gifts, garbage and habits

The garbage bags were stacked by the curb last week, waiting for the big white truck to come and get them. My kids used to love to watch for that big white truck...

anyway, one bag must have been a little to close to the drive- when I backed out I ran right over it. Not only did I run over it, but it caught on something under the car and as I pulled away, I realized that I was dragging it with me. I pulled over slightly, got out- was dismayed to find that there were now holes in the bag and my garbage was laying out across Walnut Street for all the world to see....

Took me a good 15-20 minutes to get all the trash picked up, the stupid bag unhooked, inspect the clothes, wash the hands and get on my way....

I drove off fuming a bit- and "it" hit me before I had reached the corner.... That really is what I do in my own life.... I had left that morning feeling aggravated and frustrated. I was mulling about people and problems- and I really was carrying alot of garbage from the past with me as I went to work.... Wonder how much of it I have left in a trail behind me?

I've been reading Bernie Siegel lately- "Love, Medicine and Miracles" "Peace, Love & Healing" I've been watching Dan.... It seems to me that Dan is being forced to leave behind a lot of his stuff (garbage if you will) and get focused on what is important.... paying attention - being grateful

Maybe that is what this year is about for us..... getting focused, getting centered, being mindful, being grateful...... Paying attention.....

I went to my friend Becki Reiser's house yesterday to brush a horse. There is that old saying- "nothing is as good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse" Applies to women too! That is good medicine. I've been thinking about her (the horse- Lady) ever since..... I do believe I dreamed about her last night...

Horses are such creatures of habit. If they do something once- they will do it again. This one wants to get to the gate- no matter where you want to lead her. She has a pattern - as soon as you start to lead her away she makes a circle- taking you with her- and voila! she has won and she is by the gate. It took her a few moments to realize that the apple in my pocket would only be hers if she left the gate....

Got me thinking about all the things I do out of habbit- wonder what good things I'm missing...

This is definitely a different year for us- a defining year I would say.... Bernie says to look at this as a gift. So far, I think we have been reminded to find joy- to laugh- to have a merry heart...
It has made a difference for us in these last 6 weeks...

Perhaps the nexts lessons are to dump the garbage and break some habbits.... I don't know.... but I believe I'll continue to ponder on it....