Sharing Beautiful Nature

This tree and I live on the same block. Well, the tree literally lives on the sidewalk on the block.  I rent a space behind a house that’s across the street from the tree and next to the house is a gate. If you’re approaching from the street, then through the gate (you’d need a key) and down a slightly curving path, you’ll eventually come to my front door. If I’m standing on my side of the gate, then I’m likely about to open it up to access the trash and recycling bins. Or I’m exiting to go around to the front of the house to check the mailbox. Or I’m about to head out for some expected or unexpected adventures. I’m often not standing on my side of the gate just to stand there. Except for yesterday when I noticed this tree.  I stared. For what felt like the longest time. Then I unlocked the gate, covered the few feet to the sidewalk, stopped, and continued staring. Admiring, really.  There’s a saying—I’ve often heard it said in sarcasm or heavy to light ribbing—“Take a picture! It lasts longer!” So I did. I took several 🙂 And wanted to share the beauty ♥️

3/28/20 Good morning

Good morning from my part of the world ☀️ Took this  pic on my way to the laundromat :)

Wanted to take a moment to wish the very, very best to you throughout your day— through whatever challenges that may arise, through any experiences of unexpected joys, and even through the undertaking of that which you might label, mundane. As best as you can, whenever you can, hope you’ll take gorgeous care of yourself. Good luck, always ♥️ Cheering. You. On💛✨✨✨

Take gorgeous care of yourself

“Stay safe” are words I’ve been on the receiving end of lately.  I understand the sentiment behind it.  And at the same time, every time I see it and think about all the unpredictables of living life here in earth school, honestly, I am reminded of the fact that staying safe is out of my hands.  All I can do is try to take good care of myself.  That’s the part I have a bit more control over. So. I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to continue to take as much care of yourself as is possible —gorgeous care.  However that looks and, most importantly, feels for you. And I wanted to remind you that how this looks and feels can change depending on what you’re navigating. And that only you can truly decide how taking care of yourself looks and feels for you.  All I’m hoping is that you will😘 With all my heart. Cheering. You. On 💛✨✨✨

3/10/20 Gratitude Post—Thanks S.J.

Today, I’m grateful to the person who told me to speak up. 

Truth is, I should have spoken up some time ago. I knew this. But I’d convinced myself that things were just the way they were. That, when it came to this particular topic, I’d just keep swimming in the shallow end of the limits of my imagination. That is, until all the stars seemingly aligned and this person gently, but firmly, insisted. 

She’d known for some time what I’d been sitting on— what I’d been grappling with. And since it was my story to tell, she broached the subject, encouraging me to speak up.  And I guess I was ready. Because I did.

Now, I’ll have to have the same conversation with someone else tomorrow. And possibly, to further seed fruitful change, I’ll have to speak with one more person. But what’s important is that I spoke up and have now set some wheels into motion. 

And however things turn out, I’ll always be grateful to the lady who gave me exactly the right push at exactly the right time.

3/9/20 Musing on Flow

Lately, particularly since the beginning of this new year, and seemingly increasing with every passing week day, it feels like I’m being forced to flow with how certain things are unfolding in a certain area of my life.  Since the beginning of the new year, it feels like in every passing week day in a certain area of my life, I make plans to “catch up” and then something happens that throws a wrench into my attempts. I have not always been patient with this. I have, at times, actively struggled and tried, in vain it would seem, to wrestle for control.  But I’m learning. I’m learning to flow with things. And I’m learning to be kind to myself and not take for granted what I’m able to accomplish even if it’s “not as much” as I would have liked if it were entirely up to me. I’m especially grateful for what I’ve been able to accomplish from a place of kindness and breathing (sometimes slightly harried breathing, but breathing and getting better at it being less harried in the moment).  I’m also very grateful for the things that come to my awareness in time for me to take action. And in this moment, as I write that, I can honestly say if something comes into my awareness “later” than I would have liked, it feels like it’s taking a shorter period of time for me to then affirm the best journey and allow that to be however that manifests. And this is currently where I find myself🙂

After work as I made my way to the subway station, I noticed it was an unseasonably warm March evening. And while I know that speaks to larger issues, I’m honestly very grateful for the way it wrapped itself around me. I’m grateful for this weather that contributed to my being able to breathe deeper. And contributed to my feeling I could physically take up space in the world. And contributed to my being able to feel grateful. That is all 😉 Good night 🙂