Essential, Random and Frivolous Thoughts of a Cabinet Maker

The sun rises once again over the mountains, valley’s and cities below. Another day is upon us and here we are with an opportunity to begin again.

Although it can feel to many of us that it’s the continuation of the previous days – stuck in a pattern that we are unable to clearly define, nor understand how to break ourselves free – we can start anew.

We can begin in this moment to move in a different direction and take on new tasks with a changed perspective and attitude which will take us to new places one single action taken at a time.

Every day is a chance to re-define ourselves looking to become the person we intend to be. That is, if we can find the courage to do so.

The choice is ours.

It’s been a while since I’ve written in this blog. Not sure why. I’ve seemed to allow the habit of showing up get away from me. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel like I have anything to say. Or maybe it’s because what I think I have to say isn’t compelling enough. Not sure.

The original idea behind this blog was to share insights, lessons and unrefined ideas that haven’t necessarily been polished into a finished product. To be honest, I’m not sure anyone would want to even read that.

What would I want to read? What’s compelling to me? Maybe that’s the question I should be asking. I think what I would want to read – and would find more interesting is the process and inner workings of ideas rather than a completely finished product. Maybe. (You sound like a writer who is justifying his lack of production, Jim)

Then again, we can all gain insight about the day to day struggle and reality of understanding it’s a matter of showing up one day at a time and putting in the work. No matter how “large” or “small.” It’s the concept of just climbing the next step up the staircase. One stair at a time. One day at a time.

Then again, what the hell do I know.

The desire to express oneself can certainly take on a myriad of activities and behaviors. Some may seem more rational/logical/sensible/etc. than others. Although, I’m not sure that’s important.

It seems to me that what’s paramount is the self-expression itself and the effect it has on one’s soul. Playing music, writing, attending Burning Man, dressing up as your favorite superhero or water-coloring on the weekends may satisfy that itch in oneself. There is really no rhyme or reason and it need-not make sense to anyone but you.

I believe the key is this: find that simple way to express oneself in order to scratch that itch. Not trying is our only failure.

We’re here to express our individuality as the perfectly flawed person we are in any way we can that enriches ourselves and others. As a result, we may not be the only ones who benefit from it – those around us may feel the positive residual effects as well.

There are some people going through their days in misery. Day after day, the monotony and lack of inspiration makes their brief visit on this earth less than a stellar experience. These people can be experiencing so much pain in their lives that they voluntarily choose to end it leaving loved ones behind to deal with the ramifications of such a loss.

And yet there are others who see each and every moment as an opportunity to explore their world and themselves with an attitude of discovery and excitement of a child by seeing what’s in store for them in each new moment.

Neither person is wrong. Neither is right. No doubt we are unable to control what happens to us at times and some of it can be quite debilitating if we allow it. But, we certainly have a choice in how we react to what has happened. And of course that makes all the difference in the world.

We all have been given the gift of grace. Everyday we have the choice of employing its’ availability to our benefit each and every hour.

It is only and always up to us to engage in it’s presence and bath in its’ light. To adopt a perspective that includes its’ vision.

Without it, we risk the chance of continuing the chaotic cycle of losing ourselves in the distractions of today’s world and not evolving into our best version of ourselves.