Allowing

As I reflect on my life and how I got to where I am right now, I appreciate my parents more and more. My parents always "allowed" me to be. They guided me, but allowed me to be who I was.

For example, I am currently a vegetarian. I have been for many years. The first time I "tried on" being a vegetarian I was probably around seven or eight years old. Mom and I were in the kitchen. As mom was cooking, I started asking questions. Where did chicken come from? (Remember, I was only 7 or 8.) Where did hamburger come from? Where did pork chops come from? And on and on. You get the idea. Mom patiently answered. I was appalled. I felt so sorry for all those animals that were being killed for our consumption. I declared right then and there that I wasn't going to eat any more meat.

My parents never tried to force me to eat. Mom's philosophy was always, "This is what I made. Either eat it and shut up, or don't eat it and shut up." She never made anything special for me as a vegetarian. But there were always potatoes and vegetables with each meal that I could eat. There was also always canned soup, cheese for sandwiches and good old peanut butter and jelly. Nothing was ever said. No fuss was ever made. I was given the freedom at that young age to find out who I was and how I wanted to live my life.

At that time in my life I was a vegetarian for about three years. I slowly started adding meat back into my diet. I was a kid after all and felt it was my duty to at least eat hamburgers with my fries. I didn't become a vegetarian again until about ten years ago. But my parents' gentleness, patience and understanding in my formative years made it easier for me as an adult to confidently make choices for my life and trust those choices. Thanks mom and dad!

Love, Paula

Liberation

Observing young - or younger - people makes me realize how liberating getting older is.  There are so many "rules" when you're younger.  You worry about what everyone thinks.  You worry about fashion.  You are careful about what you say and how you say it.  It's so important how you look to the world.

I find as I get older that those things are unimportant.  These days it's more about what I think and feel.  I'm all about comfort as far as my clothing goes.  I wear what I feel good in.  I don't really care if it's the latest style.  I wear shoes that are comfortable and healthy for my feet: Birkenstock, Earth Shoes, flats, sneakers.  I think for myself, even if those thoughts are not the most popular.  Back in 1998 for example, I started taking Reiki classes.  At that time, not a lot of people were aware of Reiki and it made them uncomfortable to talk about it.  But I wasn't afraid to broach the subject.  Don't misunderstand, I try not to be rude and I certainly try not to impose my thoughts and ideas on others.  But, I'm not afraid to discuss unpopular or uncomfortable subjects.  I even encourage it.  I find that most people are uncomfortable simply because they don't understand.  When you take the time to gently discuss things, the discomfort usually disappears.  It doesn't matter if people agree or disagree with me.  It's just not all that important.  

Certainly there can be problems with the aging process.  You start slowing down a little.  Some things that used to come easy are maybe a little harder.  But the BIG payoff is the liberation.  I feel freer and lighter mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  I wouldn't trade the knowledge and wisdom I've acquired for anything.  Each stage of life has its own adventures.  And I feel like the REAL fun is just beginning.

Love,  Paula

Sky Red in the Morning

The other day when I was leaving for work, I was gifted with the most beautiful, breathtaking sight. The sky was red with a gorgeous sunrise. It was so incredible, I had to just stop for a moment and absorb its beauty. Unfortunately, I couldn't spend much more than a minute in appreciation because I had to get to work. But on my way, I took some backward glances when I was stopped at red lights.

The old saying, "Sky red at night, sailor's delight; sky red at morning, sailor's warning" came to mind. How could anything so beautiful and peaceful be a warning? So I looked it up online. I won't go into all the details, but suffice it to say, this particular old saying doesn't hold up in all circumstances. It was specific to mid latitudes, and even then there were exceptions.

So, I can feel free to just admire and appreciate the absolute beauty of a red sunrise. Besides... I'm not a sailor.

Love, Paula

Winter Wisdom

We are having our first significant snowfall of the season. The city is turned into a winter wonderland.  While watching the snow fall, I was reminded of a "wisdom" that my dad shared with me many years ago.  He was a very wise and wonderful man and will probably be referred to often in my blogs.  He told me to watch the seasons.  Nature tells us about the beauty of life.  Spring is when new life is bursting forth.  The flowers, buds, grass, leaves are all in bloom and it is beautiful.  Dad said that spring represents birth through childhood: learning, growth, curiosity.  And THAT is beautiful.  Summer is the time when everything has reached maturity.  It's warm, sunny and full of life.  Dad said that summer represents adulthood.  We work, fall in love, marry, form friendships, and generally live our lives.  Again, beautiful.  Autumn is when the leaves turn such gorgeous colors.  It's my favorite time of year.  The beauty is breathtaking.  Autumn represents dying.  There is beauty in the dying process.  And winter, with the beautiful blanket of snow represents death.  There is even beauty in death.  He said that nature tries to tell us that there is a beauty in every stage of life and there is nothing to fear.  The rhythms of life, as the rhythms of nature, are beautiful.  

Love,  Paula

Affirmation for 2012

I was browsing through some old journals and came across this entry made two years ago at this very same time.  I feel it is still approptiate, so I'm changing the dates and putting it out there.

 

                                                                             2012

 

I appreciate all the wonderful lessons of 2011.  I hope that I've learned and don't have to repeat them.  I release all blockages that are holding me back.  It was a wonderful year filled with family, friends, gifts, and blessings.  I AM grateful for 2011 and looking forward to 2012.

 

In this blessed, wonderful new year, I intend to open more fully to who I really am.  I intend to be me, no matter what.  I'm sure my life will change, but I believe that in the big picture, it will be changes for the best.  I will take better care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  I will love myself first, so that I may love others better and more fully.  I will extend unconditional love to myself as I do to others.  LIFE IS GOOD!

 

Love,  Paula