"SAY CHEESE" - DECEMBER

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - 87/365

HEALTH - HAPPINESS - PROSPERITY

THE MASQUERADER 86/365

"We've already met - I'm the guy next door. You probably don't recognize me because this is my REAL face - the one you saw last week was a mask."

My Reflection:

I suppose, like everyone else, there are certain thoughts and feelings I try to keep to myself. But that's usually when my face takes on a "mask-like" quality...like an itchy wool sweater I'm not comfortable wearing but would feel even less comfortable going without.

Inevitably, wearing the sweater becomes unbearable and that's usually when I find "unmasking" myself to be a welcome relief from the strain of pretense.

I'm learning that for me, "courage" comes from the willingness to reveal what is hidden and the "confidence" to accept it as it is.

Question:

How do you "unmask" yourself?

THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVER - 85/365

"I prefer not to look, that way I can love you just the way you are."

My Reflection:

What if I "look" and love you anyway - would that be "unconditional love?"

I find this easier to do if what I'm looking at doesn't remind me of some "unaccepted" part of myself.

So, perhaps before I can learn to love others "unconditionally" I must first take away the "conditions" for love that I've placed upon myself.

Question:

How "conditionally" do you love yourself?

THE DARK CLOUD - 84/365

"It will take just a second for me to blow that smile off your face. I feed off of your happiness which is no match for my dense, dark energy. So go ahead, bask in the sunlight for as long as you can because any moment now I'll be overhead."

My Reflection:

Sometimes I wonder how I can go to bed feeling great and wake up in a "bad mood?" Is The Dark Cloud there just waiting to descend during the night and suck up all of the positive energy? And why is it so unlikely that I'll go to bed in a "bad mood" and wake-up in a good one?

Maybe I just need to remember that clouds aren't as dense as they seem and while they may be hanging over my head in the moment, the sun is always shining somewhere else.

Question:

How do you deal with The Dark Cloud?

THE STARGAZER - 83/365

"Sh...just a minute...I'm making a wish. Okay, that should do it. But, I can't talk to you yet...I'm waiting for it to come true."

My Reflection:

Like The Stargazer, I wonder how often I disengage from the present to wish for something in the future? And besides, doesn't the present moment impact my future reality?

So, perhaps the next time I feel inclined to - "wish upon a star" - I'll remember that only the "reality" of today will make the changes I seek for tomorrow.

Question:

How do you make your wishes come true?

THE RADIO ANTENNA - 82/365

"CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?....

OKAY, HOW'S THIS?....

ANY BETTER?...

Maybe if you really wanted to hear what I have to say, you'd try harder to tune into my station."

My Reflection:

I think there are times when I'm trying to hear another point of view but the truth is, I've already made up my mind. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shut my own thoughts out long enough to allow someone else's to get in.

Perhaps I need to learn a different approach. Like adjusting the dial on a radio, I could try tuning into THEIR frequency instead of staying focused on mine and when the background noise of my inner voice becomes quiet, I'll know I have found the right station.

Question:

How do you "tune in?"

HO-HO-HO 81/365

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

THE TONGUE LASHER - 80/365

"Excuse me, I hope you don't mind if I exercise my tongue while we talk. I use it frequently to give people what they deserve so I must keep it fit. It takes a lot if strength to spit out the words that keep people in line or put them in their place. Such a little muscle for such a big responsibility wouldn't you say?"

My Reflection:

I've often wondered if a "tongue lashing" is a sign of strength or a sign of weakness. Would a "tongue-lashing" even be necessary if I didn't somehow feel "vulnerable" and in need of defending myself?

Perhaps it takes "strength" to share feelings and "courage" to do it without "lashing-out."

Question:

Is there really such a thing as a "good" tongue-lashing?

THE FACE READER - 79/365

"What's the matter you look frightened? Do you want to talk about it? Is there anything I can do to help?

What do you mean you're just reacting to the look on MY face - I'm just concerned about the look on YOURS."

My Reflection:

I wonder how many times I've mis-read someone's facial expression?

I think they're bored but they're sad, I think they're angry but they're scared, I think they're happy but they're hurt. So, why not "ask" instead of assuming I know the answer simply by the look on their face?

What if a "mis-read" face could be a missed opportunity to build a stronger bond and a closer relationship? Wouldn't that be worth taking the time to check my assumption for accuracy?

Question:

What do you do when an expression "speaks" to you?

