It's OK

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It's OK

I almost didn't go. Pulling on the first knee-high hiking sock triggered a muscle spasm halfway up my ribcage, causing me to catch my breath and I may have cussed a bit. It is always a surprise when my body misbehaves since my mind still thinks I'm twenty-something. 

After retreating to the yoga mat for gentle stretching and breathing through lots of child's pose, on went the other sock. Out the gate I went, intent on my mission to Google map my daughter's name at a natural, cosmic, enlightened and, not surprisingly, favored hiking path near the vortex of Bell Rock. 

Having sampled a few spots for lighting, slope and a magnificent backdrop, a young hiker paused on the trail nearby as her father consulted the map, and said, "That's a golden eagle." I checked the sky and seeing nothing, decided she was mistaken. But as I turned back to the Bell, there it was soaring near the center of the rock's height and breadth. When it landed, I knew I'd found the perfect spot. 

I'm assisting with getting "It's Ok That You're Not OK" on the map in unusual ways and places least expected. Have you purchased your copy? No need to wait until someone dies to read this useful guide. It's full of profound insights whether you are grieving, supporting someone who is or preparing for the inevitable. Click the link to learn more. 

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Outside the comfort zone

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Outside the comfort zone

Self-promotion, marketing, advertising, asking people to purchase, convincing them to part with their hard-earned money is a skill set I'm not familiar with and most definitely out of my comfort zone. Apparently, this is not uncommon for writers, artists, or any creative professional. We just want to create a thing, right? A beautiful thing that should sell itself. Organically. Magically. Effortlessly. 

But as Dan Blank discusses in Be the Gateway, getting the thing into people's hands is as critical to the effort as it's creation. In other words, creation is only half the journey. His book also teaches me to minimize overwhelm and uncomfortableness by focusing on one connection at a time. Singular. Simple. Satisfying. 

Sure I have spreadsheets of tasks but ultimately recognizing how I get to promote inclusiveness, gladness, literacy, adventure, and travel makes this stage of publishing Hoofen Floofen Island fun again. 

In other words, shine a light on the message of the book rather than the book itself. That's a task I can get behind. 

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Do it beautifully

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Beauty and fully. These type of graces are on my mind lately while thinking on how I might do anything and everything more beautifully. Whether cooking oatmeal on a chilly morning, holding a friend's hand while crossing a busy street or putting a brush to a fresh canvas, there is opportunity to do so fully and with beauty. 

If I'm listening to something, can I focus on only that? Greg McKeown, in "Essentialism," says something about focus as a action rather than labeling it as something to achieve. In other words, might I listen more beautifully when expending my thinking time rather than on how to gain more focus. 

If I'm walking down the street, might I enjoy more grace by gazing at the tree tops rather than the sidewalk cracks, which raises my head which improves my posture which helps me breathe and move with purpose. 

And when I talk, may I speak with kindness and confidence. If I know little of the topic, recognize silence is a choice. Albert Einstein said, "If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself." To me, that means more listening is in order. I'm fairly certain there is much I'm not able to explain. 

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