Walk Like a Man or Woman

“I didn't think there would be so many steps I’d have to learn on my own”

~Bruce Springsteen

“I was young and I didn't know what to do when I saw your best steps stolen away from you; now I’ll do what I can, I’ll walk like a man”. A full decade since my father passed away, the man who always believed in me and who absolutely did the best he could with what he knew. In one way or another I have the sense that we choose the people in our lives, including our parents, siblings, family, and friends to teach us lessons throughout our journey. When we are able to delve into certain areas that hinder us, we will find freedom from these lessons. When we are open to it, others will enter our lives to help fill in the missing pieces. For years my dad knew that I was heading down a wrong path; one which he traveled himself and came around to defeat and ultimately break a cycle that kept our family intact. It is up to me now to take it all even further, to not only chase, but to realize the dreams that my heart yearns for. Truth be told, often we also learn how not to go about things from the ones we love the most. We have the ability to break patterns, to live fully and freely as we travel to our great destination. In order to fully evolve, we must first find what it is we truly want and then have the courage to face fears and obstacles to reach our bliss. It happens differently for everyone and there is magic in that; there is a mindset and purity that seems to allow for an insurmountable place of love and dedication. It is exactly where I want to be for myself and I’m more than willing to share everything I have to offer.

I can say that I’m there now, all the lessons have been taught and I’m aware of exactly how I feel even when I’m not perfectly sure how or when to express it. A guide in my life, who has taught me quite a bit over the last several years strongly brought to my attention that there are times you simply must follow your inner voice. This happened in an unconventional way because I felt as though she was telling me how I should feel about a very important situation, saying that I need more time to be ready for what my heart wants. As great as she has been, only I know how I feel and the unparalleled changes that have occurred in me over the last several months. I am ready and I trust in what my heart and soul tells me. Because of the journey that began with the loss of my dad I've grown increasingly freer over the years. I will continue to strive for freedom and unconditional love. That goes for everyone, take what you need from all sources and follow your own heart, follow your bliss. Self-discovery is a magical thing and is even better if your blessed enough to share it with a person who you believe in and believes in you. Release fear and doubt and go for your heart’s desire, there are no mistakes, only regret if you allow patterns and the influence of others to hold you back. The fall is upon us, choose to make it the way spring is supposed to be; let love blossom, take chances, feel your own unique power, and trust always what your instincts tell you. Walk the way you want to walk, talk the way you want to talk, and believe in yourself. We only got one shot to do each day right, win the day! Apart, we can be wonders of nature and together we can be forces of it. 

The MAGIC of a DECIDED HEART

“I believe in intuitions and inspirations…I sometimes “feel” that I am right. I do not “know” that I am”~ Albert Einstein

Our minds seek comfort while our hearts seek truth. Throughout our journey there will be serious crossroads when logic and passion meet and cause us to stop and reflect which direction to choose. For me, passion and intuition wins out the majority of the time and that is the beauty of risk. This is who I am and I am good with that because in the end, it is those decisions I made when it felt right that created the magical moments in my life. Of course I have made some wrong choices and learned from each of them. There is perfection in every imperfect situation; the trick is allowing yourself to see the magic in all of it. At the end of the day, when we sit still and allow ourselves to get in touch with our inner voice; the answers will come and when they are strong you’ll feel it throughout your body and any sort of logic should be tossed aside. As I sit here, having been awake for hours already I have come a magnificent decision because I’m finished gathering the outside information I needed, the “logic” that has caused a battle within me. Perhaps battle is the wrong word to use as it has really been a process. Forced to take a good hard look at what I desire in my world, every ounce of me now knows that answer. For the first time in my life, I am absolutely certain and trusting of who and what I want. All of the fears, the doubts, the questions of worthiness and readiness are completely gone from my psyche; my soul knows the answer, it always has. I just had to fully and unconditionally trust it!  

Still waters run deep, that has been “the way” for me much of my life. Today, I’d rather make a splash and go after the life I imagine, certain that I can live in the questions and let the answers flow like rolling river making its way to a fantastic destination. I had to listen for it, allow myself the freedom to discover all the things that have held me back thus far and confront them head on. When I’m at my best, I am the goofiest, most playful, caring, creative, considerate, loving, and secure person on earth. No doubt, I'm feeling that once again. The only thing that has ever kept me from that is fear when in fact there is nothing in this life to be afraid of. Right now, each of us has everything we need to create the life we imagine and be our absolute best. Take a risk with an open heart and open mind, let the chips fall where they may. Let your imagination run wild with all of your hearts desires; love passionately, work hard, dance crazily and sing loudly when you’re alone or even when you’re not. It’s an amazing revelation to find yourself skipping through a park and jumping in puddles with joyous spirit. Even if you’re not “feeling joyful”, take my word for it, you will be if you go and try it! Do things you have never done before and never ever be afraid to take someone else along for the ride. Embrace the feelings that make your heart thump, your dreams vivid, and imagination wander. In essence, we are all meant to have the light inside of us shine as bright the sun; never doubt the true freedom of being your authentic, weird, and awesome self. There is magic in a decided heart, it will cause you to change everything. Look doubt in the eye and give it the middle finger; no matter what your past has been like or future may or may not be; go ahead, skip, run, sing and dance; let your heart decide your destination.