After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
You learn that love doesn't mean security,
you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
You begin to accept your defeats with your head up
and eyes open with the grace of a woman,not the grief of a child.
You learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrows ground is too uncertain,
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much,
so you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
You learn that you really can endure, That you really are strong
You really do have worth, And you learn...and learn
With every good-bye...you learn.
Author Unknown
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Slow Down
Slow Down
Take nothing for granted; watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow. Taste your food; It's to delight, as well as to nourish. Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set; They are remarkable for their steady pattern, not for their speed.
Stop planning how you're going to use what you know or possess. They are gifts. Use them now. When you talk with someone, don't think about what you'll say next. Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried person in you.
Work with your hands. Free your mind. Take time to wonder. Sit in the dark. It will teach you to seeand hear, taste and smell. Pet a furry friend, you will give and get the gift of now.
Create a place in your home,at your work, in your heart,where you can go for quiet reflection. Allow yourself time to just be. Rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
Divide big jobs into little jobs. When you find yourself anxious, stop. Ask yourself why. Listen to the wind blow. It tells of yesterday, tomorrow and now. Now is what counts.
Do rest on your laurels, they bring comfort, whatever their age or condition. Talk slower. Talk less. Don't talk. Communication isn't always measured by words. Give yourself permission to be late sometimes. Life is for living, not scheduling.
Direct your life with purposeful choices,not with speed and efficiency. The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first. Take a day off alone, make a retreat. You can learn from monks and hermits without becoming one.
Listen to the song of a bird; the complete song. Music and nature are gifts,but only if you receive them. Action is good and necessary,but it's fruitful only if you muse, ponder and mull. Make time for the things you like to do; your inner child needs re-creation.
Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks and teaches. Listen to the words you speak. Learn to stand back and let otherstake their turn as leaders. Take time to read; thoughtful reading enriches the soul.
Once in awhile, turn down the volume; turn down the invitations. Less really can be more. Let go. Nothing is sometimes the hardest thing to do - but sometimes it is the best. Take a walk. But don't go anywhere. If you walk just to get somewhere, you sacrifice the walking.
Slow down. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself, right now. Remember a peaceful time. Rest there. Each moment has richness that takes a lifetime to savor. Set your own pace.
-- Author Unknown
Take nothing for granted; watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow. Taste your food; It's to delight, as well as to nourish. Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set; They are remarkable for their steady pattern, not for their speed.
Stop planning how you're going to use what you know or possess. They are gifts. Use them now. When you talk with someone, don't think about what you'll say next. Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried person in you.
Work with your hands. Free your mind. Take time to wonder. Sit in the dark. It will teach you to seeand hear, taste and smell. Pet a furry friend, you will give and get the gift of now.
Create a place in your home,at your work, in your heart,where you can go for quiet reflection. Allow yourself time to just be. Rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
Divide big jobs into little jobs. When you find yourself anxious, stop. Ask yourself why. Listen to the wind blow. It tells of yesterday, tomorrow and now. Now is what counts.
Do rest on your laurels, they bring comfort, whatever their age or condition. Talk slower. Talk less. Don't talk. Communication isn't always measured by words. Give yourself permission to be late sometimes. Life is for living, not scheduling.
Direct your life with purposeful choices,not with speed and efficiency. The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first. Take a day off alone, make a retreat. You can learn from monks and hermits without becoming one.
Listen to the song of a bird; the complete song. Music and nature are gifts,but only if you receive them. Action is good and necessary,but it's fruitful only if you muse, ponder and mull. Make time for the things you like to do; your inner child needs re-creation.
Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks and teaches. Listen to the words you speak. Learn to stand back and let otherstake their turn as leaders. Take time to read; thoughtful reading enriches the soul.
Once in awhile, turn down the volume; turn down the invitations. Less really can be more. Let go. Nothing is sometimes the hardest thing to do - but sometimes it is the best. Take a walk. But don't go anywhere. If you walk just to get somewhere, you sacrifice the walking.
Slow down. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself, right now. Remember a peaceful time. Rest there. Each moment has richness that takes a lifetime to savor. Set your own pace.
-- Author Unknown
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Reasons behind the reasons
Look for the reasons behind the reasons. There is some reason for everything you have chosen to do or to be. Behind each reason is another reason that drives it, and a whole string of reasons, reaching to your very core. Dig deep enough, and connect with your most treasured purposes.
The more clearly you know who you are, the more elevated your perspective becomes. Develop a solid understanding of your very own fundamental reasons why, and you'll find multiple opportunities for moving forward.
When you're in touch with your purpose, you'll find that many of the external things you see as necessities are not really necessities at all. The less you need, the more abundant and fulfilling your life will be.
Know why you do what you do, and you'll understand how to do it more effectively. When there is authentic passion driving your actions, those actions get results.
Where there is a real and meaningful reason, fulfillment naturally follows. Find your deepest reason why, and activate your most powerful abilities to make it so.
-- Ralph Marston
The more clearly you know who you are, the more elevated your perspective becomes. Develop a solid understanding of your very own fundamental reasons why, and you'll find multiple opportunities for moving forward.
When you're in touch with your purpose, you'll find that many of the external things you see as necessities are not really necessities at all. The less you need, the more abundant and fulfilling your life will be.
Know why you do what you do, and you'll understand how to do it more effectively. When there is authentic passion driving your actions, those actions get results.
Where there is a real and meaningful reason, fulfillment naturally follows. Find your deepest reason why, and activate your most powerful abilities to make it so.
-- Ralph Marston
Desiderata
Desiderata ~ OR "Things to be Desired"
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
~Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
~Max Ehrmann
Obligatory Intro
I've started this journal as a place for me to vent, yell, scream, be happy, share the good and bad times and anything else that comes my way. I'm going through a divorce and once it's all over, I look forward to starting over; hence, the name of the journal. I'm 33 and have a 3 year old son who I love more than life itself and this will be a journey for us. I may share things that I find online that are uplifting, funny, sad or informative. If you'd like to join me, feel free to leave a comment. If you don't, you know where the exit button is.
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