Our roots ground us
They give us stability and
The chance to grow tall
They keep us firm
In the storms of life
They nourish our souls
They make us strong
Leaves and branches
Adorn the tree of our lives
But without roots
They would not stay alive
“Grounded in our roots we rise”*
September 30th, 2018
*Larry Smith in Fresh off the boat
I love the early mornings
The day is new and inviting
I’ve slept and I’m rested
It’s quiet and peaceful
I have time to read and think
As my mind gradually awakens
I feel at peace
This is my time with the universe
Time to contemplate and
Remember my dreams
The early mornings
My favorite time
My thoughts are uncluttered
And I’m ready for a fresh start
September 24th, 2018
Days go by
Seasons change
And I write in my notebooks
Children grow up
Life changes
And I keep writing in my notebooks
Dreams are dreamt
Some become reality
And I keep writing in my notebooks
We move from city to city
From one country to another
And I keep writing in my notebooks
My notebooks have created a beautiful pile
Colourful and different each one
Writing is the constant in my life
My notebooks are the repository of my thoughts
September 23rd, 2018
I raised my kids not thinking
About the day they would leave home
Sure, there were times when I looked forward
To having more time for myself
But now I realize what a void they will leave in my heart
When they leave
Having been a stay at home mom
And then working part-time
I have been lucky to have been with my children
A lot of the time
When they leave
I have to fill that empty space with
Other people and other activities
There is still a few months left
Before any of them leave
But I’m trying to prepare myself
Although I don’t think that I’ll ever be ready
But we raise our kids so that
One day they can leave and be
Productive members of the community
It’s sad to see them leave
And yet I have to think of the opportunities it brings
September 20th, 2018
I accept all of me
The Eastern me
The Western me
And everything in between
All of my experiences in life
Are valid
All the influences I have had
Have shaped me
Yet in the final analysis
I am who I am
Despite where I have grown up
Or where I live
My personality is not tied to one place
My interests and talents are innate
My humanity something I have
In common with everyone else
September 17th, 2018
Do I fit in here or there?
Do I belong here or there?
Questions I once asked myself
How about I fit in here and there
I belong here and there
I also belong to a group of people
Who have grown up here and there
There are other people like me out there
They are also my community
At the root of it all though
We are all human beings
Who belong to the same family
Sept. 5th, 2018
Today, I’m thankful for feeling well
Being able to laugh again
Today, I’m thankful that my creativity is back
And I want to write again
Today, I’m thankful to have energy
To do what is needed
Today, I’m thankful to walk in the sun
Having left the shadows behind
Today, I’m thankful to feel calm again
To face the things that come my way
Today, I’m thankful to have my optimism back
Along with my sunny disposition
Today, I’m thankful to feel well again
Once more, I’ve conquered darkness
September 2nd, 2018
What brings us happiness?
Certainly not just material things
Because there are many unhappy rich people
To be happy we have other need that need the be met
Need for companionship and friendship
Need for purpose in our lives
A passion or an interest
And ironically happiness comes to us
When we make others happy
It’s not just about us
We derive happiness from helping others
And being useful in society
In a way our happiness depends on the happiness of our neighbor
Sept. 1st, 2018
lida's musings 