you just NEVER know...

I am a creature of ritual. They provide me with a sacred space to ground, and focus, and set intentions for my day. I have always been this way, even before I knew what "rituals" were. Sure, I knew about the ones in the Catholic church where I was reared. I thought them all morbid and grotesque. Even at the ripe old age of twelve. But ritual was part of their modus operandi, in keeping with the tradition of suppression. I left the church when I was TWELVE.

But that didn't keep me from my research. I wanted to know how and why people were so easily swayed. I wanted to understand the blind following of such an enormous segment of the population. How was it that people who appeared to be so intelligent could follow such ghastly teachings in the name of salvation? I was, to say the least, a "problem" for the nuns.

All that aside, for all the searching I've done throughout my lifetime, I have never once swayed from my love of ritual. Burning candles has been a mainstay for me since I was eleven or twelve years old. I also find great comfort in writing down my intentions on fine linen paper, drumming on my beautiful hand drum for some time, and lighting that paper on fire. There is a trust in my self-developed rituals that I never once felt when I was a member of any church. In essence, I suppose you could say that I found my own religion...and it suits me just fine.

{A little aside here: I have been called many things in the name of my chosen path. Heathen. Witch. Heretic. Devil worshiper. Etc., etc., ad nauseum}. I've always found it more than amusing to hear folks call me such things. Especially when I see how they live their so-called "christian" lives. Sad. Hilarious. Ridiculous. No matter. Unlike many who claim themselves "christians", I do not judge. I simply recognize their judgments...and carry on. Like any solid Heathen would do.}

{P.S. You may or may not have noticed that in most of my posts, I do not capitalize words like "christian" or "god" or "pagan". This is not an oversight. I simply do not adhere to the rules of dictatorial grammar. I am who I am. And I ain't Popeye.}



Back to the point...

One of my funnest dalliances is with Medicine Cards. It is a sort of Tarot deck, but based on Native American teachings from various elders in the Choctaw, Lakota, Seneca, Aztec, Yaqui, Cheyenne, Iroquois, and Mayan traditions. I do not use these cards to map out my Life. Rather, I use them as a sort of guide to those things that  I may be ignoring. Or unaware of. Or...just some shit that needs dealing with. Yep. There's shit. And if we go 'round pretending it's everybody else's fault, we miss the messages that so madly wish to be heard.

So anywayzz...

I pulled a card the other day...and it was Hawk. Now, first let me say that I DO hold totem animals in high regard. Just so happens, Red Tailed Hawk is mine. Which, for all my logical and/or pragmatic reasoning cannot be explained. Just feels right. Love those critters in ways that simply cannot be explained. Just is. I trust it. As much as some trust the "word of god". As much as a mama knows when here baby is in trouble. As much as when your bones tell you it's going to rain.
We.
Just.
Know.

So I pulled the Hawk card and read (again) the message that Hawk is meant to bring. As I read, remembering all the many times I'd read this message, I felt the chills run up my arms, to my neck, up into my skull.I felt that lovely familiar grin creep 'cross my face. Ah YES. Hawk has returned. Couldn't have been timed any more perfectly.

{Such is the Magick of my Life.}

{Second aside: As I write, I am listening to the brilliant Ed Sheeran. THIS is the song that has me stuttering on the keyboard at the moment. Dude makes me jump up and DANCE. Barcelona...}

Hawk's message, in the most condensed Reader's Digest version is this:

Pay attention. The Magick you have forgotten is all 'round you. PAY. ATTENTION.

(Again, a most condensed version. I am doing my best to keep this missive short enough to retain your attention without losing the gist of this Magick. Please. Bear with me.}

{Did I mention how much I adore Ed Sheeran??? "Galway Girl" }

After pulling the card and reading Hawk's message, I set it up on a little stand, jotted down a few words, and went about my day. The particulars of this day were to go to the grocery store. Trader Joe's is my go to for most of my food stuff. I've been going to TJ's for decades, and this one in particular for the past fourteen years. The folks there are the BEST. They're friendly and helpful and plain ol' fun to see. I have my favorites, all of whom always give me a hug when they see me. It is, for the most part, the largest part of my social life. (No. I'm not kidding. I like being a hermit!)

