Hello Friends

I’m so sorry that I haven’t taken the time to check in with you these past weeks and months. To be honest, my life has been a bit of a whirlwind. I’m sure each of you might have experienced this at one time or another. It’s like the tilt-a-whirl ride at the county fair. The tilt-a-whirl ride, spinning round and round, standing you on your head, and then sloooooooooooolwy, ever so slowly bringing you back to solid ground when it’s done with you… With all its’ flashing lights, its’ music blaring at volumes most anyone would be annoyed by, and the kooky carnival guy with the ominous smile, welcoming you into that machine of chaos, the tilt-a-whirl ride is like an analogy for life. At least, that’s the way I see it. I feel as if I’ve been on that ride for a while now, but I can feel it slowing down. I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. The hatch is opening, and I feel ready to leap into life happy that I took that ride and survived, and content in the knowledge that the ride made me a stronger and better person.

So, here I am. Dropping a few words to let you know I’m still here. Even with all the chaos and struggles, I am happy in the direction my life is moving. I am Thankful for today. I have plans for my future. I am excited about the wonderful things that I feel will happen in my life very soon. I look forward to tomorrow. But I know I need to remember a few life lessons and central concepts. Because I feel you may need a reminder just as I did, here they are. Be patient, whatever you are working for, it will happen, it just may not happen in our time. Accept the fact that we are not in control of every aspect of our lives. Control, for me, is a major obstacle to happiness. Feeling lack of control stresses me. Stop trying to control everything. Good things happen every day. Choose to focus on the good and not the bad. On the topic of love, give and experience Love often. Whether it’s’ the person you share your most intimate experiences with or your closest friend, tell them you love them. You reap the garden you sew. Be humble, no one is perfect. A little humility in life can release us from those lofty expectations we place on ourselves. And finally, just breathe. Take a long deep breath and let that chaos and stress fade away. I hope to remind myself of this every day.

So, here I am today letting you know that I’m still here. I hope to share more in the coming months. I’m not that wise old sage, with the long beard sitting atop the mountain, the weathered gentleman dispensing wonderful advice to all, I’m just a regular Joe. But, for better or worse, I’m your Joe. Let’s grow together. Thanks for giving me a few minutes of your time today. See you soon.

JFTS