Wisdom, but at what price?

Hmmm, this morning as I was putting on my makeup - a daily routine that is always done with a little dialogue with the woman in the mirror (shout-out to MJ) - I considered whether wisdom is ever attainable without deterioration of the physical being? For I am finally figuring out some fundamental truths about me and life and at the same time discovering that I ain't as young as I used ta be...

So, I wondered if we ever recognize a sage in a young person or whether that is discarded as brash arrogance? And if that is so, which I suspect it is, what is needed to shift our awareness of wise people sooner on our path - especially if they are our peers or children, because wouldn't this be much simpler if we just accepted the messages from the universe that drip onto our heads 10,000 times until they leave an impression?

This actually just firms my resolve to live to 100, an active, happy, energetic 100 years where I actually get a chance to do something with my new found grace and awareness. Particularly because right now I don't seem to be very masterful in this realm - I need a few more years at least to gain some confidence and a lot more conversations with the bleary eyed reflection when I wash my face!

Need it be brilliant?

While I have been exploring the worlds of my blogging companions and noticing how connected I feel to them, I have come to realize that what really works for me is to read something from them every day. When one of my 'regulars' takes a well deserved day off and does not coincide with one of my days off, I am disappointed that I missed my glimpse into their lives. This and the brilliant conversations I had with colleagues last week about the powerful affiliations created in our social networks has inspired me to write far more often.

Not a day goes by when I haven't had pause to consider an aspect of my life, so, why not share?

Today, I noticed that I am ready for more than 2 or 3 days off in a row - yes, it is time for a holiday. However, I have not structured my life to accomplish this in the current glory days of summer. My next extended period away from work will be in the next 2-3 weeks, answering the baby hot-line and rushing to share in the labour and delivery of the grandbaby. Not exactly mai-tai, margaritas, mango daiquiris (insert beverage of choice) on the beach, hmmm?

This leads to thoughts about taking care of myself, appreciating my contributions and creating not only the time but the means to vacate (that just doesn't cut it as the verb for vacation, does it?). Since I am now an "independent contractor" in the parlance of the new world of business, that means no paid vacation time, which I had really taken for granted after 4 years of working in a corporate structure. So, how to accomplish this? Well, my financially oriented friends would be able to assist me in a budget planning session where I carefully put away sufficient funds for a planned holiday in the future. That and the coaches I surround myself with who can assist with finding the structure to support my self-love commitment should do the trick. In the meanwhile, days with the new baby and stolen hours in the sun during on a glorious day during the week will have to suffice. Truly mini-holidays...

Ridiculously grateful for my life

Sunshine nourishes my soul, there is absolutely no question about it! The glorious heat this week, starting with the first glimpses of the sun through the blinds and stretching into the magical last remnants of light in the sky at 10:30 at night enjoyed on the deck, has been unlike anything I remember in June on Vancouver Island. Sitting in my office, lightly sweating from the exertion of tapping keys on my keyboard, now that is much more like Mexico. Big smile on my face!!

I chose the "unlimited" class option on the yoga classes for this term (hey, it was $12 more than 2 classes per week, what a bargain!) and I have been taking in 3 classes a week. Three 90 minute yoga classes in a beautiful little studio, with wonderful yoga teachers, laughing, stretching and contorting in the warmth has been well, I have nothing to compare it to - never done this before. But the way my body feels, so well used, so open and loose? This is a practice that I will continue for the rest of my life! Yoga has kept me sane this last month as I gritted my teeth through the various inconveniences and frustrations of my husband's broken foot and consequent complications. Don't get me wrong, I have tremendous appreciation that it was not occurring in MY body and no lack of sympathy for the awful state he was in. I just wasn't completely selfless in my service to his situation and needed the graceful exit to the yoga studio to regain my calm.

The "borrowed" house has been shown a few more times - one pretty serious potential buyer. She will be looking again tomorrow and I suspect an offer will be forthcoming. This will set in motion the anticipated moves and changes and I am very ready. Careful consideration and setting intention for the next locale has been done and I am making some very specific requests to the Universe for our next home. Timing to have it all done and me settled into the new routine by September would be ideal.

Meanwhile, I will continue to express my heartfelt gratitude for my life as it is. In my observance of the quirky (but completely human) workings of my mind, I have also taken on expression of thankfulness for the power of creation through saying it will be so. Jean Luc Picard had it right; "Make it so". I am here because I said this is what I wanted. I am (dare I say it?) CONTENT!

I want to make sure to give credit for the beautiful artwork at the top of my blog - the artist is Chris Chun (http://www.chrischun.com/) and this piece, called Poppy Vase Teacup summed up the glory of today.