It has been over a week since I posted anything on this blog... I have been working on a short story for a while and I wanted to get it ready to post! Just an FYI... this is a bit of a sad, spiritual and emotional story. If anyone is dealing with death of someone close or is dealing with any form of cancer with themselves, family or anyone close to them I would suggest NOT reading this, unless you feel it something you can handle.
I was inspired to write this by a nature scenery I saw and by a song I love. I will post the song at the end of the entire story, which will have three chapters. I love to write and most of my writings are completely fictional and do not come from actual events in my life or anyone's life close to me. Please be kind in any criticisms you might have towards my story. After all... that is all it is, a story.
FLYING WITH THE ANGELS - CHAPTER ONE
“Mom, it looks like heaven,” Traci exclaimed staring out of the window.
I glanced over to where she was looking and noticed the clouds with the sun blazing through the center. It was beautiful and mesmerizing.
“It does look like heaven,” I replied. “You have such a great eye for beautiful moments!”
Traci continued to stare at the clouds and the sun as they slowly changed formation. She was such a special kid. Life was so exciting and full with her in it. She lived in the moment and to her there was never a dull moment in life.
Funny since I never taught her that, she just came that way. She was my teacher, instead of the other way around.
A tear escaped on of my eyes as I looked back to the road ahead. Jack reached over from the drivers seat and squeezed my hand instinctively. I quickly looked over at him and we shared a knowing glance. Pain was in his eyes and I am sure it was just as noticeable in mine.
We were on our way back to the hospital to admit Traci. The leukemia had metastasized through her body and the doctors were skeptical on whether or not they could stop it this time.
My mind wandered back to the moment when it all came crashing down on our hearts.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Don't Mess with Mama Bear!
If you mess with my kids, you mess with me... If you are a parent or a protective aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. you most likely get where I am coming from. My kids are no angels, but they are my kids and no one messes with them and gets away with it.
Yes... I know children “need” to learn to defend themselves, but when it comes to older kids or adults, you can bet I will step in and rectify the situation!
Here is a great example... A couple of years ago, I got a call from the Vice Principal of my son’s school, while I was at work. My son at the time was only seven.
He had told me over the past few months about different altercations he had with other children and I knew he had been in the Principal’s office a few times, only because he had told me. I had not received any notes, emails or calls from anyone at the school. Therefore when I got this call I was completely blown away by what she had to tell me.
She proceeded to tell me he had gotten in a fight with another boy the day before and when the boy came to school the next day he had a horrible black eye, along with having a bad cut close to his eye. They thought since it had been bad enough, it was a good time to let me know.
She proceeded to say my son had been in many fights with another boy who we know pretty well. I began to laugh and told her, if she was telling me he was fighting with this kid, it was because he was standing up for himself.
This kid is a bully.
Several times I had come to ALL my kids aid because he was either running after them with a shovel and swinging it at them or he was taking off his dirty underwear and throwing it at them or he was pushing, shoving them, throwing rocks or other objects at them or yelling cuss words for the whole neighborhood to hear. Then as soon as an adult pops their head in, he acts completely innocent and sweet. Luckily, I had spent several times watching through the windows and listening to their stand-offs. He may have the Vice Principal or other adults fooled, but he was not pulling a fast one on me.
I immediately brushed off those accusations and asked her if there had been previous problems with this one boy before yesterday. She told me she did not think so, but she had not gotten my sons side of the story and the story of the other boy was brief. She then proceeded to tell me she had told my son, if he had any more problems with fighting they would have to suspend him from school.
Silence... from me. If you were on my side of the phone, you would have probably seen my face go red and steam blow out of my ears!
Yes... I know children “need” to learn to defend themselves, but when it comes to older kids or adults, you can bet I will step in and rectify the situation!
Here is a great example... A couple of years ago, I got a call from the Vice Principal of my son’s school, while I was at work. My son at the time was only seven.
He had told me over the past few months about different altercations he had with other children and I knew he had been in the Principal’s office a few times, only because he had told me. I had not received any notes, emails or calls from anyone at the school. Therefore when I got this call I was completely blown away by what she had to tell me.
