A Shoulder and a Second Glance

Never mistake a look of determination; steely eyes and set jaw, thin lips in a straight line, for a cold heart. 

Don't be too sure that crossed arms are staunch gateposts fending off and keeping out others from the body, mind, heart and soul hidden behind them. 

Feet firmly planted, set below legs slightly parted and straight, knees locked in, tells you nothing. These are the covert tactics of the spirit's camouflage.

Did you notice the almost too bright glimmer in those eyes – a hint of moisture forming at the inner corner of one of them – swelling up to create one perfectly shaped salty tear?

Could you see the reddened crescent nail imprints on both arms as an internal struggle took place to not break down in public, as cruelty washed over that body, that mind, that heart, that soul?

Had you glanced down you might have noticed the pink and white mottled toe joints, scrunched up, fortifying themselves in their own tiny, fearful way.

Be a person, a human being who takes a second glance and isn't quick to judge. 

Fear is often disguised as bravado, or meanness, or aggression. Steeliness is frequently the facade of sadness. Bracing against perceived and potential human storms is a reflex; a learned behavior from past hurts and disappointments.

Quick to judge others brings them more of the same.                

Patience can melt a frozen heart and heal a wounded soul.

Kindness is the strong soul's way of giving attention to one who needs it.

Shrug off the indifference, poor attitude and cold shoulder of one who needs a shoulder.

Take a second glance to look beyond the arrogance and indifference of a suffering spirit.

Make a difference for one — Make a difference for many — Make a difference for you

February 9 - 15 is Random Acts of Kindness Week, but it can start right now : )

The Time of "Your" Life

Typically, sometime around August or September, I review and recommend books that are of the spiritual, inspirational and motivational genres. Well, this next one can't wait until the summer months. It is your next best read of the year – and no better time than at the beginning of the New Year to pick up a book that you won't want to put down because its insight, candor and wisdom takes you to a new place of understanding.

While "The Time of My Life," by Cecelia Ahern, is a work of fiction, it is so utterly open and honest it feels like you're reading a true story. Miss Ahern (also the author of P.S. I Love You, which was adapted for the big screen, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler) has a unique way of opening up her characters and revealing their most vital organs. As uncomfortable as this sounds, you will find that it is a necessary part of the process, as Lucy Silchester (the main character) comes face to face with her life - literally. I will not be ruining the end by telling you they are stitched back together, better than ever, by the time you're on the last page; with Ms. Ahern's flair and style of writing, the end is just a way of closing off. The meat of the story is what will have you hooked and wanting more. If you're a rubbernecker, the excruciatingly painful collision of Lucy's private life with her hammy open Life persona will remind you of an accident in slow motion.

The series of events that leads to her metamorphosis are detailed, humorous, and arouse empathy. Cecelia has an uncanny way of describing emotions and thought processes in a way that we can all too easily relate to, so you might find yourself squirming now and again as the bare truth of the main character, Lucy, is revealed.

To say that this book is thought provoking would be as simplistic as saying Big Ben is a clock. The brilliant psychological manipulation of her Life, used to enlighten the  deeply-entrenched-in-la-la-land Lucy, allows the reader to have a front row seat to her own personal hell and heaven.

The unbelievably real message of this piece of fiction has you invested in the idea that Life might come knocking at your door any minute, and when it doesn't, you feel like you're missing out.

If you read only one book this year...  

2015 – The Buck Stops Here

Confetti, cork-popping champagne-induced embraces, and hoopla of the New Year, are already a thing of the past. We've arrived at the midway point of the first month only to discover an episodic clone of the previous year. 

If this sounds somewhat somber  (and sobering) it is.

Time to take a really serious look at what's ahead for us. To evaluate what must, should, needs to be done.  

Pass the buck should only be referenced between flirtatious doe besties as they flutter their eyelashes and strut their stuff while passing the hunky buck. 

Eyes cast downward and limp-handed finger pointing is not the best method for coming to terms with or ignoring the state of the world. We are, all, small links in this gigantic chain of events that has managed to unforgivably repeat itself year after year.

We are also halfway into this decade. Is this to be the remainder of the 2000's teen years? Maybe so. The teen years are known to be hormonal, self absorbed, angst-filled tar pits of misery. Should we brace ourselves until this century reaches the somewhat more  mature mellowed twenties? Although, it's typically not until the late thirties or early forties that the sprinkle of snow atop the receding hairline brings us to the brink of maturity, and even then...

Exactly. Who says wisdom or a calm demeanor come with age? Haven't you ever witnessed an angry thirty, forty or fifty year old driver, bellicose and belligerent at being cut off in the passing lane?

This isn't an age thing. This is a passing of time, history repeating itself thing.

In what decade will the history books be rewritten to reflect enlightenment rather than war? When will we look back and say silent prayers of thanks that the world and its people have changed - become a kinder, gentler, wiser race of human beings? At what point will we know that the New Year bodes well?

If you have a bit of the gambler in you, you might wager that 2015 will do better  in the aftermath of 2014, even with the shaky start it's had. But why should we have to gamble on world peace, or on the success of the New Year? 

I'm praying that 2015 is a loving and harmonious year; a prodigy of love. A mature fifteen year old that turns his back on turbulence and terrorism and washes his hands of it. A mighty, proud, world-altering year that says there's no more passing the buck - the buck stops here.

Infinity and Beyond

Some of the most defeating conversations do not happen with others. They take place in our own minds, where our opponent is fiercer than any foe could be.

The universe is limitless –  we're not sure where it begins or where it ends. When you consider that we are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons, as is the universe, why then do you think we limit ourselves?

Desire leads us to accomplish great things. While not everyone is on the same path as renowned trailblazers Einstein, Curie, Shakespeare or Yousafzal, the desire to create a path that leads to fulfillment is there for all of us. 

