Lynn M. Dixon's Blog, page 51

Loving Youself!

You are the only you that you’ll ever get.  Have you thought about that?  There will never be another you.  Over the years, I have read so many books by wonderful authors like Wayne Dyer, Iyanla Vanzant, Og Mandino and Thomas Moore, to name a few.

They all reminded me of my individual uniqueness.  Each writer had his or her own personal style and method of delivery.  The messages all basically said that we should love and embrace ourselves throughout our journey through life.  It took years for me to wholly believe this after being admonished by the world on a regular basis.

Comparable to a nightly bath or shower, we have to ritualistically wash away those negative slugs and remember that we are indeed special.  No one else can do what we do. Sometimes, when others try to minimize our gifts, a situation may arise and guess what?  They start looking for you.

Deep within, people always know the truth.  They  know that you are the only one who can do a particular task because past events have proven it to be true.   They have an ‘aha’ moment and say, “Oh yeah, call him or her.”

So, gently go forward even during those harsh moments.  You know who you are.  In the meantime, use that downtime to relish in healing, peace and contentment as you take care of yourself and insulate your soul.  Maxwell Maltz writes, “If you make friends with yourself, you will never be alone.”

Relax, stay focused and  continually nurture you.  Brush off the debris that has been thrust upon you and move full steam ahead.  “Don’t brood.  Get on with living and loving.  You don’t have forever.” (Leo Buscaglia)

      Lynn M.                                                                July 23, 2016

 

Music Transports!

When we are writing a scene, we may remember some place from our past that will strengthen what we are attempting to say to our readers.  We want to revisit that era and music can unfailingly take us there. Playing old songs is similar to smelling certain fragrances because both can transport us back to times that have gone by.

It is like pulling back a curtain on a stage at a theatre.  The places, the characters, the clothes, the voices, the intonations, the dialogues and the events replay as if they are a part of the present moment.  Anais Nin wrote, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”

We see. We hear.  We remember.  It is comparable to an actor who gets into character.   We as writers go into a certain mode and then, we pick up the mood, the tone, the aura, the atmosphere and the scenery that we need to get down on paper.

As we listen to music from years ago, we relive things for a second time.  The puzzle pieces fall into place.  Our memories are jogged and the words start flowing like a waterfall.  They flow and flow and flow.  Her hands move with rapidity as we race to recapture all that is being thrust upon us.  It is our duty to write it down with as much accuracy as possible.

We sway to the beat as we recall our former selves. But now, we write from a higher level of maturity.  We have put things into perspective and we have learned a few lessons. We use those lessons to make some significant points.  That time has left its indelible marks and all we need to journey back down memory lane is the music!

Lynn M.                                                                                                               July 16, 2016

Jubilant July!

 

Fireworks displayed in the air,

Eyes of wonder truly stare.

Colors shapes set to a tone,

Of songs that are mostly known.

July-hottest month of all,

Makes some wish that it was fall.

Water; outdoor games galore.

‘Cause many spirits to soar!

Lynn M.                                                                                      July 13, 2016

 

Gifting!

When adversity strikes, we often feel despair and hopelessness.  There are no immediate answers to the big question, why?  My grandmother used to say that why was not in the Bible.   We used to laugh because it did not give us any answers but it didn’t stop us from asking the question.

Sometimes, “A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.” (Author Unknown) However, we must focus on healing or binding up whatever or whomever remains.  There is no time to become like the Petrified Man and stand with our mouths agape.

Adversity is a strong signal that there is obviously a lot of work to be done.  So, instead of becoming frozen or spreading toxic tales of woe, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get busy.  One great orator gave a speech asking, “What’s in your hand?”  He was asking each person what he or she had to offer or give towards building solutions.

Ask yourself: Can I wipe a tear, hem a dress, cook a cake, give a hug, lead a child or counsel the broken-hearted?  We all have gifts so when the unimaginable happens, we must first get over the initial shock. Then, we should make ourselves available and ask how we can be of assistance?  What are my gifts?  What do I do well?

Once the guidance has been given and we know where we should be, then we must get busy.  It is our duty to share what has been graciously gifted to us.  Erma Bombeck wrote: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything You gave me.”

Lynn M.

July 9, 2016

Freedom!

It is the month of Freedom!  We will be hearing the phrase, Let freedom ring often during this month of July.  There will many celebrations including family gatherings along with the viewing of sparkly fireworks.  Yet, people define freedom in personal ways.

I recently saw a play called A Song for Coretta which was written by the illustrious Pearl Cleage.  It was a wonderful tribute to Coretta Scott King and the Oh Freedom song that was sung has stayed with me.  I have been singing it around the house because the thought of freedom makes anyone feel lighter and more hopeful about life itself.

In spite of all of the daily tragedies that dot the airwaves, we all can remain encouraged when we acknowledge those small freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis.

We have the freedom to laugh!
We have the freedom to converse with special friends!
We have the freedom to smile at strangers!
We have the freedom to breathe in fresh air!
We have the freedom to take slow walks in the park!
We have the freedom to listen to the birds sing, the dogs bark and the kids play!
We have the freedom to hear the waves of the waterfronts flap against the rocks!
We have the freedom to sit outside and catch some sun!
We have the freedom to cry and wash away our blues!
We have the freedom to listen to some good music!

Take a moment and count the many freedoms that you enjoy on any given day and let freedom ring.  Oh, sing your song!

Lynn M.                                                                                                July 2, 2016

Knocking!

Have you ever continually knocked on a  door and received no response? You could hear some rumbling or activity going on, but there was no answer. After the third knock, perhaps that was an indication that you may be at the wrong door.