Before I go further, I need to back-track a bit. About a month ago, after my first-of-the-month visit, I came home feeling the joy of seeing my pals and hearing their respective tales about their own lives. I was happily putting my groceries away, smiling at the interactions and feeling deep gratitude. When I was finished storing my food, I sat down at the computer and wrote a letter to Trader Joe's headquarters. It was simply a letter relaying how awesome the staff at "my" store is. It was, in essence, a thank you note for the terrific job they do. Unbeknownst to me, that letter was forwarded to the manager at my store to be shared with the entire crew. It was also posted in the Regional Newsletter. And, also unbeknownst to me, it was the very first time that the Escondido store made it into that Newsletter. Apparently, an enormous deal to those Crew Members.

So...back to present:

I walked in the store and almost immediately heard someone holler (quite loudly!) my name. I turned to see Brenda, one of my pals, coming toward me with a giant grin and arms open wide. She gave me the biggest hug and told me about the letter. She was beyond thrilled about the whole thing. She said, "We've never made it into that Newsletter. I've been here for seventeen years and this is the first time. I can't tell you what that means to me."

I was completely blown away. I had no way of knowing how much that simple letter would impact her or the others who had also been there for years. One after another, as I went about my shopping, these women would see me, shout my name, and give me a big ol' hug, thanking me the whole time and sharing their own versions of how long they'd waited for this. I couldn't believe it! Such a simple act. Such a massive response. I had done what I do (write), with only gratitude in my heart. And that gratitude came back to me a thousand fold. By the time I left the store, I had tears in my eyes for all the love that had been showered on me while I shopped.

I'm tellin' ya, it was AMAZING!

As I drove home, I remembered what Hawk had reminded me. Pay attention. Watch for the Magick that is all 'round you. Remember your blessings and share your gifts. I had goose bumps all over me, all the way home. I felt as if the skies had opened up and showered a million stars on me. I felt like it was my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one. And now, a day later, I'm still feeling all of that love. Just for writing a simple letter!

The thing I wish to convey here, more than anything else, is that you just never know what one simple act of kindness and/or gratitude is going to do for others. You don't have any way to foresee the massive impact your kindness can have. So just do it. Do something that you feel is good, just for the hell of it. Jot a note and mail it to someone, without signing your name or expecting anything in return. Open a door. Carry a package. Do anything you might think of to show kindness.

Hawk is always watching.

Even On Your Worst Day...

"Even on your worst day, there is a possibility for JOY."

That quote is from an episode of Castle. He'd been snooping in Kate's desk and found a stick figure made from beach wood and string and assorted beach stuff. After a bit of bickering, she finally told him the story of the object. Turns out it was from the day of her mother's funeral. She and her dad had been surrounded by friends and family, both of them miserable with the whole affair. Her dad grabbed her and whisked her off to Coney Island. There, still dressed in their funeral garb, they walked the beach, gathering treasures and finding their way into the joy of the moment, despite the passing of her mom, his wife. Together they constructed the stick man and she'd carried it with her since that dreadful/joyful day. Castle asked Kate if the day was "a happy one or a sad one". She replied, "Both." And then she said, "He reminds me that even on your worst day, there is a possibility for joy."

It's one of my favorite episodes. And I never forgot that story. So, one day, I decided to try to recreate that stick man. I keep it on my fridge. As a reminder. It always makes me smile. And then...

Today, whilst sitting at my desk, trying to get started on some work, I heard on of the Yorkies barking. Nothing new. They're a noisy pair. But this wasn't a playful sound. It was clearly a sound of distress. I stopped to listen more closely. Three seconds passed before it registered. I jumped out of my chair and ran outside. There I saw Sophie facing the pool, standing statue still. Bentley was facing his house, barking more intensely. Where's Barkley????

