It's been a long time, but I've been kinda busy. Life, love, graduating, moving...all too much to handle in a few short months!

I successfully defended and submitted my thesis. So, it's official. I will get my Master's on December 19th. What a long, uncertain journey this has been. And, it seems it is only just beginning!

I received Orders to New Orleans. A brand new place for a brand new adventure. Which, in a lot of ways, got me to thinking about where I am and where I choose to go. Choice. What a powerful word. Some believe that our thoughts dictate those things which we choose to bring into our lives. This sounds like a great ideal on the surface, but I struggle with Human Nature and the power of negative thinking. We all do it, it is just the degree that varies. Does that mean that we all attract things into our lives which we truly do not want?

I never thought I "wanted" to go to New Orleans. In fact, I was all geared up to head out to Hawaii and spend three fabulous years on the beach. But, alas, the Coast Guard had something else in mind. Although, I really believe that God has something else in mind. Which is fine, except sometimes I feel like I am the last one to be let in on the secret. In this case, I have NO IDEA what this new adventure holds in store. Yet, I know it is the right thing because my faith allows me no other option.

I think choice is really pretty simple: either try to maintain a false sense of control over ALL aspects of life OR do what you can to make things work out the way you think you want them to and then LET GO of the rest, give it to God, and let FAITH take over. Ok, easier said than done. But, what I've discovered during this part of my journey is that the latter (while difficult) is so much EASIER in the long run. Because, really, the best way to make God laugh is to tell him (or her) that you have a plan.

Our plans are just that - plans. They are not concrete. They are not what define us. Yes, plans and goals are important because they give us tangible markers, a way to move forward and grow. BUT, we have to remain flexible and have FAITH that the Universe provides and all will work out as it should.

So, with that, I am off to continue packing and move on to the next great adventure. See you in New Orleans!

Lessons Learned - A Continuing Education

I was thinking about a myriad of lessons I think I've learned (or at least acknowledged) over the past eight months of singledom and personal renewal. Some came rushing back today, through a series of strange, wonderful and trying events. Others have been percolating for awhile. I guess some seem redundant. Nevertheless, these are my philosophies, my guidelines, the things I try to incorporate in my everyday practice of living a balanced, fulfilling, healthy, harmonious life.

1. (This lesson was reiterated this morning - a hard one at best.) It's not for me to look for or force relationships...it's for God to place them in my life when the time is right. So I remind myself when they don't work out as planned, let go and be at Peace.

2. You can't keep yourself behind barriers (hiding behind walls) and synonymously live a truly compassionate lifestyle.

3. We are all human, we are all imperfect, we all have faults. But, you still have to find a BALANCE in personal, professional, spiritual and family circles. Do what is right for you and be conscious of others as you do.

4. Life is so precious...it is such a gift. Because it is short, it's important to let go of the things that aren't working or aren't right. Make room and time for those things that are right (as you feel in your gut) as they are the things that are meant to be in your life.

5. You are ALWAYS where you are supposed to be - even if you think you should be somewhere else. (If you feel a strong pull to be somewhere else, perhaps it's time to move to the new emotional, spiritual or physical place where you are NOW meant to be.)

6. Breaking out of relationships is never an easy task. Every time someone goes, a piece of the soul goes with him or her.

7. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. So mote it be. BUT, you are still responsible for your actions, thoughts, words and energy that you put forth into the universe.

8. Live fully. We are blessed with this precious gift of life and MEANT to do wonderful, amazing, compassionate, kind things. Live every day with that philosophy at the forefront of your thoughts, actions and words.

9. You never know when your smile or kind word will change another's attitude, brighten her outlook, or turn negativity into a positive (and healing) force. Smile often and laugh out loud.

10. Trust yourself to know and act upon what is best for YOU. After all, who could know you better? Hone in on your talents and USE THEM. They are gifts that are meant to MAKE A DIFFERENCE during your time on Earth.

11. You ALWAYS have a choice. Do you choose to be happy and positive or unhappy and negative? Remember, what you put out there is what you will attract.

Love of Life

Life has been on my mind a lot lately. That sounds so trite - because it seems we are always thinking about life. Are we happy or just content? Is it OK to be content or do we need to strive for more? Are we fully engaged in what we are doing, in our journey, in our plan, or are we skating by, letting life happen to us?

Vivacious is a word that comes to mind - and my sister is a woman who encapsulates that ideal. She is one of these amazing people who followed her dreams, despite what logic and society dictated. Someone who REFUSED to let the norm dictate the course of her own personal journey and now is happily engrossed in her self-made business of travel photography. Case-in-point, how can one argue with living the lifestyle one envisions, complete with self-respect, love, family, friendships, environmental stewardship and contentment?

Revisiting my own life had been a focal point over the last several months. It is amazing how quickly we can stray from our intended path and let life wash over us like a tidal wave, leaving us with no real focus, no direction, and uncertain of our next steps. Then, when traumatic situations take us by surprise, moving past them takes time and devotion to self, in order to discover - or rediscover - those things which are important.

I was perusing other blogs and came across Expand Your Life, which I found to be both interesting and fascinating. Every week this blogger will find one new experience to take part in and write about. We should all be so open to expanding our own lives. After all, that is why we are here. That is why we have so many opportunities.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone adopted a true LOVE of LIFE and vowed to break out of their circle of comfort, even momentarily, to experience something new, positive and exciting?

The possibilities are endless! We could create so much harmony and balance by expanding our thoughts, our actions, our willingness to grow as individuals and as a human race.