Infinite Sunset

I have loved to write ever since I can remember.  Coloring, doodling, journaling, songwriting, and poetry are a few of my favorite writing activities.  The connection of paper, thoughts, and pen/pencil/marker fill a desire to create.  

Last winter I took a children's book writing course.  I have been working on a few children's stories that I hope to publish one day.  During class we would always do a writing prompt.  For one of the sessions, there was a jar full of folded up pieces of paper with a word on each one.  We were to pick one of those words from the jar and write about it.  So, my word was:  INFINITY.  Of course, my first thought was "Toy Story"... To infinity and beyond!  But I was not going to write about a cartoon.  The real thought that entered my mind and sparked my pen to skip across my paper was a sunrise/sunset: two of my favorite moments in each day.  So, below is my writing prompt about Infinity.  

Infinity

I stood there, and witnessed the beauty before my eyes

The sun dipped into the ocean beneath the skies

I was captivated and feeling high

a timeless revelation in disguise 

water washed over my feet

wind blew and set me free

a soul fire burned in me

For always, and beyond, endlessly

All of the worlds matter and energy

devours our ideas in this country

There is more to explore for us to see

A spiritual everlasting discovery

A dancing paintbrush transformed the atmoshphere

A continuos canvas of radiant colors appeared

This stimulating sight connected soul to earth

An immesurable and unfading moment of re-birth

Infinite Sunset, Rincon Puerto Rico
Photo by: Charity Huot Benedict 

Laughter: Who Doesn't Love It?!

I love overdosing on laughter.  The side affects of watery eyes, a sore stomach, and shortness of breath somehow leave me feeling oddly refreshed.  I wish I encountered this experience more often.  I am lucky if I get a couple of good doses a day.  Laughter IS the best medicine.

As a child, I remember sitting in church with my family and having many laughing episodes.  Almost anything would set me off.  A cute baby, bad singing, an expression on the priests face, my interpretations of the homilies, silence... It's almost as though I would look for an opportunity to giggle... even though I knew I absolutely shouldn't.  And then I would hold my breath as my shoulders would shake uncontrollably until I got "the look" from my dad.  Self control was always limited during that hour every week.

Do you ever laugh when you see someone fall?  OMG, I find it hilarious.  But only when it is a good friend, who is in good health, and when they stand up I know they are okay.  Then the laughter pours out, followed by a discussion of past falling events and the chuckling continues.

Every once in a while I crack myself up.  I don't really know what starts it, but once I get going, watch out. My husband looks at me and just shakes his head.  He knows not to interrupt or question a solid laughing session.  He just smirks and says "you think you are so funny."  I really don't think that.  I actually wish I was more funny.  I just utterly enjoy laughing attacks.

I used to work at a grocery store.  To pass time, a few co-workers and I would start laughing circles.  When business was slow we would pick new laughing styles to try out: boisterous, petit, snorting, sniggering, closed mouth, full body engagement, head back, chattering jaw, cackling... you name it, we explored it.  What we found was always amusing and worth the $6.75 an hour.

Lately I find that the shows Parks and Rec, Modern Family, and Jimmy Fallon can provide me with a robust gut laugh.  As well as reminiscing about college years and young adult life.  Not to mention puns, good jokes, inside jokes, humorous articles, and even my dog can cause a good chuckle.  I guess, just like I did as a child, I am always looking for a hearty heavy howl.

I hope that you find some good ol' fashion medicine that makes you split a side, tear up,  bust a gut, and roll on the floor with spontaneous laughing sounds and movements.  We all need a healthy and pleasurable daily dose of laughter.

Comical Moment At My Wedding
Photo by: Bailey Aro Photography 

Be Mindful

I am trying to recall the last time life wasn't "busy."  From working, to family events, to appointments, to performances, to responsibilities at home, to maintaining relationships and so on, I am lucky if I have a few moments to lay in a hammock and feel the breeze on my skin. It may have been over ten years ago, when I lived in St. Vincent, that the pace of life felt relaxed.  Oh America, why must we rush through every routine incident?

It hasn't been until recent years that I have been more aware of squeezing the most out of each scheduled task.  It is so easy to get caught up in our calendars that before you know it, the next season already surrounds us.  I have been better about finding "time for myself" as they say.  Even if it is just feeling my feet grip the earth as I walk my dog, or feel the warm water and stone in my hands as I wash the dishes.  

Your whole perspective of every mundane chore and endeavor can become much more enjoyable if you are mindful, grateful and present in each ordinary mission.  Stop thinking about what is next on the list, and just be, where ever you are.  

Our circumstances in life can change in an eyes blink.  I have easily learned that by being launched into a lifestyle of bed rest because of a few pregnancy hurdles.  Now they say I have all the time in the world to relax!  The calendar is empty!  If only it were that easy to embrace... we do the best we can...

No matter where we are in life, no matter what turn of events, or how quickly our schedules fill up, be aware of each daily venture.  At least give yourself that gift.  

Enjoy the steam of the shower instead of thinking about your crazy day ahead.  Notice how lotion feels as you apply it on your skin. Observe your surroundings as you wait in long lines.  Feel the textures of the meals you consume on your tongue.  Delight in the company you are with.  Savor the taste of your favorite beverage.  If you can even make time for these little things, you have given yourself something.

Revel in each moment.

Be grateful.  Be present.  Be mindful 

Minnehaha Falls
Photo by: Charity Huot Benedict

Motherhood Begins in a Flash

I became a mother the moment I found out I was carrying life inside my womb.

All thoughts and emotions circle through me in slow motion and fast forward with each blink of my eyes.  Sacrifice.  Selflessness.  Protection.  Love.  These gifts kick in before the awareness grips my being.  A new journey, a new path; dusted with excitement, joy, fear, hope, and compassion as these particles linger and swirl around each step I take.

As an extra heart beat continues to motivate my rhythm of life, the unexpected delicacies flow through sound and silence.  How quickly the tempo can change!  How unpredictably the pattern dances!

As gracefully as I can, I accept that not only is there one new life growing inside my body, but a mother is developing inside my soul.  My existence through this world has a whole new purpose. Each choice, each decision, each surrender is now influenced by a precious baby I have yet to meet.

Baby Benedict

Accepting the Unexpected

I have always been one to set goals and pursue dreams as I stroll along on this planet.  Whether I graduated college, accepted a teaching position, or recorded an album, I have been able to check a few life visions off my bucket list.  These things never come easy, believe me.

The dedication and perseverance it takes to accomplish our desires is sometimes beyond what the human psyche can handle.  But the fact is, I wouldn't want to live in a stagnant- spinning- hamster wheel kind of place.  My spirit is always craving a new endeavor to connect, grow, and create.  

The area I find most challenging is accepting the unexpected.  As we set high hopes and try to make our visions a reality, there are times when tribulations occur in a way we least anticipate.  The barriers that pop up and the storms that alter our current comfort zone can shake us to the core.  I find it is our attitude and finesse during these inconveniences that bring us to see our true self. 

Sometimes the mirror is foggy, even broken.  Take it as an opportunity to look beyond what is directly in front of you.  The possibilities to change your mind and present yourself in a whole new light may refresh your complexion and illuminate your reflection.  

Just roll with it.  You may find yourself in an even more desirable and more valuable place in life by looking through a different plane, or listening to a ringing echo.  Accept the unexpected.  What angle, what viewpoint, what temperament are you choosing as you embrace your current situation?

Rocky Mountains
Photo by: Charity Huot Benedict