I ran to the pool and saw the poor little fella trying desperately to get OUT. The water is ice cold. He's NOT a very good swimmer. I grabbed him up and ran to his house, hollering for his mama. She opened the door to see me dashing up the steps, holding the poor, soaked puppy at arms length. Both Bentley and Sophie were at my heels. She said, "I kept thinking, why won't he stop barking?". All I could think was, thank the gods for my instincts. And for my ability to distinguish their voices. And for Bentley, looking out for his brother. And for Sophie, pointing to the pool. I was so full of adrenaline at that point, all I could do was hand the dog over and go back to my house.

And then it hit me. I couldn't stop crying. I kept thinking about what might have happened if I hadn't gotten up and went out there to see what was wrong. Or if I didn't have that ability to note the different tones they use. Or if Bentley hadn't done what he did. All those images kept screaming through my mind as the adrenaline worked its way out of my system.

Now, as I've typed these words, I can feel my body relaxing. I can feel my heart resume its normal rhythm. The tears have stopped. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. He's okay. DEEP BREATHS.

What's left is this:

Profound gratitude.
For being able to hear what he was saying.
For listening to my intuition.
For both Sophie and Bentley doing their parts.
For getting out there in time to save that little guy.

 As the calm returns, in my head all I hear is:

Even on your worst day, there is a possibility for JOY.

Gather Your Treasures

On those days,
the ones when you are struggling to feel your Magick,
gather your treasures...and

BREATHE.

Let the rest take care of

ITSELF.

Synchronicity

One of my very favorite things in the whole wide Universe, besides my Sophie

and my BruzerAngel

and that crazy peacock who lives here

are the magickal moments of synchronicity that happen when you're least expecting them. I just LOVE when that happens!

If you read yesterday's post ("Work. UGH.") you already know that from where I sit, the mention of "work" elicits less-than-happy thoughts for the vast majority of folks. Except for that rare breed who actually love what they do. Now, I'll be perfectly honest here: I don't know all that many. But, happily for me, I do know a handful of people who actually like getting up in the morning to go to work. They are among the happiest people I know precisely because of this. They love to work. And so, in their minds, they never do. Because to them, work isn't work at all. I feel the same about the whole writing thing. I love to write. Especially when I know it might help somebody. The little comments folks send me make me so happy. That is what "work" is supposed to feel like. If you ask me. 'Course you didn't ask me. But you're here, so I'll presume you enjoy reading these meanderings. Or maybe you just come here to feel better. Or take a break from your job. Or maybe you read them because they make you feel so much better about your writing because you think I'm really crappy at it. Whatever. I love to write and I do it pretty much daily. 

Except on football days. 

So...back to the synchronicity thing...

Met a man today who truly does love his work. It was so wonderfully refreshing to hear him talk about it. You could see it on his face. And his whole countenance. This was a happy man. Here's the really weird part (to me, anyway): he's a DENTIST. Can you imagine? Well of course you can. Dentists go through a lot of schooling before they get to be dentists, so I'm guessing they'd have to have some kind of love for it, right? Thing is, I've only ever met one other dentist who truly loved being a dentist. As it turns out, he was my dentist. He just retired. (BIG GIANT WAHHHH!) The man I met today is the dentist that shared offices with my dentist. So I suppose it's not a huge surprise that he, too, loves being a dentist. (Do you think I've used the word "dentist" enough yet?) Turns out the two of them became fast friends when The New Dentist met My Dentist about seven years ago. They thought it'd be a good fit. So the dual-practice was born. I'll tell you, I've never been more relieved. I mean, My Dentist was really an unusual breed. He was gentle and flexible and very funny. So is The New Dentist. Which is good. Because going to the dentist is not at the top of my list of fun things to do. 