She proceeded to tell me he had gotten in a fight with another boy the day before and when the boy came to school the next day he had a horrible black eye, along with having a bad cut close to his eye. They thought since it had been bad enough, it was a good time to let me know.
She proceeded to say my son had been in many fights with another boy who we know pretty well. I began to laugh and told her, if she was telling me he was fighting with this kid, it was because he was standing up for himself.
This kid is a bully.
Several times I had come to ALL my kids aid because he was either running after them with a shovel and swinging it at them or he was taking off his dirty underwear and throwing it at them or he was pushing, shoving them, throwing rocks or other objects at them or yelling cuss words for the whole neighborhood to hear. Then as soon as an adult pops their head in, he acts completely innocent and sweet. Luckily, I had spent several times watching through the windows and listening to their stand-offs. He may have the Vice Principal or other adults fooled, but he was not pulling a fast one on me.
I immediately brushed off those accusations and asked her if there had been previous problems with this one boy before yesterday. She told me she did not think so, but she had not gotten my sons side of the story and the story of the other boy was brief. She then proceeded to tell me she had told my son, if he had any more problems with fighting they would have to suspend him from school.
Silence... from me. If you were on my side of the phone, you would have probably seen my face go red and steam blow out of my ears!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Celebrate You!
Have you ever felt not good enough or below others in certain areas of life or in life in its entirety? I know I have. It took me a long time to value myself and see the person inside me, who is beautiful, strong and inspirational. I used to be scared of any attention placed upon me and to this day I still get a little anxious if it happens, but now I KNOW who I am. I know I am just as important and valuable as the next person and this knowledge has completely changed my life. Do you really think I would write on a blog and pour my heart and soul out on the internet for everyone to see if I felt I held no value? I really do not think I would be brave enough and some times I still question myself when pondering the next thing I want to write about. Some times I worry what others will think and if they will think what I write is ridiculous or stupid. But then I yank myself back to reality and realize, it does not matter. It does not matter what anyone thinks of me. Their opinions are their own and whether they are positive or negative is none of my business.
Friday, November 19, 2010
How strong are you really?
I was quietly meditating this morning while my baby was taking his nap and I began to think of all the challenges I have had in my life, including present ones. While I was searching through my mind I realized there was not one of those trying moments in my life where I did not eventually fall on my knees and say a fervent and long overdue prayer to my Heavenly Father. Then I began to think of how long it took until I did turn to God for assistance. Some times I get on my knees almost immediately and other times I push myself for as long as I can before I crumble under the pressure and have no choice but to look for heavenly support. I wonder why I wait. Do I really think I am strong enough without His help? Actually I know I am not strong enough without my Heavenly Father. He is the reason I have made it this far in my life without giving up. However, some times I find myself "trying" to solve all of my life's problems without His assistance and that is when I find myself barely treading water. Who else does this? Are there times in your life where you have thought you could bear all the burdens?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Converting flared jeans into skinny jeans!
I was going through my drawer of jeans and I pulled out three pair of jeans I hardly ever wear any more because of one big reason... they have shrunk too much at the bottom and being flared or boot cut jeans they looked silly with heels! So, my good friend Syd said something about the Young Women in her ward making skinny jeans out of their flared jeans. The light bulb went on in my head... Here is what I did to sew my jeans into skinny jeans. FYI... I am not a wiz at the sewing machine but my mom did teach me well, so I can definitely pin and sew using the pins as my guide. Here is the before picture of my jeans...
I then carefully took them back off... yes OUCH if you dig one of those pins in you... and then I used a straight stitch on my sewing machine. Here is the pictures of my sewing maching settings and my finished stitch...
Look how much I am taking off on these jeans on the bottom! At least half if not more. After I did the straight stitch I picked a jagged stitch to help hold it in place, just like the jeans had originally...
After this was complete I cut along the outside stitch and tada...
I then took the jeans and turned them inside out and put them back on. I pinned them on both sides exactly where I wanted the stitch to go...
And here is the completed project! They fit a whole lot better and they go nicely into any of my boots.
I did this with three pairs of my jeans and now instead of rummaging through my jeans trying to find the right pair I have three more to choose from! Plus, I don't need to go spend more money on skinny jeans... well, at least not yet! HAHA!!
