Things that move me

Since my posts have been pretty heavy lately, I thought I would write a lighter one.

*****

When I was driving yesterday, I saw a billboard that said something like, “what are the things that move you” or something to that effect. I think it was an ad for a bank or something. Anyway, the advertising obviously worked, since I’m still thinking about it. Ever since I saw that billboard I’ve been pondering what the things are that move me, and thought I would share them on here.

I know that I have quite a few readers from other countries, and whose primary language is not English. So I want to explain this expression for them, since a literal interpretation wouldn’t make much sense. If something “moves you”, it means that it is very meaningful to you; that it touches your heart; that it shifts, or alters, or “moves” something deep inside you; that just by seeing, or witnessing, or thinking about, or knowing this thing, that you are changed as a result – even if the change is temporary, or even just momentary.

Things that move me:

Stories of survival, against all odds

Stories of victory and triumph in the face of adversity

When humans reach out to help others, especially when it is difficult, inconvenient, or dangerous to do so – for example, I once saw a car pull over under a freeway overpass on a rainy day. A woman, the driver, jumped out the car and ran over to a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, and handed him her umbrella. Jumped back in her car and drove away. The event took all of ten seconds, but it’s a scene that will live on in my mind forever.

When people stand up to discrimination and/or repression

Love in unlikely places – for example when you see/read stories about two animals who become bonded, like a cat and a bird, that you wouldn’t expect

Examples of compassion and generosity

Beauty in nature – spectacular mountains, gorgeous sunsets, intricate flowers, patterns of a butterfly’s wings

The vulnerability of frailty and the strength of vulnerability

Genuinely happy children or animals

***

What about you? What moves you?

Vacation freewrite

Pic from my drive yesterday.

Today’s the last day of my vacation. Later on we will make the drive home. For now, I’m going to enjoy the quiet and solitude of this cold and misty morning, the beautiful view of the water, the sound the gulls, and the leisureness of this time.

I am filled with joy. I can’t remember a time when I’ve felt such peace. Such tranquility. My life back home is filled with such inner turbulence and turmoil, and this is such a wonderful break from that. I hope to be able to carry some of this peace back home with me. Perhaps my empty fudge box will do. 😉

I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For my life; for my friends; for this place.

I hope to give you all a piece of this tranquility.

And now, back to my coffee and my quiet thoughts. This world, for the moment, is mine to enjoy. =]

Running around like a banshee

Today I’ve been running around, trying to get everything done before I leave for my trip tomorrow. Don’t worry friends, I will have internet access where I am going, and I will be posting from my vacay spot!

I’m so excited. A whole week away. Joy joy joy! I love traveling, and I love road trips, and I love vacations and all that comes along with it. We will be staying near the beach, although where we are going the water is quite cold. That hasn’t stopped me from going in in the past though! (I’m secretly part fish. Okay, now that I’ve shared that I guess it’s not so secret anymore… hehe)

Can you tell I’m in a good mood? Traveling really brings out the best sides of me. Maybe it’s the feeling of escaping the everyday stuff, I don’t know. AND I get to bring my dog along – which is an extra bonus! She’s a great little traveler.

I apologize for falling behind on responses to my blog: I will get to them in the next week, I promise! And I have lots more to update you all about, including my really positive therapy session on Monday!

So… no complaints here!

Okay, well laundry and paying last minute bills and cleaning and packing are are calling! Sending you all a smile and a hug (if you like hugs) and be rest assured that you’ll be hearing from me soon.

A little grace, a heavy weight

Every time I get a little grace,
Each time I’m given a little break
A moment of peace
A breath of joy
Something comes like a thief in the night
And steals it away.
A heavy weight gets put in its place.

This thief hides in my shadow
Ready to snatch my joyful sounds
And place them in his satchel

I smile, I laugh, for joy is back
I turn my head but I’m too late
This thief of joy has come and gone
And left me heavy with this weight