Playfulness?

Do you take life too seriously or get caught up in day-to-day demands? I have myself, even to the point of abandoning the very thing that soothes my soul - writing.  Not anymore. Not when there's bubble wrap to enjoy. LOL! So, I write...

The Water’s Playful Dance

By: Annette Thomas

        

The water playfully

dances to nature’s

song as if no one

is watching.

Joyfully jumping

when the sun reaches

for her and then

bashfully turning away

as the breeze tries to

kiss her.

Unaware of eyes

gazing on, she swirls

with the excitement

of an innocent child’s

dress and continues

to playfully dance.

Gentle?

What does it mean to be gentle? The dictionary states that being gentle is having a mild, controlled, calm nature or character; "not severe, rough, or violent." Common synonyms are: peaceful, soothing, mellow, pleasant, relaxed, patient, etc. You can probably think of someone with these charateristics. I know that I have in my life several people that fit that description. Gentleness is something that I look around for and admire. Who really wants grumpy, hostile, hateful, unkind, angry, and/or violent people in their lives? Yet, I have known people to treat themselves in such a manner. If you are such a person, STOP! You are worth more than that.  Be gentle with yourself. Love yourself. Know that people enjoy being around people that are kind, compassionate, tender and gentle. You can be that person.

Quietness?

I believe that this speaks about more than our sense of hearing; Although, I have found that to be true also.  I believe that in the quietness (or silence) one can hear what the mind is speaking.  Is your voice one of self-hatred or pessimism? If so, think past that. Within you lies a truly amazing soul on a fabulous journey.  You may not feel like it now, but it is true. A storm cannot last forever, nor will any negative thoughts or feelings you may be experiencing. At least, I feel this to be accurate of my life. My grandma used to tell me, "This too shall pass" and I believe it to be so with every fiber of my body. However, there have been those times in my life where I had that voice inside telling me otherwise.  It is today that I begin to hear with my heart what truly is, versus hearing with my mind.

Silence the mind?

Silence the Mind

By: Annette Thomas

Silencing the mind,

Will allow your soul

To speak and guide

You to the correct path.

For it is in the depth of

Your soul that you will

Not only find answers

But also comfort.

Try

It now.

Silence the mind.

Beautiful Smile?

The Most Beautiful Smile
by Annette Thomas

Yours is the
Most beautiful smile
That I have ever seen.

It can brighten
Up a room with
Just a simple look.

It tempts even
The pessimist
To return a smile.

Yours is the
Most beautiful smile
That I have ever seen.

Is Silence Truly Silent?

Is Silence Truly Silent?

By: Annette Thomas

Who among us can hear silence?

Is silence really silence

if you can truly hear it?

I have yet to find that place,

for the sound of my mind

keeps on speaking…

Do you hear the silence?

If Only It Would Rain?

If Only It Would Rain

By: Annette Thomas

If only it would rain…

I would feel the droplets

on my face as all

negativity flowed

from my soul.

If only it would rain…

The heaviness of this

burden would be

lifted and my load

be lightened.

If only it would rain…

I would know the beauty

of a bright rainbow

as my sadness would

turn to joy.

If only it would rain…

Rise up?

Rise Up

By: Annette Thomas

Rise up from

that which has

knocked you down.

Rise up, despite

any lying.

any abuse.

any infidelity.

any addiction.

Rise up, despite

any unhappiness.

any incompatibility.

any lack of intimacy.

any falling out of love.

Rise up, despite

any hurt.

any pain.

any tears.

any regret.

Rise up, despite

any blame.

any shame.

any sadness.

any depression.

For it is

in the rising,

one ascends above

that which has

knocked you down.

Oh Caterpillar?

For you my friend...

Oh Caterpillar

By: Annette Thomas

Sometimes, I sit and think

about past events until

depression seeps in…

But today, I am reminded

that just when the caterpillar

thought, “I am incapable

of moving,” it became a

butterfly.

Thank you,

Oh caterpillar.

All is swell!

