The Rising of a Queen: Year One

Today marks one year since I took my first step in my journey towards the throne and moved 400 miles north of family and friends. I am, therefore, in a reflective mood. A friend told me I "bare my soul" well in this blog. It's funny, that wasn't my intention, but a blog about this journey of mine is bound to be revealing. So  this question comes to mind; what have I learned and/or accomplished this past year? Hmmm, well a lot has certainly transpired, both good, and not as good. I think I can certainly say the good outweighs the not so good. But have I learned anything? Have I gotten any closer to the throne? This past year has definitely been a roller coaster ride, many ups and downs, highs and lows. I've learned that the lows weren't that low, and the highs, well they were pretty high.

During the coldest and wettest winter of my life, I was without a car or the finances to get one, then one was given to me. Many of the people I've come in contact with haven't been very friendly, and I don't really fit in in my new neighborhood. I haven't made many friends that I can spend time with, but one friend I made enabled me to meet and spend time with some very lovely and friendly people who just happen to be my favorite band. That experience alone has made this move worth it. Although I have spent a great deal of time alone, it has meant plenty of time to pick my writing back up. I'm not sure if I've gotten any better at it, but the inspiration is definitely there. Things seem to always balance out. I guess one lesson is that when life doesn't seem to be going your way, be patient and have faith that life is happening that way for a reason; to make way for something even better.

Preparations for the throne include self evaluation and improvement, adjustment of my attitude and outlook, paying attention to that voice inside of me, the voice of my Father the Mighty King, increasing my faith, positivity, confidence, and knowledge, and knowing myself. I have overcome fears, recognized weaknesses, and gotten closer to my Father. I still have many miles to travel, but now that He knows I am serious, my Father has revealed a great deal more of the path to me that I am to follow. If we pay attention to what's going on around us in nature, with other people, society, our heads and hearts, we can see and hear what the universe or Higher Power is trying to tell us. I've learned that not everyone will be able to see what I see, or understand it, and some may call me crazy, so I keep much of it to myself.

In this year, I've noticed many changes in myself spiritually, mentally, and physically. I don't know if it's age, the different environment, or could I be getting wiser? Maybe it's all of those. I'm a seeker of wisdom. I never feel wise so I always look for answers as well as questions. I like to surround myself with people who are more intelligent about the things I need to learn more about. Everyone has something they can teach us. I learned that from working with youth. They get a bum rap. People dismiss them because of their age, but with age does not necessarily come wisdom. Some wisdom leaves us as we age. We get wrapped up in worldly meaningless pursuits and forget the keys to happiness that were given to us at birth. Age doesn't bring wisdom, we have to seek it, continually. The first place to start is within ourselves.

Everything we need to be happy, to succeed, to make a beautiful life is inside of us already. We create the reality in which we live. I used to think that some people make life happen while others let life happen to them. The truth is, we make the life we live with all the things we do, say, and think, as well as all we don't do, say, or think. Now this is a lesson a few people have tried to teach me a while ago, but I was not in the right place mentally, spiritually, and physically to understand it. So in that respect, this move was not only a good decision, but a necessary one. There are goals, hopes, and dreams that I have neglected that will now receive my full attention because I am now aware that I can bring them to fruition without waiting for the "right" time, people, or circumstances. The time is now, I am the person, and circumstances are inconsequential. I give thanks to the few of you who have been following this blog. I do bare my soul a bit in it and your interest is honored. I wish you Love and Light.

Challenge: Be kind

Happy New Year to you and your family. This year is about going bigger and bolder for me as I have some catching up to do on my trod to the throne. Many people use the arrival of a new year to make resolutions which they let go of in a few days, weeks, or months. Resolutions are just words without a plan and a prayer. I don't do them anymore, but I do like the idea of using this new orbital period as a new beginning, a fresh start. It's a hopeful time, however brief it may be, when everyone decides to work towards being better people to themselves and others. Some actually achieve these goals, and so I have been pondering how to help people create goals that they can actually achieve.

The first issue to get away from is making a resolution. A resolution is a statement or declaration of an intention (dictionary.com). A statement or intention has very little strength behind it. Now dictionary.com defines a goal as; the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end. That is what we need, to exert effort towards an aim or end. But first we need a plan. One problem with resolutions is that people don't think them through enough to see if they're attainable for them, how they will go about achieving them, and if it is realistic. Most people resolve to lose weight by eating right and exercising, but they have no real idea of what eating right or exercising is. They think celery sticks and water combined with 2 hours on the treadmill is going to do the trick. Well, first of all, celery is not rich enough in nutrients to sustain someone alone and people don't say 'mmmm celery' so they break down and go for the burger. Secondly, exercise should be something you enjoy and will be willing to do regularly, not boring and exhausting.

Others want to make more money, fulfill lifelong dreams, find a husband, etc. I can't necessarily give tips on how to achieve those goals, but I can offer some help on how to achieve something this year that will make you feel good all year long. Why not take baby steps and start with something you can take steps daily to achieve and then use that method on the bigger goals. I offer you a challenge. Starting today, make a point to say or do something kind to one person you know, and one stranger. It could be as simple as a smile, or a compliment (as long as it is sincere) or it could be giving someone a hug, or a ride, or spare change. Simple acts of kindness not only make you feel good about yourself, but it also spreads kindness throughout the world. Now some of you may think this is hokey or won't do any good, but you will never know for sure until you try it.

If you commit to consciously being kind to one person you know and one stranger, in small ways, you will find that after a time, you have stuck to a goal. Now you have a blueprint on how to proceed with the bigger goals. One thing, don't let your random acts of kindness give you license to be unkind to someone else. It doesn't balance it out, it cancels it out. Come back and visit this post and tell me about your experiences in the comments section. If you find that you have slipped, offer up a prayer or statement of forgiveness to the Higher Power or universe and start again the next day. Random acts of kindness could lead to world peace, or at the very least, peace in your world.