November 27, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. This time of year holds special memories for me. The beauty of Fall, cooler temperatures and the change of seasons always bring joy and happiness to my soul. Thanksgiving reminds me to be grateful for so many blessings. I hope you all enjoyed a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving Day and weekend. Be sure to carry your gratitude through December and into the New Year. Today’s the last Sunday of November. Tomorrow, we begin our trek into the Christmas season. I’m excited for Christmas to arrive, because it’s one of my most favorite times of year. Before I get there though, I’m heading out for another Ragnar this week. Seven of my teammates/friends will join me in Florida for a Ragnar Trail race. I’m liking our team name for this event: “Chasing Gators.” All but one of the team members that ran the Oregon Trail race will be there. We have an amazing and wonderful team of talented and fun runners to share this event; with several more to come in the new year. I am blessed and truly honored to lead these individuals as team captain once again. I’m grateful (and fortunate), to be a part of this incredible group of men and women that are my friends. Each person brings special joy to my life. I’m looking forward to the adventure; while we create new and fabulous experiences and memories together. It will be an exciting and fun filled weekend. Tune in next Sunday, December 4th, for my camp, run, repeat, race update.
My life has been evolving since I retired eight years ago. It’s been an incredible process, with ups and downs, that started with the beginning of an amazing relationship. About a year and a half ago, I decided I needed to get away from my life in California. I wasn’t communicating in my relationship, and I let an amazing love slip away. I made a semi hasty decision to move, listed my home and it sold immediately. After several months of searching, I landed in Charleston. It’s a city rich in history and has a past shrouded with darkness, (as do most places around the globe.) We all have a past; as well as issues that we aren’t fond of or willing to openly discuss. I was frustrated and tired of my past creeping into my present, and its ability to negatively influence and derail my love life. I thought changing states seemed like a good idea at the time. That decision is still open to debate. I’m adjusting to my move from California to South Carolina. It’s not terrible or bad; it’s just different. I’m meeting nice people and sharing my journey of life. There are mornings I wake up thinking I’m still in San Clemente, only to realize I’ve already been here for many months.
My years long journey has provided enlightening insight into my past; where I am in the present and who I want to be in future. I learned that until I was willing to change, positive growth wasn’t going to happen. The new me was made possible when I was forced to dig deep into my heart and soul for answers. I desperately wanted to be able to open myself with passion and emotion; especially to the people I love. My struggles continued to drag me backward. The feeling of hurt and failure made me realize I needed help. Professional counseling and EMDR therapy assisted tremendously; to release trauma and my past. Gratitude, yoga, mindfulness, meditation and lots of support and love aided my progress. I changed my perceptions, altered my beliefs and increased my awareness. I learned to control my thoughts and eliminate the negativity. My attitude, communication and actions concerning life and love improved in positive ways. The impact on my outlook, happiness and life have been profound and empowering. My shadow work continues, as I examine every detail of John. As the days pass, the clarity of my life I seek become clearer. I chose the move and the destination; but I know God and the universe guided me to a new evolution. At this stage of my life; after my law enforcement career and being a Dad, it’s a rewarding feeling knowing I still have the power to offer aid and assistance to others. I’ve opened my heart and soul to you via my blogs, shared on social media and continue to offer support, insight and conversation to interested listeners. This is part of my strength and new life.
I thought I knew what Gods plan was for me. It’s possible it changed or I wasn’t open to listening. Maybe I didn’t really know or understand which path to take or where I was going. I know I’ve been moving forward for many years, but often wonder how much was in a positive direction. Now that my heart and soul have been opened and exposed, I can see my path hasn’t necessarily changed, it’s just been slightly altered. I’m still the same guy; a little older and wiser, while important changes occurred on the inside (where it matters the most). My journey from childhood, to education and career have provided me with a multitude of experiences, lessons and skills. The tools I’ve acquired will enable me to follow through with the reason I was placed on this planet. My freshly exposed heart and soul have empowered me to move into my new life. I know my body will achieve what my mind believes. The new me begins each day with gratitude, happiness and love.
There’s an old adage, “a reason, a season or a lifetime.” I’m a firm believer that we don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path. I have witnessed this phenomena many occasions, while the universe works its magic. Some people may say it’s just a coincidence or by chance, but I don’t agree. There is so much more to life and what the universe has in store for each of us. As I examine my past I understand why events occurred or individuals came into my life. God and the universe work in mysterious ways to alter our lives or change our direction. I have the power to achieve whatever I desire. It’s never too late to dream new dreams. Trust in yourself; the process works as long as you believe in your own strength and fortitude. My healing began when I believed it was possible. When I cleared the negativity from my mind, opened my heart and soul to the universe; that’s when my new and true journey began. Nourish your mind and body with healthy goodness every day. Believe in yourself. We are all human, and we each possess our own unique and special abilities. Inhale only positive thoughts with each breath. Empower yourself to be the best you can be. Strive to reach your dreams daily. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. This is my new life and the new me; happy, positive, strong and empowered to share my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity’s life brings. My dreams will be my wings. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, 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!
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