on a date with adventure.

I have been romanced by novelty lately. Everyday, flowers marked with change, exploration, and the sure sense of flow show up on my doorstep. In candlelight, we feast on curiosity and toast to the absence of normalcy. My journey is made anew, and I am falling more in love with each passing moment.

Nothing is the same in this new town- well, besides my love for chocolate chip cookies and the unnecessary amount of time it takes to blow dry my hair. But, other than that, I'm in a constant state of discovery. I've discovered a new lullaby of the train passing out my window, comfort in the voice of a new friend, a fresh feeling of air as I step outside on unfamiliar paths. I've discovered the energy I receive in exploring the uncertain. I've discovered a lack of need to attach myself to expectation. And, the most important treasure yet, I've discovered my Spirit has known all along exactly where to lead me in this journey of mine.

Even when normalcy and routine begin to vie for my affection, I have discovered a strength to appreciate the newness of each moment, of each setting sun over the city's lights, of each flake of snow that covers the earth. I have discovered a need to stay curious, to love on adventure, to follow my bliss.

This journey of mine has many places to reach. But, for now, this moment is my journey. This moment is my adventure, and I will open myself to it all.

be free.

i feel this overwhelming need to tell you that you are free at any moment you want to be.

your mind, your heart, your spirit- they are all just cage-less birds waiting patiently behind the illusionary bars you have set them in. some of us spend life times constructing the perfect self-induced home for our most precious belongings. a home that is safely confined to comfort or to the fear of surrender and letting go. we pick the cage's color, the ornate detailing, the size of our boxed in, simulated freedom. we control the creation of our own aviary. but, it's ok and feels safe as long as we are in control.

we seem to like control, so let's go with that. just as it was our choice to give these cages standing room in our lives, it is our choice in what we do with them at each moment.

a complete demolition of these lifelong creations of restriction? why that may be too much too soon and leave its inhabitants flightless, unable to catch air under their premature wings.

but, you have the power to just open the door. at any moment. you have the power.

remember, your heart, mind and spirit, they are already cage-less by nature. they are already ready and willing to fly free, to flow with the current of the honest air. their wings may be slightly stunted from time behind imagined bars, but they will grow strong nonetheless. every time the door is opened and they are given permission to explore beyond illusion, freedom is yours.

yes, freedom is yours.

see this.

“What would you do if you knew you were enough just as you are today, if you knew- really knew- that you were in your essential nature a compassionate, gentle being capable of being fully present with yourself and the world? Would you trust yourself more?” –Oriah

Declare to begin this year embracing the goodness that you are. For whatever this year does or doesn’t bring, little does that compare to the growing awareness of who you are, of becoming more in touch with your true, compassionate self. Vow to know yourself, love yourself, and trust yourself, and everything else will fall right in line with what you truly need. You have the power not only to realize your essential, sacred nature but also to LIVE according to that nature. You are beauty, strength, peace, and love. You are bliss and hope. You are you, and that is always enough. Continue to embrace and unfold. Continue to trust.