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September 30, 2005

Render unto Ceasar

I got a call this afternoon.

It was the Human Resources Benefits administrator at work calling to inform me that the three day pay issued to me while waiting for the insurance company to kick in has to be refunded to the company... first of all I did not realize that there was an overlap because I still have not received any payments from the insurance and was under the impression that the insurance would pick up from where they left off.

But as it turns out the insurance will issue payments for those days once the benefits pay out begins. That is not a big deal because that means that the income deductions made to the government for those three days has to be refunded to me. I wonder if the government will pay interest on that or maybe, like me, they had already spent it. Anyway refunding Ceasar's portion and receiving that portion from the insurance company instead is a fair deal so all is well with me and with Ceasar.

September 29, 2005

I just don’t get it!

For the past few days on and off, I woke up, and my second thought has been about the fitness centre that went into my account to withdraw monthly fees two weeks after I officially terminated my membership.

That was couple months ago. I have since contacted the accountant of the gym location where I used to go for my workout and personal training.

The first time I was told that the head office was late in cancellation the PAP… it took them more than two weeks to cancel the PAP; at that time I was promised a cheque in the mail.

I called three weeks later to follow-up and the accountant told me that person who issues refunds is away on vacation… I asked when the person was due back in the office and when she was expected back and most importantly when will that refund be mailed to me. She informed that the she has no idea when the person would be back and the other people in the office are swamped. But as soon as the refund is process I will be informed. That was four weeks ago. I called on again on September 23, 2005 at about 11:15 AM and was transferred to her extension. I got her voicemail and left her a detail message inquiring about the status of my cheque. She has not acknowledged my call let alone to inform me about the refund.

I am not overly concerned about becoming bankrupted over the refund but the fact is that was money that was not supposed to be withdrawn from my account. What bugs me is not so much the cheque but the principle behind this… not following through with the membership discount offer terms and conditions.

The CEO of that company came to offer corporate discount at the place where I am employed and one thing I remember him saying is that membership can be cancelled at any time. I did not cancel because of the service because I did get what I paid for but back in April I ha dto put all physical activites on hold because of limited mobility and may require surgery. Not knowing when I will resume regular activity, I called to inform them and was told that I could pay until and bank the time. At first I agreed to that because I anticipated full recovery within a couple months. That was not so. In fact, the appointment is not until the neuro surgeon appointment is in November and I still use a cane to assist my limited movement. I explain that; granted I was very frustrated and upset by then.

I called the office to make arrangements such that I could put the payment and membership on hold. The manager of the location I used to go told me that was not an option and that I could transfer my payment to credit card withdrawal.

Not only was that option out of the question but why would I prepay for something that I may not use and by this time I would not use there for sure. I proceeded to cancel and was asked for a doctor’s note. I complied. I was informed that the six payments I made while awaiting recovery from the herniated disc is non-refundable but that could be banked as time. Given a choice I would rather have my money to attend to more immediate needs.

Besides by then, ask me if I care to return there...

I told the manager if I cannot get a refund… they could keep the time and the money.

If they think that I will let that payment taken after the cancellation slide then they are in for a rude awakening and a rough shake on their tender conscience that may have been hiding in the closet in the name of keeping conscience and business separate. As far as I am concerned the two go hand in hand... how else is anything suppose to be fair?

It is not enough to hire the services of a lawyer but I will dismiss the chares in the hands of the Supreme Court where no other authority and law can trespass. The thing is once it is there I cannot take it back. As reminded in Romans 12: 19a: “Never take revenge, instead let God’s anger do it.

In the end I would rather have peace than to gain the whole world and have a bankrupt soul. Still the fact of the matter is that I feel that this is breach of contract.

What I don't get is the fact that I have to hound them for what is rightfully mine... what's up with that!

Now that I have taken the time to review the issue I expect it to stop bothering me especially since effectively right now I hand it over to God. I know that giving this concern to him, he will guide me to the right outcome in his time.

One more thing …

I also assign the security company case over to God.

After I cancelled their service three years; I was expected to pay off an outstanding amount for early cancellation of service, which I refused to pay.

The reason for my decision is the reason for cancellation and that was, having an emergency contact that I did not authorized and that they have failed to inform me of how they got this individual’s name and contact info on my files.

