THE WAY IT WORKS

"Always remember," the storyteller told the wide-eyed children, "once-upon-a-time in a tale also means Now."

~ Dr. SunWolf ~

It always starts with an idea 

that produces a story we tell ourselves about

how it will be, 

and what it will mean.

And then it happens,

And the reality is completely different than our story.

So we make up a new one.

And on we go. 

I bring awareness to the stories I tell myself.

FORCED FLEXIBILITY

"It is only the long and patient road that leads to anywhere."

~ Muriel Strode ~

Sometimes not only does nothing go as planned or hoped, but things also get stuck in ways that require immense patience. It's that modern effect of non-common-sensical information and circumstances we are force fed and just have to deal with- traffic and hold times on phone calls only to get a human who has no humanity, and waiting for food in busy restaurants, and computer downloads- silly things mostly, and yet, they cramp our flow... or they can, unless we're able to be quietly observant, and filled with good humor, and happily, spiritually fit.

I stay in good spiritual shape so I can navigate the frustrations of life with grace. 

CONSIDERATION

"Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not."

~ Samuel Johnson ~

Life is full of triggers and feeling dismissed is definitely one of mine.

Consideration matters.

Acknowledgement matters,

And courtesy is key. 

My feelings count.

THE BEST WE CAN DO

"Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still."

~ Chinese Proverb ~ 

Sometimes our best effort is inspired and effective and the results are magnificent.

And sometimes our best effort is a trudge through slush. 

And either way is ok.

Truly.

We are not meant to be "on" at all times.

Our abilities are contingent on energy and motivation and the weather and our mood,

And that's as it should be.

So let's enjoy it when the energy is flowing, and accept it gracefully when it's not.

Our abilities and the ease or difficulty of our required efforts shift ceaselessly like the tide.

FREEDOM FROM DEPENDENCY

"The greatest wealth is health."

~ Virgil ~

I used to drink a lot and do drugs just to deal with everyday living. It felt like more than I could bear to manage it all straight. And if someone suggested that I might be overdoing it, I felt they didn't properly understand my situation, and I couldn't imagine living any other way.
     And now I don't drink or do drugs, and I can't imagine how I ever lived that way, which proves that change can happen, and that what seems important and impossible to us now may not be forever.  I have learned beyond the shadow of a doubt that help is available, that we are not alone, that life deserves our full participation, and that it's well worth experiencing without being fogged in a chemical haze.

I keep my head clear and experience life as it comes. 

OK TO BE WHO WE ARE

"To the question of your life, you are the only answer."

~ Jo Coudert ~

It's ok to do the things that we love to do.

In fact, that's what we're supposed to do!

Not force feed ourselves on our list of shoulds,

And choke and sputter as we swallow them down,

But delight in the taste and sensation of what suits us 

To a tee. 

I make time for the activities I enjoy!

LIFE MAINTENENCE

"The old broom knows the corners."

~ Irish Saying ~

A certain amount of our life has to be applied to life maintenance.

There's no getting around this.

We have adventures, and projects, and work and community and pleasure,

And in between and around it all is self-care, 

And house cleaning,

And paying bills,

and filling up with gas.

The secret to happiness is taking the "chore" out of our chores and turning them into beloved routines.