It is closed for a reason. Maybe it was open at one time, but it isn’t anymore.  With that in mind, take heed and get a clue. Go further and do better. Search for a new door and when you have reached the right one, knock again. The right one will open speedily and there will be no hesitations. It will swing wide open and all types of new opportunities will pour out! There will be abundance, prosperity, health, wealth, love, peace and much joy!

You will see the red carpet roll out and  hear the cheering voices of those lining the sidelines.  They will say, “We have been wondering when you would find us. We have been waiting for you!”

But if this wonderful reception has been delayed until all of the positive forces fall into alignment, here is a sure antidote. Post this precious poem called Waiting by John Burroughs somewhere closeby so that it can console you while you wait.

Serene, I fold my hands and wait,

Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea;

I rave no more ‘gainst time or fate,

For lo! my own shall come to me.

I stay my haste, I make delays,

For what avails this eager pace?

I stand amid the eternal ways,

And what is mine shall know my face.

Asleep, awake, by night or day,

The friends I seek are seeking me;

No wind can drive my bark astray,

Nor change the tide of destiny.

What matter if I stand alone?

I wait with joy the coming years;

My heart shall reap where it hath sown,

And garner up its fruit of tears.

The waters know their own and draw

The brook that springs in yonder height;

So flows the good with equal law

Unto the soul of pure delight.

The stars come nightly to the sky;

The tidal wave unto the sea;

Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,

Can keep my own away from me.

Lynn M.                                                                                          June 25, 2016

Getting Unblocked!

Have you ever wondered what is blocking your blessings?  Have you sighed and asked what is going on as you wait for the good, the new or the fresh? Well, you might need to do some cleaning and get unblocked.

I recently read Simple Matters:  Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle.  She made her readers take a candid look at the whole notion of accumulation.  In this consumer-based society, we bring something inside of our dwellings every time we enter the door.  It could be something as simple as the junk mail that we vow to go through at a later time. Hence, we have stuff.  Stuff is everywhere.

Boyle shows us how to declutter.   She makes us look at the many things sitting around our homes.  I went on a clearing and decluttering frenzy after I completed her book.  I was able to scale 12 boxes down to seven, thus far.

I let go of old textbooks, college papers, old pictures and lots of things that are no longer a part of my existence after I listened to her careful instruction.  I released old manuals to appliances and devices that I no longer own.  I donated books that I have already read to the local library.

I let go of stuff from former jobs, events and celebrations.  And if I stand back from what I now deem valuable, I could possibly let go of some more things.  My summer has gotten off to a meaningful start.

In some instances, I could not believe what I was still hauling around with me.  Some items even got an “Ugh,” response when I picked them up for evaluation.

I am already beginning to feel lighter. When we throw caution to the wind and clear out that cumbersome stuff or junk, we will become unblocked and more free!

Lynn M.                                                                                                             June 18, 2016

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To Ali: From a Chicago Girl

Remembered his Chi-Town days,

79th Street? A maze.

The Tiger Lounge- his hangout,

People packed tight, all about.

Convertible, double-parked.

No matter, if others barked.

Saw him once in ’98,

In a limo, north of State.

Came for a pic with MJ,

We all cried, “Ali,” that day!

Window down and a big smile,

Hearts pumping on the Mag Mile.

Leaned out a long slender hand,

Memorable size and span.

We all hollered, “We love you!”

He waved as he went on through!

Lynn M.                                                                                                              June 12, 2016

Silence!

At the end of the school year, we studied a short story called The Sound of Annie’s Silence. It was written by a UK author named Phyllis Fair Cowell and it revealed the unlikely bond between two high school girls.  Annie was mute and the narrator became her babysitter.  She thought the job would be easy until she was disturbed by the silence while in Annie’s presence.

This caused a variety of lively discussions about silence itself.  We brought out the fact that in this high-tech age filled with sounds and beeps, few are really comfortable with silence.  Each moment must be filled with some type of noise or chatter.

We are usually talking, texting, emailing, listening to YouTube or television or having some external engagement with our devices.  In contrast, total silence it simply too stark and surreal for most people and like the narrator, we immediately find something to fill the void and rush to hear some sounds.  When the young girl telling the story could not deal with Annie’s silence, she grabbed their coats and headed outdoors for a walk to the park.

Yet, silence can be beautiful for those of us who are older and more seasoned.  When I demanded a totally quiet classroom, one student later remarked, “Wow!  I got so much done.”  I laughed to myself and thought, “Well, yeah.”

At one point, I felt like making a recording saying, “Stop talking!.” or “Voices are off!   or ”Silencio!”  [for the bilingual classes]  I believe that several students learned that silence can be a wondrous event.  Thinking is allowed.  Energy is preserved. Work is completed.

More should simply hush and listen.  Perhaps, the answer to a long-standing question is sitting right there, waiting for us to become silent enough to hear it.

“Silence is true wisdom’s best reply.”  Euripides

Lynn M.                                                                                  June 8, 2016

Restoration

Sometimes, we have to go back to old familiar territory to breathe and restore our Spirits. After all, every past year of our lives still belong to us and we have the right to borrow from already charted waters.

I recently taught a story called Eleven by Sandra Cisneros and she graciously reminded us that we are a composite of all of the ages that we have ever been. She says that we keep aging, but we never forget the experiences of each year that we have lived.

I wrote:

Every year, every tear,

Of the past.

Brought us to where

We are now.

Every lift, every fall,

Every stumble, every bumble.

Led us to this very day.

When there is a need for a feeling of wholeness, we can always revisit our former places to retrieve a sense of balance. We need to feel good so that we can calmly walk through the open doors awaiting us.

We may need to take a step back before we can move forward. Going to spaces and places that offered us recompense in the past strengthen and steady us as we evolve into whoever we are becoming.

Then, we can lean back and do an Ali shuffle and rope-a-dope our fears as we welcome the new and sure!

Lynn M.                                                                 June 5, 2016