January Jam
As a month that usually drags us through the dregs, I'm amazed at how January is just ripping by with bullet speed. This leads me to believe that February might end up being the real bitch of the bunch, but whatever the case, I'll take it where I can get it.
I've been playing more music lately, as my minor lumber-related wrist injury seems to be lessening. The sun has been shining a little more and staying out a little longer.
But in this winter deep freeze that makes our cars and teeth clink a little more than usual, it's important to take stock of what we have. The North American way seems to always be pointing us to what we DON'T have - but how healthy is that? That sunny destination vacation. That ski trip. That new shiny toy. That dream house. That high interest savings account with hundreds of thousands in it.
The still small voice inside of us knows that those things are dreck. Toilet paper. Window dressing. They don't make us who we are - and in fact, they can often help hide ourselves FROM ourselves. It's important to let yourself smile from that deep well inside of you - when you realize the good that is waiting to be tapped, like the rows of icy maples in the forest of your heart.
I remember watching a documentary many years ago about fishmongers in the Pike Place Market. I didn't think much of it at the time, but I remember that a huge part of their job is a conscious choice - a choice to be positive and to make an effort to be happy and inspire their customers to do the same, as they football bomb heavy, slippery trout, salmon and largemouth bass over people's heads with pinpoint precision. We've all seen depression rear its ugly head in many ways - in family members, friends, over-medicated people and in ourselves. And yes - don't kid yourself - there is darkness. Everywhere. All you have to do is pick up a local rag to see that gut-splitting truth. But when that's all you focus on - if that's all you let into your view, it will take over your horizon.
There's a better way - and I'm working towards that.
Come along for the journey, and let's see what we can dig up in the snow.