Anyway, the whole point here is that just yesterday I wrote about the work thing. Today I met someone who loves his work. But the best part, besides the synchronicity that is, is that he will have an impact on my life. So the fact that he loves his work matters to me as much as it does to him. Which is just one more reason why I believe folks should do what they love. We all have an impact, no matter what we do. Seems to me it'd be even more wonderful if the impact was a positive one. Don't you?

As I walked to my truck, I let out a very large sigh. All I could think was,

"I live such a charmed life."

And that, my friends, is all I have to say about that.

two simple words...

It has never been difficult for me to say 'thank you'. I am a person who believes strongly in the power of my words and the affect those words can have on others. But there is a difference between words spoken by rote and words spoken with sincerity. Don't guess I have to explain all that to ya, right?

I was taught early on that it was the polite thing to say. Whenever I was given any little thing, my mom would always say, "What do you say, Camille?" The words came out of my mouth without thinking. I was programmed to say thank you. I was not, however, taught about the sincerity of using them. Not to say that my parents weren't sincere. But perhaps they assumed that I would understand without having to be told. Either way, it does not matter. I could tell the difference from as far back as I can recall. Such things as "I'm sorry." were most often suspect. Because more often than not, those words were spoken without heart. They were required, not necessarily sincere. I could always tell the difference.

Still can.

When someone speaks the words without the feeling behind them, I smile at their attempt. Perhaps they are simply incapable of meaning what they're saying. Or perhaps they are more driven by fear than by truth. Or perhaps...they are simply doing the best they know how. Which may not be enough for me, but then...who am I to judge? (let's not go there right now, okay?) Regardless of the situation, the bottom line always falls to this:

Say what you mean, mean what you say.

Which leads me back 'round to the beginning. It is not difficult for me to express thanks. I do not offer the words if I don't mean them. And so, whether or not the recipient is as persnickety as I am, the truth of my gratitude is as clear as a cloudless night. They can feel it. They know I mean it. And the flow of energy that circles round is palpable. But the neatest thing of all is how it can affect the recipient. It may be that they don't hear it often enough. Or maybe they just don't know how much they matter. But time after time, I see the reactions and I am always amazed at the power of those words.

For example....

There is a woman who works for the Doc I see monthly. She is a mother of two, a vibrant young woman who has large dreams and a sense of who she is. Albeit slight. Still, she is a delightful woman who makes my regular visits to the Doc even more pleasant. This past week has been a bear for me. (I shan't share those details as they have no bearing on the point.) So when I walked in today she was quick to notice my discomfort. She extended her hand to help me out of the chair and led me gently into the room where I would wait for the Doc. While she took my blood pressure and all the other 'vitals', she spoke of her admiration for my tenacity and optimism. She said that I was the "only" patient who came in with a smile, regardless of the pain level. She said that it always made her day to see me walk through the door.

How do you not respond well to such things????

When I got home I called her back to express my gratitude. For just being so beautiful. For being such a light in my visits. For being a rose in a very thorny odyssey.

I could tell it surprised her. She didn't speak for a few moments...and then she said, "That is the sweetest thing any patient has ever said to me." I told her I meant it. She said she knew. And as we said our goodbyes I could hear the smile on her face. I had one too.

I thought I'd share this with you because I know there are people who have a really hard time with the whole "thank you" thing. And I wanted to give you a little nudge...to remind you just how powerful those words are...IF YOU MEAN IT!

So...to all of you who have said it, and to those who are working their way to it...

THANK YOU.

I really DO mean it.

just ask

My daddy used to say, "don't ask, don't get". I've always loved that expression. It's so very true. If you don't ask for what you want, it's quite likely you're not gonna get it. True story:

