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Moving On Can Feel Unsettling

Moving on can feel unsettling. I was feeling I’m going to miss this view of the lake… Ahhhh. Emotion, holding onto the past.

A lot of my life was spent on lakes and lakeshores. Time with family, time when I felt connected, also a lot of unhealthy connections. In contrast, the mountains of North Carolina will give me the stability I need and desire to grow and prosper. I can let go of the emotional tie to water, to home, to my father. Especially to father because he grew up near here from birth to the age of ten, exploring the swamp and palmetto stands, barefoot with his protector, a dog named Dolly.

After the family grove froze, they found higher ground on the shore of Lake Crystal where he lived 50 years. It is also where I grew up, exploring the yard, grove and swamp on the edge of that lake. There are memories of him in North Carolina too. Mountains of Saguache County And certainly with mountains. The mountains of Saquache County, Colorado. Those memories are about broadening horizons, fire in creating tools, moving forward, hiking, and accomplishment.

Although moving on can feel unsettling, we can choose to find new, inspiring ways to bring the memories of the past into our present. Kayaking on the New RiverExploring the New River on a sit-on-top kayak is one way I’ll enjoy the water in a healthy, moving forward fashion. Exploring this oldest river brings me a tangible connection between my own past and the new life I now enjoy.

Finally, balance in my life, with the three elements of Fire, Water, and now Earth.

Mountains have always filled my heart with wonder – the view of Mt. Evans in Colorado and now the view of Mt. Jefferson in North Carolina.

Although moving on can feel unsettling, it is necessary for true growth.

May your life’s unsettling moments show you the life path you are meant to follow with infinite love, trust, and gratitude.

Truly, a new world dawning begins in your heart today.

Can You Love a Grocery Store?

Can you love a grocery store? I seem to. Perhaps it’s because it has been in my life, via my mother, longer than my physical existence.

Where Shopping is a Pleasure

This is a pretty simple concept. Yet it shows a caring attitude about their customers. ‘Where Shopping is a Pleasure’ exemplifies my personal experience with Publix, a native Polk County Florida grocery store. Now couple this slogan with their signature green.

Why is Green Special?

Green signifies growth and nature. Placing a white ‘P’ on a field of green feels like a purity of spirit. Furthermore, green is the color associated with the heart chakra. Did you think pink? There is a philosophy that pink signifies a healing heart. That feels right to me too.

History Affects Our Perspective

Mom and Dad married at the First Baptist Church, across the street from the historic first Publix supermarket, in Winter Haven, Florida. Even though they settled in Dundee, seven miles away, Mom often traveled to this first Publix when she couldn’t find an item at Helm’s Grocery in our tiny rural town.

I have vivid memories of this building, especially the glass tiles. Later, after a newer Publix was built, the building housed a Morrison’s Cafeteria. Those memories are even clearer.

On the rare occasions, when Dad was fishing in Placida or Chokoloskee, Mom took us to Morrison’s after church. I always requested the same selections; fried shrimp, cornbread stick and a salad with cucumber, tomato, and onion. Always. If I was really hungry, I chose a slice of coconut custard pie.

Bring Joy into the Mundane

Can you love a grocery store, the whine of a power saw, the tinkle of a bell when you enter a store, or the smell of rain? Absolutely. Stopping to notice everyday occurrences and allowing the joy into your heart brings happiness to yourself, your companions at the time, family, even strangers, like the veteran who offered to snap my picture in the Publix parking lot.

When the Soul Speaks – Listen

When the Soul Speaks – listen. Our souls speak to us everyday, but most of us don’t hear it. We dismiss all the information we receive, even if it’s screaming at us.

The photo above is three of us ‘girls’ at the 50th high school reunion check-in table. Certainly, it is common to wear black to any function. It is instantly elegant, most people look good in it, and it makes us appear thinner, right?

Usually, I opt for bright colors, but this time I chose black and white. Although the pattern is certainly flame-like. This is a hint of my Sagittarius self, one of the fire signs. Did my soul know this perfect picture was coming later when I plucked this blouse from the hanger? I think, “Yes!”

Likewise, my soul was adamant that I stay out with the name tags until there were no more arrivals.  This time, when the soul speaks – listen was heeded. Eventually, I had to go into the crowded, noisy room full of people I thought I needed to see.

All the energy of the room felt like I was walking through a curtain of kelp on the ocean floor, intent on finding a safe spot where I could observe rather than feel boxed in.

You can see in this picture, I found that safe spot at the back of the room. Furthermore, two people I didn’t know were at the table. Perfect!

Now, step back, squint your eyes a little. What do you notice?

Yes, it’s the perfect yin yang symbol setup behind me with my blouse a sort of portable yin  yang statement, anchoring the photo.  Here’s a funny ‘behind-the-scenes’ fact. I had just finished eating a fabulous healthy green salad, southern green beans, and the best tenderloin steak ever from The Catering Company of Central Florida . As my friend, Larry, snapped the photo, I could just imagine all the green stuff in my teeth and gums. Therefore, my smile is very much subdued… for me.