For quite some time people have been encouraging me to write a book about my life. I've started and stopped more times than I can count. It never seems to flow together, so I thought, instead, a blog would be a better solution for now. Voila. Starting today I will write about my inspirations, my joys, my challenges, and let's not forget, my recipes. I really enjoy writing, so sharing with you in this way is going to give me great joy.
You may notice that much of my writing will be in-depth. I guess I am a born researcher and educator. I've also been an entrepreneur since childhood. I love learning about things (many times through trial and error) and also sharing that knowledge with others. I am not the first one to say that knowledge is power. While I am a very sensitive and emotional person, I also am very grounded in research and stand on the shoulders of many brilliant people before me. Knowledge assists me in making good choices. Knowledge requires that I utilize one of the greatest gifts that I have been given—my mind. I feel that one way I can honor this great gift of life is by being in service to others. My life has always been an open book and now is no different. It's just that the book seems to be getting longer.
I would love to share my thoughts on many subjects, and I also want to hear from you, dear readers about what subjects are of interest to you. Please feel free to comment or ask questions about the posts, and generate additional discussion if you like. All I ask is that your comments and questions be respectful and helpful.
This is not a blog with a fixed focus. I intend to incorporate many subjects as well as share resources that have helped me along the way. One of the weavings that you will notice in my writing are the wise words of Rumi the 13th-century Persian Sunni Muslim poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His rich writings inspire me and require me to look deeper into this great mystery of life.
Time is something I seem to have lots of these days. You see, I've been in bed for about 20 hours a day for the last six months. I miss talking with people. I miss teaching and sharing about healthy lifestyle choices. You might say, "Wait, didn't you just say you were in bed for 20 hours a day? How can that be a healthy lifestyle?" Well, you are right in asking, and for me, at this time, resting for that many hours is not only a good lifestyle choice, it is absolutely necessary for my healing.
I hope this introduction has peaked your interest and inspires you to travel this path together with me. If you would like to receive notifications of new posts (hopefully once a week), please fill in the "follow me" section on the right of this page.
O You Who've Gone On Pilgrimage
Poem by Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi
O you who've gone on pilgrimage -
where are you, where, oh where?Here, here is the Beloved!
Oh come now, come, oh come!
Your friend, he is your neighbor,
he is next to your wall -
You, erring in the desert -
what air of love is this?
If you'd see the Beloved's
form without any form -
You are the house, the master,
You are the Kaaba, you! . . .
Where is a bunch of roses,
if you would be this garden?
Where, one soul's pearly essence
when you're the Sea of God?
That's true - and yet your troubles
may turn to treasures rich -
How sad that you yourself veil
the treasure that is yours!
