overcast.

What you say reels me in. Every time. The kind eyes don't hurt, either. But in the end, it's your soul that makes me want to stay. All day, everyday...radiating love like tiny beams of sunshine, no matter what clouds are following me-lurking in the past.

I wish I would have had you there before, on those overcast nights. The pain we share now is merely a faint memory of what once was. But, witnessing this sunrise of ideas, passion, and love...makes everything warm and worth it.

Thank you.

gifts.

Did you know it's your birthday?
No, really-I'm not joking.

You don't need presents, chocolates, jewelry, and stacks of cards you'll throw away. You need people, connections, air, water...and those are things that show up as gifts to you each morning.

Give yourself more than one day a year to be happy.

Stop waiting for the candles on your cake to light your way, instead, be the spark creating a glow in others.

Happy birthday to you. Because that's exactly what it is...the birth of a new day.

Leave the grudges, regrets, and faded wrapping paper behind.

There is no gift that can compare to living in the present. And by living, I mean truly living. Not just existing.

It's your big day.

Now, make a wish...and turn it into reality.

shutdown.

The computer crashed, restart.
The followers are gone, panic.
The stoplight is red, hit the steering wheel and shout.

Now, stop.

Maybe it's just the universe telling you to put your life on pause, be centered, and refocus. For a few seconds. Minutes if you're lucky. A forced break from the rush. Take advantage of it.

payment.

I read what you wrote the other day, it gave me something to think about.

"I can't afford this.
I would do that, if I had money.
I can't make enough doing what I love."

Money? Maybe not. But, at least you'll be truly wealthy. By paying yourself in passion, you reap the rewards of a gratifying existence.

I can see the purpose cash is serving. Buying things causing resentment over the daily grind. That's no way to live. With a twinge of anger in your heart, constantly. It's not worth it.

Because, in the end...we don't take money with us. But, we can leave love as a gift to those still here.

Give me penniless over passionless, any day.

Good luck friend, be rich.

fly.

Unhappy?

Stop waiting for people to rescue you. This time put on the cape and tights and rescue yourself for a change.

Create the life you want.

Be a hero.

Fly above the confusion and crap. The whining, the excuses, the pity parties.

Because you deserve better.

But first you need to believe you do.

lies.

It's painful to see you lying to yourself. Saying there is nothing left to do to make things better or right. You know these words are poison, don't you?

It's simple, really. Just believe in yourself the same way your friends and family believe in you, the same way I believe in you. If you have to fake it at first, so be it. But, one day what feels like fiction will turn to fact, your brain and heart will agree on three things.

You are worth it.

You make a difference.

You touch others.

One thought, one act, and one friendship at a time.

equation.

"I'll never be happy."

"Things don't go my way."

"I just want a sign things will work out."

You want a sign? Here ya go. This simple blog entry found you today, didn't it? Allow me to hit you over the head with this you seek.

Life, is good. Challenging? Yes. But, good. Often times we are so busy complaining about what is going wrong, we don't take time to acknowledge the dozens, no, hundreds of things going any given day.

So, take time to count your blessings, see how they add up. Crunch the numbers. Do this daily, and you won't have time to subtract from your happiness with the negative thoughts.

That, my friend...is the math lesson of life, we so easily forget. An equation for puking rainbows.

<3

bloom.

I can see your tiny body, standing steadfast and strong. Like a flower fighting against the wind to stay upright.

Just remember sometimes it's OK. To be afraid of that powerful breeze. The other meadow residents won't blame you for allowing your stem to sway.

The buds and blooms around you have been a witness to your resilience before. This may be the first time the pests have attacked your core, but not the first fight you've led against something unfamiliar.

So, little flower...please listen. Realize, YOU are more than just your hardships and hurdles, more than the insects that take your strength. You are a beautiful bud, ready to open. As if to say, "Damn you wind, pests, and fury of nature...I will battle to bloom, and you can't stand in my way."

~~~
stay strong, friend.
-e <3

dark.

You wake from a nightmare, frantic, panicked. But, it wasn't a dream...this is real life. You begin to cry, and want out, as quickly as possible. But, still you see nothing. Only darkness.

Something more is out there. Warmth. Comfort. You feel it, radiating. So close, yet out of sight.

Screaming, "Help me!" You reach out in frustration, hoping your hand will touch something real. To bring you back.

Frustrated and full of fear, you sit with your face in your hands, sobbing. Feeling the tears stream between fingertips.

Then, you blink.

A flicker of light.

You blink again. Faster, willing the drops of salty water to leave your vision.

Everything is clear again. Every damn thing. Beautiful. New. Full of life.

You were so panicked and afraid of what was out there, so stuck in your land of nightmares...you didn't even realize, your eyes were closed. The dark prison where you were trapped, was all in your head.

So, open those beautiful eyes. Consciously use them to see good around you. The moment you stop looking for light, darkness will cover your eyes again.

Seek the radiant rays as a road map, and you'll never be lost, alone, or blind with fear.

<3

~~~

hero.

