First Deep Meditation, Part I: Whales, Dolphins, Auras

I don’t usually make time for meditating. Sitting in silence for an extended period of time with my eyes closed usually grates my nerves, but recently I was successful in quieting my mind while sitting in a 6-foot wide, 2-foot deep pool in my backyard. I started with a breathing exercise I recently learned where … Continue reading →

Negative Creativity vs. Positive Creativity: Choose Wisely

  So many of us ache for a life of creativity. We’re convinced lots of people have magic access to it and we’re just the unlucky losers that burped at the wrong time at birth and missed out on the special formula for personal satisfaction and success. When we think that way, we’re in an … Continue reading →

“X” Marks the Spot, But Can You See It?

What if the treasure isn’t BELOW you? What if it’s ABOVE you? What if it’s simply IN you? Is your perspective so ingrained that you would miss the sign, even an obvious one? What if DOWN is really UP? And UP is really DOWN? What if there is no UP or DOWN, only HERE and … Continue reading →

When Was the Last Time You Were This Happy?

  It’s a simple question. Either you’ve been this happy or you haven’t. (But I HOPE you have.) I stole these pictures by freeze-framing a video of me skydiving in 2002. You see that grin from ear to ear? That’s me feeling grateful I landed in one piece . . . thrilled to be alive. … Continue reading →

A 12-STEP Approach to 50 SHADES of TRUTH

I stood before them, fidgeting with the pen I still held in my hand, “Hi, my name is Susan.” “Hi, Susan,” they all said in unison. “I have a confession to make.” Curiosity lifted into the air above them, so high it bounced back down off the ceiling, making two or three attendees straighten themselves … Continue reading →

Be Yourself (Your AUTHENTIC Self)

Be yourself. Sing your song. Find someone who’ll sing along. Be yourself, for you’ll see. Yourself is the only one to be. — Sue J. Keeping it simple today. Love the video and despite a tone of occasional despair, the melody lifts us up to a hopeful place. Hope today is hopeful for you. If … Continue reading →

Life Outside the Lines

Dad always said if you jumped out one window of his shack of a home, you’d land in West Virginia; if you jumped out the other, Maryland. I’m looking out the window of a Southwest Airline plane and am passing over what are boundaries of states… undetectable to the naked eye. Invisible property lines of … Continue reading →

Rebirth and Close Encounters With Death: Trust in the Process

A literal rebirth of the body is about as fine a lesson I can think of about being appreciative, overcoming fear, and living each moment in the present. I’m always of the mind that I meet people in my life, at varied points in my life, for a reason. An important message needs to be … Continue reading →

How to Catch a Fish (or Idea) in a Bubble (Chart)

Today’s dilemma: How does one catch a fish when there are so many fish in the sea? “A peculiar question,” you say? “Since when does abundance leave you starving?” you ask? Well, if you have ADD, ADHD, or are just a creative type with a zillion ideas in your head, you might see the reason … Continue reading →

BE the Flower; Attract the BEES

When nothing seems to be going on, stuff still happens. Hello, dear ones! My apologies for being absent, but I’ve been over my head with projects and commitments. I have been in the midst of taking three online classes, sinking my teeth into courses on grammar, editing, and technical writing. I’m really trying to pave … Continue reading →