" Wide To Receive … "

Download something 

Useful, or useless 

Because I'm lying here 

Wide to receive 

Almost anything 

You'd care to give ...

Turn on, plug in 

Then just walk away 

Unlock, process 

And then just go 

And I've never felt quite so alone 

As I do right now 

I'm lying here 

Wide to receive 

Almost anything 

You'd care to leave 

Wide, wide, wide 

~ Morrissey ~ Wide To Receive ~ 

***

Quite a few years back, I made a resolution to NOT make a resolution.  Mainly because I had such a hard time keeping them.  I would but my best foot forward, all my efforts, only to get discourage quickly and quit.  Sounds familiar?

And I often wonder why ... why resolutions are hard to keep.  Maybe because we carry around a lot of stress and burdens of life.  Maybe because our goals are unrealistic ... So then maybe it is about becoming more grounded and authentic ... where resolutions are not necessary because you are LIVING your truth. 

 ☯Trust a man’s behaviour, not his words ☯

In 2013, I had to shed a lot of skin to become the person I am today.  Peeling back the layers … physically, spiritually and emotionally ... letting go of the person I thought I should be in order to be the person I really wanted to be ... and ready to receive.

 ☯Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want ☯

In 2014, I am ready to ... become more empowered and strong, continue to pursue what I truly want to do, go past the fear of the unknown, accept me just as I am, follow my heart, believe I am exactly where I need to be, and let go of what no longer serves me.

I am tired of spending so much of my life thinking everyone else is happier, more successful or better off than I.  Within my core, I know that my journey is unfolding perfectly for me.  The new year doesn’t deserve to be cheated on with my past.  

It is time to move on and tell a new story.  

Get ready to receive … 

" Oil … "

I'll take you down, down to the sea,

can't you see honey, you're lookin at me,

I've got god, some answers, some disease,

but I'm just heavy on your knees

and I see love in your eyes never should've run,

never should've let you lie down on my

shoulder baby ...

OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL

OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL OIL it's all about

~ The Kooks ~ Oil ~

***

Do you believe that Cannabis can save the world?  Yeah a pretty bold statement but potentially true.  So instead of getting stuck on the idea that it is and “illegal substance”, I’d rather focus on the nutritional value and healing properties.

The raw cannabis plant is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ... it is a great source of complete protein, 100% vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, easy to digest and high in healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Cannabis’s diversity allows its use as medicine to heal and repair  both the body and mind.  How?  It contains powerful dis-ease fighting compounds known as cannabinoids.  Of these compounds, the most frequently studied are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

So what are “cannaboids”?

Cannabinoids is a blanket term covering a family of complex chemicals (both natural and man-made) that lock on to “cannabinoid receptors” - the protein molecules on the surface of cells.  The structure of the main active ingredient of cannabis plants (delta-9 THC) was discovered in the 60s.  Yet it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the first cannabinoid receptor was discovered along with cannabinoid-like chemicals within our bodies, known as endocannabinoids.

We have two different types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 & CB2:

CB1 ~ mostly found on cells in the nervous system (due to their location in the brain, it’s thought these receptors are responsible for the infamous “high”/psychoactive effects

CB2 ~ mostly found on cells in the immune system

Cannabinoids are biological molecules and researchers are very keen on their anti-” “ properties.  In regards to cancer, scientist have discovered that various cannabinoids have a wide range of effects in the lab, including:

• Triggering cell death, through a mechanism called apoptosis
• Stopping cells from dividing
• Preventing new blood vessels from growing into tumours
• Reducing the chances of cancer cells spreading through the body, by stopping cells from moving or invading neighbouring tissue
• Speeding up the cell’s internal ‘waste disposal machine’ – a process known as autophagy – which can lead to cell death

Thus far, the best results come from using a combination of THC and CBD, a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.  Some may question the petri-dish results, so thankfully the first human clinical trials of cannabinoids are currently being done (in combo with chemotherapy).

There are many that still view this herb as taboo and feel there are unanswered questions around the potential for using cannabinoids to cure dis-eases ... which type of cannabinoid, what dose might be needed, or which types of cancer might respond best to them.  

Yet human testimonials go a lot further ~ just check out the following health stories:

Brave Mykala

http://www.bravemykayla.com

Corrie Yelland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDz4JXv9SMo

Cash Hyde Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDz4JXv9SMo

Pediatric Eplilespy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciQ4ErmhO7g

Unfortunately, most of BigPharma are not interested thus far, in any of the above.  They don’t want to recognize that there has been some research suggesting that endocannabinoids can possibly suppress tumour growth.  Yet as far back as the 1980’s, cannabinoid-based drugs (including dronabinol, a synthetic THC) and nabilone, were used to help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

Hence, with all the data, research and information out there, it is up to us to decide what is right for us.  Do you homework and consult with experts.  In some instances, medicinal marijuana can be legally issued depending on your condition.  