You roar through life, shielding everyone from the evil monsters nipping at their heels. Pulling them out of harms way and wrapping them in your armor clad embrace. A hero for the hurting in a time when few care about anyone but themselves.

But, after battle...when the armor lies at your feet and you clean your wounds, your eyes shift down.

You look tired. Weary. As if you are about to give up. Everyone has cleared away, shown their gratitude, moved on. Or so you think. I know the battlefield feels empty, silent, lonely. But, it's just the stars whispering to the universe to give you rest, allow time to heal...time to remember who you are, beneath the tough shield. A kind, giving, intelligent, amazing person.

But, we are here. Marching. In the distance. We never left you...we only went for reinforcements. Now is the time to step up and take back what is yours. Love, inspiration, and life. The things you've given us, again and again.

The toughest battle is in the books, over. Don't stop now. It's nearly dawn, the sun will be here soon. You may be wounded, but you're still our champion. Allow us to carry you a few steps to your horse, so you can lead us once again, and teach us the ways of kindness, beauty and strength.

This is it. Your moment. Come back to us- ready yourself again for combat, but please fight for the one person you've been overlooking.

Yourself.

Because without you, we are simply a band of misfits and outcasts, living in chaos and despair...but at your hand, we are an army of soldiers with kind hearts and quick minds...standing behind a hero who can't be matched, and taught us everything we know.

One day we will tell the story of your legacy. How you slayed evil and changed our lives. But, we'd much rather have you here to tell it yourself.

<3

--

hill.

The trip is uphill.

You will sweat.
You will cry.
You will feel your muscles burning, legs shaking.

But don't forget to look around on the way. See the flowers waving at you with encouragement. The trees telling you to push on. Birds leading the way.

Signs, everywhere. Open your eyes.

And once you reach the top, the feeling will be impossible to explain. Your mouth will open and your lips will be speechless. Your tired body will feel weightless.

Push on. It will be worth it.

I promise.

--

stone.

I look at you...and am drawn in. Not sure what it is. The confidence, the way you carry yourself? Probably.
Yet, you are guarded. The type of person I can tell doesn't let others in easily. And it makes me wonder, what happened? Why the stiff stance, as if your limbs turn to stone when you are close to someone you obviously care about.
I want to shake you. Tell you to stop.
Please, let down the wall, before it's so high, even the sunlight can't touch you.

p.s.

My friend Iain is one of the best guys around. He's given me personal, and professional advice...and never once said "no" to a favor.
He inspires me to write what I feel on this blog, and on a creative level the way he thinks has pushed me to push myself at my job.
He has changed my life for the better. This is why I ask you, please read this letter from him. There isn't a more deserving person in the universe.
Lief (Afrikaans for "love" -again, a lesson from Iain)
E

pls read, then vote:
The Open Letter

<3

wall.

Come here, I have something to tell you. I'll put this as nicely as possible.

There is a difference between venting, and attracting additional drama into your life.

Is it really doing any good? Working yourself up, over and over?

While you are busy talking of wilted dreams and flowers...a life of peace, sunshine, and fulfillment is waiting quietly for you to claim it.

So, I will continue to listen, but hope you see the smiles worth living for, on the other side of the wall of rage.

grip.

I want to hold your hand.

Not to lead you astray or pull you down. Only to let you know, you aren't alone.

Your palms clammy, fingertips shaking. Why are you so afraid?

Breathe...listen to your breath, and feel the warmth of my hand. Let me help.

Because I'd never forgive myself if you slipped away.

The world needs you.

Hold on.

push.

Ready to leap.
I approach, with confident steps...only to stop at the edge of the airplane door. My parachute firmly in tact, safety precautions in place. I pause, muscles ready to jump, and...
Nothing.
Breath leaves me, tears form. "I can't do it!" I cry.
I whip around hysterically to yell at the lot of you, "What if it doesn't open? My chute? Then it's over...I'll die!"
You step forward one by one, to hold my hands, brush my cheek, a force field against fear.
Whispering, "Is dying really the worst alternative? Or not living?" I open my mouth to answer, when suddenly I feel my balance shift.
I'm flying through the air.
You pushed me.
You PUSHED me when I told you not to.
How could you?
How...could...?
Wow.

I love you.