I was letting go removing this daily reminder. The ashes set me free. I said a prayer, closed my eyes and released.

I grew up with many rules to follow. Until one day I bumped up against a loss so great I fell in. When I fell in, all these rules fell too

What does the silence sound like? In our silence we listen and wait to hear truth. I recognize it when I feel goosebumps. Truth has no time.

All the years I battled with fear and anxiety were just practice. Time to practice is not based on anyone’s timetable. Practice is wise.

When I was growing up, Mom modeled work before play.When I retired, someone told me to rest, relax. I remember thinking, “I don’t know how."

It feels burdensome to have the responsibility of making me happy. It’s a crossroads I find myself at when I forget it’s up to me.

The breaking open reveals the doors to love and fear, the paradox of life. Both are always present because we are human and we are spirit.

Your name holds energy. Your name transcends all other words. Our names hold power. Honoring others begins by honoring myself.

I learned as a child if my clothes catch on fire to stop, drop and roll. Metaphorically, stop, drop and roll is not far off from Covid news.

I am a work in progress. I realize it is all about safety – feeling safe in an unsafe world. But I get to choose my reaction now.

I have been cultivating my true self for decades, peeling away the pain and confusion, the layers of thick crusty protection that helped me.

I stand as one in my world. My truth lies within my walls. I lead by my own example. My heart pointing the way.

I read in a book that coming out has to be better for the soul than living one's life in various shades of invisibility.

Her hair hung below her waist bumping at the back of her knees when she walked. So much of her perceived identity was in her hair.

If I were to scooch right up to the TV and smoosh my eye against the TV screen, I can’t see anything and feel lost to what’s happening.

I worked in a job that required me to be focused at all times. I kept order in the office while my life was spinning out of control.

I blew out my carburetor. I started with my grief-stricken heart and pushed past exhaustion until I felt my deep loss.

I recognize when I feel overwhelmed and confused, it’s good. My brain struggles with this new concept and it doesn’t know what to do with it

Practice takes patience and trust, a clear direction and repetition over and over again until acceptance erases the fight.

I’m sprouting. Something I’ve wanted to do for a while taking hard lentils and watch them come alive with life.