Moments D424: Summer Solstice

Happy summer to each of you!  Today is the longest day of the year and it marks the beginning of summer.  It also, for me, marks the beginning of a new perspective on life.  Today's moment is two-fold for me.  The first a very deep and personal shift.  The second, spending the evening on the beach, playing volleyball on the longest day of the year while watching the sunset and the near-full moon rise.  Stunning.  Could it have been more perfect?

It's funny how quickly things can shift.  I find, it's even more significant when those shifts happen to occur on significant dates.  Today a shift on the solstice and near-full moon.  Damn.  Now that is intense!

Why the shift?  I'm not sure.  I've reflected upon this question without finding a true answer.  Part of the answer is that it really is time to celebrate me and my deepest needs.  Without a doubt, I've been avoiding this due to circumstance and simple fear.  When you hear of death (and there have been a few this past week, far from me, but close to my friends), it shakes you.  It's not in my personal circle, but it still shakes you to see how it affects your friends.  This had me stop to think about how short life is and how (again) every day much be celebrated.  WHY ON EARTH was I living in fear?  WHAT was holding me back?

The answer was simple.  *I* was holding me back.

It is time to let go of the fear, time to full be in the moment and plan my future.  Come what may, I want to find a reciprocated love.  I want to share my deepest self.  Today the season changed and this deep, life-altering change happened within me.  I am ready.  Throwing caution to the wind, I opened myself up a little more deeply to the signs around me.  I have opened myself to embarking on a new path.  A path I have previously run from for fear of the unknown.  One that now is in my sights and is fully illuminated (and believe me, the pun here (being the longest day of the year) is not lost on me!).  This a path that brings me much joy and hope.  A path brings a flutter to me that I haven't felt in a long time. Come what may, this summer is going to be the experience of a lifetime for me.  For me, it begins today.

Moments celebrating the summer solstice and the rising moon.
Moments allowing the flood of sunshine and moonlight to find me and give me the courage to celebrate my deepest inner-self.

Moments D423: Sunrise

Today I was up early. Earlier than I wanted to be. Earlier than I had expected to be. As woke, the wash of realization for the emotional depth and growth over the past few days was with me. What a set of beautiful experiences this year’s trade show has offered me.

I smiled as I watched the early sun peak over the horizon of buildings and the sky begin its shifting colours of gold, pink, and soft yellow. It’s been a beautiful morning and as this song played on my radio, I realized that I too have changed over these past few days. I’m not just a “little girl” as the song lyrics in my ear remind me. I’m a woman with more to offer than I realized.

The dawning of the sun. The dawning of a new realization. How apropos. Nothing today can trump this moment. It’s why I write my entry early today.

Moments enjoying the lingering feelings of an intense few days of excitement and change.

Moments pausing, breathing in the golden sunshine.

Moments D422: A gift

Day two of our trade show was not nearly as busy as day one, but on many levels, it was more successful.

Today, one of our key presenters of the show really went above and beyond. Yesterday he and one of my favourite co-workers had an in depth conversation about POV cameras and how they are changing the industry. I think each man found himself (surprisingly?) impressed by the other. It was quite interesting to have heard the story from each perspective later in the day. What I find more interesting is what that conversation inspired today.

It reminded me that sometimes all it takes to really rock someone’s world is a small gift. That moment passed today between these two gentlemen. As a third party, again, hearing the story from both perspectives, I found myself enjoying in the delight of both parties. It was a small token of respect and appreciation from one to another, and a full reciprocation of that respect and appreciation. How could that not make my soul smile?

Moments watching two amazing gentlemen discuss business and life and smiling at the outcome.

Moments being reminded that the little things, the little gifts of life, matter.

Moments D421: New friends and synergies

Today was day one of our annual trade show. It was, quite simply, an amazing day. The day started after a night of little sleep, but that did not affect the day at all, if anything, it gave the day a little extra energy powered by the excitement and the caffeine.

The most interesting moment of the day was dinner this evening. It was an evening where I was able to sit and enjoy both new friends, deepening friendships from past shows and old friends. Over the course of my meal, I found myself sandwiched between two particularly interesting souls. One relatively new to my personal world, and another that I’ve had a deepening relationship with for a couple of years. This particular evening, I was like the net between two playing tennis. While it was challenging to eat my dinner due to the intensity of their conversation, it was amazing to watch (and feel) the energy pass back and forth between these two amazingly creative souls. I watched, in a front row seat, as the synergies built. It was the birth of a new friendship.

What an energy to be a part of.

Moments making new, deepening friendship.

Moments watching the creative forces swirl around me.

Moments D420: Signs, everywhere signs

Today was setup day for our annual trade show. It is always a bit nerve wracking, but being our fourth year of pulling this show together, we had experience on our side. The tweaks made over last year’s show made setup this year come together more smoothly than ever. And, to top it off, this year’s team was the best rounded yet and the required work came together quickly and easily.

Yet, as always, there were a few bumps and bruises along the way. (Of course, right?) Today’s moment is about averting a challenging situation for a vendor. It wasn’t easy, it took some hoop jumping (okay, quite a bit), but it was accomplished none-the-less. The levels of appreciation, the feeling of accomplishment, the deepening of a business relationship…that’s what it’s all about right?

Moments working hard and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Moments where the simple act of a sign, makes another’s day.

Moments D419: Rainy days in bed

This morning was a rainy morning. What better a day to just stay in bed?

And though the rain clouds lifted late afternoon, instead of heading back into reality and prepping for the busy week ahead, another movie played out the rest of the afternoon. How incredibly lazy and delightful it was. So lazy you’d think I’d feel refreshed and full of energy this evening!

Unfortunately, after running around prepping for my busy week in a couple of hours (instead of most of the day), I find myself quite tired. It’s kind of crazy! I’m looking forward to going back to bed. I’m sure I’ll sleep like the dead, which is great because the next three days are ProFusion and it is going to be BUSY!

Moments digging deeper within oneself and allowing enjoyment in laziness.

Moments of watching the day pass without a care.

Moments D418: Friends meeting friends

Some of the best times in my life is when one group of friends meet up with another group of friends. Tonight was one of those nights where two of my worlds collided. It was fantastic. Shared stories and laughter over a most delightful mean and then pictures and videos (with more laughter!) later on. I loved sitting on the deck, watching the moon cross the sky as we enjoyed our wine and conversation by candlelight.

Moments of great food, best friends and new friends.