GOODNESS AND MERCY

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...
Psalm 23:6

View from Boulder's Central Park of Flatirons to the Southwest

I wanted to post an update since my last blog post was six months ago.

I made it to Boulder, Colorado (see above). I've nearly survived my first Rocky Mountain Winter and other than one record-setting day last weekend, a few days of bitter cold and some hurricane-force winds a couple of times, it hasn't been that bad. THERE IS LOTS OF SUNSHINE HERE! In fact, we get ten more days of it in Boulder than does Tallahassee, Florida! I can handle the winter when the sun is out and the average high is mid-40's. It's been MUCH colder in the Midwest this winter.

My last post focused so much on my spiritual journey, I feel compelled to update you on that. It, of course, continues, as it is a lifelong quest for truth, wisdom and understanding. I can't say that I've practiced a lot of presence since I've been here. I think I've only watched Eckhart Tolle once!

I have, however, continued my practice of gratitude. It goes into my journal and my morning meditations. Still very grateful for my life, for all the blessings and gifts--for love, joy, peace, patience, understanding, empathy...the list goes on. As I said, I'm very grateful for the amount of sunshine, positive energy and Vitamin D out here in the foothills and front range of the Rockies. It's a survivable climate. And Spring is right around the corner.

I still struggle with housing stability, but I've met some of the coolest people out here in Boulder. It is a very giving community. It is diverse with a lot of Hispanic and Native American influence, which describes about 2/3 of my new friends. I have a small community of great people, a support network, a new therapist, a great doctor, Medicaid and food security. The rest will follow.

But what continues to amaze me the most is the fact that GOODNESS AND MERCY seem to chase me down even on days when I least expect it or feel that I don't deserve it. The coolest things seem to happen, or unexpected opportunities arrive, or excellent friendships materialize and I find these blessings in the most unlikely places! I've told my closest friends that the verse in Psalms (top of post) rings true now more than ever...and I need it!

I've been paying forward the blessings as much as I can. I feel that I've put a lot of good karma out there and it is coming back to me. I believe it starts with a heart of gratitude and being humble enough to see it. That power doesn't reside in me. It is the Divine.

Well, I wish I could give the myriad of examples that come to mind, but my online time today is very limited, so I'll leave it at that. Just know that my needs are continually met. I'm so grateful for my support network and especially for people like Steven, Angela, Gregory, Jen, "Boots" and Helen, to name a few. It's been a tough transition, for sure. A scary one, even. I did NOT look forward to moving to this hostile climate. But as it turns out, it's really very hospitable. Most of January was spent above normal temps! It's the people who I associate with, though, who make the difference. That's where I see the Divine almost daily.

Peace, positivity and love, my friends!