The quintessential stub of the toe —

At the very same place in the sequence —

Every single time we run the pattern.

And still.

We keep running it.  Keep hitting the snag.  Keep thinking —

This time it will be different.

And then —

Well —

It's not.

So — 

What?  

What, exactly, are we to do with this impediment? 

Just keep it?  Embrace it?  Allow it?  

Say, "I mean to do that" and make it cool?

Perhaps, yes —

If it truly cannot be overcome.

But then.

How many things truly, truly fit this bill?

I am finding the answer — when it comes to me and my perceived limitations — to be:

Very few.

I am also finding —

When I have the heart to stub my toe in community —

In the company of people who support the changes I want to make —

People who will watch with care, break down my moves, give me honest feedback and encourage me to try again —

Without thinking, without judging, without expecting perfection —

People who will look me in the eye and say —

"Just be fabulous."

Well, then —what do you know?

I am.

Is there a limitation you want to get past rather than letting it drag you down and hold you back?  Are you ready to bring this into community?  How will you open yourself up to finding the right community, teacher or coach? 

There are occasions in life when all we want to do is —

Shrink back.

Fade into the background.

Sneak out of the room.

Pull the covers over our head and pretend we didn't hear —

It isn't what we think or it isn't that bad or —

Surely this will —

Pass. 

Something's coming at us too fast, too slow, sideways or maybe even —

Right between our eyes.   

"Why me?  Why now?," we moan.

And then —

In the midst of all our dodging and ducking and doubling over in doubt, we stop in our well-heeled tracks.

We stop.

Listen to the stillness.

Breathe in.  Breathe out.

And rise to it.

We meet the moment, look it squarely in the eyes and give it an honest answer.

The answer might be "I'll pass" —

Or it might be a giant step up to the plate.

Whether it's yes or no, we have risen.

We have played our sacred parts in the unfolding mystery of life.

Is there anything you are reluctant to rise to in your life today?  Are you holding back because you think you have to step up, but you don't want to?  Can you let yourself meet the moment honestly and decline with ease?  If not, why not?

Red, white and blue —

Draped, waved and worn —

From curb to shining curb.  

Thousands of community constellations —

Band members blaring overtures, politicians on platforms, and people picnicking in parks —

United at dusk in dazzling deafening displays above the earth's Northern Hemisphere.

United in eternity under God —

By our love for —

And commitment to —

Freedom.

We are free people in a free country.

And yet —

Many of us struggle to feel truly free in our everyday personal and professional lives.  

I know I do. 

I wrestle with —

Resource constraints.  Tight turnarounds.  Uncooperative equipment.  Unkind conditions.  Dead bolted decisions.  Itchy trigger fingers —  

Too much noise.

Yes, I often feel locked down by life in the fast lane as we know it today.

But gratefully —

I still have choices!

I can take liberty back —

If I am willing to pay the price.  That price may be as innocuous as a few ruffled feathers, or as stiff as the loss of significant income.  But the choice remains mine.  I can —

Pause.  Redirect.  Disconnect.  Reinvent.  Ask for a favor.  Say yes, or —

Say no.  

Let it go.

All the levers for the freedom I experience in my life are in my hands —

And when I use my heart —

I know just how to play them.

Where do you need to take liberty back in your life?  Are you ready to pay the price?  If not now — when?

The blank canvas waits.  

I contemplate.  Ask a few questions.  Make a little study.  Mix an initial palette.  Grab a brush.  Dab it with color —

And then —

I begin.  

I begin with one stroke.

And that one stroke — whether creeky or elegant —

Changes the entire picture.

Informs the next stroke.  Invites the second color.  And before I know it —

Surprises me with a view of the world that did not exist until this very moment.

Whether I am delighted or disappointed, it matters not. 

I didn't just dream it —

I did it.

And I can do it again.  Another day.  Another way.

With one stroke, I can always say —

Yes.

It's challenging to see the "blank canvases" in full lives and established relationships, but they are always present.  How could a bold stroke in earnest transform your world today?  Will you begin it now?