Until such time they can bring down brimstone and fire but they cannot harm me.

And so it is!

September 28, 2005

10...10... 80

Saving while in debt is like collecting water with a wicker basket.
That is the hard lesson that I have learnt from how I used to manage my finances while waiting for the lottery jackpot to pick my number combinations as the winning ticket.

Money invested to enjoy the cost of dignified living taught me the value of my talents and life situations is teaching me how much I am worth and I am glad that it is sooner and not any later.

I am in the process of restoring the health of my mindbodysoul and attending to finances- the piece of the pie that almost crumbled my mindbodysoul.

A crumbled pie is still edible. The same with my outlook on health. Jobbing labouriously to make money at the expense of my happiness is no investment towards my health, wellness and sanity.

I am well on my way to restoring my 10-10-80 formula and that is worth of a toast.

September 27, 2005

On authenticity

I would rather have the judgement of God than the blame of mankind.

I would rather remain true to myself and lose the promotion of this world than to be buried in riches and/or with riches at the cost of my soul and tender conscience. I was so afraid of who I could have become, that I began working on discovering who I really am , only to find out that who I really am was what I was afraid I could be.

Until I became face-to-face with whom I really am; I could not embrace my authentic being and in turn no one would ever know me.

What a sad thing it is when one doesn’t know who he or she really ought to be… or afraid of finding out

I am not who people say or think I am. In fact no one is whom people say or think they are. We are all children of God and we are each created in his image and likeness. Knowing that truth has made me more in tune with Him and me as I continue to kindle my relationship with him, others and myself. I will accept no similes as I honour, love and respect myself.

September 26, 2005

Self evaluation

I gotta start somewhere… somehow… so I began with myself. I had to get some perspective on my life. In so doing I would be ale to assist others in finding meaning and purpose in life.

There is no way I could help another before attending to myself and I cannot help myself without helping others in the process.

That same principle applies to harmful behaviour and attitude. So I decided to take an inventory on how I can help others and myself to live and enjoy a life of health and wellness.

After an honest self-evaluation, I was presented with endless possibilities I got to work on making my comeback to reality. In order words, I stopped standing in my way and let God unfold His plan of action. I tell you, my director never sleeps; he does not miss out on any action and that is what makes him the best in the business of salvation- salvaging. He saves souls, rescues lives, uses all things for good and he knows me inside out. The whole time I was resisting him and his auditions he was patiently waiting. What more can I ask for? I never imagined how life’s tangles would compliment my work as a writer/author, mentor, coach and social justice acitivist. Everything happens for a reason and in time that purpose unfolds…. Annnnnd action! Now all of this makes sense.

Thank God for hindsight!

September 25, 2005

So much to say!

“I have nothing to say”.

I know that I used this lame excuse so many times in my life. Another self-sabotage was thinking and even saying that my contribution won’t make a difference. Guess what?
It didn’t and the only reason it hadn’t, that is until now, is because I believed my own false statement. I was only fooling myself and and failing to be of some help to others who would benefit from my contribution.

The truth is I have so much say- I’ll need another eighty years to complete it all and yes it will make a difference, small or big.

But what if time runs out?

That question woke me up from my slumber. I don’t want my opportunity to expire before I make my contribution.

So I am working towards my goal by using my aptitude to help make this world a better environment for me and for everyone.

September 24, 2005

Limited resources or, is it?

Not only did I learn to make do with what I have, I discovered and developed creative ideas and skills as a result of it.

That is when I really began to appreciate and re-examine the benefits of self reliance and intuition- among many other distinctive opportunities that birth in consciuosness- when it seems like life is rationing its resources.

I have since made a decision to relish and expand my resilient ability. I thank my circumstances for how they enabled the great mind to imagine and present solutions. That is a surefire way to dissolve the condition of poverty in mind's consciousness

The best part is that leaving within my means is living without worries even when I live without a lot of things...

September 23, 2005

What was I thinking eh?

Just when I thought I exhausted my channel to God during the moments when I need to hang on to my faith and trust that God will come through as He has done in my many life circumstances there is His footsteps that remind me that He is near.

It is just that this time I was provoked to trust otherwise that it was overwhelming and the wait for this to pass seemed endless. It taught me to reach out and seek help... in this case a kind word, a testimony... a reason to hold on.

