Journey of Life; Measure of Life

I received this affirmation today "Any attempt to measure one's progress in life with an assessment of their present physical surroundings, or even a panoramic glance at their life and times to date, is just plain "whacked." The reason being, Stephen, is that each journey, kind of like a haircut, should never be fully appraised until it's complete. Otherwise, one might mistaken a miracle-in-the-making for a setback, loss, or the "wet-look." The Universe" I love this idea because the snapshot of one's life at so many points never really takes into account the "why" or the "preparation" for the moment. Moreover, all the prepration is simply the part of the journey toward another growth or event.

Another Paradox

Before I had to surrender my life, I used to think that I had to make everything mine. I had to own my life, own my profession, own my city, own my cicles. I could never just be a part of something. I had to be that something. So, now, I am a part of a lot of different things and I become what I always wanted to be! For example, I needed to feel that I WAS somebody in Chicago - a huge city. I had to seek ways to dominate, to be, and to exert my influence. Now, I participate in my community. No ego. Now, I have become what I always wanted to be. Another paradox.

To Thine Own Self Be True

One of the hardest lessons that I am learning is "To Thine Own Self Be True". I have a disease to please and often make decisions to make others happy at my expense. I have paid dearly for this lesson and I wish I could say that it has been learned completely...

No Life of Quiet Desperation

Thoreau said that Most Men Lead Lives of Quiet Desperation. I vowed that it would not be me, but a few yrs ago, I realized that my life had become that. Not today! I was out running thinking of the day ahead and concerned about a few things. But I don't worry - when I live honestly and focus on love and service - no room for quiet desperation. So, off to do love and service! One Love!

Hope

The break of sunshine. I am hopeful today for no good reason. I love the feeling of having hope, of being happy, when my reality should make me feel otherwise. I know I am growing spiritually when I can resist despair in the face of "nothing good to look forward to" today. Must be GOD is up to something...

Past, Present, Future

We are told that we will not regret the past, nor ish to shut the door on it. Still, we will undoubtedly have things in our past that we may be very embarassed about or have a great deal of shame. We do not realize sometimes that each day we are creating our past. Today we have an opportunity to live well, to live with grace and honor, to live nobly and to live in love. When we do that today, we have very good yesterdays. So, it is true that no matter what our past, we have a spotless future. How will I embrace my day becomes my choice and how I want to see yesterday tomorrow.

We Need Time to Recharge

There are days when I feel drained of my hope, my energy and my strength. My body and my spirit tell me to slow down and recharge. This is critical. We must recharge or we die out, just like the battery.