Meri's Musings

Too many people flounder, wondering for years what their life's work will be and what kind of life  they'll build. Hint: notice what you love and figure out how to turn what you love into a calling and work into play. As for what kind of life you're destined for. . .  well, it seems to me  that we build the life we're destined for by our everyday choices. Want a brilliant, satisfying life? Practice kindness. Be grateful for all your blessings. Cultivate and express your talents. Learn to delay  gratification to reach a long-term goal. Recognize  that life is precious and fleeting. Love with gusto. Laugh until tears run (or until you snort). If you lack a supportive family, build one from your dearest friends. Be present. Learn to accept what is (and to change what you can). Teach others to treat you well. Honor your word. Go for walks. Spend time in nature ...

One thing I've learned about cultivating JoY is that when you start looking for it, it shows up everywhere. In the weirdest places. In unbelievable forms and shapes. Like this guy. . . . found in an antique store in Thorp, Washington. It's a kitschy pitcher.   Trying saying that fast 5 times. I dare you. I bet you can't do it without laughing. And letting the JoY leak in. The crazy pitcher made me laugh out loud. If I hadn't been in a "paring down, simplify" phase of my life, I absolutely positively would have brought him home with me. Simply for the smiles he'd evoke. (Instead, I bought a beautiful embroidered handkerchief to add to my stash of beautiful nose wipes.) How are you cultivating joy? Share your wins, your misty-eyed moments, your ear-to-ear grins. Where do you find JOY? What thrills you? Notice it. Cultivate it. Celebrate it. Share it. ...

a coming together for sacred community lessons about inevitable change and healing, living with intention, beginnings and endings joy love and peace a reminder that stories we tell ourselves to frame our experience become our experience, narrow our possibilities and hamper our flexibility celtic melodies fly straight to the heart sacred turnings whispers of the divine witnesses to the yearnings of our souls little altars everywhere