Noodle Use, Life

The Joy of Celebration

2006-11-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

To often I find myself morning fall changing to winter, warm weather turning cold, sunlight turning to darkness. I think about the cleaning, and cooking, and preparing that never seems to end; whereas my boys relish the piles of leaves they get to jump in today, the pumpkins they get to carve, the pumpkin pie they get to eat, and at the same time they look forward to the sleds they get to ride, the snowmen they get to build, the Christmas decorations they get to hang. I love the approach they take to life, especially their states of excitement, joy, and anticipation.

Each day offers new promising things to do and see. Everyday can and should be a day of discovery no matter what our age. For today will only happen once. This holiday season I am trying to focus more on the pleasure of the activity than the build up to the big day. For if we place all the emphasis on that one day it is sure to disappoint. But by taking joy in our daily lives we can appreciate the season more – a time of giving, sharing, being with those we love as we prepare for our festivities!

Get it done!

2006-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

We all have challenges in our lives. What makes us actually do something about them? It so much easier to say yeah, I really should…, or I have to start…, or tomorrow I’ll… We’ve all done this. But what makes us act? What motivates us to change? Too often, we let the situation simply fester until the task seems too overwhelming or sometimes it takes dire conditions until we act.

So what do we do?

1) Look Inward. You determine your destiny. Inaction is a choice. Is the way things are currently the way you want them? Life choices happen today, tomorrow, and the day after that. How did you live your life today? Are you the person you want to be? If not what would you change? Do it. Take the first step, and be proud that you did. No one can do this for you. It’s up to you.
2) Learn. Find out as much as you can about the challenge you are taking on. Search the internet, make informed decisions, and talk to others. Don’t be discouraged by conflicting information. Take action as you see fit, and re-evaluate as you go along. Embrace what you have learned, discovered and achieved on the journey! And keep learning more.
3) Be Patient. Progress at a speed that is comfortable. Don’t risk burn out by changing to much too quick. For it’s as much about the journey, as it is about the goal. Be realistic and plan for the long term. We are committing to ourselves, our future, and our well-being.
4) Build Ritual. Make it a permanent part of your life. We are creatures of habits, by replacing the bad habits with the good they will become part of who you are and what you do. Your life will be enriched because of it.
5) Renew your commitment every day. Each day is anew. We change our lives one step at a time. Do not be discouraged. Change does not happen overnight. Real change takes dedication. There will be highs and lows. You are strong; you have your own will and determination to make it happen!
6) Rejoice. Take pleasure in your accomplishments you have made (and the one’s that lie ahead). You have taken action in your life. Treasure your own achievements; they are worth more than any worldly good.

So what are you waiting for? Get to it!

In Like A Lion Out Like A Lamb

2006-03-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I drove several hours in a typical Wisconsin snowstorm. Wisconsin’s vast farm lands seem almost desolate during such a cold snowing blizzard. The quiet seems almost overwhelming. The trees frozen and dormant will in a few months be lush with foliage. The fields will be abundant with growth. In a few weeks time we will have bulbs sprouting flowers from the ground, trees in bloom, and birds in migration.

As much as I look forward to the new growth and warm weather, I find it useful to reflect on the desolation as well. To observe this cycles of life as perpetuated in nature gives me a sense of my own mortality, fragility, and how we have our own opportunities to renew our spirit and lives. Nature takes its course, as do we. The course we choose is our own, and choosing no course is in itself a choice.

Whatever our path, it is our own. The road I took home that day was bleak and cold, nature had caused others to careen off the road. Fortunately I was able to stay my course, and my children and I arrived home safe and sound. My path awakened my perspective and appreciation, and although it is not a path I would choose I am glad it is the one I took.

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