Please share with others... I know I'm probably behind on the times and everyone else has already thought of this, but maybe not! Until next time...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
My ramblings!
Can I just say this week... no this past month has been completely crazy! I am really wanting to get more involved in my blog and spend just about every day posting something new, but it seems like my family has another plan for me. Between dance for Makayla, TaeKwonDo for Chandler, work and the house for myself and just having Brayden take up every extra minute he can, it seems like I am done in before I get the chance to focus on what I want to do! The life of a mother... now I know why my mom was dragged in so many directions and seemed at times to be stretched to the limit. She was an amazing person who raised seven children and I actually think we all turned out pretty normal... well, at least for the most part... of course, normal is a bit boring so I would say a bit of disfunction and abnormality does play a part in our family at times!
Any ways, back to the craziness! I love it! Well... most of the time. Some times I just want to shut my door and crawl into my warm cozy bed and fall asleep while the crazy life continues on the other side. However, most of the time I love the constant going going going. I have so much fun with my family and friends. I love going with my kids to their activities and I love going out with my husband, my siblings, my dad or my friends. I love playing with my baby and hearing him scream and laugh. Although, he now screams whenever he wants something. What is up with that? He only says mama and dada and everything else is a scream and pointing. I have to say this is a whole new way of communicating, since my two other kids spoke at early ages and were able to tell me what they wanted with English words! I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fix this screaming so any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
So... back to the crazy life. Let's start with today. Brayden woke me up at 6:30 this morning. Why, you ask? I have no clue. He enjoys waking up before the sun, so he can get his playing in before everyone else can bother him. Grrrr... I think Saturdays should be sleep in days, at least until 8:00. I have never been a morning person! Mike had to work this morning so he was not around to share in my joys of early rising, even though he had to get earlier than myself. Well, we were leaving for Duchesne, Utah at 9:30, so I did not spend much time sitting on the couch nodding in and out although it did seem like the thing to do so early in the morning. Once Chandler was awake I began to get ready while he watched Brayden. I could have spent all morning in the shower, but with my dad arriving at our house at 9:30 I knew I actually HAD to stay on task. You would think I had plenty of time to get ready and get the kids fed and ready as well, but it seems like time just disappears when you are busy. Before I knew it 9:00 was here and I still had to get everything together for my neices present (we were going for her 3rd birthday) and I still had to pack Braydens diaper bag. FYI: never go on a two hour drive without everything a one year old needs and wants! 9:30 came quickly and we were ready to go. I got in the car and pulled it out of the garage and called my dad. He had gone back for the directions and so he was a little behind. Good for me. I now had time to send Chandler off on a couple of errands to neighbors homes and to make sure I had everything we needed for the drive. My dad drove up as I was back in the house because the cats needed food put in their dish before we left and Chandler had to put his bike back in the garage. I hurried and locked up and jumped back in my car and away we went.
Two hours up to Duchesne was not that bad. My dad and I talked most of the time and Brayden, thankfully, slept most of the drive. We arrived just before noon and enjoyed lunch, watched Meg blow out her candles and open her many presents. She is such a beautiful girl! My brother and sister-in-law are going to have their hands full with that one! HAHA! Chandler and Makayla explored the outside of their house and climbed the hill I told them NOT to climb. Why do I even bother? I guess I should not be so protective of them... they are growing up and what is a hill any ways? I used to climb the mountain next to my house when I was younger then them. I just don't want them to grow up so fast. Any ways, we spent a good hour and a half up at there house. We would have stayed longer, but Chandler was getting bored (there's only so much exploring a nine year old with ADHD can do) and my dad was getting tired. So, we drove two hours back home and this time it seemed to take forever. Next time I will definitely have to make a whole day of it so I don't feel like I was just in the stupid car.
Home was a great sight! And I needed a nap. I finally convinced Makayla to watch Brayden while Mike played his video game and I went up to my room for that much deserved nap. I was out like a light... until I heard Brayden scream. Geez... I need a sound proof room! He was mad at something and he was wanting the whole neighborhood to know. I slowly dragged myself out of my warm bed and walked out of my room and down to the kitchen, where Makayla was feeding Brayden a banana. Who knows what he wanted. He was getting all the attention he needed along with food and drink. SERIOUSLY! I sat down next to him and asked him what his problem was. He smiled and put his arms out for me to pick him up. Maybe he just wanted his mom! That's okay by me.