Sometime I vie the event as answers to my prayers and when I do not know what to say to Solitude; I just say thank you.

I thank God for enablig me to trust him as he continues to lead me to ways of expressing myself so creatively.

September 22, 2005

Making it through the day

To hold on to you until each storm is over and to remain in your presence forever: I have made a breakthrough that is what I call transfiguration.

Step by step I remove the layers of dross as I come face to face with who I am beneath the dust
I learnt humility so I could gain strength I accept your plan and trust the process when my work is done you will take me through it alive, well and whole and so it is!

Laying my life at your feet and being at your disposal is the commitment you require; dying to my self is the only way you can use me, melt me, bless me and bless others. Many times along the way, I backed out of your plan. It seemed like the right thing to do because your request was too difficult and at times you were too demanding. It just felt easier to do what I please or do as others expect because for some reason it was easier to accomplish. Except that all this while I was robbing myself of the joy of living my very own life.

Knowing that you sometimes let me have my way without twisting my arms made me confident in you and myself but it was not long before I scurried back to you and you are always waiting. What did I expect? You knew that moment would come so you just waited patiently and other times when I broke the curfew you made that You disciplined me. Wow! Decades later I am convinced that your expectations were sometimes too high but now I know that is because you want only the best for me. Then and only then will all the rest fall in line. Ahha! I remmebr that this was when I allowed myself to get close enough to you to hear you whisper my name and stared intently into my eyes as you reminded me of your love. I was really beside myself that day! Now and then I feel like backing away but I know better than to yield to this temptation.

Interestingly I have noticed that when I used to feel like this I used to deal with the anxiety by snatching my life from God and deal with it. Now I just let him do what he wants for I am aware that God is working in my life in a way I never imagined.

I recall the days when I wanted nothing to do with you,God... a god of rage, of mischievous jokes someone who was waiting to plunge the dagger. Ouch! I can just imagine how many tears that God shed on me... tears of understanding of forgiveness and of love. Had he not given the many chances he did I would be no more. This gav me a new perspective on and a deeper desire for holiness as well as a greater longing for intimacy with God

This is more than enough reason to forgive others and myself. But how do I get over the pain stands tall like a giant in my mind. I know that I have release the pain and the persons who did the hurting in the process of doing the best that they could but sometimes I feel that it best to not allow anyone to cross my boundaries. It sometimes felt like I have made a cruel decision. Too many times I thought that to allow people to have their way with my life and freedom was to win their trust and love but each time I did a part of me was full of anger and rage. A rage that made me lash at you God instead of at them and I not only closed them out I shut you right out. What a life. Now I have built this protective wall around myself. It sometimes feels like a prison but without the shackles. Just when I thought that I had let them go- the pain and the ones whom I feel were trespassers- I am haunted with feelings of being stuck in a cage of resentment.

I suppose I had a tangled perception of the meaning of forgiveness. One day I will have grown enough to shed the illusions that shroud my debating mind on this subject.

I am on the path of enlightenment and I choose to no longer resist what you need me to do for I know that you created me to be a Dazzling Light. And I am worth it!

September 21, 2005

And so it is!

It is not too late to begin
It is never a shame to start over
Not as embarrassing to fall
As to fall and not get up
It is over only after you fail to risk again. Yes, all that is required is a mustard seed-size faith of me and of anyone for that matter and the only Source delivers resources of all that is good and helpful as needed when necessary.

That’s no fate. It is realtiy.
The only way to understand my purpose in life is by asking the one who designed it; seeking him for guidance about it and knocking on the doors that he has planned to open when I knock on it. Opening the door of my heart and soul when Spirit knocks on it is soul satisfaction serendipity, serenity, synchronity salutations.

September 20, 2005

Single...to be or not to be!

I used to struggle with the dread of being single and while there are days when I honoured that as my present path on the journey, most times I used to grumble. Then and again, after I reread the lives of Abraham, Sarah and all the ancestors mentioned in Genesis I had reason to quit doubting my loveability. When God is ready, nothing stands in the way.

So I made a vow to honour myself because for some reason I woke up thinking that I was incomplete without a husband and then God banged on my brain. I am with you always... be with me. My Self- not just my human self, that was proposing to me.