Long ago when I was still married, my hubbie and I joined a bowling league on the Naval base where he was stationed. {yes. I said BOWLING. Whut? Something wrong with that?...(grin)}. It was one of the funnest things I'd ever done. The fact that I was good at it helped a bunch. Not so sure I'd have enjoyed it if I'd been a crappy bowler. Anyway, there was one little lady who hailed from the Phillipines who was THE snappiest dresser. You could tell she spent most of her time in malls. Always dressed to the nines and just cute as a bug. She was a tad tinier than me, but we were pretty close in size. One night she came over to say hello and was wearing this darling yellow (yellow like a sunflower) crocheted top over a black spaghetti-strapped shirt. Just adorable. So I said, "I just LOVE that top. I think you should give it to me." And I laughed. Because truth be told, I was just playin' with her. Well, wouldn't ya know it; she ripped that shirt right off and handed it to me. I stood there, jaw-to-the-floor and eyes a-poppin'. I could NOT believe it. I stammered a bit and told her I was just kidding. She said, "Oh no you weren't. You want this shirt and I'm giving it to you. I have lots more at home. Just take it. It'll look great on you." Just like that. I asked. She gave.

I never forgot that. And from that day forward I decided that what my daddy had told me was right on. I still have that shirt all these many years later. And every time I put it on I think of both my dad and that crazy little lady who took her shirt off in the bowling alley and handed it over with a giant grin on her face.

THAT is what I call MAGICK.

taking a moment

I am compelled today...to take a moment to thank you. ALL of you who not only read my meanderings, but who also take the time to send me your lovely notes. Just yesterday, I was reading my post to a friend (if you can imagine, she has no internet! WOWZA!)...and we were giggling about how uncanny it is that we are both "on the same page" right now. I'd written the post hours before we spoke on the phone. Turns out, we were in the exact same "spot". After I'd finished reading it to her, she said, "Why do you do this? Why do you write this stuff and just put it out there for FREE? You could be making money on all this."

I explained to her that while I do not consider myself in anyway altruistic, writing these things is both clarifying and helpful (to me). I have also discovered that my 'stuff' helps other folks too. And when I get these notes from my readers, it's just DELICIOUS! It makes me feel as if I can make a difference; that even if only one person reads and is able to grow, that one person will spread their knowing to someone else, who may then grow as well. The ol' ripple effect. I love the idea of that. Watching through my mind's eye as the ripples reach out and out and out. The fact that I don't make $$$ for these postings is irrelevant. I can do that elsewhere. This forum is a means for me to smooth stuff out in my own life...and maybe help somebody else smooth things out too.

So, my sweet friends, I send enormous gratitude, grand appreciation, and big-giant hugs to all of you. I am deeply touched by your kindness. It is because of YOU that my gratitude continues to grow. Does it get any better than that???

I wish you all a SPLENDIFEROUS Thursday...and beyond.

Thank you.

sun-dried goodness

there's just something about drying clothes in the sun, ya know?

there's a smell that can only be described as

sunshine.

how can ya beat that?

i am blessed to live in a place where, 

even in winter, the days are usually quite warm.

do not be fooled. 

it gets c-o-l-d here too.

but mostly it's at night.

and mostly it doesn't last long once the sun comes up.

the temps here can vary as much as forty degrees

from night to day

but even still, i can do my laundry

 and never have to touch the gas dryer.

nice!

anyway...

as i was hanging my clothes out this morning, 

looking at the magnificent mountains off in the distance

listening to the red-tailed hawks screech across the skies

and the crazy little chickens making their crazy little noises

i was overwhelmed with this feeling of...

utter bliss.

no. really.

i know that sounds kinda goofy

but i don't care.

it's true!

i got goose bumps all over 

 let out a giggle that surprised me as much as it did my dog.

he looked up as if to say,

"what's up? what're you gigglin' about now?"

i walked over and gave him a big ol' hug

and thanked him for being here.

i just felt this incredibly huge appreciation

for all that is my LIFE.

there's just somethin' about

that sun-dried goodness

ya know?

there is no such thing...

There is no such thing as too much gratitude. Did ya know that? Did ya know that the more grateful you are for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for? Did ya know that when you're in a funk, the fastest way out of it is to look around and find something, anything...to be grateful for?

If you woke up this morning, you have something to celebrate. 

If you have food to eat and clothes to keep you warm, 

you have something to celebrate.

