every day i wake up and sort through the words of wisdom
that have found their way into my inbox overnight.
words of encouragement and inspiration,
of laughter and hope,
sometimes even of sadness.
my brain sifts through them one by one,
trying to sort and file and reframe.
trying to make sense of it all.
trying to incorporate others’ experiences into my own.
some days i feel open and elevated,
grateful for the intellectual stretches the words allow me.
other days i simply feel bombarded.
engulfed and consumed by too much information,
until i can’t take any more in.
what’s already there needs time to incubate, to assimilate.
we are endlessly learning from each other.
the give-and-take in an ordinary day is sacred and essential.
but there are times when silence and solitude
is what is needed most.
a solo journey to discover one’s deep essence
becomes the paramount task.
what i would like to say to you . . .
- be aware of your unique rhythms and needs
- identify with others but set your own course
- discover the fuel that propels you forward
- be at least a little brave each day
- do not hesitate to stretch your limits
- reach higher than you can grasp right now
- marvel at your inevitable progress
Those seven steps are a great plan for every day. Especially reaching beyond myself and appreciating the results.
hey, rick – thanks for stopping by my global studio. π without appreciating the results, i believe we miss part of the lesson.
Sometimes I think you are in my head. I love this and will print it out as a reminder.
i love that, sheila – consider it an “april post-it note” on your brain!
Beautiful, April! I can relate and I love your wisdom about it.
thank you, leanne!
Great post! I love the idea of being a little brave every single day! I promise to find one thing a day! xoxo, Ali
so happy to hear you’re taking on the challenge of being “a little brave” each day, ali!
Beautiful. . . . Simply, eloquently, deeply, Beautiful.
i appreciate your lovely feedback, elizabeth.
I love each of your 7 points. The one that jumped out for me was identify with others but chart your own course. (I have always beaten to my own drum, so to speak π
wonderful to hear that you are your own drummer, susie! thanks for sharing.
Hi April π I love all 7 of these nuggets. “Marvel at your inevitable progress” stood out for me. doing the ‘scary stuff’ needs to get done once- that’s it. Then marvel at your own bravery π Then do the thing that’s next. Totally agree, thanks x
we so often forget to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished. thanks for visiting, farah.
Hi April~
Great advice. Definitely resonate with this one:
‘Other days i simply feel bombarded.
engulfed and consumed by too much information”
Um, yes. Information overload can be daunting and finding quite time is key.
lisa – i’ve been on a mission recently to consciously safeguard myself against too much information. it’s so easy to fall into overwhelm mode, isn’t it?
April, I love how you write. Direct and to the point. I totally agree with the seven things to say to you.. π
I also totally 100% agree with: But there are times when silence and solitude is what is needed most.
Thank you!
thank you, tania. π there are definitely moments when we must be our own best friend and really listen in silence to ourselves.
These are fantastic, April. I foresee these as post-it note reminders on my bathroom mirror. Powerful. π
thanks, michelle! i try to keep these seven points in mind whenever i find myself off track or with an obstacle looming in front of me.
gorgeous, yes sometimes filling ourselves with up with everyone’s else’s ideas is inspiration, and at other times is noise. So to find the times for our own silence to allow our own wisdom to emerge is priceless! thanks for sharing your inner wisdom!
so very true, deb – “sometimes inspiration, sometimes noise.” thank you.
I have been trying to stay mindful lately, to really check in with myself, to be present. WHY is that so much freakin’ work?!? Thank you for this. I love your writing style.
ha ha – it certainly takes effort to be mindful, doesn’t it bon? thank you for being refreshingly honest.
As an introvert, I have no problem being alone. But, I am now learning how to, “Reach higher than you can grasp…”
Thanks you April, I always look forward to your words of wisdom.
thank you, denise. and i’m pleased to have been fortunate enough to hear how you’ve been reaching higher than you can grasp recently!
Simply sublime, April.
Identify with others, but set your own course: I think that may have to go on my mirror for the week.
what a lovely comment, cathy – thank you.
Hi April~
It’s my first time posting here. :]
Succinctly written with a nice splash of ZEAL~ I echo your thoughts and appreciate your welcoming reminders~
Have a lovely week,
~T.
welcome, teresa – i’m so glad you stopped by! and thank you for your kind words. π
Inspirational!
And so beautifully written again.
xx