Self & Awareness

We are today

Influenced by our past

And with a vision to the future

We can champion

Our life as we wish it to be cast

For the past teaches us

That at our core

It is our love for each other

That causes us to act

As we do

To laugh, embrace and question

That which is not always understood

It is trust that keeps our hearts and minds

united

when doubt threatens to unravel

It is then we must listen to the small, but powerful voice within

that reminds us

It is as it always was

Let it be

It is compassion that allows us to start each day anew

With a fresh perspective and intention

And in consideration of others

Live our lives authentically

With friends, fathers, and brothers

mothers, sisters, and others

A toe tapping day

At the spur of the moment

We decide to meet

At a local café

Just down the street

We agree it’s just what is needed

To put a kick in this day

Routine has its place

But then, again, so

It can turn cheerful

To mundane

Experience & time shows

So to avoid the valleys

One must create and plan

Share a meal with others

Simply do what you can

And so we meet up

Happy to see a friendly face

How was your day?

The typical rat race?

Feeling quite special

As I was handed a bouquet

For me? I’m so grateful.

What more can I say?

Dining together was a gift in itself

Laughing at mishaps

Oh, it’s good for your health

Reminiscing of days better

And all that we have

And the bounty of friendship

It helps us become more

We each have our measure

For goodness each day

Surely, giving back to others is one

And music that moves you deeply

another way

The best of the best is live jazz

Says my friend

You know it’s a good day

When it’s a toe tapping day

The Journey

I know not where I travel

Only that I’m guided by a light

That which sustains and engages me

Leads me down paths far and wide

Yet over time the road narrows

Defined by experience

And those I love

Perseverance keeps me steady

For life does not always fit comfortably

As a hand to a glove

Then when one least expects it

Good fortune is delivered at one’s door

Providing an opportunity

One never dreamed of before

Soon navigation becomes an adventure

Shifting boundaries

As we explore

Hope presents in an array of colors

Not black and white

But shades of gray

Revealing

As our journey is unfolding

We are the captain

Of each day

With the wind in my sails

And the vast open seas

I acknowledge my potential

Sing Alleluia, please

Giving thanks to the universe

I move forward, at peace

With confidence and fortitude

Receptive, at ease.

Liberté d'esprit

There’s only this

There’s only now

Grab hold of today

Someway, somehow

Listen carefully within

Let your spirit be your guide

For tomorrow comes with possibilities

Some with promise

Others, you lay aside

Sitting quietly, observing

No distraction, reserving

The finest of memories to recall

Listening with intention

Of ventures lacking convention

The most promising visions

Of all

This liberté d’esprit

It is our life force

It feeds our soul, it is our voice

It expands our awareness

Makes clear our choice

‘Cause there’s only this

There’s only now

Grab hold of life

Someway, somehow

liberté d’esprit

There’s only this

There’s only now

Grab hold of today

Someway, somehow

Listen carefully within

Let your spirit be your guide

For tomorrow comes with possibilities,

Some with promise

Others, you lay aside  Sitting quietly

Observing No distraction, reserving

The finest of memories to recall 

Listening with intention

Of ventures lacking convention

 Are the most promising visions

of all

 This liberté d’esprit It is our life force It

feeds our soul, it is our voice It

expands our awareness Makes

clear our choice

‘Cause there’s only this

There’s only now

Grab hold of life

Someway, somehow

Perspective

In the dawning of the morning

In the rise of the afternoon sun

How we view these daily markers

Drive our interactions, our passion

Are we open to other approaches?

Willing to collaborate to reach all goals

Or do we retreat to the familiar

As long as we control?

Progress rests on our willingness

To be receptive and to give

In our position and opinion

To welcome others, how they live

Discourse can be enlightening

If inclusive, and broad in thought

It can bring an understanding

Yesterday could not be bought

Is the day partially sunny, or

Clear as far as one can see?

Lay the foundation for belonging

Now and always

Let it be.

Breathe

The door is opening

To where I do not know

I feel it in my body

I feel it in my soul

The urge has been lingering

Waiting for the moment to break free

Kept at bay by society’s urging

Meanwhile suffering to obey

Could it be a long-kept secret

Quieted time and time again

Begging to be recognized

And acknowledged

No one to blame

To ignore the unpleasant, we are encouraged

Do not speak it does not exist

But for those who live it daily

Know its thunder, its catalyst

For in our daily living

The truth lies ever still

Waiting for the word, the photo to reveal

In the spirit of goodwill

Our most telling shifts

We no longer can conceal

So we take a step forward

Measured, carefully,

Motivated by our will

The time is now, no more shadows

We can relax and be still

When doubt returns to take the stage

Nod, smile and then move on

For you are leading in this journey

It is your new dawn

The child

The child in me remains

Removing the labels

One by one

Accumulated over the years

Both innocently and with intent

It has ladened the child within

In the quiet of thought

When the mind stills

Time provides a retrospective

A glimpse of who she was and still is

That which became overshadowed

By acceptance and blame

But labels are temporary

and do not define us

A mechanism by humankind

to overcome that which hurts

Instead it is our soul which

serves us

Lays our head to rest

In peaceful slumber

Knowing that the child within, is

And always will be

As she runs through the meadow

Dimpled, sun-kissed locks flowing behind

She smiles and laughs in delight

She knows no boundaries

No end in sight

I am that girl

No labels or notions

that do not serve me

I dance to the music

Which so easily carries me away

Content with the knowledge

And love

Of the person within

Honor your Being

Just this morning

As it was quiet and still

Reality and I greeted each other

It had been a while

A game of hide and seek, if you will

I’ve had many demands

Yes, I know, it’s true

But truth, you see

It can fulfill

You fight so hard for what you believe

Educate, evaluate, test and assess

What a load to carry

Surely you need a rest

Take a moment, lay upon the grass

Take in the sun

Let the rays shine down upon you

Fill your core with calm

Now for just a moment

Look back from where you’ve come

Exceeding expectations,

You now can run

But that is only the beginning

As other talents have emerged

May gratitude surround you

Acknowledge your worth

Cast aside those who doubt

They have no place, just wish

them well

Walk boldly into the future

And embrace that which matters

Knowing Providence will provide

And tell.

Truth Within

In the dark of the night

During the rise of the morning sun

In the quiet of nature

That’s where truth can be found

The questions have settled

The commentary, hushed

I am left with my oneness

And gut-felt trust

I’ve been through this process

Where I must find my way through

A puzzle to strategize

To navigate, to test too

I’ve done it before

Where there’s a will there’s a way

I list the possibilities, the pitfalls

What could get in my way

I know myself better

Than all others combined

And while their intent is real

My heart knows my mind.