Today, I read the above quote and found it to be very inspiring. I don’t know who to quote as the source, but it reminds me to look for the good in a not-so-good situation. Almost four months ago, I left my job of 11 years. After searching for a job for a month, I thought of the not-so-good situation and took to self-reflection.  Shortly after, I joined a spiritual writer’s group that inspired me to do that which I love.  I have since found peace…and another job.  All is swell! Remember as I have, the storm never lasts forever and there is sunshine on the other side. - Annette Thomas

What I Love?

So today I typed “writing” in the search engine and what results did I get - images of quill pens, pictograms, typewriters, magnetic words, keyboards, and reading glasses on books.  Does anyone pick up a pen anymore and just write? I find the whole thought of writing thrilling, of course I am a writer.  Of all my writing though, I love my poetry the most. Hope you enjoy it.

What I Love

By: Annette Thomas

What I love about poetry

I love about you…

the newness of uncovering

that which lives deep inside.

discovering fresh thoughts in

which to find the words,

and the magic when

you express that.

and the happiness of sharing

that with anyone who will

listen to the rhythm that

rolls off your tongue.

Fairy Dust Dreams?

Ah the magic and wonder of starry-eyed lovers…



Fairy Dust Dreams

By: Annette Thomas

Once upon a

Fairy dust dream

Two starry-eyed lovers

Danced on moonbeams.

This in my head

I began to repeat

And how it did make

My heart skip a beat.

Lost in a dreamland

Yes indeed

Continue for this

You must read…

As vibrant as

Your lovely laugh

This I must

Say on my behalf

Fairy dust makes

Me think of you

But this you

Really have no clue.

It was this dream

Of starry-eyed lovers

That made me

Want to really discover

The magic and

Wonder that I feel

Is only for you

And that’s for real.

Roadway of Love?

The Roadway of Love

By: Annette Thomas

Whether you’re going

Your own way

Or traveling in

The same direction

As the others,

You need not

Feel alone.

Many have traveled

This same roadway

Both day and

Night, through happiness

And sadness, during

Sunshine and rain.

Although some have

Gotten where they

Wanted, some have

Gotten lost, and

Others have just

Ended up where

They started; You

May even do

The same.

But just remember

That as the

Wheels are turning,

So is time.

Make the best

Of it. Turn

Up the music,

Take in the

Sights or enjoy

The silence. Just

Know that you

Are not alone.

Many have traveled

This same roadway

Both day and

Night, through happiness

And sadness, during

Sunshine and rain.

Self Reflection?

Your Shadow Follows Your Lead

By: Annette Thomas

Is your shadow doing the things

You want others to see?

Being the shadow you want it to be?

Going where you want it to go?

Sowing the seeds you want it to sow?

Saying the things you want it to say?

What is it that your shadow displays?

Do you just watch your shadow

In the daytime when the sun is out;

And when it’s dark, turn around

To make sure that it’s gone about?

What kind of shadow do you have –

One that fades with the light

Or one that’s always in your sight?

Keep a watch on your shadow

For it is a reflection of you –

Doing the things that you do,

Saying the things that you say,

Playing the games that you play.

Your shadow lives as you live

And follows your lead!

Smile?

The Evening Song?

Have you ever tried to capture a photo of the moon or the night sky?  I have, and as an amateur photographer with the camera I have, it is nearly impossible.  So, I simply hold the spectacular memory in the depth of my soul. I do have one photo, however, that I’d like to share and these words:

Dreams come true?

Today, I read the above quote and it got me to thinking about my dreams. What a simplistic and true approach to making your dreams a reality. It all starts with an image or vision of some type.

What's on your bucketlist?
What do you see yourself doing in 5 or 10 years from now?  

What do you dream about doing but are afraid of doing or don't know where to begin?

Let that inspire you. Let that passion flame your desire. Let it move you to action.  For it is through action that those dreams become a reality.

Battling with You?

