The Locked Gate

This evening on my way out of the office, I was presented with an unexpected obstacle-- the gate that separates the parking area from my building was locked.
After walking to my car this way hundreds of times, my reaction was of complete shock!
My mind immediately judged (as minds do) and proclaimed this incident a major annoyance-- a block of my path home.

For a moment I even contemplated climbing the high chain link fence (wearing a skirt!) before recognizing a much simpler solution:
Walking out a different entrance. Time required: 4.75 minutes

What is ironic is that I needed a walk more than anything. I was feeling tense and short of breath, stressed out and irritable after one of "those days".
The locked gate turned out to be a gift in disguise. It was the catalyst for a an evening of relaxatioin and spirituality that I would not have otherwise given myself.

Breathing in the fresh air, soothed by the energy of the pine trees on my "longer" way to the car, I became relaxed and more present. I then realized that I needed to stop my hurried pace and continue the peace throughout my evening.

Often what we perceive to be an obstacle or a problem is really a detour--and one that can lead us to a new and different place.

Perhaps a place we don't even realize we need to go...

Reflect on this for a moment.
And walk in peace, my friends.

Every ship needs an anchor

My question for today,

How do we remain steady in a sea of constant change?

How do we maintain a sense of peace as we bear witness to the trials, tribulations, and tragedies of our own lives and in the world at large?

There is certainly more than one answer. And you must find your own.

For me it helps to show up for life with open arms--
Without a strict agenda
I find more peace and steadiness when I loosen my attachment to outcomes and when I can be open to "the mystery of life"-- the events that bring joy and meaning, the ones that bring pain, and
Everything in between...

Having goals, intention and direction is important,
But there is also a time to let go...
Because the waves are going to take you on a wild ride and trying to "fight" the ocean doesn't work

And remember this:
Every ship needs an anchor.
Is it going to be your Higher Power,
Or Love,
Or Music
Or Meditation
Or Trust,
Or _____?

Find your anchor.

Every Moment Matters

You are probably familiar with the concept that our happiness is based not on the specific circumstances of our lives, but on how we perceive ourselves and our lives.

Take a moment to reflect on this.

Then ask yourself, "Where have my thoughts been today?"
"Have they been stuck in the past/imagining the future or have I been present?"
"Have my thoughts been overly critical of myself or others?"
"Or have they been optimistic?"
"Are my thoughts healthy?"
"Are they realistic?"

I do not believe that we always choose our feelings. But we do choose our thoughts, often subconsciously. And our thoughts then lead to feeling better or feeling worse--toward embracing the day and making the most of it, or complaining and taking our precious life for granted.

Guess what?
You have a choice to make when you wake up each morning. Ask can ask yourself,
"What thoughts and actions am I going to say yes to today?"
"What thoughts and actions am I going to avoid because they are not healthy or helping me to actualize to my full potential?"

Human life is temporary.
Every moment matters.