Make an educated decision about your health and 

take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live 

♋

" Thank-You … "

And so today, my world it smiles

Your hand in mine, we walk the miles

Thanks to you it will be done

For you to me are the only one

... Inspiration's what you are to me

Inspiration, look and see ...

Happiness, no more be sad

Happiness.... I’m glad

If the sun refused to shine

I would still be loving you

Mountains crumble to the sea

There will still be you and me

~ Led Zeppelin ~ Thank-You ~

***

This time of year we tend to look back at what we have endured.  2013 ... what a year, filled with highs and lows, joy and sorrow ... and made it through.  And, this year, I wanted to give thanks for all that I appreciate.

I am thankful for ... 

God
family’s love and support

the generosity and kindness of friends

my husband’s compassion

humility

forgiveness

second chances

my sense of humour

the lessons

a warm bed

roof over my head

meditation

yoga
writing

working from home

music

our band

my MacBookPro

Skype

good healthy food

LIFE ...

... Really the list goes on.  I genuinely believe that the happiest people are those who are grateful.  So this year, that meant an adjustment.  This year, I learned to be more grateful.  And I am, I am grateful to be alive, because things don’t work out they way you expect them to.  

Instead, I wanted to stop taking things for granted and see them as blessings.  I wanted to foster an attitude of gratitude in whatever circumstances.  I wanted to be grateful for each breath, each day.  And although, I still have many slip-ups, I can honestly say I’m a much more grateful person at the end of 2013 than at the beginning.

I plan to continue the gratitude attitude into 2014.  Having a blog platform, I hope to express it more often because there is always room to appreciate.

☯ May the new year bring peace, joy and health to you and your loved ones ☯

" Celebrate … "

Everybody spread the word

We're gonna have a celebration

All across the world

In every nation

It's time for the good times

Forget about the bad times, oh yeah

One day to come together

To release the pressure

We need a holiday ...

You can turn this world around

And bring back all of those happy days

Put your troubles down

It's time to celebrate

Let love shine

And we will find

A way to come together

And make things better

We need a holiday ...

Holiday Celebrate

Holiday, Celebration

Come together in every nation

~ Madonna ~ Celebrate ~

***

Holiday celebrations are in full swing as cookies are baked, lights are displayed and gifts are bought.  This time of year we hope to witness the best that people have to offer.  We celebrate connections, we celebrate life.

So it is also a great time of year to reflect on what has occured in your life during the year.  Some years have been filled with significant landmark events while others have been more subtle, appearing to be less significant.  Yet what emerges from quiet reflection is an appreciation of my life.  

In the begining of the year, life started in one space and has ended in another ... the unfoldment of life and the changes that have occurred.  I am able to see how my life is supported and tailored to my growth.   And although there are situations that may have blinded my objectivity, the key is to release it when the bigger picture is explored.

Anticipating 2014, I am working towards a new sense of freedom, a deeper sense of joy ... I see my life working even as I know there are still many mysteries to explore.  But that is okay because I am starting from a new place within me.  And this new place verifies that action from a place of inner knowing works.  No matter what happens, I am safe, I am protected and I am definitely loved.  

❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆ MERRY WINTER SOLSTICE ❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆

May the solstice and turning of the wheel bring love, peace and good fortune in our coming year as we welcome the returning sun with joy ☼

" So This Is Christmas … "

So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young ...

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear ...

~ John Lennon ~ So This Is Christmas ~ 

***

So this is Christmas, well soon enough.  Yet I have to admit I am not a huge fan.  Okay I know, I will take a lot of flak for not liking Christmas, but I think I am just misunderstood.  I actually like Christmas ... I just don’t like that it is imaginary, temporary and means little to some ... I just don’t like how distorted it has become.

You see, I fully respect the true spirit of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.  It’s just all the fake stuff that tags along I could do without.  After the evening of the 25th, it’s over.  We then get to look forward to the next holiday all while boxing up decorations and waiting in the dreaded return lines.  I guess the real reason is that once Christmas is over, you realize that nothing has changed.  Christmas changed nothing ... you are still you, your context is still your context and whatever thorn in your side is still there!

Plus over the years I’ve run out of good gift ideas, gotten fed up with the shopping mall feeding frenzy and just been upset at all the ungrateful people … 

So maybe Christmas can change things because it has meaning ... for everyone, not just Christians.  Christmas is a “birth-day” and a life worth remembering because He undeniably lived and affected an infinite number of lives.

