Every day a new beginning. Obvious enough thought, but how many of us actually embrace that concept?  If we are accustomed to routine, we may get up, get ready for work, breakfast, prepping for the commute to our place of biz or school or homemaking, if that is our calling….interact with people, do our jobs, come home, eat dinner….veg out in front of the TV until we fall asleep, only to repeat the cycle the next time the sun rises. There are many who exist that way for decades. Not the life I choose for myself. Before my feet even touch down on the ground, I am already contemplating the blessings that are ready to be showered upon me. I set intention for connecting with amazing people and having extraordinary experiences and as if like clockwork, it happens. I expect lovely surprises and they show up. Although I do have a routine that involves some of the aforementioned components, my days include time in nature, working out at the gym (although not for a few more months until I complete cardiac rehab), being with friends, writing, reading, listening to and making music, drumming, dancing, creating and re-creating my life. Oh and lately, luxuriously lounging.

Am I ever bamboozled by knock me on my butt disappointments? Sure.  Do I rant and rave (mostly in my head) about injustices, violence, violation of rights, people living in ways that are not in harmony with the planet? Of course. Am I bewildered by the lack of  common sense of people who leave children and animals in hot cars? Without a doubt.  Do I feel frustration when people ‘who should know better.’ do things that sabotage their own health? Yup.

Since the heart episode, I have become more acutely aware of my own judgments. There are times when I feel like getting on my soapbox and shouting “Wake up, people! Do you have a clue that life as you know it could change in a literal heartbeat?”  Yesterday I sat with a client whose speed was like mine had been a few weeks ago. She (bless her) is now clean and sober, but still smokes and indulges in 2-3 energy drinks a day which take their toll on her heart. When I shared my concerns with her, she smiled and responded “Yes, I know….I know.” and then shook her head, as if indicating that she wasn’t ready to make that change. Truth be told, my friends and family likely felt like that for many years, cautioning me to cut back my crazy busy schedule. They are expressing relief that I finally came to my senses. Me too.

When I look back at the last 5  1/2 decades since I landed here…the alien baby left on my parents’ doorstep, I am in awe of the winding path that led me to this moment of typing these words; well trained fingers moving on the keys as if they had eyes that could see the letters. I smile when I think of the struggle I experienced in Jr. High School typing class as I stumbled along. I gaze backward at the relationships I co-created (some who are still in my daily life and others who have fallen by the way side or consciously left) with gratitude and those I am eager to engage. While there are certainly things I wish I had said or done differently, my intention is to live without regrets, since they only keep me anchored to a past that no longer exists and prevent me from moving forward. I live so as not to miss a sunrise or sunset, a song on the radio, a smile from a friend or stranger, an inspiration to create, a hug, a gift, an opportunity to serve and be served, be of mutual support, live my bliss however it shows up.

As I appreciate where I have been, I pave the way for my glorious future. From where I sit, I looks pretty amazing. Ahhhh~

Photo Credit- Relaxing View by palito

Back in the World Again by David Gray