In the moment.

I am big believer in living and loving the right here; right now. I happened upon the quote posted above by Ayn Rand through this blog. It's a quote so poignant and inspiring. Too many people waste their days longing and wishing for something they can't have- something from their past, or thinking something is out-of-reach in their future. The desperation they feel starts out maybe as a small twinge in their heart/soul, but as time goes on they give into that belief system and soon they have a roaring fire ranging in them that literally controls their life.

It's sad, but happens all too often, leaving in it's wake broken relationships, bitter hearts, self-pity, gloom and dismay. Do you know anyone like this in your life? It can happen suddenly too. I sat in a dark valley myself realizing at one point that there is always a choice to divert from life's dark path and choose a new Way. Fortunately in my situation I had many friends and family and a God who loved me and gave me a feeling of Hope that choosing a better way out of sorrow would make life worth living- even after Teagan's death. In the depths of despair, I felt the need to move beyond that and wanted something More in life. I wanted beauty and Joy too.

I thank God for giving me many blessings- even on the twisted, winding path I've been walking for years. It's been wrought with pain and sorrow and confusion and questions, but I've learned that not wallowing in it or closing out the world and hiding in the pain has opened up new and amazing moments. Moments I would have otherwise missed. This is what I hope to inspire out of the pain of my life. That no matter what comes- and pain and heartache DOES come, there is always a chance to find beauty and Hope.

One of my friends has a beautiful story of hope in her own life. She has learned some of the same lessons in life that I have- that you can choose beauty and Joy and hope is never out of reach. Andrea is giving away a class on her blog if you stop by and leave her a comment. You will love some of the creations she makes and she has some really wonderful techniques to inspire you too. Stop by and tell her Nitty.Gritty. sent you. =) She'll get a kick out of that.

I challenge you to embrace your moments today. Big or little; exciting or mundane; challenging or comfortable. Imagine there is no tomorrow, how can that thought impact the way you live today? Choose contentment; let go of an expectation; forgive a wrongdoing; see something in a new way; live in this moment and find it can make all the difference in the world.