I hardly got anything done all day, but it was over before I had to chance to even think about my house. That's okay. My house is tidy enough. Yes, there are things on the countertop, the dishes are not all the way done and my stairs need some vacuuming, but those are things I am willing to put off for another day of craziness.
I guess one day is good enough for this post! I could ramble on and on about nothing for hours, but my eyes are getting heavy and my kids want me to watch 2012 with them before we head off to bed. Why we are up so late is beyond me. Maybe because I let them sleep in this morning and I got a nap... but, it was a good day filled with great conversation and constant chaos! I love my life and I would never trade it for another!
Tell me about your days... I would love to hear what happens in the days of my readers. I know I don't have that many regulars, but for those of you who do enjoy my writings, tell us about a day in the life of you! Until next time... sleep tight!
Any ways, back to the craziness! I love it! Well... most of the time. Some times I just want to shut my door and crawl into my warm cozy bed and fall asleep while the crazy life continues on the other side. However, most of the time I love the constant going going going. I have so much fun with my family and friends. I love going with my kids to their activities and I love going out with my husband, my siblings, my dad or my friends. I love playing with my baby and hearing him scream and laugh. Although, he now screams whenever he wants something. What is up with that? He only says mama and dada and everything else is a scream and pointing. I have to say this is a whole new way of communicating, since my two other kids spoke at early ages and were able to tell me what they wanted with English words! I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fix this screaming so any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
So... back to the crazy life. Let's start with today. Brayden woke me up at 6:30 this morning. Why, you ask? I have no clue. He enjoys waking up before the sun, so he can get his playing in before everyone else can bother him. Grrrr... I think Saturdays should be sleep in days, at least until 8:00. I have never been a morning person! Mike had to work this morning so he was not around to share in my joys of early rising, even though he had to get earlier than myself. Well, we were leaving for Duchesne, Utah at 9:30, so I did not spend much time sitting on the couch nodding in and out although it did seem like the thing to do so early in the morning. Once Chandler was awake I began to get ready while he watched Brayden. I could have spent all morning in the shower, but with my dad arriving at our house at 9:30 I knew I actually HAD to stay on task. You would think I had plenty of time to get ready and get the kids fed and ready as well, but it seems like time just disappears when you are busy. Before I knew it 9:00 was here and I still had to get everything together for my neices present (we were going for her 3rd birthday) and I still had to pack Braydens diaper bag. FYI: never go on a two hour drive without everything a one year old needs and wants! 9:30 came quickly and we were ready to go. I got in the car and pulled it out of the garage and called my dad. He had gone back for the directions and so he was a little behind. Good for me. I now had time to send Chandler off on a couple of errands to neighbors homes and to make sure I had everything we needed for the drive. My dad drove up as I was back in the house because the cats needed food put in their dish before we left and Chandler had to put his bike back in the garage. I hurried and locked up and jumped back in my car and away we went.
Two hours up to Duchesne was not that bad. My dad and I talked most of the time and Brayden, thankfully, slept most of the drive. We arrived just before noon and enjoyed lunch, watched Meg blow out her candles and open her many presents. She is such a beautiful girl! My brother and sister-in-law are going to have their hands full with that one! HAHA! Chandler and Makayla explored the outside of their house and climbed the hill I told them NOT to climb. Why do I even bother? I guess I should not be so protective of them... they are growing up and what is a hill any ways? I used to climb the mountain next to my house when I was younger then them. I just don't want them to grow up so fast. Any ways, we spent a good hour and a half up at there house. We would have stayed longer, but Chandler was getting bored (there's only so much exploring a nine year old with ADHD can do) and my dad was getting tired. So, we drove two hours back home and this time it seemed to take forever. Next time I will definitely have to make a whole day of it so I don't feel like I was just in the stupid car.
