Stuck?

Yesterday, I tried to remove all evidences of winter from my property. I picked up the maple sticks that had fallen in the yard, as well as the dog poop. Both had been held in the icy clutches of the snow and re-frozen snow that became ice for months. I chipped away at the remaining ice and snow that was deforming my bushes along the driveway. I took the leaf blower to the garage, driveway, porches, and walks, washed the car and even a few select windows. I hate winter and want to get it out of my yard and out of my head.

I look forward to beauty that is spring, but alas it has been especially elusive this year. Yesterday was the only day that we have broken the 60-degree barrier. I like to wear shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. I like to ride my bike along Lake Michigan’s shore (the last place on earth to warm up). I like to go to outdoor concerts and festivals (Everything is in July and August around here because any other time is likely to get rather chilly.) I am summer guy who got stuck in the quirky climate of “near the lake” in the upper Midwest between Chicago and Milwaukee.

Summer is even better than spring. It speaks of life, beauty, and freedom to me. I need those things. I know that ultimately, they are an attitude, not a climate, but the climate makes the attitude easier for me.

Sometimes, I get as stuck as those sticks in my yard that were encased in snow and ice. (I am not even going to address the dog poop.) I am never as stuck as I feel. I can be creative, focused, and positive at any time, in any place, but is sure doesn’t feel like it.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurmond

I agree.

It is hard to learn how to be alive when people keep telling to meet expectations and don’t make waves. I hate expectations and love waves.

Note to self:

• You are free from expectations because they only have whatever power you give them.
• You can stir things up because things desperately need stirring up.
• You be yourself because that is the very best contribution you can make to the world.
• You are creative because God put that spark within you.
• You are not stuck because “being stuck” is only an attitude.
• You can be fully alive on days when you feel like you are making progress and on those just plain old ordinary days when you wonder about it, because you can make that choice.

P.S. I talk to myself a lot.