Trying something

As many of you may know I've been awfully stressed over a job interview. I'm trying to reverse this and instead simply experience as offer love.
I offer love to the examining committee as they go through their hiring process. I know it is not easy.
I offer love to the congregation as they seek someone to guide their children on their spiriutual path.
I release from my self responsibility over the outcome, as the interview is past and it is now out of my hands.
I trust that should I not receive the position, better things will come.
I trust that should I receive the position I will accept it with love and perform to the best of my abilities.
In love.

Candles

Once, a fairly long time ago, a Catholic friend of mine was pregnant with her third child, planning her first natural birth- and dismayed to find her baby was breech. She had never had a cesarean, and was feeling rightfully panicked. I told her, "I will light a candle for you", and she stopped, shocked, and said, "but we light candles!"

She couldn't comprehend that as a non believer, I might light a candle too!

Why might I light a candle? Even if I don't believe that light is going straight to heaven, I do believe in what light symbolizes. Light has long been a giver of hope. The warmth of a fire in the dark of night warms our bones, and protects us from what lurks beyond. It eases our fears in the dark. Our first experience in this life is light after 9 months of near dark. When bad times end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and when life ends, many who have a near death experience report seeing a light, whether physical or hallucinatory, and feeling a sense of calm.

When I light a candle, I hold hope in my heart for all who I light it for, whether it be friends, family, or myself. It is a small action, but sometimes just knowing we're being thought of, and taking a small effort- such as lighting a candle, above and beyond pure thought, mediation, or prayers alone, can be very uplifting in spirit.

My friend went on to have her first birth which wasn't induced. Her baby turned just in time. She was able to breast feed for the first time. Was it a result of my candle? Probably not. Did she feel happy and maybe a little calmer knowing a light burned for her? Absolutely.

I light and hold a candle for all of you today, and a few extras for those who need, well, a little extra light.
Breathe, and be happy.

Zen in music

This song ALWAYS mellows me out. It's like a mantra. You don't have to believe in Buddhism or mantras to find the benefit in replacing the negative with positive. Calm down. Deep breaths.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4PRNgXol0o&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Planting roots

I have traveled a lot. I've lived in 7 states, 3 countries, and visited more. I've driven across every mountain range east of the Ozarks. I've lived in mountains, flat lands, coasts and deserts. While this has given me many chances for fresh starts- I find I am the same person, more or less, wherever I am, and I am weary to still be traveling on.
I'm tired of putting in the fresh start effort. It is no longer a new me, but discovering who are the new you.
Don't get me wrong- I will forever love meeting new people, and I am forever growing, but dammit I need a base somewhere to branch out from, rather than just creating a road map.
In ready to put down roots. That isn't just a metaphor. Do you know how many times I've literally planted asparagus and not lived in the place long enough to take it to harvest?
I'm tired and I'm ready to make a home.
Today I signed the membership book at our local unitarian universalist church and it felt good. Cathartic even. I like the people. I like the mission. I like that they except my weird pseudo Buddhist-atheist mix without question. That no one thinks it's weird I hunt ghosts. That it's awesome I'm an environmentalist.
I'm ready to be home somewhere. I will be moving one last time- to buy a home here somewhere. It needs to be perfect because I can't move anymore. I'm tired.
I will always hop in my car last minute and drive cross country to see a friend or meet a new one, but I need somewhere to rest my head when I'm done.
Welcome home.

I understand

I was discussing today with a couple twitter friends about how if someone is venting/upset that it isn't always appropriate to say, "me too, here's my story". Yet, I find myself sometimes doing this. It's usually an attempt to commiserate and empathize. I also have a coaching/counseling background and I don't want to force that method on someone either, unless they request it.
I know often these people don't want advice or empathy and my story may have no bearing on what they are feeling right now. They really just want to be heard. I'm trying hard to work on listening without sounding too much like a shrink, and without also stealing their thunder. Additionally, if I don't know how to respond, I often crack jokes. Some people don't get my humor- others enjoy it; I am never sure where the line is. As someone with a chronic illness I also get so damn tired of people trying to fix me, when I often just want to rant rage and be heard.
Things I can say:
I know
I understand
I'm sorry
That sounds frustrating/maddening/difficult/etc
What can I do?
I'm here if you need me.
These are all things I can offer.

How can I be a better listener for you?

Rant

I really dislike when someone tells me they can't do something on a Sunday because "I go to church on Sunday."
Yeah, I do too. Unitarians welcome atheists, and people who don't fit in any one niche. I even eat brunch after. I meant in the afternoon you holier than thou self righteous douche.
It's not even the words- it is the tone. It really bothers me. That you're better somehow because you'll be at church instead of whatever obviously heathenistic thing I'd like to do. There is no need to get snippy- a simple "I'm busy" or "maybe after church" would suffice.
Just sayin'.

Patience is an action

I believe it was the awesome Heather Solos (http://www.home-ec101.com/) who once told me, "patience is an action, not a feeling."
My kids have really been trying my patience today, and by the end, I was not patient, and yelled a whole lot.
Later when I had some quiet and a chance to think, I realized I really needed, as mom, was to acknowledge how I feel, but then act accordingly- not yelling. And I forgive myself, and them, honestly. But I blew without thinking and I need to focus on that more next time.
I did apologize. I feel I was wrong.
I will strive more next time to at least ACT patient.
Breathe.