CUP OF JO...

When a year passes, I often think of Dr. Seuss's book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" It's considered a long children's poem. As is often of Dr. Seuss's work, it is usually relatable, lovable and useful as an adult. For instance, read the depth in this passage alone:

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

And, what great truths and positive motivation are revealed in these stanzas:

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

...Guess the unofficial doctor has the perfect remedy with his words. "Officially" for me, what is now true is that I am 34 years "old"er. With my mysterious birthday date still undiscovered, the inevitable fate operator with my drivers license in-hand added another coin to my life meter. I am so lucky to stay one more year in this little life of mine.

If last year's post (http://johannavanderspool.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html) was about the Year of The Treadmill, this year is the Year of the Inner Guidance. This year I commanded this prose, more than ever:

So many of us walk a walk that isn't even desirable to us at all. It's a complacency set from, perhaps, family expectations or; an inner deviant who tells you your true passion is too frightening or; life generally steers you wayward from your ultimate goal. Maybe that doesn't apply to you...and if not, be so glad of it.

There are times that everyone needs to take the moment(s) to assess who they are, what they want, where to live, who their friends are, what their life will be in one direction versus another. The key is not to stall, but the inspection/ introspection is absolutely necessary. More importantly, however, is the inner truth. Will you lie even to yourself? And...once you know what you know and want what you want...will you make it happen no matter what?

My reputation has often been something worthy to me. It usually means going beyond expectations. It often means people pleasing. It sometimes means sacrifice. This year, it has not. I believe I've surprised people. Cut people off, turned down decent jobs and walked away without many regrets. Close friends questioned me, but at the heart of it, they've understood...as many of them are also artists, musicians, directors, performers, et al. The choices we make sometimes comes not from the business (aka brain) but from the heart. As with everything a good mix is what we strive for in the great tier of happiness, but within the heart, it grows from there.

No matter if you consider yourself an artist or not, the choice of inner guidance is not for the faint hearted. It's to do what's best for you. Tap into it with a kind selfishness, and know the people who stand by you are the ones to love. And for those people who misunderstand you or the opportunities that fall around you, it is what is necessary. This is all said with greater faith and alertness than I've ever had in my life.

My motto has always been "go big or go home," and now I understand the meaning not to be about accomplishing goals but rather knowing how to live grandly inside yourself and directing your life positively with your most authentic voice. Now, that's BIG...

For those that love little ol' me, thank you. I am truly blessed. You are appreciated more than you know. I bid each of you a wonderful year full of success, love and the greatness of life.

Now-- strong thighs, get me up that mountain! I wanna see the view. :)

Cheers,
Johanna