I long for that world again, where you can just play with your friends.

Safe.

Unencumbered.

Free.

Joyful.

A world where you can live life wholeheartedly.

Living easily in the Present.

Launching yourself on every wave.

Dancing in the middle of nowhere freely in any tune.

Ragged.

Tired.

Exhausted.

But free...and safe.

As I paddled on the lake this Christmas afternoon, I did not fail to notice:

The beautiful sound of chimes coming from one of the lake houses

My daughter’s spirit as she fearlessly paddled alone to the other end of the lake

The sunlight hitting the waters

The sun on my face

The cool breeze on my face

The squawk of an osprey nesting on the tree

The sound of the water lapping with the strong currents

And then peace in the middle of nowhere…

It’s exhausting. It’s tiring. It’s mind-numbing. I need to stay in the moment. I have to find the good. In the present. I need to live a life where I can be here and now. Not blaming the past. Not feeling anxious about what the future holds. Here and now…