Moments D704: 22 Quotes

When I woke this morning, my niece had texted me a photo overnight:

That is her dorm room at university.  And all those little papers on the wall?  Those are quotes I stuffed into her highschool graduation card.  There were 22 quotes in fact. Each and everyone are on the wall beside her bed.

Wow.  How truly incredible.  That was the best warm fuzzy I've had in a long time.  What a fabulous way to start the day!

Moments knowing that loving your family is reciprocated.

Moments waking up the a warm fuzzy.

Moments D700: The calm

Tonight was EQ's last night here for awhile.  While it's only a business trip, it's a long one.  We'll both be busy in the coming weeks to keep us well in over our heads.  But it will never be busy enough to easy the pain of separation.

Sappy?  Maybe. But considering it's a miracle that he and I ever crossed paths in the first place? Maybe not. Give the fact that we seem to fit like two lost puzzle pieces that complete the picture.  No, definitely not too sappy.  He and I are too old to pretend that what we have isn't something special.  Our time together will be short, no matter what because neither of us are young pups.

So yes, the pain of separation for such a duration is a painful one.

Today's moment isn't about that pain.  No.  It's about celebrating what we have.  It's about knowing that though we are physically separated, we are not apart.

Tonight, we spent the night fully present and with one another.  We sat on the couch for most of the night talking and dreaming.  We didn't bother making dinner, we ordered in pizza and salad.  When it arrived, we shared the most recent episode of our new favourite series, Vikings.  Later, he massaged my sore shoulder and we continued our plotting to rid the world of evil.

We went to bed early and continued our plotting until we fell asleep in one another's arms.  It was a perfect calm before the storm of our lives hit, for tomorrow, it will be a mad dash off to work with me and for him to get packed up to leave.  I'll be eye-ball deep in  catching up with my readings for class (the bad student I am!) and he'll be busy preparing for his carving camp and then the seminars he's presenting the following week.

Time will fly.  After all, we're going to be busy.

But it won't be fast enough.

Moments enjoying the calm before the storm.

Moments being present and enjoying the company and conversation of the man you love.

Moments D695: New Dialects

This morning I brought in some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee for our department to enjoy.  It's what I do.  I like to share!

And as we prepped the machine to brew the liquid gold, I said "IRIE" with a giggle.  That set us into a discussion of what IRIE meant. In my limited understanding, that meant "alright" in a "Jamaican dialect".   Little did I know that one on our team was well versed in the dialect of Iyaric.

And so, as we waited for the coffee to brew, a group of us started to chat about Jamaica and the depth of the dialect of Iyaric.

On the very tip of the iceberg, Iyaric is Rastafarian created dialect that replaces "me" with "I" in their common Jamaican English.    Instead of focusing on "me", which is seen as self-centered and objectifying, they choose to focus on "I" emphasizing the individual and, at the same time, the concept of oneness.  (As in God is within all men.)  "Me" being inward viewing and "I" being outward viewing.

Interesting.  Deep.  I had no idea.  I love learning and today, by chance, I learned something new about a word that I picked up on a trip to a different country.  I learned this new information, not while travelling in Jamaica, but while back at home in Canada.  What a strange and wonderful world we live in!

Moments sharing a new fun word:  "IRIE".

Moments digging deeper and understanding the philosophical history meaning of the word and the dialect it comes from.

Moments D657: Found

I know I have talked a lot about words in my blog.  I suppose that is apropos given that I've taken to sharing a moment with the world every day via a blog.  Written words.

Written.

It seems I am better equipped to find the right words (or more coherent words) when I write.

Today was one of those reminder days.

It was a challenging weekend for me.  I've been nose to the grind digging into my textbook to get caught up enough to do well on my coming midterm.

It hasn't been fun.  It hasn't been easy.  It has been necessary.

At the end of today, my spoken words were failing me.  I was frustrated and I, frankly, gave up on them.

EQ came to my rescue.  Just at that moment where you are ready for the world to implode on you because you can't seem to express yourself well, he came to my rescue.

With some magic (at least it was magical to me), EQ found the words that had been floating in my head.  He brought to life the thoughts and feelings I was struggling to explain in my own words.  He was concise and eloquent as he did it.  In three or four sentences he had it all summed up.

It emulated a perfectly wrapped present.  You know, that present that you are dying to know what is inside, but it is so prettily wrapped that you are afraid to open it up and destroy its beauty.  What if, the goodies inside were not as expected?

