SOUL SEARCHING

When emotions run high and trouble runs deep

Sometimes words become lost and promises don’t keep

If hearts and tongues are not always aligned

Then hurt and uncertainty follow closely behind 

The bloom of first love in those sweet, stolen glances

Fades away in the chill of dashed hopes and lost chances

The future that once seemed so rosy and bright

Remains just a flicker in winter’s dark night 

Hold fast to the flame, though its glow may be dim

Search your hearts to be sure true love lies within

Seek ways to express those feelings most hidden

Trust and respect, then talk and listen

The road walked by others may not be the same

As the one planned for you; life isn’t a game

If it’s true that actions speak louder than words

Let what you do be your voice and let it be heard

What’s worth holding on to will not soon depart

Patience is a virtue when it comes to the heart

Take time to consider which path is for you

Then follow those dreams and make them come true

New Year's Resolutions

I’ve never paid much attention to New Year’s resolutions, and I think that’s mainly due to the fact that I’m a self-confessed wimpy moderate.  There’s not an adventuresome bone in my body, much to the chagrin of my three daredevil sons. Just being their mother has provided me with all the nerve-jangling adventure I could ever wish for.

So, as each December 31^st rolls around, I pragmatically avoid making any resolutions which I know will never be kept anyway.  Sure, I’d love to look in the mirror and see a ravishing long-legged, fit and tanned beauty staring back at me but, realistically, if that happened Cindy Crawford would have to be standing directly behind me.  I’m not a complete couch potato – I use my treadmill (moderately) and I love to walk the dog (moderately) when weather conditions permit.  However, when the basic temperature dips into the minus 20’s Celsius and the snow banks tower way above us, neither the dog nor I are inclined to risk frostbite or being run over by a vehicle for the sake of fitness.  A marathon runner I will never be; however, I respect and admire those who aspire to such madness. As for resolving to give up chocolate or some other relative nonsense, that’s not gonna happen either.  Tried it for Lent 40 times or so with disastrous results!

I did recently purchase a “nutrient extractor” which promises to squeeze all the goodness out of fresh fruits and veggies, pulverize it all into a slimy green liquid concoction, and magically transform my innards into a fat burning, energy driven model of health and well-being.  That is, if I can swallow the stuff without gagging. 

I shall strive to be kinder to myself and to others this year and, so, my resolution for 2013 is based on an anonymous quotation:  “Please let me be the person my dog thinks I am.”  Happy New Year!