thejourney

     There are several dictionary definitions for the word catalyst. Though I am a bit of a word connoisseur, there are many terms in the English language and their corresponding definitions that capture my complete attention and challenge me to dig deeper into their meanings. One of those terms is catalyst. As I sat contemplating my introductory post for 2009, this word came to me. Among the several defintions that I found was one that has become the subject of this prose. According to dictionary.com, one meaning for catalyst is :

4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

     I have always thought of the word catalyst in terms of chemical reactions. This is usually an agent that is introduced to a particular solution which, once combined with that solution, causes the chemicals to respond. Throughout the year I evaluate myself as I constantly strive to imporve upon what God has given me. At the culmination of the year, I perform an overall analysis on my interim findings throughout the year, and take steps to make personal improvements. In my personal comprehensive examination this year, I discovered that I must strive to be a catalyst and incite others to join the catalyst nation. This world is aching for a catalyst revolution. In 2009 I will strive to contribute as much as I can to this societal need.

     As I make this declaration, I wonder how I can go about accomplishing such a seemingly daunting task.  Due to devastating circumstances being faced in this economy and the state of our nation as a whole, attempting to make my personality shine through any negativity inflicted upon me by another is truly challenging.   Though this year is still young in age, I have already been able to benefit so much from it. I have learned that, though seemingly impossible at times, being a catalyst is an attainable goal. Therefore, in 2009, I will strive to reach this objective and possibly surpass it.

     I have always considered myself to be an extremely friendly person, so officially adopting the life of a catalyst will not be that great of a challenge for me to continue. Then there is the second fold portion of my goal which involves creating a catalyst nation. After careful consideration, I have decided that the “pay it forward” method will be the best for me to pursue. Therefore, in 2009 I will strive to be a catalyst and recruit for the catalyst nation.

     I pray that all are blessed and higly favored as 2009 continues to unfold. Be the catalyst and “pay it forward.” We need to create a catalyst nation and have a catalyst revolution. Join me in the fight!!

 FMH,

Shiri

     I have always considered myself to be an optimist. In my mind, there is always a silver lining to every dark cloud. There is always a yes when a field of  no’s seem to strike like lightning. Despite taking this position in life, I am often rendered speechless by some of the occurences in my life and the lives of others. I tend to be extremely private with the inner workings of my mind and my personal life. There are only a few that know and understand the plights that have come my way. Nevertheless, there are stories which I’ve collected over the years from people that sincerely have brought me to tears. I don’t intend for this post to be entirely somber, but before I illuminate its darkness, I must first acknowledge it. Simply put, sometimes life is hard, unfair, and the verb “hurt” is sincerely an understatement.

     Music and writing have always passionately embraced in my eyes. They do this amazing dance in my mind. By some divine intervention, they often appear on a page or tape recorder and make my rough days a little more bearable. I thank God for blessing me with that artistic relief. In many ways I can say that it has saved me and allowed me to develop into the person I am today. I want others to know this freedom. The simple freedom to acknowledge whatever your emotion is at that particular moment, and move forward without dwelling is unbelievably liberating. In compliance with my newly adopted life moto, I just want everyone to know the feeling of being free.

     Wherever your life has taken you and despite the road you still have to travel, remember that there is always HOPE. There is always a reason to smile. Life is still a legitimate cause worth investing in. If no one else has said it to you today.. or ever, I understand how fickle life AND THE PEOPLE IN IT can truly be. I also understand what an amazingly thrilling ride it is. At the end of the day we are just the sum of our experiences. We are mere flowers with a story to tell. Without down, there would be no up. Without bottom there would be no top. Without pain, there would be no room for love. Without total confusion, there would be no room for clarity. Have faith that God truly knows all. He will never leave nor forsake you. Even in those moments when you feel like your unfairly dealt hands will have no end, there is peace in knowing that the best is yet to come. I absolutely love this song!! Listen to the words and allow them to soak in. I pray it helps you as much as it helps me.

     Even as I sit here typing these words as they come to me, I am inspired and comforted. Stay on your path. Look neither to the left nor to the right at anyone else. Make no comparisons. Shine through it all as the soundtrack of your life continues to be composed. One day….one moment at a time.

FMH,

Shiri

    When faced with decision making I have always found that there are several categories to choose from. There is the logical path, which is frequented by many. In today’s fragile society, it is often the “sure thing” that reigns supreme when it comes to decision making.  At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the dream. This is the decision that typically only makes sense to you and, with some fortune, a few people surrounding you. Comfortably nestled in the middle is what I refer to the “might as well” decision.

     Now, the “might as well” decision can be extremely intricate in nature. It can ellude the decision maker on many planes. This complex has the ability to appear as the perfect logic/dream combination. Unfortunately, it’s not and can’t ever be the dream. Nevertheless, it’s often too close to the dream to abandon on a whim. In analyzing the situation, the decision maker carefully internalizes all of the facts and, with a sigh of uncertainty, exhales a hopeful “might as well.” There just aren’t enough reasons to say “no.” There is too much sense in the “might as well,” while the dream promises nothing.

     This issue has perplexed me for some time now.  All too often I hear about people who settle for the might as well. Their decision often stems from several ever present fear factors that are often too overwhelming to bear. ”If I pursue my dream, will it come true?” “If I let this opportunity pass will I ever get another chance?” “What do I have to lose?” After weighing all of these and many other questions in my head, I have determined that trying for the dream is necessary. If you never make an attempt to reach your ultimate goal, your mind will be plagued with the aforementioned questions forever. If you try and don’t quite reach the dream, then at least you can record the journey in the scrapbook of your mind as an amazing, and sometimes tumultuous, adventure.

     No matter what the dream is, TRY!! Your logical and “might as well” paths will be there while the dream escapes into oblivion. Pursue it with all you have and remember that your dream need only make sense to YOU…. and you alone.

 FMH,

Shiri