What Really Matters

It is not the guy who cut you off in traffic or the near-miss accident. It is the fact that you made it to and from safely.

It is not the ocassional poor grade.  It is the education.

It is not who has more or who has less. It is that we are sharing.

It is not the petty differences.  It is the similarities.

It is not who is right and who is wrong. It is that we are talking.

It is not where you have been. It is what you have learned along the way.

It is not how difficult the journey may be. It is the hope in your heart that inspires you to keep moving.

It is not where you are going. It is how you plan to get there.

It is not what faith you practice. It is that you practice your faith.

It is not that you are eating steak, lobster and fresh vegetables. It is that you have food to eat.

It is not what you believe. It is that you Believe.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"It is not who you Love. It is that you Love all." tc

A taboo topic

I was raised in a Christian home in the Midwest. However, as I grew into adulthood, I realized that Christianity did not answer all the questions that I had about religion and spirituality.
Several years ago, I embarked upon a spiritual journey. I studied various cultures and their belief systems.  I learned about Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Shamanism and many other faith-based groups. 
What I discovered was that all of the religious and spiritual practices that I examined have the same underlying basis of belief. They teach love, kindness, ethical behavior and rituals to connect to those teachings. When I focused on the similarities between the major religions around the globe, I was astounded at the lack of spiritual cohesion that exists in our world today. 
I have since combined facets of several religious and spiritual faiths to create the true expression of my belief.  I encourage you to explore different faiths and combine the elements of each that best suit who you are.  Afterall, people don't just fit into one box, why should their faith?

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"May your faith branch out in any direction that you choose as long as it lifts you higher." 

77 years just isn't long enough.

The average human lifespan is approximately 77 years.  Regardless of health factors, physical location and spiritual belief, in my opinion, that just isn't very long.  Nevertheless, I watch people all the time 'rushing here' and 'hurying to go there.' I often wonder what the big rush is?  Afterall, the self-imposed stress of all that 'rushing' is only going to limit their already short lifespan. And....by the way, where are they really going?

Slow down.  Be still.  Enjoy.  What is important in this life is not the fancy house, big promotion or holiday sale.  Living fully in each moment, revelling in the miracle of your own life and experiencing all that this amazing world has to offer is where you need to focus your energy. 
So, do what you love, have lunch with the girls, leave work early and play with your son, restyle your hair, open the dusty bottle of wine, change jobs, move to the ocean, take a stroll in nature or whatever you have been avoiding or making excuses not to do.  LIVE.  Life is a beautiful thing and we are supposed to be involved in it not running through it or away from it.

On that note, the quote of the day is:

"Take a Leap of Faith and let your path unfold before you."