Garden growth

Gripped hands pluck unwanted stems from the ground.
A hole rests where life once grew.
The landscape is dotted with misplaced plants.
They grow in and around existing foliage.
The labour seems endless,
but all that really exists is this one motion, this one pull, this one moment.
One weed down, 347 to go.

Help up

Sometimes the best way to lift ourselves up is to lend a helping hand to others.  In this act we give service and we honour the gifts we have.  This can be as simple as calling a friend who is down and lending them an ear, or it can be more creative such as playing an instrument at an old folks home.  The act of giving is clustered with rewards that lift us up and remind us that there is good in the world, and we are part of it.

How have you helped someone recently?

Voice of an angel

Do you ever start a conversation with someone and wonder if maybe, just maybe, there is a heavenly presence entering the space you share?  Entering this special moment when you feel just a little bit different, a little more complete?  The words spoken ignite something within you and you know in that moment, you will never be the same.  I feel this when someone goes deep and shares their story with me.  When someone reveals a truth about their life story that most people wouldn't get to hear.  I feel honoured and humbled and alive in those moments.

When was the last time an angel spoke to you?

Building steps to cross the bridge

Our life is defined and directed by the small decisions we make.  What to eat for supper, who to spend our evening with, and what thoughts to entertain in our head all help to adjust our sail so that we travel in the right direction.  Sometimes we make a choice that leads us away from the edge, a temporary relief.  But what action might help us to build steps to cross the bridge? Sometimes this is known as the hard road, but it does not need to feel hard.  We can rejoice in the effort, knowing that our decision is leading us somewhere great.  Each small step helps to build a bridge over our fear, grief or sadness.  Today, when given a choice to find instant relief or spend time building a step, choose the step and reward yourself for putting your long-term interests first.

Just people watching

There is something calming about watching people moving through their day.  Smiles, mannerisms and lives so different from our own stir our imagination and leave us in a state of wonder.  So many of us find ourselves in a blissful drift when given the chance to sit back in a crowd and observe the human world around us.  Children are especially interesting to watch.  Flicks of energy seem to fly off their small bodies and reach toward us as they play and create and explore.

Where is your favourite place to people watch?

Push through the pain

Labour.  It is hard work.  But somehow we push through, knowing that we may birth something glorious if we can just fight past the pain.  One side calls to us to take a break, to leave the source of fear and hurt, the other side asks us to bear down and seize the moment. Who do we listen to? Lately I have been listening to the side that asks me to run and hide. I envelope myself in the arms of safety, of temporary freedom.  But today I chose to push through and I feel so strong for it.

What have you done recently to make it through a tough challenge?

Let it sink in

What was the last compliment you heard?  Perhaps someone noticed your new shirt or your input at work was acknowledged.  Recall this compliment once again and let it truly sink in and take root. Repeat the words several times to yourself.  We all too often hear a compliment but then rarely do we listen to the sweet words and take them fully inside.  We quickly say "thanks" on an exhale, without remembering to fully inhale the kind message being gifted our way. You deserve that compliment.  Accept it in a way that matters.  Embrace it.