The great irony and paradox of Christmas, of learning to live compassionately … we don’t give to the poor; they give to us.

So maybe amid the bustle and hustle, we can rekindle the real spirit of the season by ...

Keep a candle burning ~ The constantly burning flame, holding back the darkness, is a potent symbol of life in the heart of winter. 

Support a worthy cause ~ Make a donation in someones name to an organization you know they'd like to support.

Write a letter to your past ~ Now is the ideal time to write a note to someone you wished you’d thanked for a kindness you’ve remembered

Give a gift that's really needed ~ Often we buy people presents just for the sake of buying them something but the idea is to match the service with the person's need. 

Plant a real Christmas tree ~ A lovely way to remember this Christmas, this could also make a great last-minute gift for a nature-loving friend. 

Eat by tree light ~ After the tree is decorated, have a meal around it. Turn off all the lights except for those on the tree, and admire its beauty.

Keep Christmas Eve simple ~ Instead of slaving to prepare a fantastic spread on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day, suggest a simple meal ... that way, you'll have more time to relax and enjoy each other's company.

" Giving … "

Giving me calm to fall into 

Giving me hope to guide me thru 

I want more I want more 

Giving me light to see thru tears 

Giving me strength to crush my fears 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more 

Giving me choice so I may seek 

Giving me faith so I'll believe 

I want more I want more 

Giving me breath of your mercy 

Giving yourself to comfort me 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more

~ Collective Soul ~ Giving ~ 

***

During the holiday season, many are frantically trying to find that special gift for the special someone.  The season of giving .  So, have you ever given any thought to the type of “giver” you are?

You may not have really thought about it.  You see we are told that Christmas is about giving and receiving.  We give to get something in return .. even if it is a thanks from recognition of having given.  So why then does holiday gift giving make us feel anxious and pressured?  Isn’t it suppose to make us happy?  After all, we are MORE blessed to give than to receive.

This time of year is usually described as time with family, religious activities, traditions, spending money, helping others and giving & receiving gifts.  And these gifts reveal the nature of the connections we have with others ... it exposes the character and the thinking of the giver.  Perhaps Christmas giving makes us anxious because it is an exchange.  Perhaps we dread receiving the bad gifts as much as giving it …

So here is an unofficial list of the type of gift-er you may recognize ...

The Genuine Giver

Someone who actually think about you and what you prefer.

The Status Hound Giver

Someone who shows their money or power by giving a costly gift that has nothing to do with the recipient.

The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing Giver

Someone who think they are a wonderful giver but are no more genuine than the Status Hound.  Christmas is about them and will likely send a check or re-gift out of obligation.

The Power Player

Someone who manipulates the symbolic nature of the gift because they understand how gifts can cause pain, consciously or unconsciously.

The Complainer

Someone who talks endlessly about the inconveniences he or she experienced during the holiday season, especially during the acquisition of your gift (another reason there is alcohol at most parties ...).

Regardless of the “type” of giver you may connect with, giving truly is from gratitude that we have more than others.  This year, consider something different.  Volunteer at the soup kitchens, give old clothes to the thrift shops, or donate money to a local charity.  This year consider giving with the message that “you have a special place in my heart” because those are the most wonderful gifts to give and receive  

" Always Do … "

... Because you love me
Like you always do ...

Sweat in the sun, let it stick to my clothes
Because my back is still young
My ears still listen
To the toll of the bell as it's singing out

If I'm to make the same mistake each day, would you mend it?
Time could take this endless love and escape
Just end it

~ The Annuals ~ Always Do ~

***

I recently read a great quote by Jaroslav Pelikan, “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” ... just a thought.

Traditions ... an infinite search through history to find one trend or practice that can provide an explanation for why we are advocates for this form ... Traditions ... something we “always” do ... Traditions ... the practice of passing down customs, beliefs or other knowledge from parents to their children.

With the Christmas season upon us, many are living out their family traditions of the holidays.  I hear conversations such as “we always eat ...”, “we always get together at ...”, “ we always open our gifts on ...”.  And I think that traditions can be a way to make special memories, because they don’t have to be expensive or fancy as long as they are heartfelt and meaningful.

Some of the best traditions grow spontaneously from life ...

I think some of the best traditions are the ones you invent together with your loved ones ... with the understanding that it does not have to happen every time.  Because when we are forced to do something because it has always been done, you build up resentment.  Instead allow the moment itself dictate if the tradition is right ... you know the simple question as to if they are really going to miss ham this year if it is not right beside the turkey?  

