Inspired & Reflective

"The universe takes and gives everything you didn’t know you needed. These prompts are an invitation to step inside yourself and explore what balance means to you. Rupi Kaur"

And Vocal Creator, the universe is working through Denise E Lindquist, as she fits the bill by "giving me something that I didn't know I needed." Her stories and poems have never failed to inspire me to learn, to grow, and to be better at living and loving. Thank you, Denise!

Her latest story shares her own meaning of what balance is to her and explores the following prompts from the work of Canadian poet, Rupi Kaur.

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompts — A bad habit I’d like to break is ___________.

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompts — How would you comfort a friend who struggles with Sunday blues?

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompts — What are some hobbies you can take up that would add more joy into your life?

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As I reflect, I realize that I have always struggled with the balance of life. It feels like forces outside of myself are pushing and pulling and I am in a constant quest for equilibrium. But the state of which is so difficult to reach and just as difficult to maintain.

As I go about each day, looking within, discerning between what is good and evil, what my heart wants vs what my logic dictates, what my hopes are and what reality demands, each hour there are choices and decisions that I cannot turn from.

Since I cannot turn from them, I must turn towards something, and that is my faith. My faith renews my strength and gives me courage to withstand. I think of Jesus, sleeping through the heavy winds and storms and this quietens my fearful soul. In my mind, I lay down beside him and sleep, too. Why? Because I have confidence in the love of a Father for His child. I know He will keep me safe and give me direction. I have His Word. That is balance to me...to be in one accord with Him.

To answer the prompts, a bad habit I'd like to break is avoiding socializing and becoming complacent with isolation. Mingling with other humans outside of my basket, drains me. For my own well-being, I need to make a plan and step out of my comfort zone. And as Rupi and Denise have advocated, have a belief that the universe will give me what I didn't know I needed...maybe I have something to give to others that they might need.

I think the best way to help anyone that struggles with the blues is to offer a listening heart. Put the phone down, look in their eyes when they speak, don't interrupt, smile and nod so they know you are truly present in their thoughts. No advice is needed. Maybe a hug. And thank them for trusting you with their heart. That is what comfort looks like to me.

And lastly, what hobbies would bring joy to my life? I already love cooking and canning. But I'd like to help others with ancestry and genealogy. Making family trees. I wouldn't mind investing time into teaching others what I have learned. It can be so rewarding to understand where we came from to get a better understanding of the fabric that we are made of. It's taken me a good ten years to trace my roots, and there are only just a few blanks left to fill.

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I think I needed this reflection. Thank you so much, Denise! You inspired me once again...