When is the right time to JUMP? (A short reflection on FAITH)

How do we accept when things come to an end?

 

How do we know when to walk away?

How the heck do we throw in the towel? Burn that damn bridge?

How do we even begin to surrender to the flame of change when the fire is getting bigger and bigger, hotter and scarier while we stand frozen?

 

I couldn’t answer that for a million bucks.  But, I will tell you this for free: 

None of us know for sure when/if to JUMP.  Not Oprah, not Pope Benedict and certainly not the world’s “best” clairvoyant (no matter the “waiting period” she prides herself on).

BUT, there does come a point when we have to JUMP and know for sure that our wings will carry us all the way down.

 

I’m dreaming of that kind of kick-ass FAITH this week.

 

It’s a work in progress for me but I sure hope that your courage carries you where your heart is daring you to go…

© Aluta continua, as they say.  A Heart Full of Stories, 2017

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Whilst we don’t know the origin of the pics used, all respect and due credit are hereby given where appropriate. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Lee-Ann Mayimele and A Heart Full of Stories with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. All media rights and copyright for the words reserved.

The Front Row II (A short reflection on CHANGE)

With another birthday approaching, I am naturally reflecting on all things CHANGE (and no, I am not only talking about the spread in the middle)

 

It always fascinates me how deciding who gets a front row seat in the movie that is our lives isn’t exactly as simple as ordering a large popcorn and Slush Puppie.

Friends change, lovers drift, egos inflate, eyes open, lust rattles, death knocks, jobs morph, travel calls, masks drop, strategies shift, needs flip, kids drift, hearts evolve. You know, life happens?

While we are certain that CHANGE is the law of the universe (with seasons changing, leaves falling, blossoms springing effortlessly before our very eyes) I have often wondered why we find it so difficult to just “flow” with these changes especially as they affect key relationships.

 

Then it hit me : We are uneasy with movement, with change itself.

 

The old moulds are more warm and familar than a onesie, clouded in words like “loyalty” and “history”. Deciding to actively drop leaves, sprout flowers and reassign those name tags on the prime VIP spots in our life, ruffling feathers and inviting scrutiny challenges our comfy paradigms. Crap ain’t easy.

But it must be done.

So, as I mascara another grey hair this morning and try not to overthink my Kombucha ambitions, do allow me to send you my best good vibes as you contemplate your own selections.  

• If you have to increase or decrease the number of seats, make that call.
• If you are blessed that no rearrangement is necessary, scream “thank you!”; such blessing is never to be taken lightly.

…BUT yes, that seating chart needs to be issued. (Or else some random weeds will fill those vacant spots and then your garden will really be sad).

Go on…Today is a good day to think about that front row again.  Aluta continua, as they say.

#gratitude #reflections #alutacontinua

© A Heart Full of Stories, 2017.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Whilst we don’t know the origin of the pic above, all respect and due credit are hereby given where appropriate. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Lee-Ann Mayimele and A Heart Full of Stories with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. All media rights and copyright for the words reserved.

 

Sitting at the same coffee shop 20 years later

I used to work in a first floor office as a secretary a long time ago.

Each time I went to the loo, I had to ask someone to “relieve” me.  The “relief” was always brief as I had to rush back to my desk in case the boss called my name. And he did. Often.

Just below my feet, on the ground floor of my office, was a bakery.

They made fresh croissants each morning and although that memory is still as fresh as their scones, it is the smell of the coffee that I recall called my name. Often.

Today, nearly 20 years later, I am sitting in that very bakery.  I am having that very coffee. I can go to the loo whenever I want, for however long I want. Gosh, I don’t even have to tell anyone. Would you believe it? And, I am “WORKING” while all this happens.

The scones are still fresh, the croissants still smell amazingly buttery but today I am different.

And, I am so grateful!  Grateful the coffee, grateful for the change of pace, grateful that as I allow my life to CHANGE, so too do I.

A Heart Full of Stories ©

Copyright and all rights reserved

#reflections #change #gratitude #20yearslater #shortstory

The FRONT of My Notebook

Last week I did something I have NEVER done before.  Yes, another first time.

 

I always have a notebook with me.

 

I use the notebook for work.  You see, my job requires lists.  And, I need to be able to cross off the items of that list.

 

Each day I do a new list.  The most important thing goes at the top.  Yes, a matter of priority.  It is a good habit.  A very useful tool to manage my workload.

 

Then, right at the back of my books, I write MY stuff.  Things like :

• Manuscript
• RSVP for Philosophy Lecture
• Domain Name
• Haircolour
• Milk

 

But last week, I did something I have NEVER done before. Something that will change my life. Something my future self will definitely thank me for.

I started with the date.  Then I wrote this note:

 

And, as it goes for me.  Now that it is WRITTEN, it must be.

 

From now onward, I will incorporate my own dreams, ideas, follow ups, to do list in the FRONT of the Moleskine.  Yes, a matter of priority.    I still have to work through my real workload before I can focus on my “personal” work, but at least I get to SEE the content every hour of the day.   It creates a certain harmony. That’s a step.

 

What is in the front of YOUR notebook? 

 

I wish you LOVE in whatever it is.