Hey Beaus and Beauties,

(That’s your new nickname in my mind. Hi Bloggers! Thank you for reading and subscribing! )

It’s midnight. I return to work tomorrow and figured now is a perfect time to drop a line or two. I slept 4.5 hours earlier today (around 5 pm) so I’m actually pretty alert. i’ll force myself to sleep in a little while so I can get started on a good foot and be in a GOOD MOOD tomorrow when I return to work.

When life says stop, you stop. And stop I did. I’ve been out of work for about 2-3 weeks recovering from surgery. Im thankful to finally say I’m feeling at least a little better now – more human and functional. i’ve learned a lot about myself in the last few weeks. I’ve learned that if you smile when you feel your worst, sometimes there is a way to find a little joy even in the hardest moments- and sometimes you just need a nap.  I’ve gone through the gamut of emotions in this period of time. I’ve been pulled from guilt about needing time off, to boredom that I had to sit still and allow myself to heal, sadness, pain, disappointment that people are often insensitive and crass -unless the issue affects them of course, then back to happiness to have a break from feeling overwhelmed with things that are out of my control, then over to an inability to actually “relax” – you mean a moment actually doing NOTHING… ? , and  finally (thankfully),  of course momentary feelings of freedom that brought me a peaceful sense of joy.  This reprieve has been more than enlightening, and though no one wants surgery, it is awesome when you have a positive outcome in more than one area of life!

Life has a way of giving you what you NEED whether you want it or not. Reminds me of Psalm 23. That is my earliest recollection of attempting to memorize a scripture.

Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadet h me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I will meditate on this scripture as I bring my 12+ years of education post high school to a close this month. Then next month, I TURN 30!!!!!!  My heart is full of hope, joy, happiness, and a thirst for more fulfilling experiences to leave a lasting legacy of (you guessed it) happiness, joy, positivity, LOVE, taking chances (calculated risks that lead to a MORE FULL life) and living life to the fullest.

Oh and guess what!? I wrote the opening paragraph of my first book today. That was a step in the right direction. VERY happy about it. It came to me in less than 5 mins. I guess my muse is moving today. I am grateful.

-Listen Closely and Live BeautiFULLY,

TheMidnightBeauty