they will.  There will be another ball or five to take it's place--such is life.  


Tonight I watched the final episode of a "guilty pleasure" television series I grew fond of, as it reminded me a great deal of my youth.  I am one of those people.  You know, the people who cry during sappy commercials and movies.  And yes, I cry at every single series finale I watch.  There is a sense of finality and goodbye to them, as you part ways with friends you saw weekly and connected with over a period of months or even years.  They accepted you as you were, and never cared if your hair was a mess, there was a stain on your shirt.  Never mind the fact that you never actually met these friends.  Letting go is tough, regardless of what you are letting go of.  There is a mourning process to work through until acceptance sets in.


As I sat sniffling tonight, yet smiling all the same as my "friends" said their goodbyes on the television, I remembered something I had not even realized I had forgotten.  Goodbyes are sad, and change can be scary.  We have to let go, though, in order for something wonderful to come into our lives!  And something will come into our lives.  Amazing things are born from tragedy, loss, and change; we just have to be open to possibility.  The Law of Polarity states that without dark, there can be no light.  In the same vein, without loss, there is no gratitude and growth.  We have to give in order to get.  


There is a song lyric that gives testament:  "You don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone..."


Always be in gratitude.  Always be open to possibility.  Amazing things happen every day.  You just have to be open to it.


Live fearlessly, everyone.  Life is too brief to always play it safe.


Much love.

And the wheels of time turn...

My niece and I spent a few hours together at a cafe today, supposedly doing homework. She regaled me with tales of childhood deviousness, destruction, adventure and schemes--all wrought with potentially dangerous outcomes. I looked at her belly growing with her son, and thought of the curse my mother use to say to all of us when we added to her gray hairs: "May your children do unto you, three times what you've done unto me." And I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Oh, and she wore this awesome shirt today-which got smiles from a couple of people.