I was fortunate enough to spend
this past Sunday (1 June 2014) in Mainz, Germany, where the Mainz Cathedral
dominates the city’s skyline. Located along the Rhine River, the old quarter,
with its narrow lanes and cobblestone streets, is a popular destination
especially with the cafés and boutiques around Kirschgarten Square. But on
Sunday most boutiques and restaurants are closed. Mainz offered a welcomed
break from the hustle and bustle of Toronto life.
Enjoying a beer on a patio next
to the Rhine River was relaxing, and the quietness of the day offered an
opportunity to hear myself think. And as 2014 is a year I want to be filled
with positivity, I found myself thinking about what it is I love about life.
What I love about life is that
each morning, by my own thoughts, I can decide if I’m going to be positive or
not about the day ahead. And I’m choosing to be positive, to see the beauty
that is this world.
What I love about life is waking
up and, no matter where I find myself in the world — Toronto, Vancouver, Shanghai, Montréal, Mainz,
Winnipeg — settling
in to write. It’s about starting my day by doing what it is that I love to do.
What I love about life is being
able to, no matter how silly or “unrealistic” it may seem to some, chase after
my dreams. And I believe, as Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us, that “The future
belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
What I love about life is that I am
blessed with godsends —
friends and loved ones who support and encourage me. I call these people my
godsends, spread out across North America, who are friends to me and my
writing. Godsends send an e-mail or call to say how proud they are of me. They
reach out to me (without asking) at a time when I need encouragement the most.
They are, as Julia Cameron puts it, a “believing mirror” whose support is
constant.
What I love about life is that
it’s not linear. There are mountains to climb and valleys to wade through.
There are times of progression —when I feel like I’m at the top of my game.
There are, also, periods of regression— when it takes all of my energy to
soldier on. But life is a journey, and through all the detours and
“disruptions,” I’m doing my best to hold steadfast to my dreams and stay
centred.
What I love about life is that I
am free to be me.
We are grateful you are who you are!
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