What Inspires YOU?

I'm again going to quote from A book that needs to go back to the library. I still like to hold books in my hands! Perhaps someday I will move to ebooks but for now I go to the library, sometimes putting them on hold so they are waiting for me, or search the new books which brings me new authors, or new books of favorite ones. here's some things that inspire me from Cheryl Strayed's book "Brave Enough". I need courage these days (well, have for awhile) to find my new home for my tiny house, to bring my art business out into the world and make some money, to tread through the political world, to find the best ways to listen, to serve, to give, to love, and more.

"HELLO, FEAR. Thank you for being here. You're my indication that I'm doing what I need to do."

This was meaningful in the relationship that I tried for a bit and still letting go in my mind and memories:

"Romantic love is not a competitive sport.You're running your own race.We don't dig or not dig people based on a comparison chart of body measurements and intellectual achievements and personality quirks. We dig them because we do."

"There are some things you can't understand yet. Your life will be a great and continuous unfolding. It's good you've worked hard to resolve childhood issues while in your twenties, but understand that what you resolve will need to be resolved again. And again. And again. You will come to know things that can only be known with the wisdom of age and the grace of years. Most of those things will have to do with forgiveness."

"What if I forgave myself? What if I forgave myself even though I'd done some things I shouldn't have? What if I was sorry, but if I could go back in time I wouldn't do anything different from what I'd done? What if yes was the right answer instead of no? What if all those things I shouldn't have done were what got me here?

What if I was never redeemed?

What if I already was?"

"Cultivate an understanding that life is long, that people both change and remain the same, that every last one of us will need to fuck up and be forgiven, that we're all just walking and walking and walking and trying to find our way, that all roads lead eventually to the mountaintop."

"It's in the most basic, essential, beginning stories that so much of our lives are written. Who loved you best? What made you finally believe in yourself? From what garden or pot or crack in the pavement did you grow? How did you get your water?"

"Transformation doesn't ask that you stop being you. It demands that you find a way back to the authenticity and strength that's already inside of you. You only have to bloom."

Thank you Cheryl for your journeys that brought you wisdom.

Thank you to the Universe that has taken me on my journeys that have brought me wisdom.

Thank you to all the amazing people who have walked with me or crossed my path that have shown me wisdom.

There is much to be grateful for. This is one of my spiritual practices. And I so enjoy being with people who are grateful, learning, transforming, being their authentic selves through it all. And also, sharing the vulnerabilities in connection with each other as humans.

Much to be grateful for!!!