If you are loved, by even just one person, 

you have something to celebrate.

If you've ever heard a child laugh or had a puppy lick your face, 

you have something to celebrate.

If you've ever seen a flower in bloom

 or smelled it's lovely fragrance, 

you have something to celebrate.

There are millions of things to be grateful for, if you will 

just take a moment to look.

I know.

I, too, have had my "moments" when my world seemed so dismal.

Yet, I made my way through and found reasons to be grateful.

It's a terrific little "tool".

It may take a little practice at first.

But if you will just take one second to STOP and remind yourself that you are blessed, 

you are well, you are loved...then you will find the secret to living Joy

 each and every day.

It's all about your choices.

I've said it a million times and I'll say it again....

Joy is a CHOICE.

And gratitude is what gets ya there the fastest.

HONEST!

riches come in many flavors

It's been a while...and I shan't make excuses for my absence. I had need for some space...and opted to give the blogging a bit of a break. That is, until today. A few things happened that lit a fire under my butt...and then when I came to visit, I found even more to stoke that fire. I am deeply grateful to all of you who've written and asked for more. It warms me to my toes knowing that my offerings are helping folks...and THAT, my friends, is what it's all about. I thank you ALL.

Rather than getting into the details of my disappearance, I will, instead, share with you a few things that I discovered while absent. Among them are the great riches that abound in my world. All too often we think of riches in terms of dollars. But riches are far more than printed currency. Riches, in my world, come in many flavors. Kinda like Baskin Robbins, ya know?

Friends who love you in spite of your flaws top the list for me. Those people who stand by me, regardless of where I am or how I'm 'acting'. When I am reclusive, they allow me that space without laying some kinda guilt trip or chastising. When I am all agog with some new discovery, they let me go on and on (and on and on!) about it, without attempting to stop my rantings. I tend to do that...rant, that is. And my wonderful friends (whom I call "Tribe") are always in my corner. How can that not be counted as 'riches'?

Then there are those people who may not be part of the Tribe, but who make the days sparkle with their smiles and little courtesies. You know the ones...they see you in the market and give you a smile for no reason other than to smile. Or they let you cut in line because you only have 3 things and they have a cart full of stuff. Or they slow down to let you into traffic when there are zillions of others who will cut you off without mercy. Those 'strangers' who actually LIVE kindness. Are these not riches?

Being able to buy food and fill your cupboards/fridge with good things to nourish your body. Do you know how many people in this world cannot do this? Do you realize that there are millions of people on this planet who do NOT eat a meal each day? Many do not have clean water to drink. Or a place to call home. They have no 'extra' clothes or electricity or indoor plumbing. I can't even imagine what that must be like. Nor do I care to try. I just know that I have all these things and so much more...and I consider all of them riches.

I sit here now, in a beautiful office in my home, with a dandy computer, a speedy internet connection, food in my belly, a hot cup of coffee, a comfortable chair, a gorgeous desk, and all the pretty things that are my treasures. Crystals in the windows. Wind chimes just outside. Plants and pictures and books and fountains. All these things make up my lovely world...and they are my riches too.

I have come to a place in my Life where I can see, all day.. every day, just how rich I am. I am so blessed to have these people in my world. All the love. The laughter and sharing and support. The many conveniences that we all take for granted all too often. There isn't a thing in the world that I NEED right now. I have it all. This, my friends, is what it means to be 'rich'. And I am basking in the glorious warmth of gratitude.

It's GOOD to be alive!

the wonderful factor

Most of us have heard about "Gratitude Journals". Some of us use them, some of us don't. Some of us use them for a while, then get sidetracked and dismiss it. And some folks think they're dumb. Whatever the case may be for you, I thought I might offer up another option...especially if it's a challenge for you to do this wonderful exercise.

