Sunday, May 23, 2010

Post #46

It always boggles my brain how calming art is. It isn't something I really forget, but I'm usually pretty surprised how quickly time can pass when I have some good music playing and a paintbrush in my hand (or some other supplies). I'm in no way trying to sound cocky. I wouldn't consider what I create to be extraordinary, but it brings an overwhelming calm to my entire being and I'm glad I have that little escape.

Summer is finally settling in. I used to really hate humidity, but I've grown to really enjoy the nighttime humidity for some reason. It can get to be pretty unbearable in the daytime (when its blazing hot AND humid), but at night it's somewhat relaxing. The moon isn't full tonight, but it's pretty bright and there were some fluffy clouds snuggling up by its light earlier and it looked pretty killer.

<3

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Post #45

Today was really one of the most spiritually enlightening days I've had in a while. A few things happened that reassured me that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing and I feel very in tune with the world around me (and beyond). It's pretty spectacular.

I had a discussion with one of my aunts this evening and near the end of our conversation she said this to me: "I always said that the quiet ones would speak volumes." That was pretty moving.

Life is good.

Take care <3

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Post #44

A more personal blog, I suppose.

My world, as of late, has been flipped upside down in the most wonderful way(s) possible. I absolutely cannot even describe what feelings reside inside my heart, but I know it's overflowing with the most beauty I've ever been able to imagine. It's more than what I could imagine. Even the most "average" and "ordinary" things tend to look different to me recently. And I can't argue with that. I don't want to lose it, either.

I've learned that it's okay to let some things go. Sure, some things will always linger, but it's not such a bad thing to try to push them aside in order to make room for newer, more splendid opportunities.

Life is mostly about growth, I believe. We're really pretty similar to trees. We start out as a little seed and with some love, time, nourishment, etc. we can grow into something great. We can open our arms, like branches, and welcome whatever decides to reside in our shelter.

Anyway, life is good. Perspective has a lot to do with how you view your life as it is right now, and my perspective has been changing greatly recently. I've gained a greater appreciation for every person that enters my life, no matter how "insignificant" the encounter might be. Each experience changes our lives and it's our choice whether the experience changes our lives for better or worse. Being completely open to the beauty that is constantly surrounding us can really change our lives in the best way possible. I can honestly say that I even appreciate days that aren't so spectacular because they make me look forward to better things. I've always been somewhat aware of this, but I'm more acutely aware now. Nothing in life should ever be dismissed and each experience is unique and should be cherished.

I'm done rambling. The sky looks pretty stunning right now, so I think I'll sit outside and soak it in. <3

Friday, April 23, 2010

Post #43

My heart is speaking a language that I don't know how to speak. I can, however, feel it. And it is so overwhelmingly spectacular. I just wish I could SAY how it is.

<3

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Post #42

I absolutely love this time of year.

People start breaking out their spring and summer clothing and the bright colors and patterns can really light up a room. The sun stays out longer, the birds chirp from early morning to late evening, and the earth seems to come alive again. I'm never really sure when it happens--the exact date the greenery wakes from its slumber.

With springtime comes renewal. I may take a lesson from Mother Nature and follow suit. Why not?

I realized tonight that I get the itch to rearrange my bedroom a couple times a year and it usually falls around major season changes. I moved everything around in my bedroom tonight, as quietly as possible, and it's a great feeling. It's a simple change, but the ball had to get rolling somewhere, right?

It smelled like rain inside my apartment and when I stepped outside, sure enough, the sky had a great show to display. There's some stunning lightning south of the city, so I think I'll sit outside to enjoy that before I scoot off to bed.

Take care!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Post #41

I apologize for the terrible lack in posting. I lost my inspiration for a while. Found it and have been meaning to update, but I can be forgetful at times.

I'd like to dedicate this post to a guy I don't really know. All I know of him is this: he either works at the school I attend or he is also a student there. The reason I want to dedicate this to him is because he brightens my day a little. He will randomly stand in the doorway and open the door for people as they walk up to the building. It's so small, but it really does mean a lot. It really does put a smile on my face and I always thank him genuinely. He probably doesn't even know how nice it is to be caught off guard in that way. I made a mental note earlier to carry some of my post-it's around with me and the next time I see him I may give him one.

Whenever I see custodial staff working around my apartment building or the school, I make an effort to greet them and tell them to have a good morning or afternoon. We are humans and we desire to be acknowledged (even if it's just a smile). We aren't worker bees buzzing around in a specific order to accomplish tasks. I think people sometimes get too caught up in their lives that they dismiss others, especially custodial people. That may be a sweeping generalization, but I always grew up with my elders saying to appreciate custodial staff because their hard work usually goes unnoticed. Lets take that one step further and make an effort to appreciate ALL people. I can honestly say that I even appreciate people I may disagree with or can't get along with...each person I encounter, I have the great opportunity to learn from them and grow into a more well-rounded person. We can either embrace each others faults or dismiss them, ignore them, and remain stagnant. We're faced with that choice each and every day. It's when we embrace other people for who they truly are that we can learn to love.

That's all for tonight.

Take care!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Post #40

I was told that if you sincerely compliment three people each day, by the end of one year, you will have made [more than] 1,000 people happy.

A "regular" customer at BB came in today and I noticed that her hair looked different. With intentions to compliment the color of her hair, I asked if she had dyed it. She hesitated to speak and notably became anxious about my comment. She finally said, "It's a wig. I was undergoing chemo-therapy for a while." I nearly started crying on the spot because I felt as though I had said something wrong. Instead of breaking down, I told her, "Oh, well I was going to tell you that your hair looks great!" Her face lit up at that point, but I still felt like crying. I can't even imagine having to wear a wig...trust me, I've tried. I know quite a few people who have or have had cancer and I've thought about what I would possibly be feeling if I had to deal with that.

I almost always try to see things as if I were in someone else's shoes. I try not to have a one-sided opinion on most things, and I like to be able to empathize. We aren't alone in this world, so we shouldn't have to feel like we are. It's a struggle, I know. Sometimes it's so hard to be optimistic and it can also be hard to feel like you aren't alone in your struggles. That's normal, I've learned. Life is a series of peaks and valleys.

Take care.