Thought for The Day - Slap, Boom!

The sound of anger, aggression and force! Personally, that's not my style but everyone is prone to moments of angry expressions. We all have a need to express emotions that are, for the most part, destructive or at best "passionate." There are times when the calm of the day is hardly what I want and without notice, I need to get out of the quiet of office space and just go walk a few blocks or so to stomp the concrete!

Again, this is not my typical nature. Quiet is; so much so, one of my coworkers asked me if I was okay because I was so quiet. But I am, mostly; we have a few "talkers" in our row and it isn't unusual for a conversation to be going on. But I'm more of a listener.

Certain topics get me going, though I tailor my contribution to a discussion based on the audience. Certain times with painting, I can feel the push of this energy coming through as I apply paint to the canvas. It's a swish, boom, swish-pop of the brush bouncing off the canvas, the canvas actually moving like the surface of a basketball being dribbled. My thoughts don't have to be frustration or angry, but in that moment, there is a strong push, a drive to get this energy transferred to the canvas! And so it goes.

One thing I've learned is there are forces beyond comprehension. There are unseen energies and forces around us all the time. Disturbance, trouble and a bit of turmoil aren't always evil or destructive. At times, we need to move with the energy and do so without causing harm to others. I am careful with my words when I feel the need to let this energy flow because this force seems bent on hurting. No, I choose to love and similarly, express my energy.

Thought for The Day - Power and Wisdom

The Phoenix

The strength of youth,

The wisdom of age...

Live long enough and the former gives way to the latter. It isn't that youth is not smart or intelligent, or even wise. But when you come to rely less on power and stamina, you learn to think before acting; age teaches us the "way" things are. Experience combines with a mental strength and we learn to temper our responses for a better outcome.

Enjoy your strength, nurture wisdom, for it is a blending of the two that speaks to divine nature in each of us.

Thought for The Day - All of That Stuff!

It's frustrating and maddening and at times, brings tears to your eyes! The times when you can't get what you want and when you make an effort and fail; it drives you crazy! And when well meaning people "encourage" you with "well meaning advice" that sounds a lot like suggestions of surrender! No matter where you turn, the whole world seems poised to destroy your good intention. But...

You are turning, meaning you continue to look for some way, "some how" to do what's in your heart! For some of us, it is an intention, like the roots of an Oak tree, buried in your soul! It's source of life so strong, no matter what conditions and storms exist, you fight like a undisputed champion, until you have achieved!

All of that energy, including what seems to work against you, is working in your favor and is the necessary fuel to propel your life forward! You keep fighting through it all! And "all of that stuff" will one day feel like encouragement and validation!

Thought for The Day - Comfort

Study for Pre-Dawn Light 18 x 24 charcoals

Though I'm all but out the door to start the day, this is one of those days, based on the temperature outside, prediction of snow and the mountain of assigned tests to be executed, a great day to stay bundled up in a comforter, reading and listening to good music. I haven't had a day like that in years! But it feels like it would be ideal.

So I choose comfort in what lies ahead. I choose to enjoy this moment, first of all, music playing in the background, Sarah Vaughn singing "I'm Gonna Laugh You Out of My Life." I will take comfort that I really can lift more than I could when I was 20 and pump iron until sweat rolls! I will take comfort in the warmth of the CTA train as it makes it way into downtown Chicago. And I will take comfort that I have income and great people to work with.

Perspective; sometimes, often, I think of what I don't have and seek comfort there. But isn't wonderful to know that even as I sit, imagining a "better world," I do so while being fed, clothed, sheltered and eternally loved?

God's blessings on your day!

Thought for The Day - Sunlight through an Open Window

There are times when the energy comes through like pure light. No matter the film of dirt and grime that could prevent it, the light burns through. It is warmth, radiance and joy.

But all too often, the light, the warmth, the energy we desire is "eclipsed" by our emotions; we hang our heads in shame and anguish. We recall our pain and in that given period of time, nothing is can be heard, felt or seen.

Lift your heads! Look to the light! Your source, your strength! There is all you need to make life worth living!