I'd like to share with you something very dear to my heart that you may, or may not, know. There have been a number of tragic deaths in my family. To name a few, both my mother and grandmother died of cancer, and shortly before my mother's death, I lost my uncle to suicide. My foster sister also was killed by a drunk driver. My mother was only 49 years old when she died, and her mother was only 56 years old. It is my hope that you know regardless of what "inner turmoil" and/or "external battle" you may be fighting, there are people that care and will go to "battle" beside you:

Battling with You: I am Here

By: Annette Thomas

Victory in an actual battle

Is achieved when one of the

Opposing sides forces the

Other to abandon its mission,

Surrender its forces, or retreat.

I am not here to force some

Strategical plot or mission

Planning on you. I am

Simply here to say…

Although the warfare of

Health can sometimes

Be exhausting, know

That I am here.

Know that you need not

Fight against the inner turmoil

And external battle alone.

I am here.

Be the struggle long or short,

I shall live, love, laugh and

Learn with you.  You need

Not ask for I am here.

Hidden Treasures?

For the first time ever, I read one of my poems in public before a crowd of over 35 people. I was one of 25 people scheduled to read.  The names were to be randomly chosen from a basket to determine the order and guess whose name got drawn first - Annette Thomas. I was shaking as I read my poem, but was comfortably reminded that I had friends in the audience cheering me on. It was 2 hours of bliss.  Thanks to all for making this event amazing.  I am continually reminded of the many treasures that a day can bring. And so I write...

Hidden Treasures

By: Annette Thomas

Finding hidden treasures

you knew were

always there.

Finding hidden treasures

you knew were

really rare.

Finding hidden treasures

that showed you

someone cared.

Love, beauty, and joy

Smiles, laughter, and play

Forgiveness, silence, and tears

Finding hidden treasures…

What a day!

Happy Tears?

Today, I write about tears...happy tears.  Why? Because as Gerard Way says, “Tears are words the heart can't express.”

Happy Tears

By: Annette Thomas

To feel emotions

Build up in an

Intimate moment,

Where words have

No expression –

Happy tears fell.

Something is different

Something is dear

That moment we

Kissed everything

Became clear and

Happy tears fell.

Mental shift?

Personal growth is something that many people seek to accomplish. Often times, the revelation of growth can be seen in the day-to-day choices made. Other times, it is seen as a slow progression that last a lifetime. Whether one’s growth is like that of a green blade of grass or that of a lightning bolt, it is growth and should be seen as such.  Growth need not be some divine revelation or spiritual awakening. It can be recognized in one small act where a thought process gradual shifted, such as with the act of forgiveness.

The Path to Peace 

By: Annette Thomas

Maybe

Today I will

Forgive you

For what you did

…Maybe

Maybe

Today I will

Let your tears

Touch the very

Depth of my soul

…Maybe

Maybe

Just maybe

I will show you

The tender mercy

Shown to me

By God

…Maybe.

Yes,

Today I will

For this is the

Path to peace.

Depressed?

Held Captive Though Alive

By: Annette Thomas

A prisoner to depressing loneliness    

And crippling isolation.

Held captive to incapacitating helplessness

And feeling debilitating powerlessness.

A victim of paralyzing hopelessness

And emotionally-shattering despair.

Plunged into an overwhelming darkness

Suicidal…

           

Attempted

Saved

Alive

Reprise

There’s hope?

The other day I went to the library and looked up “self-acceptance” in the online library search database.  To my surprise there were only a handful of books listed.  Maybe it’s just me, but I thought there would be more books on the subject. Perhaps there are more books on the subject; I just didn’t have the “right” key word(s). Regardless, I think that it is an important subject.  For those of you that have ever been put down or cast aside by another or even yourself, this is for you:

There is Hope
By: Annette Thomas

Dysfunctional.
Depressed.
Discouraged.
Defeated.
Degraded.
Disabled.

Often times heard
In a soft whisper.

Damaged beyond repair?
Never.
There is hope.

Imperfect.
Inadequate.
Incomplete.
Insufficient.
Inferior.
Invalid.

Many times heard
In a loud cry.

Injured beyond healing?
Never.
There is Hope.

Your inner genius?

