Optimism

Optimism: The doctrine, or belief, that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong.

        
Ambrose Bierce

Kyler's Optimism - I'm Awesome, why don't you get it?

I got a good chuckle when I read this quote on my Google Home Page.  I am an optimist and to keep myself from wallowing in the mire, I am sure I have tried to think this way just to keep from falling into the pit of pessimism.  “Good” things come with great trials, frustrations and lessons and it takes a positive attitude to keep moving through them.  Hindsight is 20/20.  Looking back on the events of my life, I can truly say it was all good and for my growth and upliftment, but in the midst of the struggle, it just plain stinks and I can not wait to be free from its hold.

Kegan's 16 Year Old Optimism - My teachers are out to ruin my life!

I’ll use marriage as a perfect example.  When I met my husband and we began dating, our relationship was flowery and giddy.  He appeared to be the answer to all my prayers and no matter the obstacle, we would overcome.  We were strong, optimistic and crazy in love.  (Yes, I do fully mean insane - for the mind cannot think clearly with the biological forces at work in a fresh, new relationship.)  As we faced the challenges of family, finances, personality traits, leftover baggage from the past, all the schmaltzy love disappeared.  Like sandpaper on weathered wood, we scraped against one another with painful realities of the truth of our nature.  I just wanted to get away from the situation; it seemed to be a disaster.  As we accepted the fact we were stuck together because there was no escape, we began to work together, forgive and listen.  The rough, splintered boards have transformed into a work of art.  Not to say the work is done, but the renovation on us was well worth the effort and I am a better person for forging on and I believe my husband is as well.

Perhaps the trails in my life really are all good though they may have been caused by my own foolish choices, the final result is something quite beautiful to behold.  I remember the common, yet wise cliché, “This too shall pass” because it will and I have the opportunity to grow from it if I choose.

Let me know if you can relate or if you disagree.  I love reading your comments, for they too smooth my rough edges.

Jody

Do Something

Don’t Just Sit There, DO Something!

Or it is

Don’t Just Do Something, SIT there! 

mansanity.com

Finding the balance in life is no small task; it’s a constant challenge for me.  In December, I began working with a book/class called The Artist Way by Julia Cameron.  It is a spectacular resource for opening up your creative self.  I found it to be helpful not only in writing, but in basic problem solving as well.

It’s one thing in life to be a dreamer and another to be a doer.  I believe the perfect balance is a blending of the two.  I can visualize my goals with precision, but getting there is my enigma.  How do I balance my creative imagination with physical results?  Do I follow my heart and write when our finances really do not allow for this luxury?  Do I return to what I have done for years in the construction/cleaning business and hope the time for writing will come?  Neither one works for me.  I can not effectively survive without “X” amount of dollars and trust me I have tried and cut every expenditure imaginable.  Yet, I would betray my heart if I returned to a job I no longer wanted to do nor am physically able to do.

Kegan with the same dilema!

I woke up one morning a few months ago at 3 am with a business plan in my head.  Could this be the answer?  After much research and advice, I am moving on the venture with the hopes of meeting my financial needs in a positive way which will eventually allow me to write.  I am excited to introduce to you a healthy, innovative, environmentally responsible company, Kuzala Gluten Free Delectables.  I am privileged to be partnering not only with my immediate family, but my brother Jeremy, my parents and friends to make this company a success.

 

Kuzala opens for business at the end of April and will bring low glycemic, naturally sweetened, gluten free products to Denver and the surrounding area. 

Putting trust in myself to make this endeavor a success has been a task all its own.  Gently refining and balancing the priorities of my spiritual and physical life will prove to be prosperous either way.

Shared journey’s make light the way.  I’d love to hear from you about venturing into the unknown.

Love & light,

Jody

New Adventures

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My dream of being a writer is here!  It’s not what I expected, but its part of the journey and I embrace it with both arms.  I have had the great pleasure of writing creatively in a non-fiction environment for the past couple of months and although I have done quite of bit of this type of writing in the past, I find my writing has matured over time.

"Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver." - Ayn Rand

I am excited to tell you about some wonderful opportunities I have taken advantage of to earn money needed to write the books which reside in my heart.

Check out http://www.indiasgardenvilla.com/ for my recent work in promoting a fantastic Mexican vacation destination in LaCruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico.  Our writing group in planning a relaxing writers retreat in November. 

           

The next thrilling business venture we are about to embark upon is:

Kuzala Gluten Free Delectables

This new company is set to launch in late April.  Our wholesale gluten free bakery will storm the Denver Markets with exquisite low glycemic, gluten free, low sugar cookies and desserts.  Our website will be up and running soon.  Please follow our events page and check us out!

It’s amazing to observe synchronistic events leading me down an unknown path to a destination I know I will love.  Life is wondrous and awesome as I enter the flow without resistance to see where it will lead me.  A prayer I have in my heart daily is for “The light for the highest good”.  Since I do not know what is for my highest good, it’s interesting to see where the path will lead.  I hope you will join me on this journey into the unknown and share your story with me.

Squirrels + Coffee
Dear God.  Help us!

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