I’ve spoken to several people since writing my last post “Is Peace Possible?”.  The responses varied from blank reactions, in agreement with me, or “be a realist and that peace is not possible.”   Where does the truth lie — in our own beliefs around the possibility of peace in the world and our willingness to be partners in change?

I was trying to write a post on another topic while listening to a new CD I purchased by Zade.    An impossible task…I must write about what I’m experiencing right now.

I happened upon this wonderful artist by chance on a Public TV station that was showing: “One Night in Jordan…A Concert for Peace.”  Was it chance…I’m not a believer of chance, but rather I needed to hear this man’s music.

Zade’s piano playing, as well as his intention behind his music, creates tears in my eyes from the pure enjoyment of emotions filling me when listening to his music.

I’ve been thinking how we generally accept that there are areas of our lives that we are powerless to control.  We feel that we have no control over the crazy boss, bills, our partner’s habits, or what our children do.  We have no power to choose in some situations.  Yet is that true?

I’ve certainly had a boss from the pits, who was constantly unhappy with whatever I did, loved to let me know and was controlling.  It was no fun and to be honest I didn’t really handle it well.  I vacillated between trying to keep a safe distance and doing my best or giving up and not really trying as hard.    I definitely felt powerless with this person.   Yet was that true?

Does anyone else suffer from this annoying habit “one more thing to do before I leave for the day?”    I’m always rushing for the bus or am a few minutes late meeting someone because I did one more thing.

I’m not sure when or why I started this habit, but probably when the kids were young and there was always one more thing to do.  I remembered when I lived in San Francisco, before kids, I walked to the bus stop in a leisurely fashion with plenty of time to spare.   Actually, life in San Francisco was more relaxing and it’s unfair to compare New York City living to it.

Do you think about the things or people in your life that you love or appreciate?  In my busy and hurried life, I realized that I could easily ignore all the wonderful and simple things and experiences I have in my life right now.  When I embrace the task of appreciating what I have in my life right now, a smile naturally comes to my face and offers me the simple flow of love.

In these economic times, I’m grateful that I have my own bookkeeping business and am making a living from my work. A year and half ago I had no idea how I was going to pay my bills, and in a short period I’ve built a strong business.  Yet I’ve been running myself ragged with this business in order to make the money.  No time to play, exercise, cook, talk to friends, or time to write.  I’m giving all my time to my business.

This past week I’ve spent a lot of time with family.  My brother’s wife died at 66.  Family came from Maryland and Colorado, as well as within New York. As the family gathered and shared sweet memories of her life, I realized that I’ve neglected to envision how I wanted to be remembered when I die.
 
Most of us are busy with work, family and all of the daily chores that seem to grab our time leaving us with little room in our day to reflect on our lives.   For me this funeral stopped me in my tracks.  This person was alive a week ago and is no longer with us.   She told her silly jokes and hugged her grandchildren and today she can no longer offer this love.

Normally I’m in my office around 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, busy working and not at all in touch with the outside world.

On St. Patrick’s Day, I had the gift of being on the bus around this time and all around me was a ‘sea of green.’  In New York City, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun way to spend the afternoon.    The weather was beautiful…sunny, warm and perfect for people to come out of their offices and celebrate.

This may sound silly, but when was the last time you looked in the mirror at yourself and said, “I love you.”

What is mirror work?   It’s when you face yourself in the mirror, look into your eyes, and say affirmations to yourself.

Louise Hay, in “You Can Heal Your Life,” clearly describes this simple process.   She helps you gain back your personal power by looking in the mirror and saying “I Love You (put in your name).”   This simple affirmation can have profound affect on your well-being.   

I’m sitting on the bus writing, my words barely legible from the jerky motion as the bus travels over the New York City roads.  I have an hour-long trip each way into the City (at least) and I do use this time to do many things.  I catch up with emails on my blackberry, read and even talk on the phone (which is somewhat rude when the bus is quiet and people are relaxing).  

Yet, this is a prime time to write.    I’m constantly saying I want time to write…here it is.