I dream. I feel. I sense. I love…

I believe!

There are so many things I believe that I’m sure are naive:

I naively believe we all deserve to be happy.

I naively believe we should care about one another.

I naively believe life should be about more than paying the bills.

I naively believe excitement and passion never have to fade.

Silly me, I know.

I naively believe children are people too, and should be respected.

I naively believe couples can value one another forever.

I naively believe Hope IS a plan… and a damn good one.

I naively believe our ducks won’t ever be in a row, so we should start living today.

What a fool I am!

I naively believe people matter more than money.

I naively believe health and happiness are the greatest riches in the world.

I naively believe “the numbers” rarely support the decisions we know to be Right.

I naively believe if we can pay for War, we can certainly pay for Health Care.

I guess I’m a sucker.

I grew up in Costa Rica, where education and health care are the top priorities for government spending. Costa Ricans believe children ARE the future, so investing in education is a sound decision. They also believe healthy people are happier and more productive, so providing universal health care is an absolute necessity for any country that wishes to prosper in the long run. That’s what they believe.

I know it, right? How naive is that?!

That kind of system could never work… it’s not profitable; it’s not competitive; it’s not fair!

Well, that may be true.

But…

I still believe.

What about YOU? Do you believe, even though it may be naive?

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I Naively Believe… What about You? is a post from: Quest for Balance

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Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.

Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely,

and with too high a spirit
to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

*

So much has happened since we took off on our three week road trip, I hardly know where to begin with the updates. I met some great people, had wonderful adventures, and encountered a few emotional rough spots along the way. I’m sure in time, I’ll tell you about each of these.

But not today. This is a new day, and I’m in high spirits!

While visiting a friend in Vermont, one of her books caught my attention. It was one of those birthday books that describes what sort of person you are likely to be, based on the month and day you were born. Here are some highlights from my birthday, October 11 (hint, hint):

The Day of Gracious Ease

The ruling Tarot card is Justice: “a serene seated woman holding the scales in one hand and a sword in the other. She reminds us of the order of the universe and that balance and harmony will be maintained in our lives as long as we continue on our path.”

“When October 11 people are truly satisfied with what they have, they experience a kind of bliss unknown to most people.”

“Their fate is intimately tied up with that of their fellow human beings…”

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There was a lot more, and every bit of it sounded just like me! And it reminded me, like everything else on this trip, of who I am… and why I started blogging in the first place. Right from the start I chose the Serene_Balance user name (which I now have as my twitter ID) because I wanted to convey to readers that serenity and inner peace are possible for anyone, at any point in their journey.

Serene Balance was the one thing I had and wanted to share with the world in any way possible. I often say I’m good at sharing and caring, but that’s about it. I can share stories of my life lessons in hopes that they will help others along the way, and I can care deeply about people I’ve never even met… because their suffering is no different than my suffering. We are all in this together.

“All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.” (Goethe)

Seth Godin, and other amazing bloggers, have said that if a blog (or any project) is worth doing it should be insanely something… useful, educational, entertaining, controversial… something. Quest for Balance was always intended to be insanely empathetic. I want to help others suffer less and enjoy life more. That’s all there is to it.

Along the way, I got a little distracted by the pace of things… the numbers, the excitement, the fun, the camaraderie, and the ego boost of watching the blog grow. But it was never supposed to be about the blog, it was always about YOU… the readers.

The thing I most enjoy about this Q4B Tribe is connecting with people who are struggling with a personal challenge, or are enthusiastic about helping others get through their difficult times. Because of this, I’m going to make a few changes in my approach to blogging. I will most likely post less frequently here so I can spend more time interacting on other blogs and forums.

I say “most likely” because I really have no idea what is going to happen. Every time I come up with a plan, strategy or schedule, Life throws a new set of variables at me. The only thing I know for sure right now is that Quest for Balance will continue in some form or fashion. I love this community, and hope that we can inspire each other to keep making the world just a teensy bit better than it was before we got here.

But enough about me… let’s talk about YOU.

What inspired you to start blogging (or helping others)? Do you find it easy to stay true to who you are… to follow your heart, and do what you set out to do?

If you are struggling with a personal challenge, or just want someone to vent to, please know that you can always email me at MyQuestForBalance (at) gmail (dot) com.

I am here for you.

With that in mind, I’d like to leave you with My Wish (by Rascal Flatts):

THANK YOU!!!!!

Inspiration from Ralph Waldo Emerson: A New Day is a post from: Quest for Balance

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I learned what a blog was in January of this year (2009). From my very first post until my most recent, there has been one blogger always present, always smiling, always spreading love… Lance, from The Jungle of Life. He may not even know it, because we haven’t talked at great length, but I have watched and admired him for a long time.

When I first visited his blog I did what I always do with a new blog, I went to read his earliest posts… the ones before he knew for certain what direction his blog would take. His April 30, 2008 post “Are You Having Fun?” absolutely inspired me and helped me clarify in my own mind what I believe is important. From that day forward a change has been brewing in my household, one which I’ll post about on Monday. That post, along with all of Lance’s writing, and comments, and tweets, are clear examples of what a loving and compassionate soul he is.

In fact, this week, when I posted a letter from a reader who needed some comfort and words of wisdom, Lance was the first to jump in there and lend his support. The reader told me his comments had her in tears for all sorts of reasons, but mostly because she couldn’t get over how caring he was towards a complete, anonymous stranger.

But that’s just Lance.

And I’m not the only one who knows this. Bloggers and readers alike come out of the woodworks to show their appreciation for Lance’s writing. When he posts his Sunday Thought For The Day (which I have become completely addicted to, by the way), it may be just a tiny quote, but he has a TON of comments. Part of the reason for this is that he chooses great quotes, but mostly it’s because we all know he is a GREAT guy… who is sharing his loving and compassionate heart with the rest of us.