I read something that got me to thinking about gratitude...and how sometimes it's hard to see just how much we have to be grateful for. You know that whole mystery about the chicken and the egg? ("what came first...."). Well, I read this little snippet and it kinda reminded me of that. Here's what the snippet read:

"Think of something you've done in the last 24 hours that in some way has contributed to making life more wonderful for somebody. Now, how do you feel when you are aware of how that act contributed to making life more wonderful for somebody? And every time I ask that question to someone, they have a big smile on their face."

Even as I read this, I felt the grin spread across my face, down into my heart...and on through my body. So I got to thinking, maybe instead of 'trying' to do a Gratitude Journal, you could start your day like that. First thinking about what you have done in the past 24 hours to increase the Wonderful Factor. Then to sit for a bit and think of what you can do today. 5 minutes. That's all it takes (maybe less!). To lie there in your cozy bed for 5 minutes and think of ways you could increase the flow of Feel Good Energy. Now...if that's still a puzzler, here are some ideas for ya:

~~~While you're out and about today, whenever you catch someone's eyes, SMILE. You don't even have to say anything. Just give 'em a big ol' grin.

~~~Open a door for someone. And then...smile.

~~~Let that person whizzing my you on the road go ahead of you. Just slow down and let 'em in. And then...smile.

~~~Help that elderly lady with her groceries. Offer to put them in her car for her. Or push the cart to her car. Or let her get in front of you in the checkout line. And then...smile.

~~~Send somebody a card. For no particular reason. You can get really fun cards at Trader Joe's for a mere 99 cents. Before you seal it, draw a smiley face. (you didn't think I was going to forgo the smile part, did ya?)

~~~Buy (or bake) some cupcakes. Put them in a box and go to your nearest car dealership. (stay with me here!). I know...most folks loathe car salesman...but listen up...those guys work their butts off (I know. I used to sell cars. It's a horrible way to make a living. You have NO idea what kind of boneheads run those joints, nor how much one must fight to be real with their customers. It's a nightmare!), and most of them (even the ones who ARE honest and real and have integrity) are treated so poorly by everyone, it's a miracle they're not homicidal maniacs. So then...drive on over to the car dealership and hand out some cupcakes. I kid you not, you WILL feel wonderful doing it...and so will they. (don't forget the smile!)

~~~If that's too much of a stretch, bring those cupcakes to a nursing home. Talk about WONDERFUL! Oh yea. You'll be doing a Happy Dance on your way back to your car. (Need I mention the smile again?)