THE TEAM PLAYER - 78/365

"I'd like to express my opinion but I'm a "team player" so that's not possible. It's not possible because if I had my own opinion then I wouldn't be a "team player" anymore and if that were to happen then WHO would I be?

No, I'd rather know who I am even if I don't always like who I am rather than NOT know who I am and not like that either."

My Reflection:

Transformation is a difficult process that requires a good deal of "trust" that somehow everything will turn out okay. I guess that's why, at times, I have to be dragged into the "transformational arena" where I'm sure there are supernatural entities just waiting to eat me alive. And like The Team Player, I'd just assume stay where I am rather than face the unfamiliar.

But I'm learning that the more I allow myself to "let go" of the "familiar" place I'm in, the more I learn to trust my ability to end up in a better place than I could have ever imagined.

Question:

What's your "transformational" level of comfort?

THE MARKSMAN - 77/365

"Hey... I'm trying to understand your point of view but you're message just isn't hitting the mark."

My Reflection:

I sometimes wonder if I could receive communication more effectively if I had a bull's eye painted on my head to mark the optimum point of entry.

However, perhaps it's not the information going in, but my inability to hear it properly due to all of the background noise - noise created by my own competing thoughts.

I may be better off if I learn to quiet my own mind before seeking to understand that of another.

Question:

How much "background" noise interferes with your ability to "listen?"

THE DOODAD'ER- 76/365

"So, what do you think of my doodads -aren't they special? I wore them just for you - that way you'd HAVE to notice me.

No excuses now...like, "OH, I had no idea you were even in the room" because these doodads scream for attention.

HELLO...I'M IN THE ROOM WITH MY DOODADS...LOOK AT ME!"

My Reflection:

Some people need more attention than others - at times I think I straddle the fence on that issue. Sometimes I feel a need for it, like a plant sucking up water when it's dry. Other times, I want to close my eyes as if doing so would allow me to bask in the words without exposing my embarrassment.

Either way, I'm learning to think that "attention" is simply a "word gift" - one that is meant to be appreciated and passed on.

Question:

What kind of "attention" do you give and receive?

THE "MATCH" MAKER - 75/365

"I don't understand why you have chosen that person as your friend - it is obvious that he's not a good match. Like a hat and scarf, it's important for people to "go together" and that person stands out like a "clown costume" in your wardrobe.

I can assure you that you'll be much happier if you simply allow me to "coordinate" the people in your life. Let me decide who should stay and who should be "consigned" elsewhere."

My Reflection:

I have always had an eclectic group of friends - well matched "pockets" of people who wouldn't necessarily all get along. This used to disturb me but I now realize that compatible matches between every person in my life isn't preferable or possible.

I've learned to enjoy the uniqueness of each individual and how some of their traits may be reflecting some of my own that are simply waiting to be drawn out and experienced.

Perhaps the definition of "well matched" could be any person or group who has the ability to become a "mirror" for us to better see ourselves.

Question:

What do your "mirrors" reflect?

THE SOUL ACCESSORIZE R - 74/365

"My motto? NOTHING is beautiful on it's own...EVERYTHING must be accessorized including the "spirit." Currently I'm shopping for a cloak of "virtue" and a dress of "good deeds."

My Reflection:

While I do believe in the positive effect of good wardrobe accessories, choosing just the right one requires some thought and attention to detail.

Dressing up the inner spirit, however, is an entirely different matter and unlike The Soul Accessorize R, it isn't something I can purchase. Instead, I adorn my spirit by the integrity of my actions - motivated by my heart.

Question:

What enhances your "soul?"

THE STOIC EXAMPLE - 73/365

"Go ahead, dress me up in whatever makes you happy...I'm here for your enjoyment. It matters not that you laugh at this contraption on my head - a contraption that others may find humiliating. Instead, I see it as a symbol of my commitment to your pleasure and "commitment" is by far more important than anything one may "feel."

My Reflection:

I sometimes find "values" and "feelings" don't want to cooperate with each other. There are times I am compelled to take action on what I consider to be an important "value" even when I don't "feel" like doing it. On the other hand, I'm not a proponent of ignoring my "feelings."

Perhaps acknowledging "feelings" while understanding "values" will create an environment where they can work together more effectively.

Question:

How do your "values" and "feelings" drive your "actions?"

THE BORROWER - 72/365

"Sorry to interrupt what you're doing but may I borrow one of your beads? One of mine fell out and I can't find it anywhere. Oh, and I'll also need some glue and a pair of tweezers while you're at it.

