CREATED TO BE ONE OF A KIND

The person sitting across me on the train was a young girl probably in her twenties, slim and petite, with long black hair, chinky eyes, asian nose, thin lips, and pale white skin. Nothing extraordinary in her dressing as I see it duplicated in every young girl or boy anywhere out on the streets.... the casual tee-n-denims and a backpack loosely carried on one shoulder. But she is different.

Because this person I see is so much more than her physical attributes. Her preferences in life, people, food, fears and stuff would probably cause a raised eyebrow. Too how much more would it surprise me if I learned about the insights, perspective, observations and impressions she holds on the bigger world outside. What about family, education, relationships, hopes and dreams? What about her capacity for pain and learning, joy and love, patience and understanding? How much can she hold or give from the heart? What does she do when life gets tough or tougher? Is she one to break into a smile for the slightest reason?

I look around the train and see more faces. Maybe having similar tastes in clothes, maybe liking spaghetti like I do, have parents, families, children, or working at jobs from 9 to 5.. or maybe unemployed like thousands more in the big city... and other teeny-weeny identical things life throws at people at one time. But that's as far as similarities go.

She's different and there's no one else like her inside the train nor out there in the world. And so are we. We are different. Because we were created to be each one of a kind. Uniquely individual. And that makes us so very special. So very specially different. :-)

MAYBE IT WILL WORK OR MAYBE NOT BUT WE MAKE DO

We're never really assured of outcome whatever the thing we're faced with. Wish that there was a fool proof way of knowing ahead of time. But always it seems to be that something out there could or would possibly alter or influence result. Perhaps something forgotten, new hurdles, attitude change, people moving, or some unlikely unwanted surprise or two and many more. It happens. I usually get unhinged by such things or by something else preventing a well thought out plan from happening or finishing. It drives me crazy because there isn't a back-up plan to it. Who thinks of a backup plan anyway when you're sure it's going to work.

But then I got to thinking, maybe it will work or maybe not.. nobody knows that... not with the way things have turned out anyway. But I think we carry on with what's left there available to us. We make do.

No I don't think it's making do with mediocrity but rather it's the rise of renewed brilliance resilience courage strength hope and faith. Armed with that we inch forward using what we have, in spite of. There's nothing mediocre about that. We make do because we can. That's the human spirit at work, regardless.

WHAT IS SUCCESS

When I was asked about success, I smiled. Because if I were younger I would say a flashy car, a mansion, a bank account, travels round the world, a title, gourmet dishes, fancy clothes etc. But now that am older and have seen much bout life... I can say that those things don't matter much altho yes it has its uses. Success is when everything around you goes crazy but you stand steady and tall, serene and unperturbed and say: "this too shall pass". Because you know that nothing ever lasts and that the true measure of success is not on externalities -- but in your core... who you are and Who your Power Source is.

THE HEART KNOWS BETTER HOW TO PRAY

Prayer is not just a word but it's the only common language known the world over. It is spoken in all the different languages by a vast multitude and diversity of race, culture, and creed. Oh but don't we all know that!

But one more thing I do know.. it's the only 6-letter word around with heart permanently attached to it. Man or woman, young or old -- a poor man living on the streets or the president of a country or a little kid of 5 or a life-weary old man of 80 -- they all have their hearts tied up in their prayers. So many things to pray about -- life, death, healing, success, provision, protection, guidance, relationships, ambitions, dreams, goals -- everything contained in our life struggles is reason for a prayer at one time or another. Even in our mundane pettiness and whimsical desires. Oh yes, ever heard how kids pray? And maybe some adults too.

No lengthy phrases and offerings need be said nor sacrifices be presented although it will not harm to do so too. It is as according to one's faith and belief. But prayer need not be much of a burden for anyone to do. A whisper or a silent tear or silence can be a prayer too. All that is needed or ever could be needed is already there in the heart. Pray with it.

Though the different ways of praying, only the heart knows how to pray well. Only the heart sends off the plea directly to the Holy Throne. Only the heart is heard loud and clear. And only in the heart is where you are you in prayer.

"When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart."
--- John Bunyan

WOKE UP TO MAGIC

I was up at 7am this morning. Woke up to a gray cool morning - the sun not yet shining its glory. Maybe it will be this way for the rest of the day, but it's okay still. I felt good.

You saw that post I wrote recently about an empty day. Well, it seems that am having more empty days than I thought. :-) Though I knew beforehand that sometimes days would be just like this. But it's okay too.

And this morning as I see it has the makings of another empty day. It's amazing and funny how sometimes days seem to copy each other for seemingly long stretches. Seems to be taunting me to try break that unholy grip. But it's okay just the same.

Because I feel fine. I hear birds chirping on tree tops as clearly as ever. I feel a slight breeze blowing like it always does - refreshingly. I see the sky shifting from blue to gray and sometimes back to blue again; maybe it knows that my favorite color is blue. Through all these wonders my mind soars like an eagle high up to the vast blue sky meandering over breathtaking meadows of pleasant memories. It's all good.

Wonderful, isn't it? Magic and magical moments come when you lay yourself open to possibilities. And it doesn't matter where you are or how you feel or what kind of day it is. If you just be still and let it happen to you.

So have your magic and magical moment, everyone. Be blessed.

ON AN EMPTY DAY LIKE TODAY

I don't think that an empty day is just what it is... empty. And I don't think that self is wasted on an empty day. Because every thought, movement, word even the tiniest of it matters. Whatever life that comes out of self resonates in time and leaves its mark on anything everything it lands on... now, tomorrow, the future. Believe it. Because you matter; it's not the day -- it's all about YOU.

Because.....