And here was my perfectly wrapped present from EQ.  A neat little package of words that were deeply meaningful to me.  Was I really ready to open it up and dig a little deeper?

Yes, that was a pretty powerful moment.  That moment where I had a choice to accept those found words or deny them.  I chose the harder path.  The path that forced me to go deeper than ever before.

In the end, it seems I was ready for digging deeper, for what ensued was a profound and fulfilling conversation about growth, opportunity and the excitement of our future together.

All because of a few found words that I wasn't able to find, but were found for me.

Brilliant!

Moments failing with words.

Moments where your partner picks up the vibe and finds the words.

Moments D652: Flight and Luffy

I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but for me, there are days when I tend to have difficulty speaking.  Forgotten words, words that come out garbled or mumbled and worse yet, words that get all tangled up in themselves.

Today was one of those days for me.  I don't what was with me!  For the life of me, I just couldn't speak properly.

The best garble of the day:  "Flight and Luffy"

Of course, I meant to say:  "Light and Fluffy".

But I couldn't.  Believe me.  I tried.  During the conversation I was having, not only did I say it once, twice, but three times.  After a full-on belly laughter moment for messing up those words, we tried to continue the conversation.

And I did it again.  Twice.  Flight and Luffy.

I gave in to another round of giggles.  Hard not to really.  I figure, in the end, the message of light and fluffy still comes across, right?

But out of curiosity, I looked up Luffy online.  "A half minded hero....a rubber man that uses really cool moves."

Perfect.  Flight & Luffy.

Moments lost in your words.

Moments lost in silliness.

Moments D644: "I love you like.....

.....Captain Crunch cereal loves milk."

Enough said.

Moments that bring a smile enjoying a silly moment with your love.

Moments knowing just how deeply you are loved.

Moments D624: Words create your story

This morning I had one of my new skydiver friends reach out and share an article with me, that speaks to creating your story and how to better remember our post allowing for a happier tomorrow.

Brilliant really.  Life really is all about perspective.

Words definitely create your story.  It's why I've written about them in a few blog posts.  It's why I continue to write my blog.  She and I had a good discussion on it, and I started my day with a glow.

The rest of my day, unfortunately, was filled with miscommunicated words on a few levels, it was good to go back and revisit the conversation I had this morning about sharing words.  It really is the perfect moment to share about today.

Today was a reminder that sometimes words are not received as they were meant to.  Sometimes words don't quite cut it and sometimes even the simplest of words cut deeply.  It's all about perspective and understanding how to edit for a better ending.

I'm getting better at that.  Sharing my words and being less afraid to verbalize my words (after all I'm a writer, not a speaker!) are all starting to bring to light another side of me.

While I would have called myself aware in the past, I feel I'm even more aware today.  And as I reflect upon today's moment, I realize that creating my story has brought me that depth of awareness.

So, today's moment?  Celebrating words because even though sometimes they can mess things up, they also bring much joy and depth into my life.

Moments sharing thoughts and ideas with a new friend.

Moments to remind that even when words get dark, digging into the corners of one's mind is a good thing to process through.

Moments D589: Ferocious Love

Sometimes words just come to me.  Sometimes I filter and I don't share them.  Other days, like this evening, I just go with it and see where the ride takes me.

Tonight I told EQ that I loved him ferociously.   What?  What on earth anyway?

As I explained to him the why behind that word, it all came to make sense.  I love this man so much that the protector in me rises to the surface.  I want to ensure that his best interests are always at the forefront, even if he's not really paying attention to those needs.  That protective nature, that need to provide that world of safety, that's a raw, primal emotion.

And for us, it works.  I love him ferociously and I stand as protector to him (as he does for me).   My priority is always to protect the love and light that my dear, sweet, loving, generous EQ shares with the world around him.  To support him and energize him for more....and to make sure that he isn't taken advantage of.

He does it for me all the time.

Today, I realized, that I'm doing it for him too.

Kinda cool.

Moments stepping beyond self.

Moments realizing that you can be raw and real with your emotions and it's not only acceptable, it's desired.

Moments D587: Card Writing

Today was a lazy day catching up on one, of many, of my to do lists.  A lazy day that turned out to be quite productive!

I spent a good portion of my day writing out cards.  Christmas cards, cards to remind those I love that I love them, and just notes that I have need to send out to finalize things from my past.

It was a great lazy productive day and a great moment of sharing my words.

Moments taking it easy.

Moments sharing loving words.

Moments D462: The Card Arrives

This morning I awoke to an email from Heini.  She had emailed to say thanks for the unexpected card she received in the mail!

