What now

August 29, 2021

Good morning friends.  Please keep our soldiers (and others), murdered in Afghanistan, and their families, in your thoughts and prayers.  These individuals are the real heroes of this nation; not sports athletes, Hollywood celebrities or political figures.  We, America, owe these brave men and women our respect and debt of gratitude.  They serve for below standard wages, inadequate health care and brutal conditions, while protecting us and our country every day.  These are truly sad and tragic times; and an incident that could have been prevented.  Unfortunately, our current leadership hasn’t the skill, knowledge or experience to be making complex decisions of this gravity.  Lives are at stake and the security of our nation in is peril.  Sad times for us all.  I hope and pray we will prevail in this fight against evil.

I hope you are all doing well.  Here we are again, already in the last several days of August.  It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time continues to fly.  I hope you’re taking time to enjoy the adventure of life.  Make time to get outside and relish in the abundance and power of nature.  The energy and magnificence of our earth is astounding and beneficial.  It’s important for me to bask in its splendor.  I’ve been on the road again, searching for my new home.  I never expected to be in the position of starting my life over, but here I am.  It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just different.  I feel a bit in limbo, without a home of my own.  I’m not fearful, disappointed or hurt.  I’m a little numb at times, but always grateful for all I have.  I know the world will keep turning (or at least hope it does a while longer), as I still have lots I want to do, accomplish and enjoy.  I keep pushing forward every day.  Positivity, patience and determination are my super powers.  I enjoy each new sunrise and the magic they hold.  I’m excited for every opportunity that comes my way.  I continue to reach for my dreams and live my passions.  I cherish life, doing my best to enjoy every moment.  Life is a rare and special gift.  I hope you aren’t wasting a second on trivial pursuits, worries, stress or events out of your control.  Life is short, so please enjoy it.

I’ve asked myself, “What now?” a number of times during my life.  As I age and mature, the answer becomes abundantly clear.  I don’t worry or dwell on the past.  It serves no purpose, as I can’t alter past mistakes or what I should have done.  I can only learn valuable lessons from the past, while I grow and evolve.  I no longer stress over the future, or what it will bring.  Instead, I am grateful with each new sunrise.  I live in the present, knowing the future will be revealed with each new breath.  I know many events are out of my control.  I can’t fear what may or may not occur.  I won’t allow anxiety to consume me.  I am the master of my thoughts, deeds and actions.  Each time I allow negativity to creep into my mind, it can create harm.  I am in control my happiness, positivity and kindness.  I do have moments of doubt and concern (we all do), but I refuse to let those thoughts derail my happiness.  I don’t say, “I can’t” or “that’s impossible.”  I believe in my power, strengths and self-confidence.  Living my dreams, fulfilling my passions and finding my path all hinge on one thing; me.  Our mind is one of the most powerful tools on this planet.  When you maintain an open attitude, control your mental fortitude, have self-confidence, believe in your own power and open yourself to the possibilities; nothing in the universe can stop you.

How do you make a difference in someone’s life?  The best thing you can do to assist anyone is to show up, show them you care and act with kindness.  These simple acts can have a huge impact on a person who is struggling or experiencing pain or suffering.  As we traverse our daily lives, you never know what others are dealing with.  Their outward appearance may not always reflect their internal conflict.  Even when a person appears calm outwardly, their ability to retain internal emotions may conceal how they feel.  As humans, we all share similar emotions and feelings.  How we display those outwardly, may be completely different.  We may not all react the same, but the common factor is, we all need help to resolve or release critical issues during times of stress.   It helps to have a trusted friend in your life to lean on when needed.  

My Dad is my hero and best friend.  He always knew when I was struggling and what to say to help me through.  He passed away seven years ago.  I’d give anything to have my Dad back, for one more hug, one more conversation or one more opportunity to tell him, “I love you.”  It’s not possible for me to hug him, but that doesn’t keep me from talking with him every day.  I tell him how I feel and ask for his guidance and support when I need it.  I’ve often seen his response in various forms.  I may not always know the exact meaning, but I know he continues to watch over me and our family.  Let me share two examples of his interventions.  One experience occurred about five years ago.  I was feeling down emotionally, so I went for a walk on the beach.  The beach always has a magical sense of power and beauty.  Its energy has always brought me comfort and understanding.  This particular afternoon was cloudy and dreary.  There was no one else around, as I walked and talked with him.  I felt broken and wanted to cry.  I asked him to let me know he was there.  I really needed his support and love.  At that moment, a single ray of sunshine broke over the ocean and through the clouds.  The bright light ran down the water and directly onto me.  I turned to stare at this phenomena and said without hesitation, “Thanks Dad.”  The clouds slowly moved together and pinched off the sunlight.  What a fabulous and uplifting experience!  A more recent event occurred several weeks ago.  Similarly, I was talking to my Dad, and a friend’s father who is in Heaven.  I asked them, during my bedtime prayers, for a sign they were watching over us.  I said, “maybe some butterflies would work.”  The next day I was running along a trail when two white butterflies flew directly into my path.  They fluttered around next to me for several minutes.  When I acknowledged their presence, “Okay, I know it’s you,” they flew away.  Then a darker butterfly flowed them.  At that instant I knew our dog Cinnamon was with them too.  Geez, that’s a whole other story.  You can choose to believe or dismiss these events.  That’s your choice.  I believe.

Life is a learning experience.  I live in the present, knowing the universe is filled with an abundance of opportunities.  All I have to do is open my heart and soul to recognize them as they appear, and before they pass me by.  When you make a decision and it doesn’t work out just how you want it, how do you react?  You can’t allow yourself to get upset or angry.  If you do, that defeats the purpose of life.  Instead, you learn from each experience and move into the present better educated for the future.  We can’t control life or how it changes.  What we can control is how we react to situations, events and circumstances that impact us daily.  Don’t allow negative influences to diminish the positive and good in life.  There are many daily events that seem to add stress to our lives.  Watching the news, social media, traffic and relationships can create instant anxiety.  I’m not bright and happy 24/7, although I try my best.  Let’s face it, we’re all human and some negativity slips into my thoughts.  This is when it’s most important to be present.  I’m able to recognize it and kick those thoughts out, rather than allowing them to manifest internally.  Mental fortitude is a wonderful trait, but remaining ever present in life is most important.

The next time “What now” pops into my thoughts, I know the answer.  I stay positive knowing that my timing in my timing.  I trust God and the universe will bring me what I need when I’m ready.  I relinquish control and open my heart, mind and soul to the possibilities of life.  I remain patient and happy every day, with gratitude for life, family, friends and love.  Life shouldn’t be so much about finding what we want.  It should bring us what we need, to assist us in living in peace and harmony.  Love and gratitude are the main ingredients and gateway to living a happy life.  Stay patient and trust your journey.  My new path to adventure begins with a move to Charleston South Carolina; in a new home, city and state.  I ready for my path to continue forward.

I don’t fear change.  I relish in its diversity.  Our planet is spinning through troubled times my friends.  Do your best every day to be a positive influence in our world.  We need individuals who lead by setting an outstanding example for all to see.  People with courage and fortitude, stand for the freedom and rights of all.  Be the change you want to see on this planet.  If you have the power to makes others happy, do it!  I’m wishing you happiness, contentment, peace and love.  Open your heart to the possibilities.  Our influence and power can change the world.  Follow your dreams.  They know the way.

Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more!  The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation.  Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!

Thanks for your love and support!  Embrace Life!  Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!