Idealism

"the tendency to represent things in an ideal form, or as they might or should be rather than as they are, with emphasis on values." Ok, ok, I admit it, I am idealistic. I don't know how else to be. I know that idealism has it drawbacks.....like being often disappointed in reality. I know that I bite off more than I can chew because of my idealism and then feel so totally set back when things don't go according to my idealistic plans. I know it would benefit me and my loved ones for me to be more in the here and now with how things are, rather than how they should be, or how I would like them to be. Thing is....I don't want to set my sights lower. While I do wish to get better at being present and being even more grateful for all the ways I am blessed, my dreams are so big that I cannot bare to deem them unrealistic. Once again, I am finding that what I need is balance. It's so beautiful and terrifying at the same time to realize that I don't have control beyond my own free will. I think finding balance is in part breaking down my goals into feasible steps, rather than expecting things to tumble into place in no time. The other part is to let go and trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be right now. My head knows it, my head knows what I need to do, but my heart and soul need convincing. I believe it in my head, but then my idealism comes clashing head to head with reality and I feel lost. Unconfident. Unworthy. Then I am in a shlump until my next inspiration comes and challenges me to reach for the stars, then the stars suddenly, after the excitement wears off, seem so far away that I wonder how I will get there and I go back to schumpland. The answer? I guess the realistic, balanced me would say to have that really high star as the final goal, and reach for the ones a little closer to the earth to start, to build upon, and then trust that I will be supported in my journey if it is where I am meant to go. Yeah...I'll go with that, but I may need some (many) reminders.

Our Deepest Fear

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small

Does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,

As children do.

We were born to make manifest

The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us;

It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

Martin Luther King Jr.

For several years now, I have had a near obsession with this man, reading everything I can get my hands on by him or about him.

What. an. amazing. human. being.

The things he endured, his family endured, the strength and courage, faith and love that he gave his followers, simply amazing.

He is my number one favorite historical figure of ALL TIME.

A true hero. An extremely humble man. Forging ahead doing God's work on the earth, acting from love in the midst of unfathomable hatred. Finding inspiration in a Hindi man and following his example of nonviolence even though he was a devout Christian. Jailed over 20 times. Stabbed in the chest. His house was bombed. Genius. Amazing speaker. Inspiring. A wonderful husband and father who put God's work ahead of his family, ahead of his own life. Courageous. Did I say inspiring?

Oh what I would give to be in a church where he was the preacher, where he would feed the congregation and they would feed him, where he would really get "whooping."

I get goosebumps just thinking of it.

I pray that I can have even a portion of the integrity, strength, courage, love, and ability to inspire the masses of what he gave. Martin Luther King Jr. you will NEVER be forgotten and you serve to be a powerful inspiration to me, and many others.

give to Haiti

Update, if you live in the Roaring Fork Valley and have items to donate (baby items needed) there is a drop off box at the food co-op. Needed: diapers, vitamins, 0-12 mo. clothes (it's warm in Haiti, no winter clothes) and for children and adults alike, send soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels and blankets. THANK YOU.

Please give what you can to any of these organizations (below). I'm sure there are other organizations that are not listed in this link. Surely we all have a little something we can contribute, whether it be prayers or money or packages or time. They need our contributions, in any and every form we are able.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/

Haiti earthquake: How to help - Haiti earthquake- msnbc.com

www.msnbc.msn.com

Here's a list of charitable organizations active in Haiti that can accept donations for aid.

Let it snow!

J is 4. He loves music and snow. I wish I had a nice video camera, but am so thankful that my Canon elph takes video. I'm awaiting my new Canon 50 D to arrive (it's been ordered!) so I can take rad pics, but unfortunately it does not take video. Oh well, I always have my little elph, even if the videos are shaky.

Happy winter.....but is it May yet? I am counting down....I like winter less after the holidays, but being a Colorado resident originally from Minnesota, you'd think I'd be a little more into winter. Oh well, it just means that I appreciate spring, summer and fall that much more.

Go tell it on the mountain.......

........but speak it with love. Speak it with a humble heart. Speak it loud, but gently, clear, but softly. Speak with integrity. Speak with acceptance and respect. Speak out of the desire for the highest good for all involved. Speak with an open mind and more importantly with an open heart. Do not only speak, but listen.

These words are as much for me as for anyone who reads them.