Job done.  I made my dearest friend smile with a surprise card.  That's a great moment in an otherwise challenging day.

Moments taken to remind your friends that they are important to you.

Moments sharing the light out only to have it reflected back to you.

Moments D443: Steaming open an envelope

This evening I wrote out a couple of cards for people nearest and dearest to me.  Why?  Why not is really the question - why not!?

Hand writing cards have become a lost art, in our digital era and yet, who doesn't smile when they get a note in their mail?   Writing out cards for those I love is something I really love to do.  Words of encouragement.  Words of love.  Words reminding my favourite peeps to love themselves a lot more and to be less hard on themselves.   And, I love the element of surprise.  They are unknowing and I never know when it will actually be delivered.

Today, when I sealed one of my cards in its envelope, I realized that you could read what I wrote on the back of it through the envelope.  Tacky.  I don't want the world to read my words meant for the eyes of someone I love!  And so, I found myself trying to re-open the envelope without damaging it.

Of course, this particular envelope's glue was holding fast!  I decided to try an age old trick - steam the envelope open.  I've never done this before.  I wasn't even sure if it would work, but I had to try it before I cut it open.

And low and behold - IT WORKED!  Happy dance, happy dance!

I fixed my card up so that it couldn't be read by anyone handling the envelope and then I taped it shut again.

So my moment today, a silly one, but one where I realized that ya, steaming open an envelope works as advertised!

Moments trying an old trick and it working.

Moments sharing words.

Moments D428: Quotes

Tomorrow is my "nieces" graduation.  I've taken a half day off to go down to Welland and celebrate this milestone with her.  She has grown into an amazing young woman and I'm so very proud of her.

Today's moment, was my decision to write out 22 quotes to tuck into her graduation card.  They are inspiring reminders of the life that she is about to build for herself.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Life the life you have imagined.  ~Henry David Thoreau.
2. Give light and people will find their way.  ~Ella Baker
3. Common sense is not so common.  ~Voltaire
4. You're off to great places, Today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting, So....get on your way.  ~Dr. Seuss
5. Hozoo'naa'n taa'aa ~ Navajo Saying  (Fly in beauty)
6. Dear past, thank you for the lessons.  Dear future, I am ready.  (Anonymous)
7. The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. ~Marcus Aurelius
8. Faith is the bird that feels he light when the dawn is still dark.  ~Rabindranath Tagore
9. Not all who wander are lost.  J.R.R. Tolken
10. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.  ~Dalai Lama
11. Inhale the future, exhale the past.  (Anonymous)
12. Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  ~Charlotte Whitton
13. Don't look back, you're not going that way.  (Anonymous)
14. If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.  ~David Viscott
15. Action is the real measure of intelligence.  ~Napoleon Hill
16. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  ~Benjamin Franklin
17. Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is not path and leave a trail.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
18. Fear is what stops you, and courage is what keeps you going. (Anonymous)
19. To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.  ~Winston Churchill
20. Nii hozoo'anii'nii go'o hhozoo'naa s'aa  ~Navajo Saying  (In beauty this is finished, in beauty this begins.
21. Breathe light into darkness.  ~J.Pidgen
22. It's not always rainbows and butterflies.  Its compromise that moves us along. ~Maroon 5 Lyrics

Moments basking in pride for a loved one's accomplishments.

Moments sharing words of encouragement and inspiration.  

Moments D376: Birthday Kirtan and Blessings for all

Today was an amazing day. I spent the morning puttering around and cleaning up my apartment. It felt good to just lay low. I did have a “to do” list, but I decided, after an unexpected phone call, to put that stuff aside and just enjoy a couple of hours to myself before heading to my friends place for the afternoon and evening.

Little did I know, that this centering of self was to be so relevant!

I knew I was heading to my friends’ house for a birthday celebration for one of my oldest and dearest friends. She is a yoga instructor (YI from here on in) and her husband was going to through her a small party with close friends and her family. My understanding was that it was going to be a surprise for YI.

When I arrived, YI’s cupcakes were sitting out. This evening’s activities were not going to be a surprise after all! That being said, YI seemed very happy and it wasn’t long before I was up to speed: we were going to have a special birthday fire kirtan ceremony to celebrate and bless YI.

Now, I’ve been YI’s fire kirtan’s before, but I’ve always sat in the background and watched as there have often been many attendees who are much more involved with this ceremony and its meaning. Typically there are four seats around the fire. Tonight, it was YI, her husband, the kirtankar and there remained an empty seat. Today, as there were fewer of us, participating, YI heavily suggested that I take the empty seat. How could I refuse the birthday girl her request? And so, I ended up taking that empty seat.

