twenty two

better than a thousand hollow words is one that brings you peace.

I am at a loss for words today. my mind is racing. my heart pounding. contentment eludes me. but this fortune spoke to me.

it is so very difficult to block out all the words that keep me from choosing love not fear.

I know the one word I seek is faith.

peace.

twenty one

do not let ambitions overshadow small success.

last night I met with a group of artists, crafters, home based business women. all successful in their own right. providing a unique product. a quality product. hand-made. with love. the purpose of the meeting was to discuss organizing a creative coop. a dream of one vibrant woman that could fulfill the dreams of many. and, potentially, realistically, a further reaching effect that could impact an entire community.

gathering this creative collective was in itself a huge success. not small. or insignificant. thirteen highly motivated souls. the pool of talent deep. and, with most, only the surface of potential rippled.

the ambitions of this group varied. the secret of success apparent. each with a wealth to offer. not only in their craft, but in their knowledge. creativity far reaching. in marketing. technology. business savvy. compassion. critique. consumers. and perhaps, above all, camaraderie.

different people with a common goal. like talents with a common thread. ambitions yes. some somewhat struggling indeed. but this first step. the enthusiasm enjoyed. the potential evaluated. the focus revealed. a very promising start.

peace.

twenty

it is worth reviewing some old lessons.

there is a wonderful website entitled Marc and Angel Hack Life. a running tally of practical tips for productive living. things I wish my mother had told me. things to start doing for yourself. extraordinary things happening right now. questions that will free your mind. pretty common sense stuff compiled for our reading pleasure. no reinventing the wheel. just a way to make the trip smoother.

lessons. comments. ideas. concerns. courageous thoughts. simplistic means. I’ll list a few of my favorites. my own learnings. wantings. wishings. that I should apply more often. a gentle reminder. so worth remembering.

1. communicate. tell people what you are thinking.
2. explore new ideas and opportunities often.
3. find work you love doing.
4. stop complaining.
5. ask a lot of questions.
6. listen.
7. live a comfortable life, not a wasteful one.
8. be respectful of others and make them feel good.
9. sit alone in silence for at least ten minutes each day.
10. keep it simple.
11. accept and embrace change.
12. be kind and courteous.
13. laugh when you can.
14. apologize when you should.
15. let go at times.

peace.

nineteen

expect things of yourself.

the start of a year is a funny thing. a chance to begin again. refresh. renew. but I often wonder why I do not start again, when necessary, in February. or July. or insert minute-hour-day-month here.

I expect things of myself in this new year. to build on me. to be bold. daring. darling. courageous. courteous. gentle. determined. honest. and I think the last is the most important. be true to me and my family and friends and strangers. take a good hard look and listen at myself. I cannot fix me. I am what I am. but I can certainly take on those thoughts and hints and opinions and criticisms.

constructively.

there is a word. strong. sub-definable.

this is a challenging task for me. I am an emotional gal. and I take things to heart. and that very vulnerable part of me beats. cracks. breaks. bruises. easily. but I believe in myself. although there are days when I have to fight for the conviction to be imperfectly me.

I am a good person. I know I can be a better person. wife. mother. friend. girl behind you in the check-out line. and when combined with a strength from the power in others. a more positively me.

so that is what I can do. should do. will do. with a deep and baited breath. try. try again.

peace.