Our world is one of cycles. Tides ebb and flow, one season gives way to the next, night follows day. In our own lives, we have periods of great activity and periods of rest. Just as high tide is no better than low tide and summer no better than spring, activity is not, in itself, better than inactivity. If fact, these times of rest and rejuvenation, idleness and dreaming, help us connect to ourselves and to our divine source.

Our culture tends to applaud action and achievement. We are often most comfortable with ourselves when we are clearly traveling toward a goal. During these times of striving, we direct our energy outward. We take action on our vision and follow the steps that lead us to our goal. But there are moments in this process when the urge comes to take a break, retreat, or just lay low. The tendency may be to judge ourselves negatively as we may be less comfortable with these moments of down time which is a great time to check in with our intention.

By being aware of your intention behind the action of laying low you can gain a higher perspective on it. Ask yourself if your intention is to honor an essential part of your being or to hide from it. Is your intent one that is ultimately kind to yourself - empowering rather than diminishing? Perhaps you sense it is simply time to pause and allow the universe work its magic on your behalf.

When you feel the urge to have down time, trust that this is a natural part of the process of achieving your goals. Know that what may appear to be a deviation from your path can actually prove to be a shortcut and give yourself permission to do exactly as you are moved to do. Curl up under the covers with a favorite book or catch an old movie on TV. Soak up some sun or daydream the day away. Better yet, do nothing at all. Allow yourself to simply be - alive and at ease.

So that is my revelation for today.  Freaky how that really works out sometimes!

My uncle decided he wanted his tagline to be "get uncomfortable".  We talked about the way people often use the excuse of being uncomfortable as a way to get out of trying something new.  Now, I'm not saying people should run around feeling uncomfortable all the time because that would just be ridiculous.  Feeling uncomfortable at certain times is what helps us grow into strong, healthy, well-rounded human beings.  Now I don’t know about you, but I sure would like to be considered well-rounded (in terms of my mind anyway).  So in the words of my Uncle Anthony go out and “get uncomfortable”!

Having grown up feeling like the truth did nothing but hurt other people, it is very hard for me to be direct and share the truth.  Sometimes I find myself in situations where I am extremely uncomfortable but unable to voice my concerns or tell the truth about how I feel because I am so afraid of what the consequences may be to the other person.  This is something I am working on with myself by thinking and talking through things instead of simply doing nothing, but sometimes I fail. 

While I’m writing this, I’m thinking of so many times where not telling the truth has hurt me more than anyone else.  Perhaps that is really what this is about; my twisted way of thinking that I must protect those around me is actually hurting me in the end.  Thank the gods for new days and the chance to keep trying to get it right.

Sometimes my mind begins to feel liquefied because I haven’t been doing enough knowledge seeking.  It’s a strange feeling, almost physical more than mental.  The funniest part is that all I have to do to remedy the situation is pick up a book or learn a new word.  Instead I sit in front of the television and catch up on one of my multitudes of “favorite shows”.  Perhaps it’s time I get rid of the old t.v.  My house would certainly get quieter; I’d listen to more music and maybe finish crocheting that baby blanket for my friend’s new baby.  I search for the riches Mr. Vonnegut speaks of, but don’t seem to do much in the way of sacrificing to achieve them.

Sometimes when I’m feeling anxious or depressed, I like to wallow in my own self pity.  I figure it’s okay to do that once in a while.  Then when I feel the need to lift myself up, I’ll remind myself that everything is okay.  You know how I know that everything is okay?  Because everything is always okay.  Sometimes that’s hard to swallow, but I make myself.  Sort of like the bitter pills I have to take when I’m not feeling well.  My mental bitter pills seem to be much harder for me to swallow, but I’m slowly learning.

Today I am supervising the LSAT at work.  Most of the time is spent in preparation the day before and then finishing up afterwards.  It’s not the most stressful thing I’ve ever done, but it certainly has its fair share of stresses.  It is difficult because I am the type of person who always wants to please everyone, even though I know that is not possible.  If I could stop trying to please everyone, maybe my stress and anxiety would dissipate.  Ahhhh, if only…

Sometimes my mouth opens and words spew out and the talking part of my brain is on overdrive, but the thinking part is asleep.  Why does that happen?  So many times I say things without even thinking first how it might be perceived.  Admittedly this can sometimes be funny, but it often hurts the listener's feelings.

One time I walked into a crowded office and shouted at a mere acquaintance "this place is like an aphrodisiac for you isn't it"?  At the time I wasn't really aware what I was saying and I ended up sounding like a fool.  Man, if only life had a rewind button!

P.S.  I'm sorry if my wobbly mouth has ever offended anyone who is reading this.

So, after being away from Montana for over three years, I had forgotten how amazing it is there.  The mountains are beautiful, the scenery is breathtaking.  I highly recommend a visit (to the western part of the state) to anyone who hasn't been.  After I download my pictures, I will share some of the beauty I saw.  Oh yeah, it sure was nice to see the family too!

There is a car pulling a little camper trailer which looks like it crashed into the sidewalk outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.  When I first saw it, I was alarmed (it looks like it really crashed).  Is that what makes something art?  If it evokes a strong emotion?  Just wanted to know what the consensus of other people is, as I can't seem to make up my mind.  When a piece of art is something simple that seemingly anyone could achieve it boggles my mind.  Mainly I think, "why didn't I think of that"? 

I like my little camera phone.  It is so fun to go around and take pictures of random stuff sitting around.  All the pictures in my photo gallery so far were taken with my camera phone.  Actually, the ones of my fiance were photographs I photographed (seeing as how he is in another country and all; he's not easily accessible for photos).  They turned out pretty well I thought.  See if you can guess what some of the random shapes are...