You see traditions don’t have to be boring, meaningless or repetitious because it is really about people.  Too many times we focus on details and miss the big picture ... too many times we miss the opportunity to celebrate the relationships that are important to us.   

" Screen … "

I do not know
Why I would go
In front of you
And hide my soul
Cause you're the only one who knows it
Yea you're the only one who knows it

And I will hide behind my pride
To don't know what I think I could lie
Cause there's a screen on my chest
Yea there's a screen on my chest ...

We're broken we're broken we're broken
We're broken people we're broken people ...

I'm standing in front of you
I'm trying to be so cool
Everything together trying to be so cool

~ Screen ~ Twenty One Pilots ~

***

It is just so easy.  Easy to type, easy to hide, easy to stay connected but not visible, easy to respond but not be present.  There are moments I think that my browser may know me better than I know myself.

Think about it ... how many different ways can you connect with someone in your pyjamas?  Setting up the framework I needed to manage my lifestyle, I telecommute ... aka work from home.  I have the ability to meet deadlines, conduct meetings and consult in the comfort of my own surroundings.  My connections are almost always online.  And I know I am not alone.  Many people work in the same manner.

But here is the catch ... there are times you crave that human interaction.  I have gone days if not weeks where I am talking to me, myself and I.  Great company (just kidding) but kind of a one sided conversation if you know what I mean.  

Truthfully ordinary people find comfort in online relationships.  Maybe it is just too easy to get connected ... hmm, maybe we don’t need to know what you are eating for dinner??  The ease of putting up a profile and posturing, inadvertently participating in a popularity contest ... who has the best vacation, who has the flashiest jewellery … And online persona’s allow you to be someone you have always wanted to be or what you think you are on the inside.  Because in every post or chat, we tend to put our best foot forward and therefore deny others who we really are.  

So the question is does virtual communication improve or impair the capacity for good human connection?  We know that relationships and identities are changing thanks to the digital age but do we feel more “in touch” or more “alone”?  

As with many things, balance comes into play.  Finding balance in all aspects of life.  If you find it easier to text a message than to have a personal conversation, ask yourself, what are you afraid of?  Rejection is just as painful when written in words.  

Yes, it sure is about a human experience in a digital age …

" BitterSweet … "

I'm just setting, I'm just setting a trap

And I'm not pulling, no

I'm not pulling for you, you're just pulling at me

I'm not a betting man but this is a sure thing

Everything I do is bittersweet

You could tell me secrets that I'll probably repeat

I'm not trying to hurt you, I just love to speak

I guess that's how its gotta be ...

It feels like we're pulling teeth

So bittersweet

~ Panic At The Disco! ~ BitterSweet ~

***

In a moment, time seems to stand still.  Your life as you know it is no longer as it seemed.  You are not invincible.  You are now in crisis mode.  

And now you have to share what you’ve been told.  You have to break it down to the ones you love.  Do you sugar coat it to save them the heart ache, do you pretend all is well so you don’t disappoint them.  Do you do as you always do, cry in private with shame and guilt tagging along for company.

You make the decision to tell them and you can see the fracturing happen.  Some have questions, lots of questions ... others need solitude, a time to process, to comprehend.  But you hope that  the support will be there, how can it not, they’ve known you your whole life.

But things are not as they seem ... and those that were there forever are no longer available.  Their priorities change, life gets busy, life goes on ... and you just wait for the moment that they are present.  Still waiting and I think, who knows, maybe they’ll miss me ...

And it is bittersweet when they are involved, when they are not absent.  The four words that make you cringe but you know their intentions are pure ... “how is your health?” ... arggghhh ... beggars can’t be choosers because at least they ask.  At least they have a moment when they are considering you.  And yet a thought always stays in the back of my mind ...

trust actions not words ...

Don’t be fooled when care is disguised with curiosity.  Understanding this all too well, in the past, becoming vulnerable only to be hurt with what was shared.  We’ve all been there, so how do you decide?  How do you know who to trust?

So you get hurt and you climb back into your shell.  And you lick your wounds, you get ready and you put yourself out there again.  You crave the human contact, but you wish you could script the conversations.  You wish common sense was actually common.  But you know you have no control on how things transpire, just how you deal. 

You deal, you deal like you always do.  You deal to survive.  You deal to thrive.  And you stop looking outside for affirmation.  You realize it doesn’t what they say or don’t say.  You realize that what they think of you is none of your business ... and so you breath a little easier, you sleep a little deeper and you know that all is well as it is because it is as it should be.