Home was a great sight! And I needed a nap. I finally convinced Makayla to watch Brayden while Mike played his video game and I went up to my room for that much deserved nap. I was out like a light... until I heard Brayden scream. Geez... I need a sound proof room! He was mad at something and he was wanting the whole neighborhood to know. I slowly dragged myself out of my warm bed and walked out of my room and down to the kitchen, where Makayla was feeding Brayden a banana. Who knows what he wanted. He was getting all the attention he needed along with food and drink. SERIOUSLY! I sat down next to him and asked him what his problem was. He smiled and put his arms out for me to pick him up. Maybe he just wanted his mom! That's okay by me.
I hardly got anything done all day, but it was over before I had to chance to even think about my house. That's okay. My house is tidy enough. Yes, there are things on the countertop, the dishes are not all the way done and my stairs need some vacuuming, but those are things I am willing to put off for another day of craziness.
I guess one day is good enough for this post! I could ramble on and on about nothing for hours, but my eyes are getting heavy and my kids want me to watch 2012 with them before we head off to bed. Why we are up so late is beyond me. Maybe because I let them sleep in this morning and I got a nap... but, it was a good day filled with great conversation and constant chaos! I love my life and I would never trade it for another!
Tell me about your days... I would love to hear what happens in the days of my readers. I know I don't have that many regulars, but for those of you who do enjoy my writings, tell us about a day in the life of you! Until next time... sleep tight!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friends Forever
I have noticed through the years there are many people who come in and out of my life. Some stay for a long time, others for a while and others are out before they were really in. Then there are those who have been there for as long as I can remember! This past Saturday I went out to breakfast with three of my dear friends. It was an extremely good time and it felt like no time had even passed since the last time we had been together. These girlfriends of mine have been around since Junior High and no matter how life has changed we have managed to remain friends.
I noticed as we were chatting away about our lives, that all of us are SO happy and content. We talked about what is going on with our lives right now and it was so much fun to listen to where each of our lives have taken us. We had a few moments of laughs about the old times, but it was not as enjoyable as it used to be. It was more interesting and more exciting to hear about the NOW. It did not matter what our political and religious views are, it did not matter if we are rich, poor or in between and it did not matter about our past decisions that got us to the place we are today... all that mattered was how happy we all were and how fun it was to just be there together and laugh like teenage girls again! I’m sure there were a few people more than annoyed with us, but really who cares. It did not matter because we were thoroughly enjoying a happy reunion!
I had dug up a picture of ALL of us, back so many years ago and it made me laugh. It had been a surprise birthday party for one of my friends. We had so much fun that night! It amazes me that despite the years, the changes and even the distances between us we have all managed to find our way back to our friendships. So here is to ALL my dear friends (the ones who were far away or unable to make it) and here is to all my new and old friends every where else. Thank you for your continuous friendship and love.
Does anyone have any great stories about their friends? Please feel free to add a comment on friendship or about your friends! I would love to hear all about it... Have a great night and I will be returning soon so keep reading! Namaste.
I noticed as we were chatting away about our lives, that all of us are SO happy and content. We talked about what is going on with our lives right now and it was so much fun to listen to where each of our lives have taken us. We had a few moments of laughs about the old times, but it was not as enjoyable as it used to be. It was more interesting and more exciting to hear about the NOW. It did not matter what our political and religious views are, it did not matter if we are rich, poor or in between and it did not matter about our past decisions that got us to the place we are today... all that mattered was how happy we all were and how fun it was to just be there together and laugh like teenage girls again! I’m sure there were a few people more than annoyed with us, but really who cares. It did not matter because we were thoroughly enjoying a happy reunion!
I had dug up a picture of ALL of us, back so many years ago and it made me laugh. It had been a surprise birthday party for one of my friends. We had so much fun that night! It amazes me that despite the years, the changes and even the distances between us we have all managed to find our way back to our friendships. So here is to ALL my dear friends (the ones who were far away or unable to make it) and here is to all my new and old friends every where else. Thank you for your continuous friendship and love.
Does anyone have any great stories about their friends? Please feel free to add a comment on friendship or about your friends! I would love to hear all about it... Have a great night and I will be returning soon so keep reading! Namaste.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Living in the Now
Okay I know... everyone talks about this. Maybe because it is such a great topic!
