walking.

The temperature outside matches the new warmth my heart is feeling lately.

You did this, you know. With a few steps. Creating big shoes to fill, and challenging everyone to see if they fit. You reminded me what it's like to be truly passionate. With a few words, summoning a fire I forgot existed beneath the surface.

A blaze of brave thoughts. Not about love in the romantic sense. But, about how that beautiful four letter word can move others to take action.

An intense need to care.

About people. A cause. A mission.

To be in love, with life.

So, don't sit still just yet. Your trek isn't done. Keep walking the walk. Because talk is only that.

Do what you do best. Lead us. We're ready.

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

~~~

gift.

Sometimes: My heart stays in the past.

Sometimes: My mind is racing about the future.

Sometimes: I forget about the present.

A real gift.

Live in it.

pure.

Don't worry.
The flakes will fade, and ice will melt.
And in the end, the flowers will come back...they always do.
Until then, look out across the pristine white and remember, we all are allowed the same liberty as this landscape.
A fresh start.
In only an hour things looks so different, and you can do the same by simply changing the way you view your surroundings.
Who knows, if your approach shifts, maybe those things will finally yield the change you have been waiting for, impatiently.
Give it a try. Let it snow.

drip.

We talked about this before. Your drama faucet

You told me you had turned it off. But it's starting to leak.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

And I'm afraid the sound of the drops is drowning out the sound of my voice, as I try to bring you back.

Just breathe. Turn it off. Re-living the drama over and over isn't worth it. Because eventually the drips turn to a steady stream, and the stream turns into a waterfall.

I don't want to lose you to the current. This is not the person I know. Stay with me on the safe, calm shore. Here we can stare at our reflections and smile, instead of holding our heads underwater.

Stay dry.

stoplight.

Speeding through the streets, rushing to get somewhere...anywhere.
Green.
Yellow.
Red.

Damn you, red. Always there, at the worst possible time. Or is it?

Maybe it's just the universe telling you to breathe. Take a look around. You're so hell bent on driving to this place we call the future, that you don't even realize-you first need to be content in the present.
Who knows, I might be standing in the crosswalk...asking for a ride. Together, we can find a direct way. To happy.

So, stop. Breathe. This moment is what you need.

It's not a stoplight. It's a pause for peace.

order.

The order is wrong. Again. Food steaming, along with your temper. Disgusted, you roll your eyes.

What. Are. You. Doing?

Is it worth it to allow something like this to ruin your evening? Stop acting as if the establishment has a personal agenda against you. Do you think they want to be bombarded with complaints and disdain?

Events don't determine happiness. It's how we react, that matters.

In the end, your food order isn't the problem. It's the order, or lack of...within. Accept. Now, see the bad feelings wash away.

Who knows, maybe the apologetic waitress used to be an Ad Exec, and lost her job. Or, the cook is preoccupied with his sick father's condition.

The next time you are quick to point the finger ask, "Am I reacting, or overreacting?" Who knows, a sympathetic smile could deliver a free dessert... of happiness, with a cherry on top.

mud

Those flowers...in the distance, they will make you happy, eh? Now, explain this to me. If your happiness is over there, waiting-why in the world are you standing here, instead?

Yes, I see the hill. It's a tough trek. Mud in the way, making progress slow.

But friend, in the end, which option is really the hardest?

1. Making the tiresome journey, but finally smelling those bright blooms, the ones calling you all these years. Filling your heart with accomplishment, love, and strength.

Or,

2. Living your entire life wondering what those vibrant colors feel like in your fingers, wishing you could drink in their scent of warmth and merriment. Always feeling an emptiness of the unknown.

The excuses you make are only preventing the true joy you deserve. Who cares if in the end, flowers fade? Savor the feelings and keep them forever, use them to guide you towards new gardens, paths, and prairies full of promise.

Flowers fueling your fire.

Who cares about a little mud?

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.

:-)

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.