soldier.

The cold outside is no match for your desire fire, burning deep.

The chaos around you can't compete with calmness within.

And the naysayers and dream killers are no match for your starry eyes, determined smile, and soul...in this moment.

Soldiers for the surreal, we are. Warriors, for freedom.

Off to a combat in the clouds, where guns fire fairy dust and bombs blow our minds with ideas of inspiration.

One by one, the militia will follow. You leading the charge.

Bringing your faithful following closer to the light of good.

Step up. I know you can do it.

Share your strategy. Move us to act.

March.

race.

I've heard your cries of martyrdom. The tireless mouth vomit of ways you've been wronged. Shoulders hunched due to this burden you constantly speak of.

Listen to me.

The world...is...not...out...to...get...you.

I repeat, the world is not out to get you.

I mean, let's be honest, the man/woman/being/spirit/whathaveyou upstairs has better things to do than plan ways to make your life horrible. ;-)

Challenging circumstances are simply steps in the staircase of life. You can do one of two things. 1. Pick yourself up, push on and get to the top sooner rather than later. or, 2. Step up and down on the stair giving you trouble, over and over. Refusing to accept your lack of forward movement...even though everyone can see you are simply spinning your wheels.

It's all about choice. Now, let's go. You and me.

Race you to the top?

star.

Your dreams have suffocated, before being given the chance to leave your lips. I can see them behind your eyes,screaming to be heard.

What are you afraid of? They are your thoughts, and belong to you...nobody can rob you of them, unless you allow it.

So, stand up. Open your mouth. And speak the song of inspiration. Not for me, or mom, or dad...your friends or foe. But for yourself.

Once the birds, trees, and flowers hear your plans...they'll sigh with delight...blooms opening and branches waving in applause. For, what was once but a thought, is now spoken word. Real. And within' your means to accomplish.

Now feel the freedom of your announcement propel you to new heights.

I'll see you among the planets and moons...for you are, and always will be, my favorite star.

cloudy.

My eyes mist over and I realize the droplets of dew will come, either way. Fight them, or force them...it's no longer my choice.

The downpour drowning my cheeks.

Finally, I let go.

But, am I saying farewell to the real you? Or just a facade you gave me to get what you want?

Either way.

I hope after you are washed downstream, flipping through the current, you will come to rest along the shore without injury.

Breathing in air as if it's the first time you've really noticed it. Eyes opening to see the world for what it really is. A place where flowers and fawns don't owe you any favors...but will allow you a whiff of happiness if you offer protection and kindness.

So, maybe we'll meet again...when you've shed this skin you've trapped yourself in. The one keeping you underwater. I'll look for you, always. Please wave when you see me...it's hard to see through clouded eyes.

join

You and I talk about the "I wish," "What ifs," and "If onlys."

Not anymore.

Today, we make it happen. Because we can.

Using our superpowers to dominate the world in goodness, helping others to walk on mountains and move water. Because the cliche things super heroes do are beneath us now. We can offer something more. Bigger.

Not because we are greedy, but because we are capable.

Not because we need recognition, but because others do.

Not because we are wearing capes and tights, but because our jeans and t.shirts are the costume of change.

Not because we need to do something of epic proportions, but because the little things will morph into masses of action...pulling us along for the ride.

You and I, joining together. To save the day.

rise

Don't let it end.
This day.

And poof. It did.

But the feeling remains. This warm glow within, causing me and you to puke rainbows and dance with the butterflies and hummingbirds.

It stays because time doesn't even exist in this fairytale land. Here, a handful of us are dodging the darkness emitted from those sad, angry people who call themselves friends.

Maybe they believe they are showing love. Even when they spit fire. We don't hear their vengeful words directly, but the warmth of the flames licks our backs...and we know.

Our wings protect us. Lift us up, over this land of hills and treacherous trenches. Smooth flying, untouchable.

For we've found this mecca on our own...and nothing anyone can say, will ever take it away from us. Here in our hearts. We know...we must stay and protect, or risk losing it all.

:-)

Recently, I had the privilege of bringing together 4 of the most inspiring people I know.
This is what happened when their great minds formed a collaboration across continents, dreams, words, and music. I'm so humbled to have played an extremely small role. I know this isn't usually the type of thing I write about...but I hope this brings you happiness. I feel like crying I'm so ecstatic. Enjoy.

pretend.

Some days the smiles just aren't there. The expression doesn't quite make it to your eyes, and I know you are faking a moment of happiness just to maintain control.

Thank you.

Because sometimes, that's all I need...just a half grin to hold on to, one person in this world refusing to wear a scowl. Fighting fear. Refusing to take the easy way out.

You are a light. And even if today you are pretending, know this...you saved me from myself with the small effort you made.

Eventually your upturned lips will trick your heart into finding hope. I've witnessed this before. So, fake it at first. But know eventually the character you play will come to life.

chapter.

Today, believe you can do it.
I'm sick of seeing you defeat yourself before you even get started.
So...here is the task.
Write your life as if it's a bestselling novel, and the rights are already sold to the publisher. No turning back, no second guessing. Just pages of power, all in your hands. Flowing out of your pen, effortlessly. For when you analyze, re-think, over think, and dismiss the ideas before you even get them in writing...it's like burning a perfectly good story before anyone even gets the chance to read it.
What a shame. Someone needs those words...you need those words.
Trust yourself.
Go for it.
Be heard.

bear...

hugs.

(one size fits all)

:-)

faucet.

...and in the end, you're right.

I'm choosing to live this way.

Initially swept up in madness, but then volunteering for it over and over again.

This has gone on long enough.

The water is rushing so hard now I feel as if my body is being pulled under in the current of hard feelings, ego driven grudges, and living in the past.

I twist the knob quickly, stopping the flow.

Off.

Wow, it was that easy.

My drama faucet, without the water rushing through it has no power over the sounds in my mind.

All I hear now, is beautiful silence. And a drip....reminding me of the turmoil I choose not to re-visit.

I choose. You choose. And together, our outcome is peaceful, without judgement, argument, or conflict.

I like this new life. The water running over my thoughts was making me shiver anyway.

Now I'm warm and dry.

On the beach of beautiful silence.

rain.

You say hippie...I say happy.

You say weird...I say wow.

You roll your eyes...I open mine.

Maybe someday you'll understand.

I hope so.

Because living under your negativity umbrella has only been shielding you from the sun already shining on your soul.