Several years ago, I attended a Yoga & Writing Retreat for Women in Sedona, Arizona led by Sarah McLean.  When I explained to her that I was newly widowed, that my Anniversary Weekend was quickly approaching, and that I was looking for a new perspective within which to view this time, her reply was "this retreat is a perfect gift for oneself."  With a bit of trepidation I arrived and found myself immersed with a group of loving souls, each from various places in life. The weekend was spent in deep meditations, followed by expansive writing exercises that expressed our creative souls.  The revelations from these writings were surprising and deeply healing.  My initial intention to honor myself and to create a meaningful new spiritual experience ended with my coming away with the most incredible, transformational experience of my life.

On the final day of the Retreat, together with another participant, we went into town to shop for a special memento.  With our purchases in hand, we then climbed to a favorite spot, sat upon the vortex and placed our items on our laps to unwrap.  My purchase a beautiful silver band with a coral stone, reflecting endurance, vitality, play, and creativity.  As I placed it on my ring finger, I promised to "love, honor and cherish myself all the days of my life."  Truly powerful, energetic and liberating.  
​The significance of this Anniversary day remains forever with me.     

​“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless
prospect of magic and wonder.”
— Ansel Adams

Ansel Adam's words ring true!  Hiking in beautiful places of respite is where I cultivate wonder and nurture dreams.  Breathing in the scent of nature, the feel of the Earth beneath my feet, and the magic from my surroundings, a peaceful living presence.   I will stop, close my eyes and reflect on all that I am grateful for in my life and in that moment.   This image was one of those moments.
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Believing I was totally alone, lost in thought, I suddenly noticed off in the distance a lone shape making its way through the thick Oregon Coastal Fog. The movement appeared brisk and determined.  I was initially startled, my heart starting beating, uncertain as to what or who would materialize as I continued forward.  When I realized what I was seeing, I captured the moment thinking that we are never really alone, and that there are countless times in life when we are literally walking through a fog and cannot see ahead. Do we stop and do nothing, allow fear to paralyze, or do we push forward?  Like a mother giving birth to her child, she pushes and the gift of a new life appears.  All of us have a deep knowing within that we are moving according to a plan, a plan that we have set for ourselves.  Even when things seem impossible we will make it through.  We are never given more than we can handle and once we learn how to allow and accept the outcomes and stop trying to control everything, life gets easy.  Letting go opens the flood gates to unexpected surprises.  The experience from the stillness of the fog that day was a living metaphor to keep pushing forward no matter what.  

There is an energetic vibration at work where everything seems so fresh and clear.  I am drawn to light and how it plays upon the life around me.  The early wilting signs along the edges of these petals drew me in for closer inspection.  Their beauty and vitality remain, still powering forth.  The importance of living in each moment and the acceptance of growing older are the keys to remain Goddesses forever.  Christine Northrup says this best, “Age is just a number, and agelessness means not buying into the idea that a number determines everything from your state of health to your attractiveness to your value,”  I agree!

No two hearts are the same and this is true for shapes as well.  I am always coming across hearts no matter where I go.  They appear in the clouds, trees, leaves, rocks, shells, etc.   The list is endless and each time I am thrilled by the sight and always give thanks, for I know that this is the Universe’s reminder to be true to myself.  I share these hearts with friends and family, and with people I do not know.   I even return them back to nature in gratitude.  This image was taken while walking along the beach and as I captured the moment, I realized just how much I am living my life with ease and happiness.  Letting go of old paradigms and limiting beliefs has opened my heart.  Life’s journey is a beautiful process. Today’s Message from the Universe is the inspiration for this creation.   Thank you Mike Dooley!