bloom

Sometimes I'm amazed at the complexity of humans and relationships. I've always thought of relationships and love as so simple. I want things to be simple: I want to love and be loved.  The painful truth comes when someone might not love me the way I want them to. Or, I might miss out on loving because I get too wrapped-up or distracted by my own selfish wants and thoughts.

I think, when it comes down to it, that love IS a choice. Love takes dedication, love takes thought, love takes time, it takes energy...all true! The secret, I think, is that love also takes a delicate but fierce web of commitment and acceptance. You can be dedicated, committing all of your brain power, you may give mountains of time and energy - and all to no avail.  Without the commitment and acceptance, love is tiring, baffling, hard to commit your time to, and energy-wasting. Love can leave you feeling tired, worn out, confused and concerned.

True love comes when two imperfect people strive to perfectly love one another - promising to be a partner or friend who accepts and gives love so that it ends up being comfortable and healthfully thought-provoking.  With that kind of love, the time and energy are used as water to bloom the love into a glorious plant.  The time and energy are not wasted in true love. The plant that grows in love has deep roots, strong branches, delicately, beautiful green leaves, and fragrant blossoms...but as with any gardening venture...your attention to your love must be continuous, giving, engaged and meaningful if you want further growth.  Don't just smell the yummy fragrance, admire the beauty of its blossoms, or relax in the strength of your love's branches...it needs your care and attention. Growth of love depends on the lovers commitment to tending their love while accepting the seasons as they come.

"a generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity"

"A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity."

Today, re-pledge to yourself or your God a promise to do those things listed.  You'll make people feel good and you'll send a wave rippling that will slosh out anger, rudeness, selfishness and hardness.  People feel free and happy to be themselves when they know they're accepted and loved. <3

I graduated from nursing school two days ago and the quote listed above is so fresh and meaningful in my heart.  I can't wait to be that shower of generosity, kindness and compassion to those who are scared and hurting.

live now

one of the best feelings in the world is doing something that is both good for you, and that you enjoy! There's no possible loss because you're adding joy into your life both physically and spiritually.

Recently, I've been getting in to gardening (or planting things…hopefully they'll grow).  Growth and expansion is something that I always want to have present in my life. Watching new leaves turn up, flowers bloom, or small fruits develop is so satisfying.  I want to strive to continue trying new things, adding new details to my home/yard/life/experience, and just plain living.  It's so easy to be focused on what needs to be done today, tomorrow or in a week….and often that focus takes away the life that could be in THIS very moment.  Drink delicious juices, do yoga, go on a jog or walk, dance to that new song you love, learn something new from a text book or class (don't just "go to class"), go for a drive, get a delicious creamy coffee drink, read a poem, play an instrument, go adopt a kitten, take pictures of something cute/majestic/interesting/unique, just get out there and live. ENJOY!