~~~Pack a sack lunch. You know...sandwich, cookies, an apple, a bottle of water and maybe a little happy note to go inside the bag. Then toodle on down to the nearest corner where the homeless hang out. Whoever walks over to your car first...give them the sack lunch. And a smile.

~~~Write a letter to someone you love. Tell them how wonderful they are. Tell them how much you appreciate their presence on the planet. Put some sparkly confetti in the envelope. Don't sign the letter or put a return address. Send it anonymously. In this case, the sparklies are your smile.

You get the idea, right? It doesn't have to be anything huge. A simple, genuine smile is all it takes. The more you do this kind of stuff, the more your own Wonderful Factor increases. And it spreads out and out and out into the world, one little smile at a time. Corny? You betcha. Effective? ABSOLUTELY!

P.S. One more thing to note: if you will begin this practice today, and do it every day for 21 days, you will have created a new 'habit'. Because that's all the time it takes to create a habit. 21 days. After that, you might just find that Gratitude Journal something you don't want to live without. And that, my friend, is what Joy is all about.

"just" another day????

It always cracks me up when I hear this phrase: "it's just another day". It epitomizes just how little some folks value the gift of another day. I'm guessing that were those same people to have some kind of terminal dis-ease, they'd change their attitude zippity-quick. I'm guessing that these very same people are the ones who rarely (if ever) take time to smell the roses or watch a sunrise or listen to children laughing in the park. The ones who dash around in a frenzy, and then wonder why they're so miserably exhausted. So sad.

As many who read here know, I tend to touch on gratitude often. It is a main-stay in both my writings and my life. It is my grace. I believe gratitude, true appreciation for our gifts, blessings, love, etc., is the most powerful remedy for all that ails you. It is through my own experiences with (feelings of) gratitude that some of the most exquisite miracles have occurred in my life. Gratitude has swept me out of pain into ease. It has turned fear into hope. Tears to laughter. Misery to joy. Gratitude is the Ultimate Elixir.

Just the other day I had an experience that reminded me, once more, just how hard gratitude is for some. A friend of mine, who wields guilt like a sword, called to chastise me for a birthday gift I'd left for him. It wasn't anything huge; just a little 'something' to celebrate his presence on the planet. He has this "rule": NO PRESENTS. Not for birthdays. Not for Christmas. Not for NOTHIN'. BUT...that's HIS rule, not mine. So, when he called to give me crap for having given him this little gift, he began with "you're breaking the rules. you're not supposed to give me gifts." Of course, being the sassy-ass that I am, I responded with, "those are YOUR rules, Bonehead. Don't tell ME what to do.I'll give gifts to whomever I wish. Besides, who the hell are you to deny me my joys?"

I gotta say, that one got him. For a few seconds he had no response. Then, as usual, he began to launch into his pathetic guilt trip (the one he was trying to get me to take). I immediately interrupted him and simply said, "you know, I realize it's a challenge for you, but perhaps you might consider just saying 'thank you' and enjoy the goodies. Wouldn't THAT be fun?"

It struck me at that moment just how sad it is for those who have no idea what gratitude is. How some people are so mired in their past and their obvious self-loathing to really know how gratitude FEELS. Perhaps they were reared with parents who never showed appreciation in any form. Perhaps they are afraid that they'll be obligated to respond in kind. Or perhaps it is merely a deep-seeded fear that stops them from going there at all. I'm not sure, and I'm really trying my best not to judge here. (not doing such a good job with that, huh?) but whatever the case may be, I do know one thing for certain:

Gratitude is a marvelous feeling. It can change your world in a second. It can lift you up from the deepest, darkest places and replace the ugliest feelings with the very best high. Better than champagne. Better than whiskey. Better than even the best sex (holycrap! really????) Yep. Really.

There is no such thing as "just another day" in my world. EVERY day is a treasure to me. Every single day that I wake up and see the sky is another opportunity for me to learn and grow and share and love. Even when there are challenges, or pains, or great losses, there is always hope for more good. Gratitude begets gratitude. The more grateful we are, the more we have to be grateful for. It's just the way the Universe works. You don't have to believe me. You can try it for yourself. The next time you hit a wall, take a moment to STOP. Think about something, ANYTHING, that you can be grateful for...even if it's 'merely' the next breath you get to breathe. You are alive. You are (probably) well-fed and clothed and living under some semblance of shelter. If that's not enough, then...I guess it would be 'just another day' to you. I pray you will find a way to give thanks every single day...and smile at this gift of "just another day".

the gratitude dance

OHHHH!!! This is FUN stuff. You really gotta watch this. I'm tellin' ya, you're gonna jump outta your chair and dance right along with 'em. SUPERFUNSTUFF!

the moment you step out of gratitude
you step out of grace.
& moment you step out of grace
all hell breaks loose.
you forget all about the magick.
you forget all about how totally awesome
your world is.
you forget that you can
anything you want.
it's a horrible
terrifying
utterly life-sucking
downward spiral
that'll kill ya
if you don't grab onto something
on the way down.
then
the magick shows up.
all by itself
you don't even haveta ask
it just shows up
in the voice of a friend
or a perfectly timed note
or a bluejay with a mouthful of bug
calling to her partner
to come have a snack.
the magick shows up and saves your ass
in the knick of time
every time.
you remember
one single tiny thing
to be grateful for.
that's all it takes.
one teeny little wonderful thing
that makes your world so beautiful
and pretty soon
you're remembering all kindsa stuff
and not long after that
you're grinning from ear to ear
and dancing around the garden
like a crazy person.
next thing you know
you're right back in
Grace.
damn.
what a hoot.