Finding my self in the woods

I took a walk today, all alone, in the woods. You see, I was introduced to Meditation at the beginning of the week, where I was taken on a visual journey through the forest. It was very peaceful and calming and ever since then I have wanted to take an actual journey into the forest. Today was like seeing everything for the first time. I have hiked with the kids often for the past two years, but there is something magical about being there alone. I always hear people say, "Don't go hiking woods alone (insert scary scenario here.)" I have been hiking solo for years, I grew up in the woods, they are my home and my spiritual connection. I feel completely safe and serene in the woods. From the moment that I step into the forest, I see God all around me. I feel his presence with the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the rustling of the leaves, the creaking of the trees, the chirping of the birds. I feel like my whole body relaxes and takes in the beauty around me. Today I walked slow and let it all soak in. I stopped several times to admire the view, to breathe the air, to pray and give thanks for everything good in my life. In this quiet hour alone. I felt more myself than I have in years, I didn't worry about what happened before or what was to come, nothing mattered except for being completely present in that moment. Today was a gift and I accepted it with open arms.

Dreams

Dreams are important in any existence. It is important to work towards personal goals, to be motivated, to find something that you love to do. Dreams are dreams because they are distant from reality. Sometimes dreams can lift you up and pull you away. Your mind wanders at the many possibilities of what could be and what is to come. They make you think in a different way, they make you yearn, they can even change you. Not all dreams are out of reach. A lot of people have the means to make their dreams come true, some people work toward their dreams everyday and never make it to the end game, but they are happy with the journey.

Many of my dreams have already come true. I have a great, loving husband, 2 amazing children, and a handful of close friends. These are people I love and cherish. I consider myself fortunate. I don't have much money, and though I feel like things would be easier if I did, I take to account the fact that if I did have a lot of money, I might not have a lot of love. I would choose love over money any day. I am a caring, compassionate person. I'm not incredibly smart, and most things don't come easy for me. My dreams may take a whole lifetime to accomplish, but I look forward to the journey.

Seven Years....

Seven years ago today I met the love of my life. I had no idea at the time how much he would mean to me today. We had crossed paths before, but we had never really spoken. He was a long haired skinny guy that worked at Mr Gatti's and was friends with my best friend. I will spare you all of the awesome details, but when I met him, I was a mess. I didn't know what I wanted, I wasn't sure where I was headed, I was floating from day to day in a fog. He rescued me, more than once, in so many ways, more times and in more ways than I even knew at the time. I like to think that we rescued each other. That we were always meant to be.

Today he is the father of my children, the provider for our family, and the love of my entire life. We don't have a lot of money and we aren't perfect.  He, till this day, refuses to fight with me. He lets me get angry, yell, and then brood until I get over it. I always do. He has a great sense of humor, even though I don't always admit it. He is fun, strong, loving, loyal, and dedicated. He is my everything. I love you Mike. Happy Anniversary!


Seven years ago today the hit song was

Wikipedia's Picture of the day was

A lot has changed about the world in 7 years, but we remain the same, together.