Today, I read a very thought-provoking question and I wanted to share it with you.  It comes from Alan Cohen’s book “A Daily Dose of Sanity” and reads, “Consider a question you are wondering about.  If you knew the answer, what would it be?” Many times when having to make a decision, I already know what I want to happen.  I have something inside me that guides me to the correct course.  Some may call it intuition, gut reaction, Spirit, consciousness, etc. Alan Cohen calls it our “inner genius.” I like that. It is empowering to know that I, myself, have the answer within and just need to access it. I once heard that if you really don’t know the answer, flip a coin. The answer will come as the coin is in the air, you will suddenly know which one you do or don’t want. I often think about that.  Clearly there is an “inner genius” inside each of us.

How are you?

In passing, I am often greeted with “Hi. How are you?” and I respond with “Fine.”  I answer this way many times as this question is, more often than not, simply a casual social exchange and nothing more. However, right now I would answer, “I am blessed.” I hope that you too can answer this way, particularly after reading the poem below entitled "The Guest House" By Rumi. 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Thank you?

Has the phrase “thank you” become just a repetitive expression to you? If so, you could be among countless others who just mumble it too. For so many people, it is just said as a courtesy or acknowledgement that something has been given such as a gift, favor or service. I, myself, like to think that it is more than an expression expected of you. I like to think that it is said as an expression of pure gratitude for a grand gesture of love on someone’s part. Today, I challenge you to not just mumble the words or to just acknowledge something has been done for you.  I’d like you to show genuine appreciation and gratitude for that which has been done when saying “thank you.” Will you do it or just repeat the words as you always do?

Lift your spirit?

Have you ever just watched a child play? They have such a joyous spirit.  They can make the simplest things fun. They often don’t even need the toys that have been given to or bought for them. Playing tag or hide and seek with a friend, even playing with a box or the pots and pans from the cabinets can make even the smallest child beam. What is it that brings you joy? Think about something that lifts your spirit. Perhaps it is reading a book, talking with a friend, family member or spiritual leader, walking in nature, praying or meditating, journaling, working on a craft/hobby, watching a funny movie, listening to music or taking a road trip somewhere. Do something today that lifts your spirit and brings you joy. Smile like a child. Laugh like a child. Play like a child with a joyous spirit.

Someone who hugs your soul?

Today, I read a very touching poem by Hafiz called “A Tree You Can Wind Around.” It spoke of an intimate relationship that most people long for. One in which is “always near.” One in which someone says “One day, my angel, you will realize you accomplish everything just by appearing amongst us…There is really nothing more you can do for us than you having…ever been.”  Do you have someone in your life that is always near, loves you and believes in you to the depths of their soul unconditionally? Many of us feel that love in the embrace of a child, a grandparent, friend, or higher power.  So how about giving them a call, sending them a letter or email – hug them the way they hug you! And...

"If life doesn't offer a game worth playing, then invent a new one." -- Anthony J. D'Angelo

Link to the Poem: A Tree You Can Wind Around by Hafiz

Fearless?

Have you ever felt like stepping out there and taking a risk on something?  I have. In fact, writing this blog is one of them. "Is what I have to say really that important that people would care to read it?" And other questions have crossed my mind, fearing the unknown. Well, here's what I've concluded: It's worth the risk and I am brave.  What is something that you have always wanted to do if you were fearless? Think about it and read on...

If I Were

By: Annette Thomas

If I were fearless,

I’d tell you what

My lips have longed

To speak.

I’d take the risk.

I’d express the words

That are caught in

My throat.

If only I were brave.

I’d take the risk.

Words of Wisdom?

Today, I found the below picture and it got me to thinking (as things usually do) about happiness. I recall spending numerous hours, smiling from ear to ear, reading the book, “14,000 things to be happy about” by Barbara Kipfer.

So, what is it that makes me happy? Several years ago I started a gratitude journal (and I highly recommend it if you have never done so) of all the things that I was grateful for and made me happy. When I started the list, I listed actual PEOPLE – like my family, friends, etc . PLACES - like book stores, coffee shops, etc. and THINGS - like computers, journals, etc. I also mentioned various EXPERIENCES that I enjoyed – like building snowmen, receiving unexpected letters/packages in the mail, etc.

