When things seem darkest,

and others say "Give in!"...

 

when the nay-sayers threaten to

drown out the hope within....

 

ignore the distractions,

consider them lies;

 

no one but you

can make dreams realized.

Dare to Take Part

"How to Make it Through A Day"

 

Embrace movement

 

Begin movement

Internalize personal hope

Exude goals

Embrace growth and change

Don't resist pain

Allow exposure

Live self love

Keep single focus of preservation and positivity

 

Breathe!

 

Just Live.

 

***

Shawn Colvin - "I Don't Know Why"

One of my favorite songs ever, as it beautifully displays both the light
and dark of life (more often seen as grey) and aptly describes the
power of the little things to carry us through the rough patches.

Music has ever been a constant of comfort and inspiration, calling
out those demons that threaten us time and again. Life's messy, it's
murky, and the desperation is sometimes the one connection we have!

Such has it ever been...and that's okay. Peace all!

*************************************************

Des'ree - "Life" video

All of Des'ree's work is upbeat, inspirational, and encouraging...but I like this
one especially in video because of the freedom, the simplicity, the sense of flight
and escapism involved. It's just a good fun ride.

Hope you think so too!
*****************************************************

Macy Gray - "Beauty In The World"

It's been a 'Week,' that's for sure, and I'm really in the mood for some
musical therapy. Here's one of my faves, Macy Gray, with a good,
calming, joy-creating diddy I really love. Peace.

**************************************************

"Some Nights" by Fun (covered by Brandyn Burnette)

A very nice cover version of this surprisingly heady pop hit (which I love!)

Nothing like a little self-searching and reflection put to a happening beat!
Enjoy!

**********************************************

Never Forget

Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter ...

Some incredible thoughts from an amazingly talented and insightful woman.

Hope you find it as moving and inspirational as I do! (Yes, I'm re-posting it!)

************************************************************

Just For This Moment....

Just for this moment

Let me be still
Let me allow life to exist without
my orchestrating and protestations

Let me live as if this moment
were my last
worrying about nothing whatsoever

Let me recognize and accept that
everything is okay
and be free from angst, despair, regret,
manipulation or dramatic reaction

Let me try simplicity and peace,
being easy and free, leaving complications
and judgment behind. My opinion matters
very little.

Let me leave the past in the past;
it is only alive so long as I maintain a
connection to it.

Let me embrace this moment, here, now
and nothing more.

Let me release criticism of the world,
of God, of others, and even myself
one thought at a time. Let no gossip
pass my lips.

Let me leave pride and distancedness
and struggle and ego behind,
admitting that I need not be alone,
and that weakness is not defeat.

Let me carry myself towards my ideals
and carry those ideals with me; I need
not be swayed by words, circumstances,
or an invitation to a battle. I have choices.

Let me be released from perfectionism
and acknowledge that chaos and uncertainty
are part of the fabric. Let me resist pulling threads.

Just for this moment....

AFTER A WHILE........

I've heard this credited to Veronica Shoffstall, and I've heard that disputed.

I've heard it entitled "Comes the Dawn" and "After A While."

Doesn't really matter; the words are brilliant, and a great inspiration to take the
road of higher emotions and leave the insanity of bondage and limitations in the
past.

I was reminded of how much I love--and need to incorporate--the message of
this poem at a phenomenal meeting last night, wherein an important influence
and inspiration in my life was being honored. The message's presence was timely
and appreciated, just like my friend.

Hopefully, you can see some truths in the piece, and make your way to honoring
the good in the world by setting it free, and being easy.

Blessings, Robert

***************************************************************************

After a While

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

"Let it Be" by Paul McCartney

WHEN I FIND MYSELF IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME
SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM... "LET IT BE"

AND IN MY HOUR OF DARKNESS
SHE IS STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME
SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM ..."LET IT BE"

LET IT BE..... LET IT BE .....LET IT BE .....LET IT BE;
WHISPER WORDS OF WISDOM, "LET IT BE"

AND WHEN THE BROKEN-HEARTED PEOPLE
LIVING IN THE WORLD AGREE,
THERE WILL BE AN ANSWER; " LET IT BE"

FOR THOUGH THEY MAY BE PARTED,
THERE IS STILL A CHANCE THAT THEY WILL SEE;
THERE WILL BE AN ANSWER.... LET IT BE

LET IT BE.... LET IT BE ....LET IT BE..... LET IT BE ;
THERE WILL BE AN ANSWER ; "LET IT BE"

AND WHEN THE NIGHT IS CLOUDY,
THERE IS STILL A LIGHT THAT SHINES ON ME ...
SHINE UNTIL TOMORROW ; LET IT BE

I WAKE UP TO THE SOUND OF MUSIC...
MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME,
SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM; LET IT BE

LET IT BE ....LET IT BE.... LET IT BE.... LET IT BE;
WHISPER WORDS OF WISDOM ...LET IT BE