Searching for Inspiration

Temperatures are suppose to hit 109 today here in Northern California. Finding the inspiration to work outside in this heat is…Well… Yesterday I fasted for most of the day. I’m no Muslim, but I do know that we’re in the middle of Ramadan and I figured I’d participate and fast for the health benefits and mental clarity. Then, by the time I did finally eat something, I had to take a nap, and the heat was simply unbearable.

Today’s post is still swinging back and forth within my head. “Do I write something that’s more personable or do I write something that’s gardening or landscaping related…” What to do, what to do! I think I’m more inspired to write about inspiration. Since I’m looking for a bit of it this morning. I, like you, have so very many things going on in my life. The stresses of everyday living here on planet earth, the responsibilities both financially and physically of raising and providing for my family, as well as running a small business, and seeking to maintain any kind of celebrity status with my career. All of life is an opportunity to learn and experience more or less of what we want. That’s going to determine how we feel.

The other day my youngest daughter Camille was pouting and walking around the backyard complaining about how bored she was. “There’s nothing to do!” She wanted this and wanted that and life was just so horrible in this instance as far as she was concerned. I immediately thought of what my dad taught me when I was maybe 14 or so. He taught me to give thanks and spend some time in appreciation for what I had. He would invite me to write a list of what I was thankful for, from the very big things in life, to the essential items that we often take for granted, like having toothpaste, toilet paper and running water. I suppose this is also one of the primary purposes of Ramadan in the first place. It’s a time to reflect, have compassion and to relate to those that do not have.

So today I invite you to analyze your life, rather than mentally delve into all that you owe the IRS, or what’s so wrong in your relationship. Spend a little time in thanksgiving. Create your own list, mentally or physically. Begin to look around and notice just how abundant you are. There are people all over this planet that don’t have the gifts, opportunities or the physical/mental capabilities that you do. It’s a true fact that whatever we think about is what’s both monumental and having an impact on us in the present.

So notice what’s good in life! Acknowledge how much you do have. Truly give thanks for this wonderful life that’s likely going to get better because of the lessons you’re learning and applying right now. Little by little things will start to get better. None of us are 10 years old like my sweet Camille. We all know that there’s so much to do, and so much to be thankful for. Your life is what you make of it!

So continue to dream up whatever it is that you want. Always, always, always remember that there are likely thousands of individuals at any given moment, that not only have far less than you, but would kill to have just a few of life’s luxuries that both you and I often take for granted. Thanks for sharing and reading my morning’s inspiration lecture to myself. Now it’s time for me to plan and get ready for the sweltering day today and give thanks for my ice chest, my sun screen, my white long sleeve shirt and large brimmed sun hat. I also give thanks for having work that I love and I get to finally finish Chelle Henderson’s backyard so that next weeks blog post will consummate the whole process. For those who don’t know. Here’s some history on this work… and a little more.

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