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Heart Sounds 5/30/2006 4:34:31 PM
It's been a while since I've been able to write this blog. As many of you know I have a neuromuscular disease that prevents me from writing as much as I would like. These past several months proved to provide me with some unsurmountable obstacles which only now am I able to cope and accomplish this blog. I wonder how many people have overcome obstacles in their life? How many allowed their circumstances to dictate their response and as a result created chaos in their lives? I know in my life it is through adversity I find a renewed strength to continue forward along the path I have chosen in life.
One of my least favorite statements from people is "You really look great!" Each time I hear this statement I am reminded of how superficial people can be. It seems at times that no one looks deeper than necessary, no one peers through the smoke and mirrors of society, no one approaches with the thought of honestly caring for how I really feel. It's kind of a polite statement but only I know how much pain and limitation I endure. Unfortunately I have not discovered a good response but have learned that people (especially those close to me) refuse to see my limitations perhaps to avoid the inevitable question of it could happen to me.
I find that feeling is an essential part of my daily life. It is such qualities as feeling for others, feeling your way through life, feeling and listening to that feeling as you go about your day that brings energy to a listless life. Have you ever done something or gone somewhere when you did not feel like doing or going? How did it feel? Have you ever listened to your inner voice to converse about how you feel about this or that? Have you ever taken time to be....and to hear.....and to respond to the pureness of who you are?
These past several months and yes years have given me time to reflect not upon my illness but upon my life, its path, and its purpose. I've taken the time (selfish as that may sound) to heed the advice of my inner voice and to follow its directions. In return, I have been given one of the greatest gifts that life can give. Life presented me with a transforming feeling of inner peace, of understanding, and of a willingness to change my life where necessary and to amplify areas of my life I find appropriate.
Few are able to take those moments of reflection and simply wander through life. Few ever hear that small peaceful voice or feel its presence surround them. Few experience the ecstasy of knowing who they truly are and use that knowledge to improve not only their lot but the lot of others. My illness provides me with the time and the quiet to hear and respond to my inner call. In many ways it is a gift to me from the universe which allows me to grow each moment and to search my heart for answers.
Today is a new day full of opportunity. Today is a new chance to change and to improve who you are. Today is one moment in time that will vanish into the haze of tomorrow. It is up to each of us to use our time wisely, creatively, and supportive of the life we are given. It is up to each of us to expand our life's box and to enhance our world, encourage our fellow man, and to become who we were created to be. The gift of life has given us the opportunity to effect everyone and everything we touch. All it takes is the willingness to listen, to hear, and to act upon the desires and direction of your soul. Isn't it about time you stopped the circus you call life and start to listen to your heart in order to begin your life change?
