Hawaii Day 7

Not even Hawaiian paradise can assuage my feelings of disappointment––and if I’m being entirely honest––fear.
The people of America have confirmed that they would rather have an openly hateful, misogynistic, uninformed, wealthy white man––with no experience whatsoever––lead the free world;
Than a powerful, confident, intelligent––openly accepting––woman.
Now, more than ever, our country needs free-thinkers.  Artists, writers, activists, leaders––who will stand up for the people who may not have a voice in the very near future.
Yesterday, a majority in our country decided that the old way is better...
I pray that my freedom and equality will endure.

Burn Out.

My alarm rang all three times;
And all three times I snoozed through it.
I’m normally up before the sun;
I slept in today––the sun is high in the sky.
It’s noon;
My body says, “Thank you for the special treat.”
My mind says, “You wasted my day.”
My heart says, “Balance is key, breathe and move on.”
Still, I feel like a millennial;
Over rested and under motivated.
Time to start my day...

Now and Zen.

My morning used to start with caffeine;
Now it starts with a deep breath in and an inspirational thought––and then a big cup of caffeine!
I think any Zen master would agree: Balance is everything.

Chill Out

Overwhelming doubt;
Just chill, it always works out.
Live in the present.

Sunrise

Few things bring me as much joy as waking up to a beautiful sunrise.

The vibrant colors of blue in the sky;

A happy reminder of how textured life can be.

Uncomplicated Zen

The path to enlightenment begins with a deep breath and ends with an exhale.

Stress

Stop
Trying;
Release,
Expel,
Smile,
Shine.

You Can't Force It...

Lists,

Goals,

Dreams,

Obligations,

Work,

Play,

Creativity,

There's a lot to accomplish each day...

But if you try to force something to happen, chances are the only thing that will happen is a stress headache and disappointment!

I always strive for balance. If I can do a little bit of everything each day I'm proud-

But there will be days when you just can't focus...

I have to remember that it's okay to release the things that aren't working, and come back to them later!

Life is too short to freak out about an unaccomplished goal.

Gratitude

It's such a simple word.
Gratitude:
The feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Thank you Wikipedia!
Wonderful opportunities and blessing come to me on a regular basis, yet I forget to give gratitude.
I get so caught up in the focused, relentless pursuit of working toward the things that I WANT, that I forget to take notice of the gifts I receive.
Yesterday, Jeff and I were able to spend our "day off" working and creating together.
I was so excited that we were able to wake up, enjoy each others company over brunch, spend time with our puppies and then get to work producing another parody.
There were so many other projects, tasks and jobs that we NEEDED to get accomplished, but Jeff and I were willing to put everything else aside, and focus our attention on one another!
We found balance- and I am grateful!

Overachiever

My mind is racing-
I'm unable to unplug.
Focusing on a million things at once.
Ridiculous, I know how it ends-
It always works out.
Close your eyes,
Take a deep breath,
Release it.
Leave something for tomorrow,
and enjoy the rest of today...
Tomorrow may or may not arrive!