I have an emotional little person who wants to me to love, guide it and care for it. Only so can it feel safe to let me love and be loved and enjoy authentic intimacy with life’s choosing companion according to my personal preference

Being single does not bother me as it used to. Now and then I still feel a little lonesome- not incomplete or feeding the soul with nonsense taboo that something is wrong with me kind of stupidity sentiment fuelling my brain to behave I am a mistake created by God.

I am so engaged with loving myself that I accept my singleness as being the best status for me right now. I do not know why other than I know that God has good reason that it is so. That conviction continues to improve my perspective on the singularness.

On Giftedness

I find the wealth of knowledge we posses very amazing if only we take the time to realize and harness it. Indeed I find that a lot of talent and abilities remain untapped and waiting to be discovered. I say that mostly because I too am responsible for dismissing my full potential.

Nowadays when dark clouds try to hide the rainbow, instead of grumbling and whining, I pick up my pen and paper and before I know it my peace of mind is restored… and I give birth to a new poem.

Writing, and more so, poetry helps me to tune within. It brings out the strength and courage when doubts try to creep in to distract me from my purpose.

Not only can I imagine the challenges that some people are trying to overcome; I know the torture that their souls endure as they make sense of things that at the time may be nothing but sensible.

The last six years had been preparing me for this moment of discovering and honouring my talent. Something that brought many moments of my rebirth were the very things I lamented and cursed when they happened.

It is amazing to look back at those moments and see how the dots connect.

I agree with whoever said that one must make time to enjoy living. Living life is an art that has to be practised daily. Taking time to relax is no indicator of laziness or irresoonsibility, as some of us allow ourselves to believe, and it should not be taken away as some privileged. It is a right!
Even Jesus left the crowd to enjoy solitude.

I continue to thank God for the strength and endurance that he has packed in my humanness. I remember how much I tried to back away from him but he had no intention to let me slide from Him again. Here I am today enjoying my life as his most precious gift and I am at peace knowing that God knows and provides for my big and small needs. even when i don not like his eleventh-hour style. I have noticed that these were the times he wows me!

September 19, 2005

My moment of reflection

The fact is that these days I do not make decisions without praying and ask God to help me to see His purpose, especially when circumstances try to make me feel like He is not around.

I trust the process- some days rather grumpily, but God knows my heart's condition.

Gone are the days when I would turn to all other sources before I seek God's say in the matter.

Now when need the best solution I pray for wisdom and God's guidance by sending out my request to the Universe and God sends me the help and most time I recognize it. That counts for improvement on how I manage the business of living.

I must say that sometimes the way the answer to my request comes is not always exactly what I expect. Sometimes I question His timing or try to argue with him... big no no! This is where I need to keep improving. And the good thing He understand human frailness and impatience.

I am glad that I am becoming more open to the guidance that leads me where I need to be otherwise I would not have recognized the cues to the next step on my journey. I appreciate that I am able to listen and share what is in my mind to him without mincing my words. I was able to listen to myself and share what I really felt. That is the only way I can know the truth from the distraction. I guess that is the other prayer being answered... discernment.

The way things have been unfolding is really amazing. I feel much stronger than last year and even this year! I suppose I was dreading the unknown but following my path is the only way I could have found faith in myself and trust in others.

When the student is ready the teacher shows up to empower myself to prepare to reap the rewards of faith in myself and the Universe. This past year was one for learning and growing and God exemplified that by providing a friend and or supporter when I needed the nudge to stay balance and focused.

These are gifts that cannot be purchased in the grocery store, mall or the pharmacy. They are not even readily available in people and that is the answer I received when I prayed for discernment. I had to differentiate the Spirit (positive vibrations) from the flesh (low vibrations). It was not easy but it was very possible and that is why I stopped listening the naysayers.

September 18, 2005

Redefining my idea of employment

I have been particularly frustrated where work is concerned as I know that though it took me a while to allow God to mould me, I did and he did not only reveal this to me in my writing. Looking back on all the themes of my writing I see them as his way of coaching, breaking and restoring me. I never thought that I would bless all what I have overcome yet I finally saw why Life allowed all these things to happen. This is what I needed to conquer holy hell fears and assist people who are willing to responsibly help themselves conquer recession, depression, and feelings of abandonment by tapping into the inside, to really listen.. Institutions cannot teach anyone how to really tap within by listening to the silence where answers come from…that is something they cannot teach yet it is a crucial part of what people are seeking. People need more than a pay check; in addition to that they need someone to sit and listen without judgement; they need love, respect and integrity and maintained dignity in the marketplace.

