Water

I've been thinking a lot about water.

Water is such a simple, pure thing, but holds so much power. 

There's power in staying true to who you are. 

Water doesn't try to be anything else; it's clear and tasteless, for the most part.

Nothing fancy, although, sometimes it does get all bottled up and pretty for us.

It's the very thing that drowns us. That brings our fears to float at the surface. That hides secrets beneath it's depths. It scares us.

And it's the very thing that cleanses us and allows us to start anew. At the lowest of lows, relenting and diving head first into a body of water, refreshes us. Our tears blend into the sea, along with all the other tears that have been washed away there and suddenly, we're not alone. It washes us clean. It saves us. 

Water forces honesty. Everything you wish would sink and never be found again, reemerges. We are all wading around our ghosts in the closet, our heart breaks, our walls built, the blows of life that have left scars so deep you still feel incomplete. All of us are wading through the water. Wading there, in our bare skin, all of our baggage out, for all to see. Just hoping, some one will see beyond the surface. Deep down. They'll see us and prove our treading was worth it. And it will be. 

You won't be wading around your ghosts anymore, you'll be swimming through them. And soon you'll be left with nothing floating atop the water, just an honest soul, stripped to the bones, looking at another naked soul, submerged in the pool of truth. It will be so worth it. 

Water makes us surrender. To give in to the past that floats around us and to dive in to the unknown, with hope that the soul of another will be diving in right along with us. 

Water; for being so simple, is so complex.

Just like me and just like you.

The Night's Sky

The night sky is the most honest thing I've seen. 

It's dark, but nothing hides.

People's shells start to soften.

The independent woman, lets herself collapse in her husbands arms.

The writer, that struggled to find a sentence all day, is hit with haiku after haiku. 

The courage is mustered up, to speak the words hidden in your throat all day, with such conviction.

The ice cream, that has been avoided all day, is eaten...twice.

Dreamers dream, with no reservations. 

The man, cries.  

The masterpiece is painted.

The chords are strummed. 

The moon rises and people feel a sense of relief; allowed to be their vulnerable selves.

The night used to seem big, dark, and scary, but now I see it as a soft break, from life's spotlight, during the day. Some of us aren't strong enough for every day, so we have the night. 

It's our reflection. We, are each a star; burning with ideas, love, and light inside of us, and before most of us even realize how bright and magnificent we are, we burn out and we're gone. We have all this time and then, with one beautiful, streak across the sky, our time is up.

So, whenever that sunshine is a little too much for you. Go look at your reflection. Not in the mirror, but up in the night's sky. See how big and bright you are? See how you add a beautiful spark of light in the dark times? See how much prettier you look shining, along side others? See how much we'd miss you, if you weren't there glistening? See how your light, lights up the ones around you? See how vital you are, to all the other stars, up there? 

The night sky is our reflection. You are small, yet absolutely vital. Shine, baby, shine!  

To The Ones Who've Got It Easy

Ever wake up one day and realize you actually have some scars and "experience" in life?  All of the sudden you're older and notice life has roughed you up a bit. 

It's weird, if you're a positive person, you just live your life and even if you hit some rough patches along the way (like everyone does), your knee jerk attitude is "it's not that bad," only to find out, it actually was pretty bad and you actually learned a huge lesson and had a huge life experience to look back on. 

You go through your day to day life and some people act like they know more than you or have seen worse than you, and some have, but most haven't. Most just have a negative attitude towards their struggles, while you have a positive one. I feel like, the people with negative attitudes towards their hard times and the people that find it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes, try to intimidate you. 

You, the happy go lucky one. The one who brings hope to the most dire situations. The one who people count on for a smile. The one who doesn't partake in negative banter about all the evil in the world, not because you're not aware, but, because you realize there's no purpose for it in your life. The one who never gives up. The one who focuses on all you have, rather than all you don't have. The one who wakes up and knows you have to be a few other people's sunshine that day and no matter how crappy you're feeling, you're going to make, at least, one other person feel better. The one whose life is "so easy," because you're actually happy. 

You put a smile on your face and trudge through the dark, scary times of life. You become the light around your own shadow, pulling yourself forward.

Yes, you! You! You have experience. You have scars. You're tough. You've seen some dark times that are up there on the "dark times scale." You're a little bit jaded and a little tarnished. Your life hasn't been easier than most, so quit using that as a cop out, to why you're so happy. Give yourself credit. You are one of those amazing people, in the world, that can actually generate happiness, regardless of your circumstances. You're more courageous than the one's swirling around in their own negativity and masking it by trying to intimidate you. 

