Bob Marley Quote

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around.

You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.

They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face.

In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.

You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”

― Bob Marley

Leaps of Faith

When I consider my past 56 years, most of the pivotal, defining moments in my life have been framed by struggle.  I wonder if this is just how Life is?  Is it the same for all?  Sure, there are some really great moments and events that happened in my life, but almost all were made great because of the struggle it took to achieve.  Is this the same for everyone?  Is this simply how we as humans are designed to interact with the Universe? 

I don’t know.  I probably won’t ever know.

Most seem to understand heartbreak, disappointment, fear, anxiety and the reward of hard work.  Songs are written about it. Books and movies are filled with it - - so I am guessing this struggle that has framed the bulk of my life is inherent in all humanity.

What got me considering all of this is the last payment I just made on a terrible debt I didn’t directly incur myself.  For the past four years I have been paying on this debt.  For four years I have done without in effort to get out from under this bloated monkey on my back.  Yesterday I added all my payments made on this debt:  $51,842 total was paid out of my pocket over the past four years. 

For some perspective, my first house cost $60,000 and I was given 30 years to pay that off.

How in the hell did I ever manage to come up with nearly $52K “extra” these past four years?!  It sounds impossible to me even today now that the deed is done.   Yet, when I really think about it, I know the answer.  I know how I managed to pull this off.  It was through Providence, as referenced in this well-known verse:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” *

Call it God.  The Universe.  Kundalini energy.   Whatever you call it - - I believe we all have access to it - - and when we tap into it, amazing things can happen.  I first stumbled across these words when embarking on completing my undergraduate degree while working full time and not having any extra money or time for school.  But, inspired by these words, I took a bold step and enrolled in my first class, and when I did, Providence moved with me.  None of what came my way would have ever happened if I didn’t take that first bold step of faith and register.  And, every semester for six years I had to repeat this same bold step, over and over, until my goal was realized.

I have had to remind myself to take this same bold step of faith with nearly every difficult decision or goal set before me.  I begin the task having no clear path or plan or resources - - yet taking that first step unleashes a powerful force of synchronicity, strength, perseverance and just plain dumb luck.  And I wonder, is it the same for all?  Do others experience Life the same?  Is Life one big struggle that we are expected to embrace and then allow the forces that surround us help resolve? 

 

I don’t know.  And I probably will never know.... and yet, I wonder?

* For many years these words were attributed to the German philosopher, Goethe.  But more recent research indicates it is  a conglomeration of writing by various authors including Goethe, Faust and Shakespeare.