In doing so, I became an intimate participant of this ceremony. I participated in the chanting and building of the fire with herbs and sharing my light and energy more intimately within the circle of this ceremony than any of the others that I’ve attended in the past. And what transpired was a bit surprising to me. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. I was surprised at just how tangible the energy was and just how deeply it connected with me.

Our kirtankar spoke of blessing Rita for her year ahead (and every day moving forward). One of his main points was a discussion on sound and words. I found this quite interesting because I’ve come to very much appreciate words and their purpose in my life over the past 18 months. They are important - vital even to express oneself. But, as our kirtankar noted, sometimes they can really muddle up situations. His analogy started with this idea: ”Words can circle upon themselves. The sounds and feelings they are trying to share are what needs to be communicated. Sounds are vibrations, they resonate deep within us. Sometimes we need to clear our heads of the words, and find the sound to find the truth.”

I thought that was a brilliant moment. For many months I’ve focused on words, and while there were many moments where the words were worthy and fulfilling there were definitely times, especially with challenging days, where words did not suffice. Where words of others were not connecting. Where I couldn’t find the words to share my own thoughts and feelings. So I quickly connected to this idea that words are not enough.

Again, according to our kirtankar, words need to have the sound (energy/vibration) behind them to be meaningful. Far too often people simply throw around words, sometimes without even thinking about them. (And I contemplated situations where this was most obviously the case. Think about the sales rep who asks you how your day was. Are they bored? Do they look genuinely interested? Are they paying attention to your answer? Extrapolate that simple idea to anyone in your circle. Friends, family etc. Is there depth to the words? Can you feel the energy/vibration behind them?)

He had a fantastic analogy that I will bastardize here because I was absorbing the moment more than taking notes. The gist is this: Words are like the vessel and sounds are contained in the vessel. One without the other is not as useful as the work best together. Consider a cup without anything in it. Or water in your hand instead of a cup. Neither work well without the other. In order to properly fill a cup, the energy (sound) needs to be understood.

What I grasped from this small portion of the ceremony is that many people do not really take the time to consider their words. How are those words going to be received? What do those words really mean on a deeper level? What exactly is to be communicated? For the most part, I’d have to agree. Being aware of one’s words, at all times, is not easy. Far too often it’s easier to get caught up in the flood of emotion or excitement and words run away from their purpose. This a lesson I learned over the past year. Do not rush words. (Personally, I’ve never been a fan of rushing words, but I was, on occasion this past year, put in a situation where I had to. Sometimes it worked, other times it was disastrous.)

The point of today’s moment really was not to focus on words and sounds, but the kirtan blessing itself. However, I couldn’t resist sharing the discussion from my kirtankar’s understanding of words and sounds. It fits very well with my own journey these past 18 months. (Amazing moment #1 during this kirtan.)

The rest of the kirtan was incredible. There were many inspirational moments. A 5 year old girl sharing her energy and light by happily putting herbs into the fire. A giggle about YI`s cat having the ability to say “Ma”. Chanting and breathing in and out the energy. It was amazing and I could definitely feel the positive energy in the room.

We, the participants, focused that energy on Rita for the majority of the ceremony. And a surprising thing happened: our kirtankar offered the positive energy back to us in the form of kalava - a red string to be worn until it naturally falls off. (Amazing moment #2 of the kirtan) It’s purpose is to ward of evil and invite positive energy (health, wealth, happiness) to enter into self. It’s deeper purpose: to help one find brahman connecting to one’s “true self”.

I will happily wear my kalava until it falls off. The love in that room tonight was incredibly strong. Finding the energy beyond the words was empowering. I hope that the birthday blessings YI received tonight will follow her beyond this year and throughout the rest of her lifetime.

And one final note on today’s Kirtan gathering: YI’s family that I haven’t seen in a long time were there. Being such an intimate gathering, we were able to really catch up and talk about life. As I was leaving YI’s sister-in-law stopped me and told me how beautiful my energy was and she thanked me for sharing it tonight. I was a lot surprised by this. I thanked her for her kind words and hugged her. I told her I looked forward to our next adventure together. (Amazing moment #3 of the kirtan)

An interesting evening. One filled with many thoughts, emotions and, at times, complete silence and emptiness. I’m so very fortunate to have been such an intimate part of such a deeply spiritual ceremony. I was moved. No doubt about it.

Moments to dive in and experience something new.

