For a New Beginning

In the light of the upcoming graduation, this poem inspires me to accept and welcome new changes that may seem intimidating or unclear. 

“In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness grow inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the grey promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plentitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.” 

Here is a really cool website about cultural differences!! My favorite anecdote is the one about peeling a banana for a Russian lady. I also found the bit about eye contact interesting. 

An Exquisite Life

I know I've been posting a lot of inspirational poetry and whatnot recently, but I can't help myself! I like this one very much...

This can be the most beautiful, fulfilling day you’ve ever known. For that to happen, you have to allow it.
You have to let go of your obsession with struggling and striving for more, and enjoy the beauty of what already is here. You have to stop thinking that some new richness will fulfill you, and fully experience the richness that is already yours.
Instead of fighting your way through each moment, open yourself to the possibilities for joy. Instead of focusing so intently on what you need, dive deeply into the value of all you have.
There is a unique and exquisite life that is already yours. All you have to do, is thankfully and gracefully let it unfold.
Whatever your situation, whatever your circumstances, there is immeasurable value to be experienced in the authentic living of your life. In the beautiful truth of who you are, there are endless possibilities for magnificent fulfillment.
Let the full truth of your life unfold. And let this truly be the best day ever.

Winners and winners

There are those who win now, and those who will win later. If everyone were to win first place all at once, the victory would have no real meaning.
If you resent those who win the race, you give up a valuable opportunity. You give up the opportunity to learn from their examples.
There are those who win in one area of life, and others who win in other areas of life. If everyone was the best at the very same thing, think of how terribly tedious and predictable things would be.
Just because one person wins, or excels, or achieves, does not mean everyone else loses. Life’s victories do not happen in a vacuum, and their valuable consequences reach far beyond those who achieve them.
Choose to be inspired, to learn from, and to catch the positive energy of those who win. Then make use of that energy, and build on it to win in your very own way.
Sincerely celebrate the victories of those who win. For that makes you a winner, too.

For a New Beginning

This poem makes me think about going to college :)

“In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness grow inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the grey promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plentitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.” 

 John O'Donohue