August 18, 2021
The forest here in South Charlotte, NC is quiet this new sun. Lit up in springtime green. It acts as if I’m supposed to be reaching within its peace. What’s here waiting for me? I can’t rely on memories. I’m dedicated to being present in the now. To think of the 29 year old relationship with this forest removes the ray of new light from the avenues of personal growth. As a reader, such poetic thought probably belongs in a greeting card. My grandmother would say, “That’s nice. Keep writing. One day something will feel right.” The little things are where most of us grow in personal strength. Those unexpected moments of unperfected attempts at allowing yourself to be better without hiding behind judgement. As we work our way back into a business world with thick morning traffic, overflowing performance meetings and quick bites of food with friends on city streets, the truth is, we’re coming back holding onto a lot of memories. The way it used to be doesn’t exist anymore. Shifting your thought process toward the way it is now keeps your heart in the game. There is change in my forest every day. On May 8, 2021 I wrote about the long grass near the slow paced stream returning to its vibrant appearance, almost velvet like, a layer of smooth green. Yesterday, it was a different story. Tropical storm Fred ripped up the forest floor like shag carpeting. New growth is where tomorrow arrives. The weight of a memory keeps you locked in a windowless room. September 2021 will always be remembered as the moment kids went back to school and the big boys of business commanded their forces to get back in the driver’s seat. Keeping free of the way it used to be is your best decision. Live in your now. Mindfully be present.