Moments of revelation.

Moments D364: Support Systems

Today’s moment is pausing to appreciate the support systems we have. For whatever reason, today was a day where I gave support to more than one friend, and I was in receipt of the same from more than one friend. It only seemed fitting to focus on this as the moment of the day. Too often those we love most are not celebrated enough. So today I stop to celebrate them in their struggles and thank them in helping me through mine. For me, it’s a reminder of what goes around. Give love, and receive it. Give support and accept it when you need it.

The moments of support today were many. I’ll try to be concise lest my words run away on me!

Moment one of support out: My dear friend was patient with me and my questions and then proceeded to remind me of things I should already know. Honestly, things I already know but keep pushing aside because of fear or this need to do what’s right. What’s right isn’t always what’s best. She was firm and loving and non-judgmental. I love her dearly for this support.

Moment one of support in: Midday a dear friend was in crisis mode over her job. We spent the time talking through options and trying to find a path that she was most comfortable with given the situation. I think we succeeded. I was happy to be a pillar for her. She’s always been there for me.

Moment two of support out: As I arrived home, I received a text from another girlfriend that I’ve been friends with for over a decade. She had a call from her doctor’s office about strangeness in her recent mammogram. She asked that I send her all my love and light for her appointment tomorrow morning. I happily obliged.

Moment two of support in: Another friend shared supportive words with me in hope they would fill me with hope for brighter days. The words are touching and given my journey this past year, it hits close to the core. But the words are also enlightening, and they do fill me with hope for brighter days and the possibility of really, truly being loved. For this reason, I close my post on support with these words. The quote, for which I can’t find an author:

The greatest irony of life is loving the right person at the wrong time, having the wrong person when the time is right and finding out you love someone after that person walks out from your life. 

Sometimes you think you’re already over a person but when you see them smile at you, you’ll suddenly realize that you’re just pretending to be over them just to ease the pain of knowing that they will never be yours again. 

For some, they think that letting go is one way of expressing how much you love the person.

Most relationships tend to fail not because the absence of love; love is always present. It’s just that one was being loved too much and the other was being loved too little. 

As we all know, the heart is the center of the body, but it beats on the left. Maybe that’s the reason why the heart is not always right. Most often we fall in love with the person we think we love only to discover that for them, we are just for past times, while the one who truly loves us remains either a friend or a stranger. 

Here’s a piece of advice: let go when you’re hurting too much, give up when love isn’t enough and move on when things are not like before. There is someone out there who will love you even more, surely then, you will know true love.

Moments appreciating my support system.

Moments knowing I too am a support system.

What goes around…..

Moments D363: Returning words

I have always found it amusing when words you’ve shared with others find their way back to you. Sometimes this is good and light hearted and other times it may be something more intense and deep. It happens from time to time to me and light hearted or intense, I always love those moments. It’s like something you created has really stuck with someone and they are sharing it back. Today I had one of those moments happen. Not only was it light hearted, the returning words brought a smile and a laugh to both me, the recipient of the words, and to my colleague who shared them.

Not too long ago I was negotiating a campaign with a respected colleague. At one point he asked me to do something I simply couldn’t do. My response: ”Not going to happen” along with a big ‘ol smile. We laughed he told me I was a tough negotiator, we laughed some more and then we found a solution.

Today, weeks later, we are about to launch the campaign and during our final approvals of the campaign I asked my colleague on the phone for something I knew wasn’t likely to happen. His response: ”Not going to happen….but I’m saying that with a smile”. We laughed and commiserated over how one’s words can come back to haunt you sometimes.

Honestly, I’m okay with my words being shared back to me. First of all, I try not to never share words that take things from people, I try to share words that give. I believe there can be light heartedness and words that lift and support the other person even in the most challenging conversations. Because of this awareness, I really don’t mind when my word come back to me. Most of the time it just brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

So today’s moment, celebrating a smile and a laugh through the phone with words reflected back to me.

Moments with words returning to you.

Moments enjoying laughter with a colleague.

Moments D346: Butter

What a day! It was hectic with much excitement, no lunch and in the end a longer day than I expected it to be. (Even pulled over later by an OPP because I need to renew my license sticker! WHOOPS!) But, the day was also one where much was accomplished. These are the kinds of days that I love most. Busy, positive and productive. And today’s moment came from the end of my day as I shared conversation with a work colleague. He was commenting on my ability to communicate and how he appreciated my words. This coming from someone I respect and who publishes a magazine. My words. Really?

