Life is a Book

It's nearing that time, to pack my bags and hit the road. It's been a memorable past few months living in the mountains and now I'm getting ready to open a new chapter that I've yet to read. I view life as a book, written by God and I the reader. We cannot foretell the future, and like reading a book, we never know what is written on the following pages. We can read fast, slow, at a steady pace, or flip through pages, never really getting a full glimpse of the messages. I find it most useful to read this Book of Life, getting the most out of what has already been written.

I always look forward to opening a new chapter. For many years I've dreamed of moving to Aspen, Colorado to experience a winter season. And thereafter I always envisioned myself making my way towards the West Coast and beyond. Well, the more I read, the nearer I come to living my fantasy. Next week I will be embarking on a solo journey that will lead me back to the sea and to places my heart have yearned to be.

Ending a chapter and moving onto the next fills me with such a vibrant and wholesome feeling. It shows me that I've accomplished so much in my life. To be able to live life one page at a time is total freedom. If we can recognize that life is not so much in our control as it is in God's hands, it is so much easier to accomplish goals and to encompass a sense of emancipation from daily struggles.

Each day that I live, is a page turned, a lesson learned. I once believed that I was writing the pages to my own book, but this stubborn way of thinking got me nowhere. When I surrendered and gave God all the credit, I soon realized that He has been the one leading me all along. My fate has already been engraved and I'm continually tracing the steps, unraveling the Truth. I want what God wants for me, because He knows me better than I know myself. His ways are greater than anything I could ever imagine. And His ways will always win out. Life is a Book and it makes me smile when I read through it.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The Narrow Path

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

We see what we want to see. We act how we want to act. We believe what we want to believe. But, this is not necessarily the best way for us. Us humans are often blinded by our one-track mind. We become stuck in our ways and live our lives as if we know everything. What if, just what if, we chose to follow a different path, where we are led by our Spirit.  What if the path we chose to follow had many more gifts waiting, because we decided to let our faith lead us.

It's difficult to trust in something that is out of our control. Yet, that is where the beauty lies. I cannot begin to list the many times when I could have fallen so hard and to my surprise God caught me and put me back on my feet. Praying is my way of accepting Gods ways in my life because I know that whatever happens here is for a reason and I can either deny the outcome or I can embrace it with acceptance.

I've lived many years wondering who God was and if He was ever around. I always had a slight idea that He was watching over me. But, not until I truly believed, did I see what true living was. And not until I saw did I learn how rewarding it is to act upon righteous teachings.

Not many people have the courage to let go of their habits to follow an unseen guide. Though, those who do find themselves truly living!

Chasing Dreams

No one ever warned me, that chasing dreams is no easy feat. And of course for me, I always learn the hard way. I find a destination, or rather it finds me, I set my mind to it, work long hours to save up the cash, and boom, I'm there. Although towards the end of my adventures, I tend to find myself in a pit, slightly stressed by my financial crisis, when all is said and done, everything always works out anyways. And it could go either way, either it works out or it doesn't, what are you going to do about it? We may as well choose the better of the two.

After 22 long days of traveling, I have made it to my current destination, Aspen, Colorado. I set off from Orlando, Florida with two of my best friends, nearly all of my belongings and Josh's too, in a small truck. We kind of went with the flow, settling in places suitable and we knew people in most stops. I saw the seasons change from the East to West, and met many faces along the way. The scenery's and landscapes that met my eye fulfilled my dream images of America and the long hours it took to get to where I now sit, were all worth the hassle. I spent about 19 days on the road, one morning on a plane, and three bus rides to get to this small mountain town.

I am beginning a new phase in my life, as I like to say, peeling the pages of a new chapter. I don't know many people here and I've never lived outside of Florida, but I have a strong feeling in my heart that I'll do just fine. And as any human does, I do have my doubts about life, but I always try to put em' on the back burner. I spent all day contemplating loneliness, and although this is the first day that I've been completely alone, I didn't really feel that way.

I rode my friends bike around town and popped into, Two Old Hippies music store. I played a couple guitars and one of the employees befriended me. As timing played out, a couple hours later he picked me up and we hung out for the whole night. I love going along with strangers only to become friends. My first night in Aspen was not so lonesome after all. This was God's way of telling me, everything is going to work out Steph, everything is gonna be alright.

Needless to say, I won't ever stop chasing my dreams, I've had this vision for countless years and to have made a cross country dream trip I call 'The Great American Adventure', which inevitably led me to my dream life in Aspen is beyond me. I suppose I should really sulk in the moments I've made and truly appreciate the last few weeks. It's been such an adventure.