The biggest lesson is that until I do something that I really enjoy to the point that I would offer this service voluntarily, I will find little gratification. Personal satsifaction is not the only thing that I will enjoy but peace of mind knowing that I can make a worthwhile contribution to the universe and ultimately the world.

This is not neceesarily accomplished with shouldering a more than hefty workload or meagre one percent per annum increase especially when company annual’s assets are in the billions of dollar range- but by being a soulful, conscientious worker. As an employee who puts in a practical day's worth of service, a little piece of the pie that I helped bake is all I am asking for. Is that too much to ask for and, receive?

I did not think so!

Almighty Father, thank you for the work you bless these hands and mind to do and may it always serve you. Put a desire in the hearts of those in business to follow your laws and principles to act lovingly, soulfully and ethically. Encourage us to recognize that no marketplace can fully function without you. I therefore choose to seek first the Kingdom in heaven right here on earth and allow Life to present the required resources

September 17, 2005

The Heart of the Matter

Frankly, I don't get it!

What on earth is troubling the minds and lives of the people who resort to thinking that there is no way out in what is referred to as 'dog eat dog' world?

The fact is, it is not the world that is becoming cruel but cruely is pepertrated as some form of mass entertainment with no sign of an end. To me it is a game gone too far and the result- oppression, individualism and greed.

War over a piece of land or some oil or other 'precious' resources... so many trespassing violations! At some point or another we are all breaking someone's boundary.

Lately police sirens are blaring day and night in my neighborhood and I wonder if that is just a scarecrow strategy.

And the media- they seem to be caught in this fear breeding concern. Who needs to rent movies when you can turn on the TV?

All the great works have somehow fallen through the cracks... what a picture to paint and imprint on the minds of a populace.


While my guess is as good as any, I feel that the underlying cause is not that we are bad people but we are a people searching for truth, peace, justice and dignity and this unfortunately is not found in war, bloodshed, power play or blindly complying with conformity.

I could best explain an alternative with the following poem that I composed to help me do my part in understanding and in resolving the conflict that goes on in one's self and reflected and demonstrated by the actions of war, shooting and crimes.

Understanding and resolving the conflict that goes on in one's self and reflected and demonstrated by the actions of war, shooting and crimes requires quieting of the mind and the master behind the mindgames.

Life always balances itself even in ways that seem unbearable to the human mind and the treasures that coerces the mind lends little help when what really mattes is traded for things that cannot restore peace

The healing effect of music

Along the way I have fallen in love with some songs, which to this day, I keep playing and listening to. More importantly, music has this powerful hold on the strings of my heart; it somehow knows all the hurting spots that need soothing with its balm.

I remember missing out on a workshop because I stopped at electronic department of a store and never left because there was a TV featuring VH1 music videos back in 1980’s when my family could not afford to have a TV.
I suppose I should devote some time to reading about the musician or songwriters…one day. Until then, I continue to enjoy music for its therapy if nothing else. Music takes me to my core and takes me where no Shrink could trespass.

September 15, 2005

Thoughts and feelings

I am indeed getting more comfortable in the course and trust that there are others who, after getting their feet ‘wet’, feel the same way.

I especially enjoyed chatting with those who I caught in the chat room. Awesome!
I look forward to more of that!

It took me four decades to seriously work towards fulfilling my goals.


Only a week into my first writing course and I realize that there is so much more I can do once I complete this course; not to mention practise writing the different styles of poetry that I have learnt.

One thing is sure.


This is no longer just a dream and if it is it has a very happy ending.

The dotted line

Well not exactly... In this case it is just a straight line.

Before I do I intend to fully understand what may be at stake and or that I say yes to the terms of this agreement. Too many times I have signed disclaimers only to read it later to find a word or clause that zaps my brow! After all I had to learn at some point. Interesting the shortest agreement is about three pages or 30 items on the terms and agreement and people are expected to read sign and be given a copy in under five minutes.