So out of curiosity, I asked him - “What is it about my words that you appreciate?” He took a moment before responding and he answered: Butter.

I’m sure there must have been a quizzical look on my face because he quickly added that all his favourite foods have a dab of butter on them. Butter isn’t necessary, but it’s certainly a lovely luxury. My words, have butter. My words have luxury to them.

Huh. I kinda liked that compliment. It’s a simple analogy, but one that seems to fit well. I know, in business, in relationships, in life, I take the extra time to find the right words. Sure, the days can be hectic and short of time, but people deserve “buttered” words. They deserve that moment of acknowledgement that they are the centre of my attention in that moment. Why not? It doesn’t take that much more effort and I know that people notice. Now, I have an adjective for it. Buttered words.

Moments to show people that you are taking the time with them.

Moments for buttered words.

Moments D343: Good News

First, I know it’s a bit lame for today’s moment to be about “good news”. It feels like I'm cheating the point of my blog with this title. Regardless of that small tarnished thought, I couldn't resist. Let me tell you why.

Today was just one of those days where the stars aligned. It felt like, with every action that happened, that good news was the flavour of the day. Plans clicked into place; people heard my words and actioned them; I heard people’s words and actioned them. My class group and I managed to tred our way through a mass of data and words and all agree upon a final write-up and I managed to find the right words in a couple of precarious points in the day. All of which lead to moments of good news.

That being said - it was actually great news to hear to hear words that validated my direction. It was great news to share positive comments with co-workers that very much made their days and it was great news to know that plans I've been working on at work have all started to fall into place. It is also GREAT news that my school group and I are 99% done our assignment (FINALLY!).  Maybe I've been remiss to call it only good news - it really was a day of GREAT news. The ebb and flow of such positive energy around me was truly delightful.

So today, I pause and celebrate good news. Good news for me, for my co-workers, and for my fellow students.

Now shaking the hot sauce bottle that didn’t have its lid tightened….not such good news. But I laughed instead of cursing. Yes, I think the positive energy surplus paid off in that particular moment of my day!

Moments knowing that good news can come in batches.

Moments appreciate each and every moment of good news.

Moments D318: Voice

Sometimes things happen unexpectedly and quickly. It’s those moments that really show one’s true self. The reactions. The interactions. The voice and words chosen to share a tornado of thoughts running around in one’s head.

Today was one of those days.

And I was amazed at my ability to find the right words to convey the my random and wild thoughts. Words came easily to me today. For this, I was thankful for my voicing of words was not random and wild. They were firm. They were enlightening. They were comforting.

Sometimes, I impress myself. Sound egotistical? Maybe. I was just impressed that I was able to handle it as well as I did. And yes, I am going to pat myself on the back for it!

Moments centring oneself long enough to calm the wildness within.

Moments finding the words.

Moments D282: Quiet moments chatting

Today was a day of shopping with the family. We had a late start and finished out the day strong. A couple new bling pieces for the belly button, a couple of (ironically) new warm Columbia sweaters and we were done for the day.

Though the day was filled with many laughs, the best moment was when everyone else was busy getting ready for dinner and my Aunt & I were alone in the living room just chatting and catching up. In those brief 15-20 minutes we touched upon many a topic. Some were worrisome, others were simply a sharing of stories over the past couple of months. All the words shared help to remind me of the things that were most important to me.

The story that I most connected with me was about my niece. It reminded me that it’s never okay to settle, but it is okay to explore. It also reminded me that it’s okay to fight for more and it’s normal to expect more when you aren’t happy. I know it sounds simple, but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes we get bogged down into the mundane and we settle. We settle because we’re comfortable. It’s easier to accept less and remain comfortable. This is never a good recipe for a happy life path.

Moments to remember who we are.

Moments with your family reminding you.

Moments D264: Are you really home?

Today was a pretty uneventful day. Productive and quiet at work and home early after being dropped off by a friend as my own car was in the shop. (It was weird to know that I was without my car!)

I made myself dinner. I watched some TV while eating dinner, then I dove into my homework for the week. Huh. A very quiet night at home. No distractions. It was kinda nice.

And then, the phone rang. It was my Mom, or Dad, or likely both as they like to be on the phone together with me. I answered on the second ring. I said hello. There was a long pause and then my Dad said, “Really? Are you home? I thought I had the answering machine!” I'm not even certain if he was joking or not!

We had a good laugh. It was simple, but it was a nice moment. I kinda like being caught off guard like that. It’s not something I was expecting!

Moments with family.

Moments of surprise words.