Second Wind

The advice most commonly given to those who are doing any form of strenuous exercise, is to keep going when you're ready to quit. Seasoned athletes have come to realize that there is a feeling of revitalization coming, and you'll be able to go further than you thought.

The same can be said about life. Life is not a sprint. It's a long haul. I have come to realize when it seems like I want to sit out and give up (not unto death don't worry) if I just keep pressing, I will be revitalized.  Life is a beautiful thing. It goes on! I have been trying to make sure I squeeze one last blog in before the New Year. In retrospect that's silly. Years are an excellent way to mark the passage of time. But I'm done with "waiting on New Years" to address anything that needs attention in my life. I'm doing my best not to drag any old mess into 2014, but the fact of the matter is, I am not waiting until the final moments of 2013 to let anything go. I release all that does not edify the life I am trying to live, when I recognize that it does not profit my purpose.

The last quarter of this year I found my second wind. I can and will continue to move forward. I can and AM growing mentally, spiritually and physically. I had a complete stranger walk up to me in the grocery store of all places this week. He told me that he could sense my profound sense of spirituality. That a force greater than me was radiating to the point in which he could sense it when he walked in my presence. My response......."Yes that's correct." I won't pretend that makes me sensational or special. What that makes me is a woman that is walking in her destiny. This palpable force is to be expected from anyone who is doing such. It doesn't mean that I am special. It means I am on the right track. Which loops my back to my original thought....I am on this track, my second wind has kicked in. I'm running on!

If I don't make it back to this blog before January 1st. THANK YOU for stopping by to read my words, and look at my pictures. I appreciate the likes and interaction I receive. Be blessed xoxox.

See the Soul

It's time to jot down some progress notes on how life finds me currently. As I stated in my last blog, I am on a new path in life. I must say it's much better than I could have speculated. I feel more peace and contentment now than I have in more years than I can remember. It's as if I am walking in a forest and all around me I can see rays of light. It's a beautiful hopeful experience. I understand this is all a process and there will be days where no sun light will reach me. But the path ahead looks good. I will store up grace and knowledge for what lies ahead. One word rings in my soul over and over....FORWARD. I am to move forward and not tether myself to anything that would distract me or take me off course. I cannot move forward if I am looking backwards. I won't look back. My internal navigation system is programed to take me FORWARD. 

My faith in God primarily but also in myself is giving me courage to press ahead. I have brought with me the tools and the people I need. I am equipped with life experiences, and the empathy, altruism, and wisdom I need. I trust the people I meet along the way going forward will have additional lessons that will aid in my personal growth. 

I was studying some international artists the other day. One gentleman left a very captivating description of his artistic process. He takes all of his photos in black and white. To paraphrase his comment was; If you want to see and something, take a picture in color. If you want to see the soul of something, take a picture in black and white.

This statement struck me. As I began to look at his body of work, I understood clearly what he meant. I decided to run a little experiment of my own. Below is a picture I took just this week after completing yoga exercises. This particular set of yoga forms concentrated on peace and acceptance. I am all about these form because they really speak to the heart of my situation and how I am trying to live right now. I do feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

I converted the image to black and white and I'll be darned if I did not see a difference. When I strip away the color, I still see more pain then perhaps I was even aware of. I see eyes that are haunted with the disappointment of loss. But I'm very grateful that I can still see a sparkle of hope. It just takes on spark to ignite a mighty fire. I will cultivate that hope into a mighty raging flame of personal fulfillment. Just you watch...