So, people, don't get too comfortable, let go of security, talk to people who are different than you, get yourself out into the world, it's waiting for you. In a song I wrote a few years ago..."Chasing dreams, so it seems, I'm going places."

Black & White [colors]

If people had eyes, then why doesn't everything appear to be beautiful. Yeah, there's always going to be an ugly truth, but it doesn't mean we have to sulk in it. I like to find the beauty in all things black and white. Lean towards the brighter side of life. Live a little. It's totally okay to have fun. Take life with a grain of salt, even if it's a bit too much for your taste buds. Believe me, it's much easier that way.

... oh and don't forget to smile! 

Vision

Don't ever think that you will not make it far. We all have eyes and we all have the ability to see, even if we are seeing with our hearts. We must all have a vision.

It's all the little things that sometimes get us down. We allow so many obstacles to distract us from our goals which keep us far from reaching the end. In times like these it is essential to take a step outside of the box, to gaze inward, in order to see what is truly going on. Our minds easily trick us into doubt and self-destruction. But, how much easier could it be if we simply said, "no!" to these attacks. Your mind is not your enemy, it is your friend. But, we've all got to learn how to maintain our thoughts, then our actions will follow.

When we have a vision, we have motivation. The beautiful images painted in our minds, gives us reason to work towards something amazing. It is essential to believe in our dreams. Never think that it is unattainable, because at that slightest thought, you are making it impossible for yourself. It is simply a matter of when, not if! Patience, persistence, and a heart of hope will guide you swiftly to your dreams. Now that is a vision worth working towards.

Always have a vision. Always have a dream. Always believe in yourself. Your spirit will flourish.

Risk

                                                                     “Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry.” 
                                                                                                         ― Jack Kerouac

It is in our innate nature to take risks. From the early beginnings of humanity until present day, man has relied upon risk for survival. Hunter gatherers needed to take risks at an attempt to capture their prey, an act that could have meant death. If not for risk, the human population would not have made it this far. Risk runs thick in our blood.

To take a risk is to step outside of our comfort zone, to leave behind a world that is all too familiar to us. One may wonder, why take a chance, why risk it all? Well, for those who don't know, constantly chasing after the unknown, is like trying to quench a thirst that only risk can satisfy. Living a life of uncertainty may be illogical and dangerous, but it brings forth feelings of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush that can't be beat. Thriving on risk is like no other.


True adventure can only be witnessed through the eyes of a risk-taker, willing to lose it all. This world is too big and too beautiful to let it all slip by. If you really want to know the secret of living a real life, this is it... to leave your bubble that you call home and venture to a foreign land. Take with you what you need, leave behind the rest. Carry an open mind and a pocket full of courage. You will see the world how it really is and it will make you a better person, undoubtedly. So I end on this note...

Don't be afraid to get lost, it's scarier to never find yourself at all.

Forever

I want to live free, forever. I want to be led by the Spirit of love, forever. I desire to be close to Him forever. I will strive to lead a life as simple and as pure as I am capable of, forever. I will be a beautiful soul forever. You know, there are many distractions in this world that keep us from becoming who we are meant to be, that keep us from finding truth in this life. However, for me I am blessed to have found the sunlit path.

I could sit here and question, why me? But, instead I am grateful for the way my life has been unraveling. For the past three years, I have been finding the answers that help me to become a better person every single day. It is by the grace of God that I could have the opportunity to shine so bright. There is beauty all around me and the more I learn, the closer I get to my higher destiny. I am constantly meeting people who make my day, or whom I am given a chance to brighten theirs. I may be only one little girl in this big world, but I am making a huge difference.

I don't mean on a large scale. I don't have any desires to make a huge impression on the human population. I don't need fame nor fortune to feel like I've changed the world, made it a better place. I am simply content with a smile a day. I have this belief that if I've made one person smile a day, then I've made a significant difference in the world. By sharing my love with those around me in a purely giving way, I am doing more than what is asked of me, I am being faithful. I may not have all the means to support a million people, but what little I have and what little I share, is plenty.

When you feel like you've not done enough, just think of what you do have and what you can do for the world. You can change the world. As a matter of fact, you are changing the world. When you find your reflection staring back, say to yourself, it's not what you're looking at, it's what you see. What do you see? You can be forever free.


In this life, beyond everything ugly in this world, look around and see the wondrous beauty.
"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." - Ghandi.

                                                                         Photo by: Will Corvatte