I am writing about it because I recently read an article from “Single Dad Laughing” blog on this very topic. I was quite impressed by what he had to say, but I think it was a bit of an overload for myself. Here is the link:
http://www.danoah.com/2010/11/before-number-changes.html
Check it out and see for yourself. It might be life changing for you or you might be a bit overwhelmed like I was. My head had a difficult time wrapping itself around what he was saying.
I have gone to a self help group where they stressed the same topic, along with listening to several different speakers like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle. I believe these authors are extremely intelligent and they inspire me every time I listen to them, but I like it in more simple terms.
Here goes:
When I am not worried about time and I am living in the now, just doing what I love to do or staying focused on the tasks on hand, this is when I am the most productive.
Whether it is exercising, playing with my kids, cleaning my house, painting walls, writing or anything I can think of, I am able to get MORE done if I do not worry about the time.
I can see the power of living in the now. I know it can seem weird when someone says “time does not exist” or “the past does not exist”. In my opinion (I could be completely wrong, which is not unusual) it is just their way of explaining the power of living in the now and not staying stuck in the past or worrying about the future. There is no point to either one of those.
Remaining stuck in the past could make a person feel a constant victim because of the things in the past which hurt them or it can keep someone from moving on from sad times in their lives or even more happy times in their lives.
Why would someone want to leave a time that was far more happy?
I get why it would be hard at times, but to progress in life it is absolutely necessary. Life should be taken as one lesson after another. Some times they are happy lessons and other times they are horrible, painstaking lessons, but nonetheless they are lessons for us to grow and learn from so we can continue to progress.
Saying “the past does not exist” would say everything I have learned to get me to be the person I am today does not exist, therefore the strengths I have gathered do not exist.
Allowing the hardships to become lessons and learning to move on despite the pain is a way to become a better person right now, in this very moment. I could take those lessons and progress from them and realize that was all they were or I could be stuck back in those lessons forever feeling imprisoned by the sadness in my life.
Now I love to day dream... silly huh!
I like to think of life when I accomplish the goals I have in my mind. I don’t do it often, but when I do it is my time to let go of reality as I now know it. Some people would say I am not being realistic, but I say phooey on them.
Take Walt Disney... didn’t it all start with a dream?
I believe if you take away someone’s dreams you take away their motivation and desire to be better in all areas of their lives. The future has not happened yet and it rarely turns out exactly the way we want it to be... usually it is better, at least for me. However, those dreams motivate me and they get me moving when I am too tired or too worn out from a long day of work, kids, chauffeuring, cleaning, etc.
I say there is nothing wrong with dreaming, as long as a person keeps it in perspective and knows in order to get from point A to point B, they have to work hard while enjoying every step along the way.
One more point on living in the now... Have you ever noticed how you feel when you are in the middle of a dangerous and exhilarating amusement park ride?
I know I feel like I am on top of the world!
I am laughing, screaming and enjoying every moment of it. Take the Tower of Terror at Disneyland. I love that ride! The whole time I am IN the now and enjoying the ride moment to moment to moment.
We pay A LOT of money to feel this way. However, although it might not be as exhilarating, actually focusing on being in the now more often then not can give you a very similar experience. It is a very HAPPY and CONTENT feeling. A JOY which can be felt constantly as long as you choose to live moment to moment instead of “thinking” about everything else in life.
I challenge everyone who is reading this blog to take themselves out of the past and the future as much as possible and enjoy what is right in front of you. Yes, even the mundane commute to and from work!
Sing in the car, smile at your neighbor car as you sit in rush hour traffic... you could change their day and yours as well.
The next day “Single Dad Laughing” wrote a continuation of his post about the past does not exist. I thought it was wonderful. He has an amazing talent and I get where he is coming from better than I did yesterday. So here is a link to his next post if you have not already read it:
http://www.danoah.com/2010/11/my-dancing-black-duck.html
PS... I love to dance, especially with my kids. It does put you in the moment and when your kids giggle and scream because their mom is BEING with them in this moment (well and because they are being twirled and dipped could have a part in it too) it brings so much JOY and SWEET INNOCENCE to your soul. I hope everyone enjoyed this little rant today. Share with others if you get a chance and peace be with all you!