Today, I still jot down those things, but today - today I am grateful for life, love, laughter and learning, those every day opportunities that some find difficult to grasp. These…these are my "rules" or guidelines to being happy. What are yours?

Personal Mission Statement

Today I was asked, "What is your mission?" I quickly began to talk about my motto to "live, love, laugh and learn." However, I got to thinking about missions and mission statements. Then, my inquisitive side stepped in, "If I were to have a personal mission statement, what would that look like?" So what did I do? I set out to create one. Searching the internet, I found examples after examples and even templates for building your own. Then, I found a needle in the haystack - an online mission statement builder at: 

http://www.nightingale.com/tmission_examplestatement.aspx 

And after a few edits...here's what I came up with to be my personal mission statement for this year:

I will express my willingness to grow, spiritual and poetic sides by learning about and changing that which I can, by being connected to that which is around me, and by putting pen to paper and relating my personal experiences. I will do this by writing in my blog daily, leaving an inspirational note in a library book, and reading one of my poems in public by 12/31/2012.

What is your personal mission statement? What do you want to accomplish over the next year?

Who am I?

As I was preparing to write today's blog entry, I started thinking about who I am as a person.  Until recently I identified myself by my job title "I am a trainer," but realistically I am so much more. I have, also, filled out many online profiles designed to identify me by my interests, favorites, desires, etc. but, again, I am so much more. So, I decided to go back to my very FIRST online profile (created back in 1999) and see how I "defined" myself 13 years ago. Oddly enough, I am still passionate about the same things and at the core of my being have not changed.  So who am I? I am me...and I am honest, loving, caring, generous, compassionate, intelligent, inquisitive, goal-oriented and poetic. Who are you? What inspires you? What are you passionate about?

My Bucketlist

So a couple of days ago, I began writing up my bucketlist. To see the things that I have done and the things on my list visit:

http://bucketlist.org/list/gadgetgal7/

If you'd like to share yours, just comment below.

Those that love Poetry

...and for those that just don't get it, I write:

The Layers of Poetry

By: Annette Thomas

Peeling back the
layers of meaning
within poetry can
bring tears to
your eyes,
entertain,
or inspire.

Regardless of
the flavor,
size or type.

A line.
A phrase.
The rhythm
or rhyme.

There's so
much to
poetry.

I hope you
feel
inspired.

To LEARN...

Learning is something that I believe is constantly happening regardless of whether we are conscious of it or not. Some lessons are harder than others, but they all are worth learning in my opinion:

Silent Reflection

By: Annette Thomas

As she studied her reflection

Deep thoughts sat in…

She stared into those eyes as

If she’d never seen them before.

It was not a physical image

That she was trying to grasp -

Rather an observation of

Where she’d been and

Where she was going.

- A quiet meditation of sorts.

To LAUGH...

It all boils down to this:

To LOVE...

There are many types of love, but this I believe to be true of each love...

Haiku: Advice on Love

By: Annette Thomas

Love of self breeds love

Heart is free if I feed me

Healthy love now see

To LIVE...

To truly live one must take each moment and live it to the fullest. So this I write...

Should I Die Today

By: Annette Thomas

Should I die today,

I will want but these things:

To say I love you - to those dearest to me.

I'm sorry - to those I've hurt.

Thank you - to those deserving.

You made a difference - to those that truly did.

Laugh - with those I could.

Cry - with those I should.

And say I'm scared - to those I trust.

All the while taking each moment of that day

To look for the good in all humanity.

Doing it all in nature's beauty,

Letting the sunrise take my breath away,

Appreciating the morning's call of birds

     on a wooden porch swing,

Enjoying poetry under a tree,

Cherishing time in the mountains

     by a flowing river.

Growing in understanding,

Flourishing in love,

Relishing in the day,

And celebrating all that is

While singing life’s songs.

Then watching the sun set on the day,

Exploring, listening and admiring the silence

Of the night's sky by a blazing fire,

Closing with meditation by moonlight and
Sharing lots of hugs with those I love.