“Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

I suppose you’ve noticed by now, that I am prone to making up a few new words.

But only now and again, and when I feel there is a much bigger purpose behind the transformation.

I can’t help it, really. Oh, I suppose I could fumble around with the farthest fetching excuses, but that would only serve to obscure the delight in my doing…and potentially soften the impact of their meaning.

For example, joyful vs. joy-filled….quite the same you might think. But, in looking a little closer still – in those moments of deeper introspection, and you’ll realize joy-filled requires you to do the doing.

Just as thought-filled moments describe so brilliantly the hope inside of our thinking.

My dears, for so many years I fell into this trap of letting others determine these things for me. I bowed to better judgement, cow-towed to their criticism, and allowed only their words to define me.

In looking back, I can’t possibly begin to tell you why, but…I can share with you how it felt to be me. I felt powerless, uninspired…and very much alone…and always in search of the free spirit that I used to be.

Perhaps, this is why I am so painfully persistent in my postings…that I may help others redefine their view of this most beautiful world.

My dears, that is my wish for you – that you may listen always to your heart, and follow your dreams. That you may always look to this world with a sense of curiosity and inspiration – that you may one day know the true fullness of my silly words.

That single purpose delineates my joyful moments from those that are truly joy-filled.

In closing, I am reminded of a quote by attorney, Neil Sellinger, who upon learning of his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, became driven by a much similar purpose. He chose to share his journey with the world, in hopes that his words might reach those hearts needing them most of all.

And as the debilitating disease ravaged his body at heartbreaking speed, stealing away his ability to move and to communicate….the very foundations of what he believed himself to be….he realized something most profound:

“As my muscles weakened, my writing became stronger. As I slowly lost my speech, I gained my voice. As I diminished, I grew. As I lost so much, I finally started to find myself.”

And so, my dears, you see…we must always hold tightly to this one most beautiful truth –

That these challenges are here to help you find you.

Much love, and many blessings…

Video: Rethinking the Bucket List