For example, on a recent Sunday he posted a quote by Mark Houlahan, “If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page.” This one received 60 comments from avid supporters. I rarely comment ’cause I’m more of a lurker, but I read it, and was completely inspired by it, particularly in light of our new life decisions.

Another one that spoke directly to my soul was by Steve Jobs:

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes–the ones who see things differently–they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things–they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” (85 Comments on this one!)

Beautiful.

Anyway, for today’s Fellowship Fridays I just wanted to let Lance know how much I appreciate and admire what he does and, more importantly, who he is. I also would like to encourage you, if you haven’t already, to stop by and visit Lance’s Jungle of Life.

If you have met Lance, please take a moment to share your impressions with my readers, and help me thank him for all that he does.

Thanks!!!

Fellowship Fridays: Lance’s Jungle of Life is a post from: Quest for Balance

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So many of us deal with “special needs” issues at some point or another. Maybe we have them ourselves, or one of our children does. Sometimes a family member or close friend has complicated life issues that they didn’t choose, but must deal with nonetheless. Being able to successfully cope with these additional challenges has a lot to do with our attitude about our lot in life.

There was a time of about a year and a half when my son, Hunter, was a special needs child. He had a first surgery that went wrong, leaving him fragile and in excruciating pain for six months. Then he had a repair surgery that required him to be in a halo for three months, and on “safety mode” for a year or two after that.

During this time we went through the usual procedures: too much time in the hospital, too many MRIs and CTs, too many doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions, and far too much wondering about why this had to happen to him… to us. It was an emotional roller coaster for us because we were scared, frustrated, confused, worried, angry, sad, and feeling a little bit cheated.

I remember being jealous of other parents whose kids could ride their bikes, run on a playground, or jump into their arms. I remember not knowing if Hunter would EVER be able to do those things again. I remember crying… a lot.

My point is, I know that the term “special needs” has a special meaning to those who have had to deal with these sorts of challenges and questions. So, for today’s Fellowship Fridays I wanted to share two stories about dealing with special needs that I found particularly inspiring.

1. Hannah’s Story from Donnell King’s blog, Trisomy Kids Are Special.

I met Donnell in passing one day when he emailed me to ask about my “closed comments” policy Tuesdays through Thursdays. We traded emails for a while, debating the pros and cons of several alternatives, and eventually ended up talking about life, kids, and special challenges. It was then that I read about his daughter, Hannah, and the beautiful way Donnell described their situation. What inspired me was his positive and grateful attitude. You’ll see… when you read it.

2. Welcome To Holland, written by Emily Perl Kingsley in 1987.

This story changed me. It changed the way I see the world, and particularly the way I view the curveballs often thrown our way when we least expect them. I wish I could tell you more about it, but that would ruin the experience for you. You should have the pleasure of “discovering” the story, and its message, as I did.

The extraordinary thing about both these writers is that they have managed to stay positive about their special needs circumstances. I’m sure they still go through a lot of the emotions you would expect, but they don’t let themselves linger in angst or despair. They don’t give up.

If you have had to deal with “special needs” circumstances, how have YOU managed to stay positive? What good things have resulted from your challenging situation? Do you feel there is good to be found in every circumstance? Have you accepted your challenges as part of your life?

If you are currently struggling with one of life’s curveballs, please know that you are not alone. If you want to vent to someone, without fear of judgement or repercussions, please… PLEASE… email me at MyQuestForBalance (at) gmail (dot) com. Don’t keep it to yourself and suffer in silence.

Thanks!!!

Fellowship Fridays: Dealing with Special Needs is a post from: Quest for Balance

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Lao Tzu, the “Old Master” philosopher of ancient China, is generally regarded as the author of the Tao Te Ching. The book has countless observations and pearls of wisdom that apply to us all. At first glance it may seem complicated, or like there is just too much to learn. But Lao Tzu himself sums it up like this:

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”

I’m no master philosopher, and not quite ancient (yet), but I’m going to have to agree with his assessment. I believe if you truly practice these three, everything else will fall into place, and you will find contentment, inner peace, and happiness.

Now, I know some of you are thinking, “But THREE things? That’s just too much! How could we possibly understand three whole lessons at once?” I know what you mean, believe me. I thought the same thing when I first encountered these three. So I’ve decided to take the ancient wisdom a step further, and break it down to one lesson at a time.

Lesson 1: Simplicity

Uncomplicate your life.
Decide what matters.
Pare down to the basics.

(At this point, feel free to take a break, if needed, to fully absorb all that information.)

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Lesson 2: Patience

Don’t expect immediate results.
Have a long term view of life.
Practice patience towards yourself, your life, and others.

(You are two thirds of the way through your lessons… don’t give up now!)

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Lesson 3: Compassion

Recognize that others are just like you; they want the same things.
Acknowledge that others may not be as far along on the spiritual path.
The Golden Rule is a rule, not just a suggestion, for a reason.

(You made it! Three out of three!!! You now know, and understand, all three of your greatest treasures.)

I joke about this; but the truth is, we really do over-complicate things. I don’t know why we feel like we can’t really learn what we need in life unless we study countless volumes of theory and exhaust every possible solution. In reality, you already know everything you need to know to be happy in life… the answers have been there all along, within you.

All you have to do is stop the ego-driven distractions, and take a little time to listen to your heart. Your heart will always help you decide what matters, have a long term view of life, and treat others as you would like to be treated.

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Tuesdays through Thursdays, comments are closed on Quest for Balance (here’s why). Feel free to contact me directly at:

MyQuestForBalance (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks!!!

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3 Life Lessons from Lao Tzu is a post from: Quest for Balance

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