Go figure what some of these statements says; for example the one I read yesterday goes like this:

General Limitations of Liability: In addition to those limitations of liability set out elsewhere in these Terms and Service, we will not be liable to you or to your third party for any direct, indirect incidental, special, punitive or consequential losses or damages, including: losses of earnings; loss, theft, destruction, interception, misdelivery or alternation of data or other information; loss of business opportunities; property damage;( and here is the classics loss)- personal injuries including death or any other foreseeable or unforeseeable loss.............. whether to not the acts of omissions would otherwise give rise to claims or causes of action in contract, tort, pursuant to statute to pursuant to any other doctrine of law.

That is just a small portion of one of the 29 guidelines in the terms and conditions of service.
and you are supposed to read while the rep is standing there waiting for signature.

Well I resolved that going forward anything longer than two lines will require at least one month to read, understand, query and agree to sign and return to service provider, and that goes for government agencies and all who draft up those disclaimers...

What do you know…a classic piece of mail about failure to meet end of agreement and the legal actions ensued just arrived. Did they check their files to see the breach of agreement why this amount remains outstanding? They had better get cracking because they will be the one to pay.

And this other service provider who sneaked into my bank account after the termination of services... and it has been a run around to have a refund which one of their administrators agreed was a breach on their part. I am prepared to give them one more followup call and then it is Small Claims court here I come.

I took responsible for my end of the deal. Can you?

I have let too many disputes fall through the cracks and cause unnecessary issues because I did not see the need or merit to work up my blood pressure or lose what money cannot buy or replace and now is time to say, “enough is enough!”

September 14, 2005

The trip to the doctor's office

I still have no idea why the medical centre was closed this evening. I wonder if one of the doctors fell ill and to avoid rescheduling chaos the place was shut down.

Last evening I received my reminder phone call confirming my apppointment, only to hobble all the way there to read a note on the door that says 'medical centre closed. Regular business will resume tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience'.

Things happen for a reason and since it has not clicked I can safely admit that I did not miss the reason. Oh well, I am back home safe and sound.

September 13, 2005

My take on self confidence

I used to believe that I would never amount to anything but with time and each drop of esteem life deposited in my wellness I recognized that the voice of old beliefs were still talking each time these tapes played on in my brain. The fact that I had listened to them over and over for so long made it seem true. That was one of the biggest lie I allowed my self to believe. I did not think that I'd ever recover from this self esteem blow. I did, because with God all things are possible. Many times people do not need meds. What these human spirits need is renewed, restored dignity.

In my reflection about all these recent tests and trials, I see the possible outcome as the answer to my prayer- well one of the many that I have been heating up God's ears with. I finally know what I am on this planet to accomplish. He has given all the qualities that I need but knowing the world I have to present a piece of paper to prove something that can never be key to the work itself. At the rate I am studying it may take a while- that was until I reminded myself that God does not work as acadmia and institutionalized doctirnes dictate. when mindbodysoulspirit align all ordinary laws dissolve.

So I conitnue to stay on course and trust the process of life’s unfolding.

Illusion and its buddies

I used to be afraid. Then I became afraid of being afraid. For quite some time that is all I did- being afraid of being afraid. Fear and its buddies- doubt, ignorance and nervousness- invaded my life and took over my sanity of reality. At first I felt like they were my helpers and friends. My mind encouraged me to believe that I cannot and would not survive without the active meddling in my self management. I tolerated the manipulation and intrusion in all my affairs and decisions.

Big mistake!

The day came when I had enough. My cup of joy and happiness were empty while pain of panic was full to the brim. It was overflowing. That is not what I needed or wanted for myself nor did I wish or intend to pass it on.

I acknowledged my fears- even that was not enough. I had to feel those fears and let me tell you, they were in my bones, in my mind; they were crowding my very being- my soul. That was scary!
The next best idea was to abandon them, only to find them back at the first sign of trouble. They were all too familiar with my coping mechanisms and were always ready to come to my rescue. I expose myself to their tricks. Yet again, their security and comfort zone warranty was unreliable.

At my wits end, I agreed to befriend them for a while for the sake of allowing them to reveal their strategy of assistance since all things happen for a reason that may last a season or live a lifetime.
Sure enough, these ghostly companions began to present to me their full function in my consiousness. Illusions and its buddies were helping me to transform and transmit limitations and assisted me to welcome activities to encourage me to accept that I have wants, I have needs. So instead of denying, ignoring and repressing my emotions, passion and thoughts and responsibility for taking appropriate actions I acknowledge exclaimed my gratitude to all that played havoc with my dignity.

