This year I am grateful for...

Learning to love people exactly where they are.

Not where I want them to be. Not where I think they should be. Not what I think they should be.

Letting go in utter uncontrolled peace.

People are who they are, exactly where they, without interference me, despite my influence

And that's just they way it is.

And I chose to love them and accept them where they are.

I don't have to fix them, I don't have to convince them there is a better way. Life will do that.

When it's time. It's not my mission to save the world, or even one person.

My only mission is to save me, and for that I am grateful. I can only control me.

No one else.

So one else will be what they will be.

And for the people that love me too, I will never forget. Thank you. This is for you <3xo

Stall My Wander

And I am demanding with my life. 

I push the envelope and say what I think.

But with you, that's not who you are. 

You color inside the lines 

And stay within the box 

I want to demand that you come out of that box and come play with me 

But you don't 

You like your box and your security 

For me to love you 

I must climb into your box 

It's quite small, and a little damp 

And muggy and dark 

But I can hold you while I'm here 

I apologize but I can't stay long 

My muscles ache for movement 

And I love the fresh air of freedom 

I wish I could build you a bigger box 

Where we would both be cozy 

And I could stall my wander a little bit longer 

Beauty in the Every Day

The news has been a scary place lately. My anxiety has risen with current events. I have found myself sucked into the thousands of possibilities, all of which I have no control over. Our society and culture have molded us to focus on the glamorous, focusing on what should be perfect. It heightens my anxiety. 

Today, I have found peace in finding beauty in the average. Being present in my warm cup of coffee. Making plans with my friends for Friday night. My cat curling up against my feet, as I sit cuddled in my cold basement watching a kid movie. Most of life is average. It is beautiful. It is predictable and secure. Sure, the world may end tomorrow, but most likely not. The odds are in your favor. I have eaten today. I am out of the cold. I have friends and family who love me. When I focus on what is within my control, and not all of these things moving around me, I find peace. I find solace in my soul. Being present. Feeling gratitude for what I have. Whenever I forget to appreciate, my focus turns to what is wrong, what I don't have, what I am not. 

I am trying to change my mindset, to focus on the positive, to actively thank each positive thing in my life, to love more. I am human. I am not perfect. But when my mind frame is in the right place, my world is beautiful. I do believe in making an impact wherever I can. I am responsible for making a positive impact on the world, but I am not responsible for saving the world. 

<3xo 

Much Love 

Sarah Ruth Anderson