Every thought that passes through your mind could have the potential of a bright new idea, invention, creation, inspiration, knowledge which in its own time will give birth to wonder, awe, and magic. Every word spoken could in its own way inspire, encourage, strengthen, influence, or initiate a blessing. And each enlightened movement you do sends off a message to the universe to carry out the noble thought behind it.

All these even on an empty day like today.

CHOICES - MAKE IT GOOD

It's a sunny morning. I can choose to be irritated by it -- or go outside and enjoy the blessings of a lovely day. Anything and everything in life has choices attached to it. Choices. Therein lies the potential for both good and bad. My grandma would always say 'be careful what you pray for - it might come true'. In the same vein, I say now ---- 'be careful what you choose - the wrong one could make you lose your smile'. :-) Choices - make it good.

(Pictures here were taken by Amchit with her cellphone.)

RAINBOW SOULS

I've met 'rainbow souls'. Yeah, I like to call them that because just like a rainbow comes after the rain.. they bring back the joy, smile, and hope into lives where once thought would never show itself again. By their mere presence they help one cope with life's turbulent waters. By their steady strength and support they make one want to believe and hope again. By the beauty of their minds they make one see beyond those barriers or walls which keep away dreams. By the gentleness of their hearts they restore one's inner core or get you back connected to it much in better form.

Sadly my rainbow souls had to leave. Beautiful friendships. Alas, life took them into other directions -- but perhaps to minister to other hurting souls and that is so okay. Maybe I'll be seeing them again someday. Who knows?! One thing's sure they're irreplaceable. Will always keep their memory alive.

But three very special rainbow souls have gone and never will return again. That felt like losing a huge chunk of me. 'Thought I'd never make it alone. But I was wrong for they left their footprints behind -- in my heart and it's like they're always there -- accepting me for who-what I am, pushing me to reach my best, reminding me to stay on track, giving me the inspiration to follow my dreams, keeping that laughter and song in my head and heart alive. They're there for me.. always will be. My rainbow souls... Mom, Dad, kid brother Jesse. Love you!!! --- Know your rainbow souls? They're just there. If you can't see them with your eyes, see them with your heart.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same." ~ Flavia Weedn

YESTERDAY TODAY TOMORROW

--- How many times have we gone crazy over something which failed in the past? When things went wrong and we couldn't do anything about it though we tried? When people came into our lives and brought it some sunshine magic and rainbows and yet we didn't notice? When trust and expectations were thrown out to the winds by the mean hand of someone we looked up to? Such bitter thoughts and unpleasant memories can break a heart. We may try to piece it back together again if given that chance, we certainly would want to change things where it needed change. But we can't. No more. It has already gone beyond our control. Because yesterdays are now gone. Gone for good.

--- What about tomorrow? Why do we dread it so much? Why do we punish ourselves hard to achieve a tomorrow we expect to be happy with? Why do we live as if tomorrow is all that matters? Is it really? Are you sure that all those things you have fiercely gathered will assure you just that? Are you even sure that tomorrow will come? How long do you expect to live? What dreadful thoughts! Enough to lose sleep over, elevate your blood pressure, push your migraine to the edge of the cliff, and drain you of your energy, inner spark, and life. And yet tomorrow still is to be born and that too is beyond our control.

--- What then is there left for us to live? Just one word -- TODAY. Today is where we live our life. In our today is sufficient challenge, opportunity, burden, problem, joy, sadness, sorrow, fear, success and failure, and prayer. Today holds enough for us to carry. Today is sufficient unto its own. We don't need the burdens of yesterday or the anxieties of tomorrow added to the present load. How much can we carry? Today is everything that we need. Living today with the best we've got and with the best of what we are will vindicate the past and will take care of our tomorrow. And you know what, this is how Somebody up there meant life to be --- that life be lived one day at a time.

(The picture above was shot by Malen)

TODAY IS WHERE WE SHOULD

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind... let it be something good." -- Author Unknown

When was the last time you did something good --to others and yes to yourself? Well, you have another chance today. Today is meant to be good but you have to get involved in making it so too. God has already placed in it good things-- the beauty of nature, wonderful people, the blessings of life and living but you are expected to render your own good more than what you receive. Is that right? Yes it is!

Everything is there in your today -- the challenge, opportunity, the reasons, the whys and hows, and time as contained in a day. Now the rest is all up to you to create that good. Be like a garden water sprinkler -- it sprinkles and showers good ole water on all the plants in the garden and helps them grow into something grand and spectacular for eyes to see and appreciate. That's precious.

That's what you-we are here for - to make this world a better place to live in, to cheer up weary hearts, to give joy and hope to them who think there's none, to make another person feel brave and strong in the midst of trials, to make others see that God is there even if he seems to be not, to help someone see his worth and feel good about himself, to help someone understand that it's okay to make mistakes but must learn from them well enough, and to believe that the power to make life and the world better is all inside of us.

We can do that with kindness, love, understanding, sympathy, compassion, and the willingness to stop awhile from our busy lives to listen to a weary heart and soul.

Today is where we should. Because .....

"when tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, in its place is something that you have left behind..... let it be something good."

CHANGE BEGINS WITH SELF

Yesterday the new president-elect took his oath of office. 'Twas a moment of jubilation for a beleaguered country and people. Hope was in the air. All good but.....

This is no time to be fence sitters or placid spectators to the unveiling of a new chapter in our country's history. Because whatever happens next will affect you, whoever you are-whatever you do-wherever you are, like it or not. So speak up, take action, write about it, share it. Don't be content sitting on the fence ... just watching the parade go by. Get in there and be part of the hopeful change for good. AND ... let's make sure that's where we all are heading. --------