Today I was reminded of this reflections question.  My 4 year old boy was absorbed in playing with his cars and suddenly ran over and threw his arms around my neck and squeezed.  Next to my ear he said "Oh Mom, you're the best mom I ever had." 

These bits of serendipity are often the little things that fill me up with warmth and happiness. 

Examples of connectedness would be high on list of happy-makers.  When the right article comes along just as I'm struggling with a similar issue.  Finding the perfect Christmas gift for my friend right after she mentions looking for the particular item.  Little reminders that all things are connected and come about as they should help buoy my faith.

And material objects?  Sometimes the most absurd things.  Recently the tiniest brown glass bottle came my way (containing some interesting aromatherapy oils) from my massage therapist.  Cap and all it is about 1" tall.  Just looking at it or rolling it in my hand gives me pleasure.

I can't say with certainty any particular object.  It seems it's just the right thing at the right time that strikes a certain cord.

What I do know for sure is that when I keep my eyes open and my heart seeking for these little bits of joy, I stay on the path of gratitude, which makes all things more simple.

Namaste
CJ

I earn money by being a 911 dispatcher.  This entails much that you would not imagine unless you sat a day or two in my chair.

I would recommend this job to anyone who can multi-task like a fiend.
I would recommend this job to anyone who is working on developing their ability to be tolerant.
I would recommend this job to anyone who wants to gain insight into a part of their community they probably never knew existed, if they were presently a typical white collar middle class family.
I would recommend this job to anyone who wants to help save lives but doesn't care if they're thanked for doing it.
I would recommend this job to anyone who enjoys working odd days/hours.
I would recommend this job to anyone who can muscle through a crisis (or three simultaneously) with clarity and efficiency.
I would recommend this job to anyone who can remain calm in the face of someone else's grief, panic, pain or anger, all on the other end of a phone line.
I would recommend this job to anyone who can help that other person on the line to find a space of calm in their moment of distress.
I would recommend this job to anyone who wants to know the streets of their town (and/or county in my case) like the back of their hand.
I would recommend this job to anyone who wants to know what it's like to truly be behind the scenes; to be the one that initiates and helps orchestrate necessary tasks seamlessly without ever being seen.

CJ

Ah ha ha ha, this has been the topic of much of my dialogue, both internal and external.  A vision is forming, has been pushing through the mist for the last few years.  I have a vision of a center in the Black Hills.  I have ties there for many reasons.  I have even found a piece of property that would fit in my dream.  Right now is not the right time, but it will come together as it should.

This retreat would combine education, yoga, horses, massage, a spa like retreat with organic gardening, green building and management practices, healthy eating; to create an environment that is restful and invigorating at the same time.  My passion, the thing I seem to always be called into action for, is helping people.  Sometimes it's marriage trouble, sometimes it's internal struggle, sometimes it's weight loss, but people seem to gravitate to me for these reasons, and I feel energized and in spirit when I am engaged with them.

I have a passion and feel a particular need to help people who have had longstanding struggles with weight and health issues.  I believe strongly in the mind/body connection and desire teaching others about it. 

I envision an intimate, not commercial, setting.
I envision exquisite aftercare offered so the effects aren't short lived.
I envision this is my life's work along with my husband.
I envision a huge beautiful wild portion of the Black Hills coming in to my care so I can protect it from overdevelopment, which I feel is a problem in that area.

I have felt for a few months that we (my husband and I) are on the cusp of something big.  We are at the edge of several things changing in our lives.  We'll see what comes forth.  I believe if I keep focusing on my dream, things will come as they should.

This feels like a tumbling ramble of ideas that have been rolling around in my finally flowing into a written form.  I am grateful for this specific question that targeted the heart of what's been on my mind.

Namaste
CJ

It is 10:33 CST right now.  The ambient air temperature outside is -20 degrees Farenheit.  This picture is not from corner of the world.  At these temperatures thick frost cannot form.  But this reminds of how it is outside.  The sun is fiercely bright when it's this cold it seems.  There is no blanket of clouds to warm the air.

Many complain and kvetch about temperatures this cold.  Is there really a point to this negative expenditure of energy?  There is no changing the temperature outdoors.  How about finding a way to be grateful for it? 

For me, temperatures this cold mean my best friend, my husband, stays home.  It is a nice treat to have breakfast in a leisurely fashion with him.  If I must go out in the frigid air, I don't have to bundle up my 4 year old and take him with me.  That often feels like a vacation. 

This weather reminds me to be a light of non-complaint in the world.  It reminds me to be grateful in all things.

Have a great day
Namaste
CJ