Annette Camp's Blog, page 20

Dare to love?

I love this quote by Robert Staughton Lynd: "I sometimes suspect that half our difficulties are imaginary and that if we kept quiet about them they would disappear." –  Risk it and a take chance. Be courageous. Love all out!

Dare to Love
By: Annette ThomasDare to love?
To pull off
the suit of armor?
To expose yourself
and risk injury
to your very soul?Dare to love?
To stand emotionally
naked before someone?
Stripped of your
heart's protection, thus
revealing your vulnerability?Dare to love?
To allow another
to examine and
question all that
you were, are
and may become?Dare to love?
I ask.
Dare to love
Is to be FREE.

There's hope?

The other day I went to the library and looked up "self-acceptance" in the online library search database.  To my surprise there were only a handful of books listed.  Maybe it's just me, but I thought there would be more books on the subject. Perhaps there are more books on the subject; I just didn't have the "right" key word(s). Regardless, I think that it is an important subject.  For those of you that have ever been put down or cast aside by another or even yourself, this is for you:There is Hope
By: Annette ThomasDysfunctional.
Depressed.
Discouraged.
Defeated.
Degraded.
Disabled.Often times heard
In a soft whisper.Damaged beyond repair?
Never.
There is hope.

Imperfect.
Inadequate.
Incomplete.
Insufficient.
Inferior.
Invalid.

Many times heard
In a loud cry.

Injured beyond healing?
Never.
There is Hope.

Your inner genius?

Today, I read a very thought-provoking question and I wanted to share it with you.  It comes from Alan Cohen's book "A Daily Dose of Sanity" and reads, "Consider a question you are wondering about.  If you knew the answer, what would it be?" Many times when having to make a decision, I already know what I want to happen.  I have something inside me that guides me to the correct course.  Some may call it intuition, gut reaction, Spirit, consciousness, etc. Alan Cohen calls it our "inner genius." I like that. It is empowering to know that I, myself, have the answer within and just need to access it. I once heard that if you really don't know the answer, flip a coin. The answer will come as the coin is in the air, you will suddenly know which one you do or don't want. I often think about that.  Clearly there is an "inner genius" inside each of us.

How are you?

In passing, I am often greeted with "Hi. How are you?" and I respond with "Fine."  I answer this way many times as this question is, more often than not, simply a casual social exchange and nothing more. However, right now I would answer, "I am blessed." I hope that you too can answer this way, particularly after reading the poem below entitled "The Guest House" By Rumi. 
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesAs an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your houseempty of its furniture,still treat each guest honorably.He may be clearing you outfor some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing,and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,because each has been sentas a guide from beyond.

Thank you?

Has the phrase "thank you" become just a repetitive expression to you? If so, you could be among countless others who just mumble it too. For so many people, it is just said as a courtesy or acknowledgement that something has been given such as a gift, favor or service. I, myself, like to think that it is more than an expression expected of you. I like to think that it is said as an expression of pure gratitude for a grand gesture of love on someone's part. Today, I challenge you to not just mumble the words or to just acknowledge something has been done for you.  I'd like you to show genuine appreciation and gratitude for that which has been done when saying "thank you." Will you do it or just repeat the words as you always do?

Lift your spirit?

Have you ever just watched a child play? They have such a joyous spirit.  They can make the simplest things fun. They often don't even need the toys that have been given to or bought for them. Playing tag or hide and seek with a friend, even playing with a box or the pots and pans from the cabinets can make even the smallest child beam. What is it that brings you joy? Think about something that lifts your spirit. Perhaps it is reading a book, talking with a friend, family member or spiritual leader, walking in nature, praying or meditating, journaling, working on a craft/hobby, watching a funny movie, listening to music or taking a road trip somewhere. Do something today that lifts your spirit and brings you joy. Smile like a child. Laugh like a child. Play like a child with a joyous spirit.

Someone who hugs your soul?

Today, I read a very touching poem by Hafiz called "A Tree You Can Wind Around." It spoke of an intimate relationship that most people long for. One in which is "always near." One in which someone says "One day, my angel, you will realize you accomplish everything just by appearing amongst us…There is really nothing more you can do for us than you having…ever been."  Do you have someone in your life that is always near, loves you and believes in you to the depths of their soul unconditionally? Many of us feel that love in the embrace of a child, a grandparent, friend, or higher power.  So how about giving them a call, sending them a letter or email – hug them the way they hug you! And...

"If life doesn't offer a game worth playing, then invent a new one." -- Anthony J. D'Angelo
Link to the Poem: A Tree You Can Wind Around by Hafiz