Infinite possibilities.

Paths may change direction – offshoots of an original thought may manifest a hybrid plan, or one that is completely separate from the original concept, however, all is possible.

This season's holidays are often filled with great emotion as the year winds down and a new one appears on the horizon. Too often the focus is on what occurred and not on what is yet to come.

Set yourself free.

Do not limit yourself.

Go where your desire takes you.

Enjoy the journey and embrace the change.

Fear not why your direction's course has altered.

Accept the changes and stay the course only as long as it is productive.

The best is yet to come and we are the navigators of our intentions and destiny.

With desire, certainty, confidence, acceptance, peace, love and presence, we will arrive at our place in the greater, external  universe, as well as, in our internal universe. The two are one.

Listen to your inner voice, the sound box of your gut instinct. There is no shame in changing direction. We control our destiny when we are present and mindful of what we truly want. There is no shame in wanting to have it all. There is a limitless universe and we are an essential part of it. 

Go forth and conquer. It's (y)our inalienable right.

One More Step - Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, when you give thanks for all that you have, remember to look within and give thanks for your tenacity, your willpower, inner strength, pluck, and spirit that lifts you and others, day after day, even when you think the well has run dry. Keep going. Success was founded on...

... One More Step

I’d rather walk humbly than put on airs      Understand than be understood
Be the foundation instead of top floor
Do all the things I should

I’d rather build up than tear apart
The spirit of those I love
Lead with no fanfare, quietly, calm
Be the olive branch and the dove

I’d rather stay in the game ‘til the end
Than bow out when the going gets tough
Count my blessings from all things great
When others cry, “It’s enough!”

Success is built by staying strong                       
It ascends the steps of hard knocks
It’s not the goal or destination
It’s life’s lessons and building blocks

I’ll be strong and brave, won’t ever give  in                         
Will resist the temptation to quit
There will be times when the urge is to stop
There’ll be times when there’s no more grit

To all these challenges, I say to myself
“Just one more step I take”
One more step through the darkest of night
‘Til the clock chimes dawn’s daybreak

One more step and then I’ll rest
One more step I go
One more step to prove I can
One more step to show

One and one and one step more
Ignoring burst blisters and pain
Uphill, downhill, horizon bound
Under blazing sun, through rain

I’d rather walk humbly with strong reserve
I’ll crawl on my knees to keep going
I can cover the wounds on my knees and my soul
I will do this without others knowing

And when the last step is covered with grass
And when the last breath is no more
I’ll know in my heart that one more step
Led me up to and through the door

Copyright©2014 D. Desser All Rights Reserved

Calling for Sunny Skies

Last night called for sunny skies –  light and breezy. Not a chance of rain. The perfect forecast.

A magnificent day to look forward to.

This morning, after receiving a sombre call, the winds of change swooped in and proved it to be a day without fair skies. A day that bitterly cast aside sunshine and resolved itself to gray and gloom.

One phone call received from an ill wind was all it took to allow the depletion of the soul and spirit. One phone call. 

One  Single  Call

How much power do we have? How much power do we give away? Why do we give it away? And how can we stop this intrusion that wreaks havoc with our disposition?

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Nobody can hurt me without my permission." 

This is a simple truth. What we allow to happen is an invasion of our minds by another's negative thoughts and words. Physical strength is important, but to be strong of mind gives strength until the very end of our days, when our physicality becomes part of a dim, distant past.

Think about what you will and won't permit in your own personal life. You may not be able to halt what goes on elsewhere, but you have the power to limit access of others to your mind and thoughts. 

When you do your spirit soars with confidence as you empower yourself.

Your disposition will be that of a spiritually strong individual.

Cast off the mean spirited words of the less enlightened and continue to walk your path to inner tranquility - a victory of sorts. It takes practice and resolve, but what you gain is well worth it.

We are responsible for our own good feelings. By structuring our thought patterns to limit the negative and increase the positive, we create a shift in our own nature that can be far-reaching; benefiting others as well as ourselves.

Give yourself a few moments to reflect and rebuild your thoughts. 
The skies are bound to clear up.

Lemon Wedge Moon

There’s a lemon-wedge of a moon tonight, suspended in a deepening blue tranquil sky that speaks of possibilities.

The moon and sky are a part of the universe, which is a part of me, and of which we are all a part. We’re connected as we hear unspoken words of longing, wishing, expecting, thoughts of inner peace, gratitude, happiness, acknowledgements of blessings.

This particular twilight is our special moment, just moon and me.

There's not a bird in the sky. No airplanes. Tree leaves are still. The pool motor has completed its eight-hour run and is now silent. No low hum of electricity from neighboring homes, not even a distant dog barking.

It’s an intimate moment, one to be treasured.

Snugly wrapped in a terry robe sitting upright on a poolside lounge, I am surrounded by the still air. I breathe in the scent of laundered towels, the delicate sweetness of  blooms, and a hint of chlorine.

Moon and I communicate. 

Moon rises, the star of the evening, but pays close attention. Moon is a good listener. I bounce ideas off of moon and hear moon’s message of quiet wisdom. I feel moon’s connectedness to me, a mere human, one of many, but moon, moon is just one.

I feel special, chosen, singled out.

Moon is not illuminated by ego. Moon knows that without sun’s gracious gift, there’s no spotlight. Yet, I recognize that without moon, romance could easily take a turn for the worse. This is a part of our discussion, romance, and moon’s role in the June, spoon of it. I hold my breath, waiting for pearls of wisdom. Moon does not disappoint.

There’s a lemon-wedge of a moon tonight, suspended in a deepening blue tranquil sky that speaks of possibilities.

Tonight, moon chose me.

Copyright © 2014 Deborah Desser. All rights reserved.