Do not let anyone make you feel like you've had it easy. Life is hard on us all. Don't be daunted by those that act like you haven't "seen anything." 

You're like the warmth you feel, on your numb cheeks, when the sun breaks through the clouds, on a snowy day. 

You have it right, not easy.

Simplicity

There has been one word ringing in my head lately and that's: simplicity. I've always found great joy out of life's simple pleasures. Like how shiny a new toaster is, how hot coffee is straight out of the pot, the way people look in the morning, a timeless song, and so on. 

When I think about raising my kids it comes down to one thing and that's wanting them to have a simple life. I believe the extraordinary is found in recognizing the beautiful, simplicity. I want my kids to know life is about everything money cannot buy. If you strip away everything you own, who are you? I want my kids to grow up knowing that person and being confident with that person, so they know no car, job, house, or designer bag defines them. 

So what's simplicity and where can you find it? Good thing you asked, because I wrote a poem about it :). 

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Simplicity

It's in the grass, between your toes

It's watching a sunflower flourish and grow

It's noticing the clouds up above

It's looking into a strangers eyes and seeing love

It's in the laugh of a child

It's in the hoof of a horse that wants to run wild

It's in the cracks of hardworking hands

It's in the waves meeting the sand

Simplicity

It's in the drip of an ice cream cone

It's when forgiveness is shown

It's in the pen pressing against this paper

It's driving with the windows down

It's the moment, you decide to look up, and look around

It's in the wind, dancing through the trees

It's feeling like you're the only woman in the world your husband sees

It's feeling the warm ground beneath your feet

It's when a friend saves you a seat

It's a home cooked meal that tastes like love

It's that little bit of happiness inside that no one can get rid of

Simplicity

It's in this moment.

Here.

Now. 

Simplicity is extraordinary. Look around. 

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Complainers Are People Too.

So, I'm really big on "to each their own." If you're happy, I'm happy. Happy people create happy people, so who cares what they're doing to be their happiest self. It's good for them and good for the world!  

I did, however, have an epiphany that I still am quick to judge or put a wall up against "complainers." People who complain all the time drive me nuts! Some of the closest people to me, that I grew up with, have never had much money--sometimes not even their own bed, and they never complained. They are some of the happiest people I know and it's because they know what matters and don't gripe about what they don't have. They're all older now, obviously, and doing great thangs! I be proud :). I just think, you're in charge of your own life, so if you don't like what's happening don't fuss about it; change it! 

I just didn't grow up with complainers and now when I come across one, I just want to run away or punch them in the face (ha). BUT I realized...these people are complaining, because there is a deeper issue making small things big deals. Maybe these people really need a good friend, a smile, a door opened for them, or a hug. If they want to live life complaining- to each their own!  

The point is, complainers are people too. Befriend the whiney person you come across today. It could help, slowly, change their view. Maybe they'll start to see all they have and skip complaining about what they don't have. 

PS: It's not like I never complain. All of us are guilty of it here and there. Some people live in complaint though. I ain't down with it. Try not complaining for one, whole, day. It could be good stuff.   

If all else fails; find a good rock to sit on and watch the Sun set. Really, what is there to complain about?

The CardBoard Box Theory; How To Tell If You're Really Happy

Sometimes life gets complicated. Here's an easy thought to figure out if you're happy with some one in your life. 

Little back story: I grew up with 2, younger brothers and tons of cousins always around. It felt like I had tons of siblings. We were all so close and saw each other all the time, not to mention we actually loved spending time with one another. We hung out by choice, not just force. 

Anyways...I remember, one Christmas I had gone about an hour away to one of my cousin's other relatives houses for a short visit. On the way home, it was raining, and we were stuck in major traffic. I kid you not, I was so happy, that we hit traffic! I had been having so much fun with my cousins in my aunt's van that I didn't want the trip to end. We were all snuggly inside with the heater on, sharing blankets and stories and laughing hysterically! I thought, "If we were driving home, right now, to a cardboard box, I would be just as happy, because I love these people and I have them in my life!" Now, fortunately we had a cozy home full of Christmas presents, food, warmth, and comfy couches we were headed to. But if not, our laughter and love for each other would have warmed that cardboard box right up! 

