Sunday, August 29, 2010

#15 - Living in Spirit

I believe that I am of all and all is me - infinity is my truth - I say it is my favorite concept.  Infinity's tapestry is woven with the threads of love.  I commit to being, to creating, to celebrating in each moment the wonder of the physical that provides me with senses, and to honor the sense, mystery and magic of spirit.  In doing so I will live in love and truly be responsible to and for myself, others, and the infinite spirit of all that is, always has been, and always will be.

JL ~ August 29, 2010

Sunday, August 8, 2010

#14 - A chapter full circle

Two and a half years ago on February 8th, 2008, I had just concluded my 15-year career with Wachovia, half because the bank had decided that my leadership role and the organization I led should be carved up into three pieces which meant that I was eligible for displacement and severance, and half because I had decided that it was time for me to take a break, a sabbatical, and reflect on who I was and who I wanted to be.  Looking back at that time I realize that I sensed it was a very special and important opportunity for me, and today, August 8th, 2010, I realize just how truly right that sense was.  I have had the grand opportunity at the mid-point in my life to go explore myself, the country, people and places and thoughts and feelings, engage in the world with those in my life whom I love dearly, and with many more who've brought me new experiences of great joy, learnings and growth.  

It has been an amazingly wonderful time and journey, and today we, my sweet little Chihuahua Petunia, fat tomcat/"Grumpy Lump" Pooter and I, head to the mountains of western North Carolina to spend six days in our shiny Airstream trailer, to bring our journey and this chapter full circle and closure.  With technology at my fingertips, the 2 P's at my side, and spirit as my guide, I will write and smile and breathe with ease, communing in nature, letting the words flow onto the page, celebrating what has been, appreciating what is, and looking forward to what is to come, in a state of exuberant calm.

I have no expectation of what lies ahead, only inspiration that it will be perfect and right as it always has been and always will be.  The universe is infinite, life is magical, and I live in awe.

I am truly blessed.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

#13 - I'm an NPR addict...

Hi, my name is John, and I’m an NPR addict. You know they say the first step to recovery is admitting your addiction. Well I admit it: I need my daily NPR fix, fixes really. I also have to admit that I can recall listening to my local NPR station, and not giving any money during pledge drives and feeling horribly guilty and like, well… a real user, especially when I’d hear folks talking about pledging money and how over 90% of the station’s costs are covered by contributions from other “members” and underwriters. And I knew deep inside that I should contribute, and I really, really wanted to. But, as with addicts, that pesky little voice in my head would say things like “I, I SWEAR I can stop ANYTIME, and give!” or “I’ll give tomorrow!” And so it went, pledge drive after pledge drive, driveway moment after driveway moment, year after year, the guilt eating me alive… Until one day it dawned on me that every radio in my home and the one in my car and the pc in my office were all tuned to my local NPR station. Oh I had hit rock bottom. I needed help!

So, I made the call and talked to a kind, friendly volunteer who welcomed me without any hint of judgment, and seemed to be so appreciative just that I’d called, and thrilled that I’d decided to contribute. And do you know what? I felt proud – I had made amends! And I can honestly state that the very next time I turned on the radio, I felt different. I no longer felt guilty, like a user. I felt happy, like a member! So now, whenever it gets to be pledge drive time, I must admit that I get a little excited. In fact I go to the station and take pledge calls just like that appreciative volunteer who was so kind to me all those years ago. It feels so great to be in recovery! And really, being an NPR addict is unlike any other addiction I know of – I mean, name another addiction that lets you get your fix, all day and all night, as much as you want and need for the rest of your life, for only a few pennies or dollars a day, and still be recovered! What a world!

So, I’ll leave you with 2 questions: Are you an NPR addict? And, would you rather be a guilt-ridden user addict, or a happy, guilt-free member addict? It’s your call.

My name is John Lincoln, and I’m a proud WFAE member, and an NPR addict…