Happy Sunday, Journeyer!

As I looked scrolled through my iPhone camera roll and the pages of my day planner, there wasn’t a whole lot of “happy” images and messages that jumped out at me.

I’m still battling this cough and cold.

But I feel eight percent better than I did last week.

Recovery makes me happy.

I am tired all the time.

But rather than eat and eat and eat to try to stay awake, I’ve been surrendering to the fatigue and taking naps.

Feeling rested makes me happy.

The work saga continues to broaden its reach, wreaking more stress on my mind and my body.

But rather than succumb to fear and anxiety, I’ve been taking one deliberate step after the other to assure that I am taken care of and that each move has in mind the good of the many.

For me it’s not about revenge, it’s about creating change that will serve the masses that are directly and indirectly being affected in some negative way.

Feeling safe, cared for, and nurturing of others makes me happy.

My life has felt like one big disruption, one ongoing series of meetings and appointments.,

I made a decision this week to transition my individual therapy sessions to once every two weeks.

I canceled an add-on dentist appointment for routine x-rays and put it off until my next cleaning.

Feeling like my projects are a little less disjointed makes me happy.

Other moments that made me happy include the presence of more and more flowers breaking through the ground’s surface.

Morning sunrises and the light’s shimmery reflection on the creek that runs parallel to my morning drive.

I spent most of yesterday with Beauty. We gathered at her house (she has hi-speed internet!) to watch Whirrel compete in an event on the other side of the country.

I took the time to visit my elderly neighbor whom I haven’t stopped in to see in months. This widow has little family in the area and I like to pop in on her from time to time. Her newspaper bin and over-sized mail box were crammed with more than two weeks worth of materials. She and I both enjoyed a long overdue visit.

Feeling connected makes me happy.

Warren and I have continued our Thursday dinner and doggie obedience date nights. It’s nice to be able to spend this time together and to learn and grow in another field.

Speaking of Warren, I am so grateful for his support with regard to whatever is happening in my life. This work drama has been ongoing for months now and he continues to listen every single night, to help me brainstorm my many options, and to share his own wisdom and experiences.

I have been taking a course in Intuitive Tarot card reading and have enjoyed seeing the many connections that come with each day’s draw. I am in awe of how the universe guides me to the very card(s) that are relevant to each day’s intention.

Last week I showed up to class empty handed save for my deck of cards. No pen. No paper. The woman next to me arrived with a notebook chock full of card interpretations she’d done, several creative and cool card storage boxes, enough enthusiasm for the both of us, and extra loose leaf  paper.

The extra paper made me especially happy because she offered it up generously and freely.

Know what I did? I began looking around the room and comparing myself to all of the other prepared beings. I thought for a half second that maybe I didn’t belong in that class, because maybe I really wasn’t into learning the art of Tarot card readings because I hadn’t done the homework or exerted energy like everyone else had done.

And you know that age old expression, “Maybe the cards just weren’t in it for me.”

Pun intended.

Dan Millman cited a Buddhist quote on comparison, but unfortunately all I manged to write down was “Comparison is a form of” and I can’t seem to easily locate the expression in a Google search.

Here’s my version of what I imagine Buddha to have said: “Comparison is a form of stripping identity clean from our bones.”

Dan Millman, in a brief discussion on our way to the dining hall also mentioned that the “5” in my life purpose might show up as scattered tendencies.

No denying that (she says with a cocked grin and widening of the sparkling eyes.)

So, since I kind of like all the stuff that holds my body together, I chose to let go of comparison and to focus on the evening’s message.

That self-kindness led to me choosing to incorporate practice into my daily routine and to giving thought about a container for my stuff.

You’re going to love what presented itself to me!

Last year my sister gave me a beautiful, musical jewelry box with a message nestled in the top. I had no idea what I was going to do with it but since it was too precious to put in storage somewhere I set it among family photos on a living room table.

Journeyer, it’s a prefect fit for my over-sized angel cards and a few crystals. And the message on top is so fitting.

My sis knows what a huge tree of life fan I am and how much I love inspiration.

Inspiration and thoughtfulness make me happy.

Isn’t she a beaut? The box and my sis?!

I’ll leave you with the message on the box.

Living Life

“Life is not a race – but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “thank you”, “I love you”, and “great job” to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental – search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreicate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things in life are free. Do no worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself – plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.” ~Bonnie L. Mohr

What about you, Journeyer? What moment(s) made you feel alive this past week? What moment(s) got you through a difficult time, made you smile, or warmed your heart? We LOVE reading your stories so please leave a message in the box below!

Until next time, yours in hope, healing, and happiness,

And for all you huggers out there, BIG, WARM hugs coming your way.