I just got home from a Women’s Spirituality Retreat.  I am always amazed at the gifts I receive during this weekend once a year.  I think my favorite part was my date with God… 

 Most days, I wake at 5 am.  No matter the time I go to bed, my eyes spring open at five and usually, I am fully awake bounding from bed to my office – my mind flooded with ideas…But this past weekend, I didn’t bring my work with me on retreat.  Instead of working at five, I crept from my room (as to not wake my sleeping roommate) and went to me main meeting area where there were these huge windows over looking the Rocky Mountains. 

 It was quiet.  Only me.  I plopped down in front of the windows in a comfy chair with a book and knitting in hand - just in case.  I looked out the window into the darkness beyond.  There were clouds in the sky, yet there was single star twinkling, calling to me, reminding me to whom I belong…

 Without conscious thinking I began to pray aloud, over and over repeating my gratitude for my life, my family, my work, my clients…and most importantly knowing God.  Suddenly I was a child again, tears streaming down my face – not from sadness, but release, even joy to be here in this moment. 

 In my mind, I heard the voice, tender and fatherly, “This is our time, our date…me and you, my beloved child.”  Warmth spread through my body and I noticed the faint glow of sunrise beckoning from just behind the powerful mountains.  Aaaahhh, this was our time and I settled even more deeply into my chair as to watch God’s glorious spectacle unfold.

 The sky, very slowly, began to brighten and the clouds became brilliant with orange, pink, red, purple, yellow…I pulled my chair even closer to the windows - to get a better view, and that is when I noticed the floating, glittering snow flakes…I was reminded that sometimes your have to change your position to see all the glittering magic before you.  Grateful tears again.

 I was surprised at how slowly the sunrise blossomed.  Again I was reminded about time…Time is man’s invention, but with God, it is without measure.  I had slipped into God’s time, grace – moment’s stretching into hours…We had all the time in the world.

 I sat transfixed, blessed and humble.  I watched the clouds change from orange to yellow to purple…on and on the abundant colors flooded my vision.  What surprised me most was when the sun finally did come up, most of the other colors disappeared.  The clouds turned almost a steel gray, drained of their vibrant colors.  The colors had gone home, returned again to from which they came – the fiery sun. 

 I was reminded to enjoy the journey even before the prize.  And I heard the tender voice again, “This is our time, my beloved. Come, rest in me any time. I am always here.  I am here.” 

 I bowed my head, humbled by the love that poured out for me, always.  Love born not because I did something special, or achieved something great, but because, I am.  Simply.  Purely.  Divinely.  I am. 

Are the days dragging?  Has February got you down?  And there’s even extra day this year too – Leap year!  Help is here.  Try these suggestions I’ve developed over the years for myself and clients to get out of a rut and into my best day. 

1.  Intention.  Set an intention through breathe, prayer or meditation each morning.  Every morning before my husband and I part for the day we hold hands and take turns saying a short prayer, usually not longer then 30 seconds.  This act creates intimacy in your relationship and yourself because you are connecting to what is important and voicing your desires.  This can be done alone, with a spouse or friend, even with children, and still the positive affects will slip into your life magically.

 2.        Make your bed.  I know it sounds silly, but it works.  It takes maybe a minute and half - tops, to pull the covers up and fluff the pillows and viola – an oasis is born, just waiting for you at the end of the day.  This creates a small space of order in your life that quietly expands outward.

 3.       Breakfast.  Even a granola bar will do.  Again, I know you’ve heard this before, but this too works.  Skipping breakfast can lead to becoming a starving lunatic by lunch where binge eating and a need for a nap take center stage.  Breakfast helps you to stay more balanced through the morning and it is even good for staying trim!

 4.       Smiling and laughter.  Any chance you get, smile and laugh.  Immediately you will feel better and best of all - smiles are contagious.  The people around you will enjoy being around you so much more with a smile on your face and an easy laugh.  If you are having trouble finding your smile or laughter – call a friend who always makes you laugh, or flip back in your mind to a funny image or story from your past and re-visit the joke again.  You will feel better – lighter, so smile.

 5.       Sun and nature.  We’ve all read the studies – no sunlight leads to depression.  If you have ever wintered in New England – you know the truth of this statement.  I have had friends who buy those special lambs and sit under them for 15 minutes a day – swearing by the positive effects.  If possible, try sitting in a sunny window or better yet, get outside and go for a walk.  During the winter, it is so easy to only walk outside going to and from your job or the mailbox – resist this trap and take a walk during your lunch break.  You may even be surprised by noticing Spring flowers beginning to break though and realizing Spring is in fact coming this year!

 It is my hope that these suggestions help you to connect to a more balanced and joyful day each day.  May it be so.