I am writing about it because I recently read an article from “Single Dad Laughing” blog on this very topic. I was quite impressed by what he had to say, but I think it was a bit of an overload for myself. Here is the link:
http://www.danoah.com/2010/11/before-number-changes.html
Check it out and see for yourself. It might be life changing for you or you might be a bit overwhelmed like I was. My head had a difficult time wrapping itself around what he was saying.
I have gone to a self help group where they stressed the same topic, along with listening to several different speakers like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle. I believe these authors are extremely intelligent and they inspire me every time I listen to them, but I like it in more simple terms.
Here goes:
When I am not worried about time and I am living in the now, just doing what I love to do or staying focused on the tasks on hand, this is when I am the most productive.
Whether it is exercising, playing with my kids, cleaning my house, painting walls, writing or anything I can think of, I am able to get MORE done if I do not worry about the time.
I can see the power of living in the now. I know it can seem weird when someone says “time does not exist” or “the past does not exist”. In my opinion (I could be completely wrong, which is not unusual) it is just their way of explaining the power of living in the now and not staying stuck in the past or worrying about the future. There is no point to either one of those.
Remaining stuck in the past could make a person feel a constant victim because of the things in the past which hurt them or it can keep someone from moving on from sad times in their lives or even more happy times in their lives.
Why would someone want to leave a time that was far more happy?
I get why it would be hard at times, but to progress in life it is absolutely necessary. Life should be taken as one lesson after another. Some times they are happy lessons and other times they are horrible, painstaking lessons, but nonetheless they are lessons for us to grow and learn from so we can continue to progress.
Saying “the past does not exist” would say everything I have learned to get me to be the person I am today does not exist, therefore the strengths I have gathered do not exist.
Allowing the hardships to become lessons and learning to move on despite the pain is a way to become a better person right now, in this very moment. I could take those lessons and progress from them and realize that was all they were or I could be stuck back in those lessons forever feeling imprisoned by the sadness in my life.
Now I love to day dream... silly huh!
I like to think of life when I accomplish the goals I have in my mind. I don’t do it often, but when I do it is my time to let go of reality as I now know it. Some people would say I am not being realistic, but I say phooey on them.
Take Walt Disney... didn’t it all start with a dream?
I believe if you take away someone’s dreams you take away their motivation and desire to be better in all areas of their lives. The future has not happened yet and it rarely turns out exactly the way we want it to be... usually it is better, at least for me. However, those dreams motivate me and they get me moving when I am too tired or too worn out from a long day of work, kids, chauffeuring, cleaning, etc.
I say there is nothing wrong with dreaming, as long as a person keeps it in perspective and knows in order to get from point A to point B, they have to work hard while enjoying every step along the way.
One more point on living in the now... Have you ever noticed how you feel when you are in the middle of a dangerous and exhilarating amusement park ride?
I know I feel like I am on top of the world!
I am laughing, screaming and enjoying every moment of it. Take the Tower of Terror at Disneyland. I love that ride! The whole time I am IN the now and enjoying the ride moment to moment to moment.
We pay A LOT of money to feel this way. However, although it might not be as exhilarating, actually focusing on being in the now more often then not can give you a very similar experience. It is a very HAPPY and CONTENT feeling. A JOY which can be felt constantly as long as you choose to live moment to moment instead of “thinking” about everything else in life.
I challenge everyone who is reading this blog to take themselves out of the past and the future as much as possible and enjoy what is right in front of you. Yes, even the mundane commute to and from work!
Sing in the car, smile at your neighbor car as you sit in rush hour traffic... you could change their day and yours as well.
The next day “Single Dad Laughing” wrote a continuation of his post about the past does not exist. I thought it was wonderful. He has an amazing talent and I get where he is coming from better than I did yesterday. So here is a link to his next post if you have not already read it:
http://www.danoah.com/2010/11/my-dancing-black-duck.html
PS... I love to dance, especially with my kids. It does put you in the moment and when your kids giggle and scream because their mom is BEING with them in this moment (well and because they are being twirled and dipped could have a part in it too) it brings so much JOY and SWEET INNOCENCE to your soul. I hope everyone enjoyed this little rant today. Share with others if you get a chance and peace be with all you!
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