Moving Forward

This is the time of the year, where we set goals and reflect on our progress. Learning that your past experiences, no matter what they were, molds your spirit to a better you. As long as we choose to learn from these experiences, forgive , admit mistakes, live in truth, and recognize that we have the abilities now to move forward to a higher purpose. That higher purpose, your purpose or dream in life, is unique to you. Often we find that purpose as a result to trials, obstacles, failures, and mistakes. As many say, life can all of the sudden hit you in the face. As a change agent, I found myself surround by adversity. However, I am so grateful to these situations. Without these experiences, I would of never learned from failures. I would not be where I am now. Troubles awakens you to a spiritual awareness. This experience is a gift. Learning to Let Go: For years when I didn't get the outcome I expected, I reacted as a victim. I would allow others to abuse me, and as a re...

Growing up my family taught me a large appreciation for the Great Outdoors. Hiking with my father and grandmother early in life formed a spirit of adventure and love for nature.  I feel like we have passed on to my two sons. Growing up in rural Texas, I spent a lot of time hiking around the Colorado River, exploring caves, playing hide and seek with friends in the hill country. In fact, graduation night I will never forget our Glen Rose M&W Ranch adventure. As a college student, I backpacked, canoed, and explored the Great American West.  As young adult hiked the Grand Canyon in 1999, parts of the AT in 1999, 5 trips in a tent across Europe from 1998-2009, Ontario in 2010 and 2012, and have camped in over 33 states. During the last 5 years, like so many became preoccupied with other things and haven't backpacked. I know I haven't backpacked  alone in over 20 years. This last weekend I was fortunate to connect with the North Texas Outdoors Meetup Group and took a le...

This morning I was reminded by an author, Abdu Murray, about the power of one during a talk about his book Grand Central Station at a church in Keller, Texas. He is a law student, author, converted Muslim to Christianity, and does offer some compelling questions and ideas considering historical perspectives, philosophies, and scientific understanding of world religions and ideas.  We are valuable. We are intelligent human beings with an intelligent, individualized, or unique cognitive design. Known as the "design interface", much research and advances in science and technology have been made through projects like the The Human Genome Project. What does it mean to be human? Why do we have value? It is important to remember that a great architect and artist designed and engineered our universe for life. It is beautiful to be reminded that our bodies are knitted or weaved together in a marvelous and unique way. Each of us have a gift and cognitive ability to leave a po...

To the scared 17 year old girl who feels rejected and alone. Know that you are a strong, beautiful, and intelligent young lady who is wiser than most of the same age. You crave to be accepted by your family, loved unconditionally, and believe you can make an impact in the world. You are a hard worker, curious about the world, and are understanding that there are different perspectives. I wish you would know that it is ok to be different and to question. Questioning provides creative thought. Know that you are a bright light even now and that you are valuable. You are loved and forgiven. You already know you are here for a higher purpose and that life has meaning. You are not strange for knowing you have a purpose. To the 21 year old bride, you are beautiful and so full of hope and purity. You want to see the best in others and wear rose colored glasses. You are accomplishing things that no one else in your family has. As a result, you continue to try to prove your "worth...

You are a compassionate, creative, and loving spirit. This year I am working on centering my life's purpose of focus, or spiritual growth. I recognize that for a few decades, like many, became lost in the business or achievement of life. I am a product of a culture of champions, or the culture that feeds competitive champions, achievers, that fostered the sense of Winning. How do you become a more powerful creator with an intention of love? Knowing and Identifying Intention: I have always suffered from the disease to please. Only do what you really want to do so that you can give yourself fully.  I am what I have versus I am what I do. Significant others in my life were consumed with I am what I have. I am guilty of I am what I do, competitive. I am what people think of me is another issue I have battled. As I have worked on this during the last month, I have identified my life's purpose and have found focusing on this these past few weeks has assisted me to respond to oth...

Back to school is hard for kids who come from broken homes. Meet the teacher nights prior to school starting can be stressful as often custody summer arrangements sometimes interfere. This year I met my son's new teacher alone for the first time. My sons were still visiting their dad for the summer. They spend extra time with him in the summer to compensate for missed time during the school year week. Most children from divorced homes do spend long periods of time during the summer with their non-custodial parent. Feelings of guilt crept up as I went to meet the teacher, as it is obvious that my family is now somewhat dysfunctional. Later in the week, one of my dear friends called me who is also is a similar situation but located in another state. We used to teach together and we became close friends due to our numerous collaborative projects. When she called me, she began describing her meet the teacher experience, which was very similar to mine. As we began commiserating on how ...

A year ago today I entered a new door in this adventure called life. Many friends back in the day might remember a novel that we would share at parties, entitled I Married Adventure, The novel is an excellent memoir of Osa Leighty who married Martin Johnson, a pioneering photographer who toured with the great Jack London.  As a young, inquisitive, and very independent small town girl, I was very attracted to global and worldly approaches. So, in the mid and late 1990's, I got out of Texas, traveling to Mexico, Holland, Belgium, France, Mexico, and around 33 states. I am grateful that I was introduced to new perspectives, ideologies, fantastic museums, and the music...all from a backpack. My two sons later got to tag along and continue to do so with their two very unique parents, who enjoyed the comforts of rural Texas for a home but also took on large adventures. We entered a new adventure last year, for me it is a solo one.  This year has been rough. Single parentin...