As the world mourns the sudden loss of a music legend. His words ring true. 

Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today To get through this thing called life 

Electric word life

It means forever and that’s a mighty long time But I’m here to tell you There’s something else

The after world

A world of never ending happiness You can always see the sun, day or night

So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills You know the one, Dr. Everything’ll Be Alright Instead of asking him how much of your time is left Ask him how much of your mind, baby

‘Cause in this life

Things are much harder than in the after world

In this life

You’re on your own

And if the elevator tries to bring you down

Go crazy, punch a higher floor

Is that what we’re all here for? To get through this beautiful messy thing called life? And if we’re lucky our deeds here on earth will last well beyond our transition. So profound!! Will you use your powers for good or evil? Will you take risks in pursuit of making this life better for others which will in turn make things better for yourself as well or will you stay in your comfort zone too scared of what others will think of you? I personally want to live like Prince. Rest in Peace sir. You certainly made this life better for all of us. 

  
It’s interesting how life’s changes can seem to happen in the blink of an eye. As we begin the celebration of our oldest child’s 21st birthday. The universe has put so many reminders in this day, a celebration of a coming of age, a right of passage. My child hearing the news of a peer losing his life to substance abuse, and the run in with an old nemesis who has gone from the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan. The universe will show you signs of inevitable change, it will remind you that you and you alone have control over yourself and your choices. Make the choices count! So as we cheer the swan on, and mourn the life cut too short, and celebrate this right of passage may we always…
Sing like no one is listening.

Love like you’ve never been hurt.

Dance like nobody’s watching,

and live like it’s heaven on earth.

  
It’s funny how life works, I received an email from a ghost yesterday that I wasn’t expecting. Not to be cliche but the saying “When one door closes GOD opens a window”…It’s VERY true BUT sometimes what can appear to be a window may actually be the entrance to a trap. Not a gift from the universe or GOD at all but actually a distraction from the enemy to get you off the path you’re supposed to be on. Tricky, Tricky…SO the question is “HOW can you tell the difference?” Funny you should ask! You keep looking for answers, you keep asking for guidance, you get a mentor’s perspective and above all you sit quietly and let GOD/The Universe guide you. Through these people and places that you seek from you’ll know which is the gift and which is the distraction. In the span of a few minutes Joel Osteen and the E-Ministry posted such guidance:

Joel’s reads: 

God’s dream for your life is much bigger than your own. Don’t get satisfied just having your needs supplied. Be grateful, but know God has so much more in store. He wants you to come into overflow, into abundance to where you can be a greater blessing wherever you go.

E-min.org reads:

Prayer: LORD, when You put in my heart and mind to do a thing, I want to do it with enthusiasm, passion, and excellence. I know that if I do it well, You will be honored. On the other hand, if I do not do it well, it will be a shame to me. Help me to do my work with excellence–not just because others will see, but because it is a matter of integrity between us. As I honor You first, others may see, but Your opinion is what is most important. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let the search for guidance commence! 

Is it? Are weekends and what they mean starting to die?  I love a post I read from Joel Osteen this morning. It reads:

When God created you, He stepped back and said, “That was good.” He calls you a masterpiece. Quit living like you’re ordinary, average or mediocre; you’re one of a kind. You’re a prized possession. You’re wearing a crown of favor.

The days are starting to run into each other with the weekends getting lost in the mix. Structure is definitely in order! My husband and I came upon a young lady in the turning lane broken down on our way to start our days errands…SO Carpe Diem on this Sunday! We pulled over and pushed her to the side of the road. Ok Universe what’s next on your agenda?

It’s amazing what the mind must do to close the proverbial chapter. A mourning process must be had. Time allowed to grieve.

The internet says the following on the seven stages:

The seven emotional stages of grief are usually understood to be shock or disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance/hope. Symptoms of grief can be emotional, physical, social, or religious in nature. 

I think I’m at acceptance/hope since I’ve had a year to come to terms with this chapter closing, a year to theorize on a plan. I fedex’d the last of my company belongings Thursday and now I’ve started to hit Pinterest harder that an alcoholic who’s fallen off the wagon! My corporate fed mind is searching for projects, searching for the adrenaline that comes from deadlines and stress. SHIT! I’m going through withdrawals, is there a name for these withdrawals?! I’m going to need to start a detox STAT!  It’s only been a week and I ACTUALLY MISS the sound of my phone dinging in the middle of the night with emails. SERIOUS DETOX in order! I’ll let you know how that goes when I get one. For now I’m holding on to my early morning cappuccinos, CNN and the prospect of gutting every room in my house. WISH ME LUCK!