The Adventure Continues…
Love; The Boundless Adventure
“No matter what has happened in your life, you always have an invitation from love. Love is not limited or “conditionalized” in our experience. We never have to earn or prove who we are in order to be loved; love is infinite..” -Eddie Mullins
Love with consequences, behavioral demands and exceptions is not loving. There’s no freedom to BE within those perimeters. Love is boundless.
That’s as close as I can get to the message Jeremiah shared with me in the dark hours when coughing and breathing difficulties replaced sleep. This, the fourth spring I’ve experienced this year, has taken a toll on my allergies and lungs. Ironic it is at the location I once called home. The desire to state clearly that I am allergic to home is how my giddy goofy nature tends to deal with what my body throws at me. Without humor, I don’t think I could survive life.
In my feeble attempts to journal the wisdom collected, a lot was lost in the translation. I am the adjective and adverb queen as I sloppily interweave the five senses into a collection of sentences and paragraphs. With a handful of descriptive words I can tug on the reader’s imagination and invite them to sit on the passenger seat of the full-sized truck I am driving down a back country road with its black interior and seats that adjusts to a luxurious level of comfort. And yes, that button on the dashboard allows you to either heat your tush or cool it off. Who knew you could directly AC your fanny? And, yet, I still cannot accurately relay the message I received.
Today is my birthday. Rain is gently tapping on the roof of the camper as I compose the first draft of this post. The early birds have begun to serenade all creatures within hearing range of their perch on the cedar branches and nearby trees.
A dear friend shared with me yesterday that today is my Soul’s Day; the day we circle back to self. When I paused and allowed her words to soak in, she’s right. It’s the one day of the year we focus on Self, acknowledge where we’ve been and anticipate the possibilities the new year will bring us.
I never really understood why a lot of people approach their birthdays as some sort of punishment where the consequences of experiencing another rotation around the sun as getting old and decrepit. Sure, I would love to have my firm ’n lean teenage body before the stretch marks of pregnancy ripped my skin to shreds in my twenties, but… but, there’s not a chance in hell I’d ever relive those days again. Once was enough! Life is about experiencing change and growth.
Within the message Jeremiah shared with me, I accessed a deeper level of wisdom and insight to love of Self that cracked open the wooden door I’d closed when I was child to hide from the those who would never love me for the me that I AM. Throughout the years, friends and family relentlessly attempted, even demanded, that I think and live in a manner —in their opinion— that would correct my behavior so I would fit into their perfect version of me. I learned a long time ago I would never live up to their expectations, nor be what they wanted. But let’s not go there. I’m good with who I AM. Besides I’d rather reflect on the unconditional love and adventures I experienced this past year and what’s ahead. That’s more fun.
As far back as I can remember I had dreamed about traveling, writing stories of the adventures and being debt-free. It was a silly fantasy that I never thought possible. I followed my heart, listened to my intuition and transformed my life. The first round of traveling granted me life-shifting experiences and the opportunity to be me without the influence of other’s. I’m back at the location I once called home to play with my grandsons, tend to some business, tie up some loose ends and prepare for what’s next. The list of places to visit is growing and my on-the-road courage is gaining momentum. There is a grand life to be experienced beyond the limitations and confindment others desire me to remain.
So now I get it. How I feel about me is the only opinion that matters to me. It is truly none of my business what other think of me, nor how they feel about me. I have no problem declaring that I will never react to people the way they demand, behave in way that’s acceptable to someone else, and have absolutely, positively no desire to fit in or compete with anyone. Damn, that’s freeing!
Unconditional Love of Self is the best birthday gift I could give myself as I wander another rotation around the sun. Go ahead, give it a try. I double dog dare ya…
“I hope to finish writing my book someday…”
“I’ll write that article tomorrow…”
“Is anyone reading my blog posts; no one will notice if I skip a week (or two)…”
It time to put pen to paper and share our natural gifts with the world. Pen To Paper Writers Circle is an accountability / mastermind membership intended to:
- Support bloggers, article writers and/or book authors.
- Encourage and empower members to take action steps towards writing goals.
- Explore writing and editing techniques utilizing monthly learning modules.
- Create time to write.
- Discover ways to bring out our natural creative skills.
- Motivate writers and offer insights to prepare for publication.
“Your writing is phenomenal and I an so happy that you are venturing into creating a community of writers. I have felt the pain of isolation, as an online business woman and a writer, having a weekly writing support group would be heaven.”
-Rachel Kieffer, The Health Nut Girl
Captured moments along the way…
Explore the adventures that got me here…
Screw Their ‘Be Happy’ Advice
The Adventure Continues...“Without you in my arms, I feel an emptiness in my soul. I find myself searching the crowds for your face - I know it's an impossibility, but I cannot help myself.” ― Nicholas SparksEleven Pearls of Wisdom from a Grieving Mother Turning the...
Are you wandering In Love?
The Adventure Continues...“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ― Martin BuberOne of the highlights of going to Traverse City as a child was getting the chance to see the bison along US-31. As the car descent down the hill, my sister and I would...
Think I’ll Go For A Walk Now
The Adventure Continues...“I throw back my head, and, feeling free as the wind, breathe in the fresh mountain air. Although I am heavy-hearted, my spirits are rising. To walk in nature is always good medicine.” ― Jean Craighead George, On the Far Side of the...
Absolutely love your post, it resonates deeply and I agree on many levels. Great quote to being the blog that shares your beautiful inspirational thoughts. A very happy birthday to you. I hope this year brings you all you wish for and more!
It warms my heart to know this installment of my journey resonates with you. And, thank you for the birthday wishes, Heather.
Happy Birthday Cindy! I spent a lot of time contemplating on Eddie Mullins’s quote and then reflecting on Jeremiah’s message.
I love birthdays because they are a celebration of my journey and how much I have learned along the way. The only opinion that matters about you is the one that you have about yourself because your story is unique. Let others be miserable while we celebrate our wrinkles, greying/silvering hair and know ours is a life worthy of a story.
Thanks, Vatsala. It was an amazing birthday. Eddie is a mentor that I’ve been following for years. He shares insights on his FB fan page daily that are very timely and appropriate for where I’m at energetically. And, Jeremiah’s quotes gets to the matter of the heart, doesn’t it?
Yes! Let the others be miserable while we celebrate the joys of our age and wisdom gained. Our life is a worthy story. Many blessings to you, my friend!
Cindy, I love the quote and how you are sharing this amazing adventure with so much confidence as well as sharing your feelings. Yes, Unconditional Love of Self is the best birthday present anyone can give themselves and something we all can do every day. Love Suzie
You always have a way of brightening my day, Suzie. Thank you.
A belated Happy Birthday, dear lady. I was out walking wooded trails and inhaling a tranquil lake scene yesterday. If you think about it, it was a perfect setting to wish you mental Happy Birthday from. It was like I was sending you a mental gift of peace and tranquility. Yes, absolutely yes! What others think of us is none of our business and the older I get, the better I like it!
Thank you for sharing the walk on the trail with me, Barb. I cannot think of a more perfect place to wish me a happy birthday. You’re a dear friend and know me well.