No sooner did I understand their purpose the grip of fear, oblivion, began waving adios mitote as they applaud me for igniting that fuel joyful living.

September 12, 2005

A day in the life of an active artist

Life continues to offer me the encouragement to wakeup what is asleep inside me. the opportunity to use structured sltyle of writing to support the freedom of self expression with impeccability of integrity and respect for life.

The first assignment to do so was not too challenging. Though I had not written poems using the Haiku style I knew about it.

Suffice to say, it pays to practise a few styles. At the same time I must admit that I am glad that I did not wait until this moment to allow my soul to squeal or else I'd missed out on poery wrting as a therapeutic tool.

Break time….

Recess is over…

There I am hours later after having struggled to think and compose a three tanka poems and still enjoy adding my own flavour of creativity.

First of all, today is the first time I ever heard of Tanka as well as the first time I have to compose a poem on a theme suggested by someone else. It is so different composing what does not come thorugh spontaneously.

The good thing is I learnt something new and different.

I better sign out and review my work before I send it off for grading.
Assignments, discussions, and chats are a whooping 40 %! Journal, Portfolio and Presentation- 60%

I have to keep up with my journal. I better get back to collecting my fragmented ideas.

September 11, 2005

Lemonade-making moments

The teacher shows up when the student is ready to proceed. Sometimes the teacher is available but the students is on a procrastination spree; in which case, the teacher returns at a later date or another teacher appears.

I remind myself of the many times this has happened to me and each time I said, “no more putting things off.” I have had as many reasons as the number of times I played hide and seek with my intentions even when it was obvious that I had played this game way too long. Short-term goals became long term tests.

My biggest goal has been to be an active artist. Many times I dismissed it as not quite possible and I brushed the very realistic activity aside and continued entertaining the sting of seriousness that kept nibbling my soul.

One day I asked myself when would the timing be right?

That was it!

I dismissed Procrastinator, Fear and Doubt.

I began working passionately editing and reviewing my fragmented and fullblown debriefs with Life. Since most of my poems were composed at the time when anger was spewing day in day out, I had to extract their healing balm without taking away the salvation of the message. That took a lot of effort. Life used this channel to reveal the fact that there was still scars and wounds to attend to and hence, more poems to write. Some of them reminded me of my confused state when clarity was a bit obscured. Grammar had gone out the window too.

Once the thoughts and feeling were unmangled the words began to make sense and I began to feel a bit more confident about one day opening the window of my soul and allow the flame of freedom to reignite my spirit so my mind and body can glow!

I began to gather together all my pieces of paper that I had written something that at the time did not make any sense, even to me, yet I felt compelled to jut down. Interestingly I was able to un-juggle those words until they flowed like poetry- mainly free verse and one stanza.

Writing is a talent I give full credit to for its role in restoring clarity and balance to my thoughts, emotions and desires. Wanting to earn my PhD in the passion of eslf expression was something that I somehow already knew Life bestowed me with as my natural unorhtodox style of communication with Cosmos. Because of my willingness to honour this ability, I improve the impeccability of how I use words. written exphasis helped tame the tone of confidence in my voice.

Phew!

That took a long time, gentleness, patience, uncensored self assessment and some friend’s and loved ones along the way.

I did it! Life also used this path to assist me in practising self discipline.

I know there is more to learn and I am ready to learn even more with each moment- of each moment- in each moment because personnaly I am convinced that sticking with the detrmination to grow offers room for optimal aliveness

Joy of Self Expression



What took me so long to get this blog on a roll?

My mind was still having a bit of trouble accepting that it has a lot of wisdom to share. Ever since the venom of the sting of seriousness seeped in to the mind it developed the side effect of conducting itself in a state of apprehension of what people think of me.

The inkling that is always working with me right along side the inner critic continued to helped me treat mind with dignity and respect by raising its potency of silence.

I clearly recall the day inner critic had enough of mind’s determination to put apprehension in proper perspective. I felt a vibration in my innermost being. The brain translated it loud and clear.