And one more thing...could you bake it first? It needs to be baked or it won't be the right color. And I'd really appreciate it if you'd put it on for me...oops...I guess that's two more things but I've run out of time to apply it .....UNLESS..........I can borrow that too?"

My Reflection:

For me, time can either be "stolen" or "taken" but never "borrowed." How could I possibly return it - for once it's used it disappears like a cloud dispersed by the wind.

However, I have noticed that "focused attention" will leave room for time to expand and creativity to enter which ultimately gives me the feeling of "time to spare."

Question:

How much "time" do you have?

THE 3RD EYE HELPER - 71/365

"Yes, you have a 3rd-eye too but I doubt it's very dependable. Look at me however... as you can see I've got lots of paraphernalia to enhance mine. In fact, you won't find anyone with more "3rd-eye" support than I have. So, don't worry...simply put your faith in me and MY 3rd-eye and before you know it, you'll be one your way to enlightenment."

My Reflection:

I've been told that within myself I already have the answers I seek - if this is so - why do I sometimes look elsewhere?

Perhaps the right "question" is more important than the right "answer" and the ability to "observe" is the key that unlocks both.

Question:

Where do you seek the answers to your questions?

THE PEACEMAKER - 70/365

"Frankly, I think you're BOTH nuts but, of course, I won't say this out loud - instead I'll pretend I'm interested in YOUR side of the story then HIS side then YOUR side then HIS side...on and on and on until I think my head will explode.

I wonder what would happen if my head DID explode and all of my REAL thoughts were to hit you in the face? I suppose that would bring the two of your together now wouldn't it?"

My Reflection:

When I find myself in the middle of two people at odds, it's important that I remain neutral in order to help bring about a peaceful solution. But is it really possible to feel "neutral?" And is it MY job to keep the peace - shouldn't I allow people the opportunity to work through their own conflicts?

I'm beginning to learn that I can be much more helpful when I simply listen, acknowledge someone's feelings and wait patiently for them to come to their own place of peace.

Question:

How do you feel about conflict?

THE UNIVERSAL ANTENA - 69/365

"Sh...can't you see I'm listening to the voice of the universe? Don't think around me when I'm "tuned-in", it's distracting.

If you're going to think then think somewhere else. This is IMPORTANT information I'm getting here and your mundane thoughts are very annoying."

My Reflection:

As much as I try to "quiet" my mind, erratic, sudden burst of scattered thoughts are always present. As I bat one away, another moves in like a fly buzzing around my head determined to find a place to land.

The more I try and "control" them - the more "out of control" they seem to be. Perhaps thoughts can never really be "controlled" - only "observed" and if I really listen to them without the need to answer OR control them, I'll also begin to notice the gaps of silence in-between.

Question:

How do you notice the silence between your thoughts?

THE FANCY FACE - 68/365

"I adorn myself to cover up the imperfections -

to take the eye elsewhere so it will not see...

the ugliness that lurks below the surface

the parts I hide and do not wish to be."

My Reflection:

There's an inner glow that emerges when stress is released and a sense of peace is achieved. Tension, on the other hand, leaves my shoulders raised, my face tight and my inner light extinguished.

Like Fancy Face, I sometimes try and cover up my inner turmoil with more make-up or a new dress - hoping that the latter will turn on that inner glow. Instead, I feel I'm standing in shadow as I learn that the intangible, inner landscape is as important as the outer physical presentation. It takes one to achieve the other.

Question:

How is your inner turmoil concealed?

THE INVENTOR - 67/365

"I'm wearing the new wire "head" hanger I invented - pretty cool huh? Ask me any question and listen to the "head hanger" come up with the answer. It's easy to fit and once you hang your head on this, you'll never use your own shoulders again."

My Reflection:

Sometimes, I'm so anxious to come up with the answer to an issue, I'll invent just about anything to justify my conclusion. If I can't come up with something reasonable, I'll go to a psychic or Tarot card reader and let them do it for me.

But in the end, I'm reminded that "answers" to issues can't be unwrapped like a present.  Rather, I must allow them to "unfold" in the day-to-day living of life.

Question:

How do you seek the answers to your questions?

THE SMALL TALKER - 66/365

"Did you hear about that sale going on at the mall? I just love a good sale...nothing satisfies me more than seeing a red slashed ticket!

When I'm not at the mall I like to sink my teeth into a good novel. Right now, I'm reading a book about a woman who leaves her husband to take care of a baboon at the local zoo. I just can't put it down...it's a real page turner.