I continue to have this thought through out my relationships in life. I stop and think, "Would I be happy stuck in a cardboard box with you?" If the answer is no, maybe you should re-evaluate the relationship. Of course, no one would be happy forever living in a box- so don't get all cray cray here. Just think; if the world stripped you of everything, except the people in your life and tossed you a box. Would you be happy with the quality of your relationships? To my friends and family; if all I had were you and a cardboard box; I know we'd make that thing homey and move it somewhere with a stellar view. I would be happy. People are all that matter in your life; nourish them and your relationships. 

A Letter of Encouragement

This letter is to you-

Dear person fighting the good fight-

To the single parent, that only gets a "break" when they're sleeping, even though your sleep is interrupted by your children waking up hungry for a bottle or needing to cuddle from a nightmare. To the entrepreneur that has been brave enough to venture out and create their own business, but is left with the unsettled feelings of, "How am I going to make a living off of this and actually feed my family?" To the person that has just lost a loved one and can't fathom how our world is still turning and people are going about their usual days without this person on the planet. To the courageous being who has just moved to an entirely new city, without knowing a single person. To the person in debt up to their eye balls and only able to make a payment with credit cards, in turn, acquiring more debt. To the new mother, who is completely exhausted and somehow, lonely; even though you spend every waking moment with a new little soul. 

To the teacher who spends countless, extra hours just trying to figure out ways to make the curriculum click for your students and receiving, not only, little to no recognition, but constantly fighting with the outside world about what you're doing and why. To the kind soul that just wants to give back, but can't find the way how--or the way to make a living off of it anyways. To the person fighting disease and constantly asking, "Why me!" To the person trying to find their purpose. To the person who will have their Christmas lights up until next year. To the person missing some one that's far away, so much, that you just want to curl up in a ball and stay there.  

To the student in college, changing their major at least five times and losing your drive to finish. To the kid in school getting picked on for no good reason. To the bullies that haven't addressed their own insecurities and sufferings, so you take it out on some one else. To the neighbor that would actually like to get to know their neighbor better. To the mother constantly questioning if she's doing things right. To the mailman that put the letter in the wrong mailbox. To the person who tripped in front of a large crowd. To the Dad who wishes he could spend more time with his kids, but is working so hard to get his family financially comfortable. To the kids that enter each day un-jaded and pure. To you and you and you...and, you!

We are all in this together. We've all been one of these people at some point in our life. Reach out to some one and don't be embarrassed. You will be surprised how much support you receive. We are all longing for comfort and to comfort some one. Remember to be compassionate. The person you're feeling sorry for today or pointing and laughing at could be you tomorrow. Bring the happy into some one else's life, not only your own. Sometimes people just need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, eyes to look at them, ears to hear them, and a pair of feet to walk along side with; they need human touch and compassion.

If you are one of these people, finding yourselves in a tough spot in your life; sometimes we just need to hear a few encouraging words. So, I'm here to tell you this; I believe in you! You're going to heal, grow, and learn. You will be better in the end and able to pass on the knowledge of this hard lesson you're learning. I, believe, in the worst days, that's when it's most important to look at the small things. Maybe, a cool looking cloud can offer you a smile, the wind in the trees can offer you a sense of peace, or a stranger opening your door can offer you a sense of hope. Whatever it may be, I hope you find a smidge of contentment in today. 
                                                                   With love,
                                                                                 A fellow human-being.

Dreams & Thoughts

If there is one thing I'm sure of, it is the fact that I am a dreamer! A big, big dreamer. I mean, if you're going to dream, better dream big, right? I love hearing other people's dreams and ideas and motivating them to pursue their wildest ones! When you think about it, everything that is "cool" or "popular" or even used in everyday life, like computers...all just started with an idea and a dream and I love that! 

Along, with having lots of dreams in my life, I am constantly writing down my random thoughts about this big ol' world. There is just always a steady flow of 'what-ifs, how does that happen, wouldn't it be nice, this is interesting, etc.' in my head.

I feel like I'm growing and learning every day. I'm getting more in touch with my soul and in touch with the world. This is where I'm going to write all my random thoughts and feelings down. From government issues (not really, though) to spiritual awakenings to modern day men and women to good music to travel to who knows what! 

Lord knows I could fill a whole blog with just my dreams and ideas, so sharing some of them with the world and getting useful feedback could be something really special. This is probably the broadest 'section' of my blog, because I have such random thoughts that are so different each day. I didn't really know how else to categorize it, besides 'thoughts.' I'll learn as I go though!