People don’t cry when they lose their hope. They cry when they get it back.
–-Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star
It’s been there … waiting patiently for me on my end table. I’ve reshuffled my reading pile and recently invited this book (Finding Your Own North Star) in. And now, now I’m puzzling and considering and journaling my way through it.
Wow.
I know why I hesitated: it’s a lot of work.
And I have enough work.
But .. it’s the kind of work that feels worth it.
Through simple exercises and thought-provoking questions, I’m discovering my true heart’s desires.
I’m starting to recognize and understand my internal compass.
Some thoughts and ideas I’ve met before and am well-acquainted with; others I’ve never considered before now. I’m doing the work necessary to repair all that “soul shrapnel” ~ those long-held, mostly false beliefs that have stalled my progress.
If you wish to discover your own North Star, your own heart’s desire, I recommend this book to you.
Be prepared.
There are case studies to read, questionnaires to answer and exercises to ponder.
The work can be challenging and feel heavy at times. You may uncover self-truths you hadn’t yet acknowledged and they may frighten you away. But I still say it’s worth it.
For hope.
Elvis has nothing to do with this post; He's just gorgeous in this picture is all. Happy Friday! MJ
You had me with that quote, truly beautiful. I’m printing as we ‘speak’. Thank you, MJ. I wished we’d live closer by. We might share a cup of tea.
I wish you lived closer, too! Wouldn’t that be fun 🙂 MJ
I just commented on another blog that I don’t do tears much…weddings and funerals will send me there…but then, I read your quote and realized more.
as I get older, the tears come easier … MJ
I think I would give it a try. May be I get to know the varied characters that live in me.
you just might!
MJ
Thank you for the suggestion to get this book. It is on my shelf, and I look forward to reading it soon! I know what you mean about the work involved with this type of search. Much easier to while away an hour on Pinterest! But less rewarding! Some of the reading/working I’m doing is in this same vein, and it is surprising to me that I can learn things about myself at this time in life. I thought I knew all about me! It is good to be on the journey, and I’m happy that you are finding yours rewarding also! ~ Sheila
Yes – much easier to surf the net, watch TV or get involved in a phone conversation. This takes reflection and sometimes that just feels like work … but yes .. it is rewarding, and eye-opening, too!!
MJ
PS, love the photo!
mmmm hmmm 🙂 MJ
Love the quote, love the photo!
The book sounds interesting.
it is …. MJ
Sounds like a great book. I will check it out! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
I am still slogging through “The Handmaid’s Tale” and then started this – talk about back & forth! Mild and sunny here = a great weekend 🙂 MJ
That is how we should remember Elvis :-). Thanks for the book suggestion….sounds great!
That’s how I remember him – just like that – delicious! MJ
I like the quote, hadn’t thought of it that way, but I think it’s right. In times of hopelessness and despair, there are no tears, a hardness sets in. But a glimmer of hope melts it away, and it is released in tears. Love the Elvis pic…a much happier time of life for him, obviously.
Yes … that hardness, steeling the jaw, bracing for the tough times .. definitely sets in. It’s in the releasing that the tears flow – at least for me anyways.
One of my favorite Elvis pictures 🙂 MJ
I read that book – a while ago now. At one point there is an exercise where you are asked to complete the sentence: ” I was always meant to be a _________.” To my utter astonishment the word “writer” popped into my head. I hadn’t been doing any writing before then, but I have been ever since. Any time I get discouraged (and it’s easy to get discouraged being a writer) I remember that moment, and I start again.
🙂 Loved the story you shared – Cheers! MJ
I read your words with their slant toward the serious and then saw the Elvis picture and what you wrote about it and burst out laughing – you don’t need a reason to post a good Elvis pic. You are definitely following your North Star, know what you want from life, and are running toward it. Good job friend.
Thanks for “getting” me, Renee. You’re right – there’s no reason needed to post a good Elvis pic. He’s just that fine to look at ((smile)). Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 MJ