So, what's exciting in your world?"

My Reflection:

Sometimes I think I should wear a sign on my forehead that reads..."out to lunch." That way, I won't be expected to respond to mundane questions or uninteresting conversation.

Or, perhaps the other person is just trying to "connect" - filling in the gaps of my quiet unease and prompting me to remember that withstanding "small" talk, requires genuine interest and the desire to create "bigger" questions.

Question:

How "big" is your talk?

THE SHOW & TELLER - 65/365

"It's not as bad as it looks... seriously, it hardly bothers me at all. It was a little painful going in and I got a migraine that lasted a couple of weeks but I barely notice it now.

I was going to get a nose/ lip/eye piercing but I wanted something more dramatic... something that really "shows" who I am and what I'm feeling. Plus, now I don't don't have to waste my time talking - the message is loud and clear."

My Reflection:

Using words to communicate can be difficult at times. I say one thing but really mean another. I don't do it on purpose but once I hear what I'm saying, I realize it doesn't accurately describe what I'm thinking or feeling. Particularly feeling.

I've learned that words can be useful if they are put together in a way that creates a picture of my thoughts and feelings as they pertain to me. Perhaps, the wisdom of experience lies in the ability to paint a word picture of the heart.

Question:

What do you say that you don't mean?

THE EAVESDROPPER - 64/365

"I've got my antenna up so I can hear EVERY word!

Sh...if you keep talking to me, I might miss something important - some tidbit of information that I can collect and use later on.

Besides, if I don't listen in, how will I know what people REALLY think? No one ever tells the truth - and I need to know the TRUTH."

My Reflection:

I often wonder, what is the "truth?" Is it information based on "facts" or information based on my assessment of the facts?

I've noticed that when I jump to a conclusion that I "know" the truth, the less likely it is to be "the truth." On the other hand, the more questions I ask, the more facts I uncover, the closer I come to an accurate assessment of the situation which allows me to create a truth that is right for me.

I've learned that the "truth" doesn't reside in one location - it hides in many different places at the same time and only reveals itself when it is genuinely pursued.

Question:

How do you pursue the truth?

THE PACK RAT - 63/365

"I'm not done with that yet. No, I'm not using it but if I give it to you and then find that I need it, I won't have it, so I'm keeping it.

What do you mean..."where will I put it?" I'll put it with all of the other stuff I'm not using...and if for some reason I can't find it when I need it I'll just go out and get another one. "

My Reflection:

I've come to the conclusion that I don't need most of the things I possess. If I threw most of it out the window I wouldn't miss it. Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate. There seems to be some law of the universe that states nothing of value is missed until it is given away.

Perhaps that's to remind me that the most valuable things in life aren't "tangible" and can't be "collected." Relationships for example, can't be put in a storage unit or stored in a basement - they must be acknowledged, nourished and cherished.

Question:

What kind of "collector" are you?

THE RUMINATOR - 62/365

"I always look like this when I'm thinking. Actually, I'm not thinking at all I'm just holding these three un-connected thoughts in my head and letting them "be" - sort of like resting dough before putting it in the oven. If I don't let it rest, I'll end up with a "half-baked" idea and then I'll have to start all over again."

My Reflection:

The hardest thing for me to do creatively is to "let go." Holding a thought or an idea without trying to come to some conclusion takes a certain amount of faith on my part.

There was a time I had no faith whatsoever. I'd wrestle with a problem all night if necessary and in the end, I'd have an answer but it usually wasn't a very satisfactory one. I'd feel like I had lost the match but I didn't know why.

I don't sky dive but I imagine that having the "faith" to "ruminate" - is like trusting that the parachute you are wearing will open when you jump.

Perhaps I need to learn to hold on to possibilities while letting go of the outcome.

Question:

How willing are you to "let go?"

THE CHOOSER - 61/365

"Either I'm happy or you're happy and since I can't make YOU happy, I'm choosing to make MYSELF happy. Why not? You're not going to choose ME so I'm going to do it.

You don’t have to be mad at me for choosing myself. Why don't you just choose YOURSELF and then we'll BOTH be happy....sort of.”

My Reflection:

Choosing what I want to do is not always easy. Why is that? Am I so conditioned to please others that I’d rather disappoint myself instead?

Perhaps taking responsibility for my own happiness, involves the willingness to disappoint others without blaming them for my decision.

Question:

How willing are you to disappoint someone?