Six years ago, started a new journey in life. I don’t think the word serenity was in my vocabulary, but I’m grateful it etched its way into my dictionary. As some have come to know, 5/26/13 is my sober birthday. A day I made a choice to begin anew. A day I allow myself to be proud (of myself) and a day I make room for me. I’m a giver at heart, but to tackle this new journey, I had to learn to take time for myself, take time to quiet the mind, and take time to seek serenity. Serenity; is it a state of mind, a place, or something ethereal? I believe it is all of the above and more……….. and we can all find it.

Today began with a wonderful breakfast at a peaceful little place called New Morning Farms near Duvall, Washington. I didn’t think much about the name until I started to write. How fitting is this, I thought, today IS my new morning, my new chance at carving out a life of my desires, on my terms. I aim to blaze my own trail but doing so with lessons learned from those who blazed the trails of the past. Such as, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret………, is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

We all have choices to make in life and some are never easy. But, I’ve discovered through hope, desire and effort, we can find our scene that is serene. It will inevitably manifest it different ways for each of us, and indeed it should. Though I believe (and it is only my opinion) it starts with desire…….. some vulnerability………. some help…… some courage………… and these can be difficult to stumble through……, though never impossible. This journey has taught me to not believe in absolutes. Why limit the possibilities with I can’t, or I never and it brings about negative energy. What I learned is following these ideals empowered me to climb out of an abyss. If I can do it, without question, anyone else walking this lovely planet can do it too. Fear is the antithesis of desire…., of hope. Getting past fear can take a tribe and a leap of faith. It did for me. But 6 years ago, the help I received from family and friends, from the 25 random men whom I never met before yet opened up about their fears and let their feelings fly…….. all provided perspective on facing adversity, and in the case of addiction, it showed me that no one walks alone. No one is isolated and help and recovery can happen. Addiction has no magical cure, yet anyone can face it and win. I feel society is starting to ease a bit on the negative stereotypes of addiction, but we have a long way to go. I’m willing to bet that 85-95% of the people whom suffer, want a way out. But….., they need empathy, they need hope, they need help and they need a glide-path they either discover on their own, or get pushed forward by loving people who see their wings, but need that nudge to take flight.

Today (5/26/19) also led to an adventure up 2,500 vertical feet to a place called Lake Serene. Fitting for this day. I meandered through a forest dripping with dew, through the majestic sounds of Bridal Veil Falls echoing through the trees……, through dirt, rock and friendly folk………, we all climbed to seek Serene, to seek serenity. A metaphor for certain. To seek that which we desire in life, we must climb. Ascend and rise above the challenges and keep on keeping on. We might stumble, but we rise again.

I’m grateful for my roots, where I came from, and the life I’ve been given thus far. Roots are great, but we are free to grow in any direction we choose. I choose to chase serenity, and it will change over time. It may change day to day, hour by hour, and I’m ok with that. It’s all about listening to my heart, feeling it, and following it. And I will continue to blaze my own trail and strive to lead an examined, fulfilling and fascinating life.

I share all this to encourage anyone to dig in and feel just a little more of life. Listen to what your gut is telling you……, don’t be afraid to answer the call…….., or ask for help to seek what you desire. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Don’t know where to start? Ask me, ask a friend, ask your dog or ask the tree or the rock outside. The universe is listening, and you might be surprised by what you find. Each discovery is a gift, the gifts accumulate over time, the time builds stepping stones, and the steps allow you too to ascend to your version of serenity. Go find it, gaze into the great beyond, it is waiting for you.

Thank you for listening!

whispersnwanderers