Goodbye 2010

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

As 2010 completes it's cycle, it's a good time to reflect. This year has been one of movement for me. It has taken this year to finally feel "somewhat" comfortable retired. After nearly 30 years in education, I think in school year terms...August to May; perhaps I will always think in those terms. Nonetheless, getting into the "groove" of retirement has been more challenging then I anticipated. Perhaps it's because I've worked a "9-5" job since I was 18 that makes it such an adjustment. I know individuals that had flexible days/hours that seemed to make the transition much smoother then I have. Like the "good trooper" I am, I'll get use it though. I have lots of projects and dreams to fill the time, so there's no "sitting around" for me! I do love the flexibility for doing things when I want to...that's quite a new experience I can most certainly stretch into.

I have also moved around with living arrangements as well. That's been quite an experience seeing different parts of the country and meeting new people. I'm very glad to be settling into a home of my own in 2011....that's a most welcome venture. Overall, 2010 has been a very rich year, so many new projects, witnessing people reaching for their dreams, seeing others achieve theirs, it's been a good balance to observe. While the media tends to report mostly the "down shot" of things, there's a great deal of goodness being shown. Just notice the communities coming together to help each other....neighbor helping neighbor, strangers extending a hand to help those in need. While we have a long way to go to re balance the priorities of our country, we still have an abundantly rich nation of caring people. What I choose for 2011 is to notice my emotional reactions to events in life, and commit to staying in the moment, going to my heart for guidance, using discernment to choose wisely, then trusting the universe to take care of the rest. I am a very blessed woman who counts Creator, my family, friends and physical well being as my richest gifts. I am grateful to be living on this beautiful planet and learning how to live my life with purpose from her inhabitants. Many blessings to all of you, have a tremendous 2011!


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Stillness

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

The water on the lake is perfectly still this morning; not so much as a hint of movement. A mosaic blanket of frozen ice patches dot the lake as unfrozen water outlines the various patterns. I am reminded that life offers us such "outlining"; events that appear in various "sizes" and "shapes"; some are large and of massive proposition, while others are small slivers of experience. One would "think" the bigger ones have the greatest impact; when that, indeed, may not be true. Sometimes the smallest experience can have such a powerful impact that our life is changed forever. There is a saying, "It's not what you do, it's the energy in which you do it," that clearly depicts this Truth. When events happen in life (which it does on a regular basis), we have a choice as to how to respond. We can either react to life, or take actions accordingly after careful consideration of the options. In the first response, we are coming from our emotions, and while they are a part of being human, they are not the core of who we are. If we allow our emotions to direct our choices, more than likely, we will wish we had paused, counted to 10, and then made the decision. It is in the stillness of the infinite that sound decisions are made; ones that will carry the "energy" we wish to see more of into our lives. In the stillness of this moment, I am grateful for the wisdom to discern what I wish to see more of and then take action accordingly. I have learned that real power is only found in the stillness of the moment.


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The Mist

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

There's a mist hanging over the Lake; the home across the water looks hidden by a frosted film. While I know exactly how the home looks, every detail of Holiday decorations that adorn this view of the home; it's as though my glasses need cleaned. Just beyond the home the mountains are just as shadows behind the low hanging clouds. Interesting how what I know is so very clear seems....unclear. Hmm, very much like life can be. The visual in front of me is a perfect example that I can strain my eyes and make out the lights, yet if I want to be kind to my eyes, all I really have to do is notice the tall trees directly in front of the window. They are very clear and need no straining to observe the various shades and shapes of bark.

I am grateful for the reminder that sometimes things can appear quite clear and other times not so clear; either way they remain the same. It's really my perspective that is influenced by what I choose to focus on. Hmm, there it is again, a teaching that what I see and receive in life is based on what I'm focusing on! It's always about my personal responsibility to acknowledge that what I "see" is what I am looking for!


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Holidays

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

A partially frozen lake, snow covered ground, blue skies dotted with white clouds and a home gloriously decorated for the holidays are a few of the sites outside the living room window in front of me. Living room window; let me describe that...it's an entire wall of glass exposing all of outdoors. It's like living in a very large tree house! There are tall pines reaching toward the heavens, and a large green holly tree splattered with red berries adds color to the blanket of snow on the ground in front of the cabin. It's like a picture from a Holiday Greeting card! As smoke curves upward from the chimney of the house directly across the lake, a large green wreath hangs above the picture window. There's a gazebo to the right of the house that sits just off the water between two very tall and green pines. The mountains behind the house have two curved peaks such that it looks as though the bosom of Mother Earth is rising.

There are so many marvelous places on this planet, so many amazing formations it fills my eyes with tears to know I have the privilege of being here. A mother deer and her two baby fawns were just outside the massive windows as they searched the ground for food. I stood there staring at them until "Mama" finally caught sight of me; then the three of them left. This is a picturesque place. The lady who owns this home had it built as a gift to your children when she passes. She has been very ill for a number of years and as a result has examined her life and taken action to live it and leave it precisely as she chooses.

There's something very important in that message. Wouldn't it be nice to live your life as though your days were numbered? Not from a fearful position; rather, as one who appreciates every single moment. As the Holidays become full throttle, consider examining your gifts. It matters not what form you choose to acknowledge the Creator of the universe, what is important is you acknowledge there is something greater then yourself, behind the scenes, listening to your prayers. May this Holiday provide you ample opportunity to pray carefully and sincerely. Then like the lady who built this home, you can take action toward living your life as though it was your last day. I, for one, am choosing that for my life!


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