Do you not want to know the real you? Brokenness, brokeness and all answered in gusto, “yes”

I rekindled the zeal for wriitng, for a very long time I kept referring to it as a hobby. It was okay to begin by calling it that but five years ago when it began to manifest into an achievabe goal I should have recognized it for what it was becoming.

I suppose the fact that I kept writing even more after each bit of doubt crept up was a sure sign that the desire had not gone. It is either that or the intention failed to take not yet for an answer. For every reason I thought the timing sucked, or that the dream was just too big for me, I had ten reasons to go ahead so I took out the mask and came face to face with whom I am.

The wind of change did a real number on me when it uncovered all my layers of dross and made me take a good look at who I am beneath the dust.

A powerful person full of production and potential possibilities!

September 10, 2005

Keep it up Mother Nature

I just came in from my balcony. Oh what a great city night view from the eighteenth floor facing east.
Let me tell you. Watching the sunset may be an aaahhh moment…that is until that same sun goes to sleep and rises as it announces the dawn of another day and invites me to share the day with it....pirceless!
The smog tries to compete with the clouds and the manmade lights tries to out shine the beautiful sight. That's tough competition. To crown it all September temperatures have been fantastic.
Keep it up Mother Nature.

My first online course

Never say, never! I have since learnt that this is making a mockery of God with whom all things are possible!

How many times have I reminded people of that or, stopped them in the middle of saying " not me… I am too old, too dunce, always failing, yardy yardy yardy!"

Well I ate my own words or should I say that I minced them up when I registered for my first online course. The choice for an online course was not an issue but online study for a student who had always been a classroom learner...

I tell you! It sure pays to widen one's scope and invite more possibility from endless impossibility moments.

I raise my glass of Club Soda and say, “way to go girl!”

September 09, 2005

Duty of yes and power of no

Expectation full of many pitfalls and disappointments often led me to search for a path where reality can assist me to let go of what I think is ideal reality or should be ideal or reality.

The cosmos chuckled when a morsel of mosaic majesty came to terms with the fusion of ancient modern and modern ancient in current condition and apply this wisdom and knowledge to living and absorbing meaning from each event and breath of Life
That’s just how it is!

September 08, 2005

What Can I do?

September 07, 2005

To All My Helpers

The past six months has been an ordeal that intensified my conscious awareness of what has since been the beginning of an improved way of living. Of course, already there has been much to learn from the physical challenge that showed up rather abruptly. Taking time off - indefinitely- was a good commitment to attending to myself. When my feet felt like it wanted to drill a hole in the ground with each step I took to the point where my leg wanted to eject from its socket. I knew that I had to find out what was going on to cause such throbbing. Days of aches turned into sleepless nights.

Whatever, whatever it is was- was something to not ignore the day I woke up and could not walk even one step nor feel I had legs. Months later, there I am with a diagnosis that I never expected and yet this is what has made me embark on a journey that requires more healing than a cure can suffice. As much as I wanted to blame the universe and blaspheme the divine for its rude wake up call, which confirmed that my body was silently succumbing to wear and tear and my oblivion of the adverse effect of everyday stress, I decided to be more attentive to my body’s way of communicating its needs.

Many helpers offered assistance in some form or another and that was the most poignant reassurance that made the silver lining appear a little brighter in the dark tunnel of a diagnosis that I was not ready to accept nor the need for surgical intervention to repair the ruptured discs that deteriorated the nerve root.

So here’s to all who reach out with kindness and affection. The next few months before surgery is a bit more bearable because of you and my agreement to honour life and the body it considers home.

September 06, 2005

Hosana

The way God decided to give me a push so I can make it through the eye of a needle makes me wonder if the ‘slow to anger’ God was infuriated or excited

It’s hard to tell if that is why the camel decided to push itself and sprint through the loop with such ease. Maybe that is what impressed Jesus so much to make him exclaim that it is much easier for a camel to enter heaven. I really appreciate not having to wait to prove that it is easier to attain everlasting life after doomsday and conversely it seem that it took doomsday to get God to personally save me since Jesus was in his own refiner’s fire

All I know is God has ways of doing things or not doing things that encourages me to follow the psalmists’ style of praising and lamenting.

September 04, 2005

Movement Management

September 03, 2005

Salvation of Self

September 02, 2005

Sojourn Sanctuary