Two Opposites

 One child is goal oriented. She spends her days thriving to achieve only the best, goals and deadlines are real. Measuring up, proving one's self, only the best, failure isn't welcomed, a perception of whats commendable and noteworthy and ahhh the joy of success. Having a perception of what isn't up to standard  and how could one be even remotely happy with that. In all of this, if there is some laughter and enjoyment then its perfect.The other lives her life for experiences. Shared togetherness, fun, laughter, artistic creativity, people, places, music, her goal is to live and love. In all of this lets mix in a little bit of achievement but whats more important is that she enjoyed it. Two opposites for sure. At my age Ive come to realize (wisdom should take credit here) that a little bit of both with the former relenting to the latter and God being the ultimate focus and guide is key to real JOY and peace . Not happiness, JOY. Thats all one really needs.

Toodles

The outside world is important

I thought about this. Its a feeling of being alone and wanting something soothing, soul satisfying, a deep yearning for something more but not quite sure what that something is. The uncertainty comes from the fact that you have your family maybe a friend here or there you occasionally meet for coffee, whatsapp family connections and the once in a while somewhat enjoyable Netflix binge series that you struggle to get through towards the end. Thats good, I think but is it enough? Theres still this longing and I believe its the need for the outside world. A community of vulnerable people be it friends family or strangers, who share in each others lives and experiences intermittently. The random but frequent meetings, the smiles, greetings and sharing of life in ways that we laugh cry support and grieve together. In ways that feed our souls. In raw, unfiltered, authentic ways. In ways that strengthen us so we can go back to our nests refreshed and filled ready to pour.  I need this world. 

Toodles

Wars and Rumours of Wars

 So its been a strange week with Dubai caught in the war between Iran Israel and the US. The whole Gulf Region is in protect mode. The uncertainty looms and life has shifted into what feels like "what the hell". Someone described Dubai as the band that kept on playing while the Titanic sunk. Not sure how I feel about that statement but it does make you think about what the possibly outcome could be. So whilst I have a healthy concern for this whole debacle, Im using this time to really exercise some hard core trust in God alone. Not knowing what will happen but trusting that whatever happens it will be ok because Gods got this! Feed your faith and your doubts will starve themselves to death.

Toodles                                                   

The Little Girl with the Paper Doll

 I had a paper doll when I was eight years old. I remember it clearly because it was my most prized possession. I played with it carefully and regularly, enjoying every style change not wanting anyone else to handle her because she was so fragile, after all she was paper. I remember this because this doll made me so happy. Once I had her everything was just right. I never minded that I was by my myself, in fact I never needed anyone else, never craved anything else and knew as a matter of fact, that me and that doll was enough. Got me thinking, what has happened now? In our modern day lives, we just cant seem to be satisfied no matter what we have, always needing the approval and acceptance of others and constantly killing our joy with comparison. We need to find our paper dolls, we need to find ourselves.

Toodles