July 22, 2021
An odd shape of thought has fallen into my heart while making my way into the forest. So much of what I’m seeing is a memory. I’m a writer that claims to endlessly live in the present. It’s difficult on days like this. Being mindful of the present requires a reminder of how we got here. The flowering trees bring color and strong scent of spring. As hard as I’m trying to push away the heart must remain in the present. Lost in a memory. The white blossoms on the ancient apple tree. The budding leaves on the Leland Cyprus. I honestly can’t see beyond the memory. What does that say about hope and the future? Has life being put on hold due to the Covid lockdown changed my relationship with this forest? Being here is the moment. The quick chirps from the bright red Cardinal. The tiny yellow finches darting around. The Red Tail Hawk with its screeching. And back I go into a memory. Back to our first introduction. 1992. I knew something was moving through me. See what I mean! All I can do today is live off a memory. The choice should always be to be present in the everyday of new beginnings. Comedian/actor JB Smoove knows his place in the present. During his conversation with Howard Stern JB reminded the legendary broadcaster how important it is to protect your legacy. What you do right now is how you’re going to be remembered. If your choice is to be a jerk or to gamble your paycheck away, that’s how you are going to be seen. People don’t care about your past because present has the impact of where we are going tomorrow. How do you want to be seen? I was blessed to lead two 3.5 hour lectures yesterday. Those in attendance saw me as ________. What would they say about my new today? You have to pay attention! Know your moment of now. It’s the ink in the writing instrument designing what will become your legacy.