Friends like to give me orchids. Every time I receive one I cringe a little as I know that within a few weeks, the lovely blooms will slowly begin to fade and fall. I cannot keep an orchid in bloom, but hold onto the plants even though they end up as only lush leaves and trailing stems. I feel badly throwing them out so continue to religiously water them weekly.
A month ago, I noticed a new shoot forming off one of my barren orchids. To my disbelief, a few weeks later, flower pods began to form. A few days ago, I was amazed to see a bloom begin to unfold. After years of nurturing an unfruitful plant, I get a little thrill every time I take in the intricate white blossoms. I am truly amazed.
Some things need nurturing and patience. Even when we want to give up and toss things out of our lives, some things are worth hoping for, attending to and waiting on. It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t turn out the way we plan or in the timing we expect. For years, I have been led by this concept, accept what is with a light, pleasant, positive expectation of what I desire. Being grateful for what you have now. Getting clear on what you want. Taking the measured steps to get there. Continuing to attend to the goal. Feeling light and joyful about it. Allowing time. Nurturing. Patience. It’s worth it.
Intentional Living
Pray Rain
Parched and thirsty, the desert anxiously awaits rain most of the year. In many parts of the country, rain is an unwelcome annoyance. In the desert, a rainy day is a joyous occasion. This riverbed is typically barren and dry until the rare heavy rainfall. It always feels wondrous to experience the rage and roar … Read more
#intentionalliving is Refreshed Hope
The hope of a new year. It brings a renewed sense of possibility and fresh opportunity. Many of us set intentions about what we want in the next twelve months. We can take this same attitude and perspective into the hope of a new day. How shall I live this day? How can I make … Read more
#intentionalliving is Peace, Joy, Beauty and Love
Peace, joy, beauty and love. These themes emerged while trying to process a tragic loss in my family 18 years ago. Those are the things that I look for and strive to achieve daily, along with finding resolution. I try not to let things fester. At the end of the day, I let go of … Read more
#intentionalliving is Full Engagement
The Power of Full Engagement asserts that our most precious resource is our energy. How are you managing your energy? Many of us barrel through the day with the fear that slowing down or taking a break will decrease efficiency and output. The opposite is true. When we purposely pace ourselves and take “recovery rituals” … Read more
#intentionalliving is Simple Things
Stop and Smell the Pastries. On a recent trip to Victoria, BC, we stumbled upon Murchie’s Coffee House. Gazing at their exquisite pastry-filled display case reminded me of the what can fill me up in each day. Not even tasting any of the delectable treats, I still was filled with awe at their beauty and … Read more
#intentionalliving is Lending a Hand
Sometimes we feel helpless. Reading about the recent Hurricane Harvey devastation in Houston brought me to tears. I was relieved to know that my friend who lives there did not sustain any personal damage. Some close to her were not so lucky. My friends and family generously donated a number of things to help those … Read more
#intentionalliving is Invigorating
It’s hot here. Exercising in the early morning offers a cooler option for any outdoor exercise and is my preference for setting an energized tone for the day. It’s not always possible. Yesterday, I found myself with about 15 minutes free at the end of the day. I thought about my options and decided to … Read more
#intentionalliving is Carefully Choosing Your Words
Take the word busy out of your vocabulary. What we think affects how we feel. If you are constantly focusing on being, busy, busy, guess how you will feel? Busy. In this day and age “being busy” is a status symbol. I am busy means I am important. There are healthier, more refreshing and less … Read more
#intentionalliving is Above the Line
It’s up to me. When life seems to not be in sync, I am the only piece that I can change. I always marvel at people, who when unhappy, point the finger at someone else. My lovely niece pointed out yesterday, when I remarked on her sunny disposition, that she and I know how to … Read more