What if

 “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.” – Carl Jung

What if we really let ourselves play?  One of my favourite playgrounds is my art journal.  Page after page of happy creating is good for my soul.  Sometimes the thought 'what is this good for?' creeps into my head.  Well, what if it is good for no other reason than it makes me happy?  My play instinct is definitely a necessity.  I believe it is for everyone.  The actual play may be different for each of us but it is there nonetheless.  I give myself permission to indulge that instinct.  I give you permission to do the same.  Not that you need my permission.

What if

 What if we start recognizing our patterns of thinking and interrupt them?  Those patterns that we have carried with us most of our lives.  The ones that truly do not serve us well.  We must become aware of them before we can change them.  Yesterday, I found myself going down a familiar path.  I was annoyed by a family member who made a disparaging remark about another family member.  I was annoyed because I love the disparaged family member very much.  I was annoyed because I don't particularly care for the one who made the comment.  I found myself making up a story about how rude this woman is.  She is so old fashioned and unchanging.  Well, how are those thoughts any better?  So, I am happy to say that I stopped myself.  I sat and did a loving-kindness meditation.  May she feel truly loved.  I repeated as needed.  The love felt so much better than the negativity.  I am actually a little proud of myself for taking the higher road.  Way to go!