The Joy of The Morning Dew - A Morning's Promise Of A Fresh Start

Life came to exist here on this piece of space rock because a billion different odds came together to make it possible. Nature is a powerful force, a force to be recokoned with. I mean look at what she's done so far; you could extend Mother Nature on into our Universe and even beyond since it too is the world around us, even if we can't see it. Nature always amazes me, it's patterns as well as its force of change. Look at the Grand Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River from a once flat piece of land. The human body is just as much an example, it is the very reason I got into the healthcare field and eventually became a nurse. The human body and the way it works amazes me. I mean truly amazes me. The billions of different things, pieces, processes, on and on all happening at the same time in sync and in communication. Nature is powerful. We evolved from what was once nothing on this planet and look how complex we are now compared to the first single-celled organism that popped up here on Earth. 

Nature is obviously evident all around us, we have just trained ourselves not to see it - to ignore it. I love how many trees my neighborhood has, I'm lucky. There's also the park down the street. Besides, this is California - there are aloe plants and palm trees literally everywhere. I love going for walks just to be outside and under the trees,walking through the neighborhood. I love growing plants, I'm not always that good at it but I love it. Succulent plants are easy because they just need water and sun but can survive pretty well with even only a little water. I spend hours sometimes just watching them and looking at all the details. Sometimes I think about things and sometimes I just sit and examine the amazing living being in front of me that is also growing and changing. Some of those plants like the succulents are a great example. They, like many others, will grow toward the sunlight so depending on where you put them they will grow a different direction. They crave that light and that nourishment. 

Go for a walk sometime soon, and by soon I mean like today or tomorrow by the latest. Even if it's just for five minutes. I park my truck at work in the 1 hour parking zone so I'm forced to take 3 minutes every hour and take a deep breath and clear my head. Sometimes I take a 6 minute walk around the neighborhood. Nothing long or fancy, just something to get me back outside and connected to nature. Even in the city there are parks and trees. It's like re-charging your batteries in the best way possible. Take a long walk on the weekend. Look up at the open sky and remember why you are joyful and what you have to be joyful about. Be mindful and live here and now in the present. 

There are so many truly beautiful things in nature, everyday types of things. Things that happen because of nature's cycle - like the rain. Yes we have droughts and floods but it is still a water cycle that has developed and helped formed this planet. One beautiful thing about this cycle is the morning dew. The moisture in the cooler air at night falls as condensation when the temperature slowly begins to rise. The water droplets then form and are left on the surface of Earth, well the surfaces that have access to rain. In the morning take a step outside and look at the grass, look at the leaves on the trees or even the metal railings lining the walkways. I love the morning dew because it brings me joy by reminding me that some things do come from the cold harsh night, and it reminds me of freshness. A new start. A new beginning. A new day. I am a water sign and for some reason in an odd way water soothes me like nothing else can. When I see the morning dew I see the Joy I hold closest to my heart, my loving husband and our two dogs, my family and my writing; the potential this day has to propel one of those forward. No matter what happened yesterday. No matter the mistakes or problems or failures. Today take a look at the morning dew, take a moment to center and be mindful. Appreciate life and the things around you, what you have and what you someday will. Be happy in the here and now and take this chance to realize that every morning is a fresh start with a new chance to do whatever you want. You just have to want it. 

Stormy Skies

I took a picture yesterday getting out of my truck and heading into the house. It was such an awe inspiring sight with the clouds and rain and open sky mixed with the cold nipping at all of my exposed skin. The light peaking through the dark clouds felt so warm and refreshing. The picture doesn't even do it justice, but it at least shines some light on it. Through all that darkness and downpour of rain rays of sunlight emerged as strong as ever. You can quite literally see it in the picture. The small beams of sunlight are so contrasting and so revealing. Maybe it's a reminder that through every storm comes bright sunlight. Even in the middle of what seems like an impossibly torential downfall we can have hope. Reminders of the joy we have to hold on to, what will give us the strength we need to make it through. 

The second picture I took last night when we were taking Miss Stormborn for a walk. I looked up and saw that beautiful contrasting night sky. To top it all off is the palm tree in the corner. That sky though, it reminded me of the clear after every storm and the fact that life is made up of cloudy and clear night skies, meaning that neither one could prevail continuously. Through the clouds and rain we must remember that they won't last forever, soon there will be clear skies again. We must treasure the good days when things feel hopeful so that we have something to hold on to and fuel us through the night. Ups and downs, highs and lows. Contrasting, that's what life really is about. When you start to get upset or feel like you are having a bad day stop yourself and think about the last time you went to the movies or the newest album you ordered on iTunes. Think about those clear skies and that bright warm sunlight. Bathe in the soothing memories and give the joy inside you the fuel it needs to keep the fire going. Give yourself some hope. 

Let the Rain Wash It All Away

Tonight, during the movie before bed, I got up to pour a glass of chocolate milk and when walking past the open sliding door I looked outside and caught a glimpse of this. I love the glow of the green lights on the pole at night and seeing the damp wood while hearing the splatter of rain made me stop and take a sigh. As I breathed out I couldn't help but grin for a fraction of a second. The smell from outside was intoxicating. I love the smell of rain. It smells so fresh and new. So clean and so peaceful. I play the sound of rain combined with other things on my iPhone while I sleep at night to keep me peacefully dreaming. Most of the time it works like a charm too. Maybe it's because I'm a Cancer, a water sign. Or maybe it's just because rain is naturally a cleansing and mystifying healer. It doesn't rain much here in California and when it does it's mostly for ten minutes on and off for about a day, never getting more intense than a light downpour. Tonight though, Hollywood's biggest night, the rain has been falling steadily and surely in the land of golden opportunity. I am loving it; I hope it lasts until tomorrow. 

Take some time and smell the air outside, especially if it is raining now. The next time it rains, like before bed, take a moment to breathe in the cleansing aroma nature is sending your way. Look at the world around you, transformed and wet. Cleaned, renewed. Renew yourself, use the beautiful and joyful things around you to keep your battery charged. Nature is a continual source of beauty and hope, just take a moment to stop and look at it. Breathe it in. Inhale deep. Enjoy everything you can with the senses you have been given. We have an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and find the joy that already exists all around us. Take advantage.🌙💦💧☁️