You’d think that after years of managing websites and social media accounts for various businesses, the first order of the day for me would be to light up the computer screen and acquaint myself with the status of the world. This, however, has never been the first order of the day.

Years ago, I’d sit up in bed for an hour or so, journaling. I grew tired of this over time and sat up to read various spiritually oriented texts instead. I have embarked on a new practice over the past several months. It does not matter how busy the day ahead will be, this is nearly always first on my list.

I sit peacefully for a moment and then randomly draw from a stack of Celtic Wisdom Sticks. Each stick has a symbol on it. This refers to a short text in an accompanying booklet. Each text is written in such a way as to apply to an aspect of one’s life journey or challenges, and each text ends with a question. This is the part I especially enjoy.

A typical use of these tools and questions might be to address a specific issue or difficulty, but I prefer to allow the question to inspire my thoughts, spontaneously. I spend a few moments writing this. It adds an unexpected dimension to the day, one that is always constructive and surprisingly on target.

Today’s text suggested that, “If your resolve is firm, there is an opportunity now to go ahead… there is no turning back.” It concluded with this question: “Is this enterprise worth the risk?”

As you might gather, my current goal is to make art the core of my life. Many emotions arise from this journey, ranging from absolute trust to debilitating doubt. Is it worth the risk? Absolutely. The following thoughts came to mind.

We have learned to live as though our lives were a performance for others to judge, not for ourselves. Saying what we are, what we do and what we are capable of doing provides the illusion that we are acceptable and absolved in the eyes of others. But only BEING to the full extent of our vision and talent can absolve us in our own eyes.

And then there is opportunity.

The saying goes. “Live as though this is your last day.” As profound as this notion may be, it seems it often trips us. In truth, we must live as though the next bright opportunity is at hand. If it is the last day, the prospect of having to catch up on unfinished business can stop us in our tracks. Time is too short. Might as well sit and count our blessings; make peace with our losses.

Precisely. We must take the time to sit, count our blessings and make peace with our failures, as though it truly were the last day. But then, we must stand in joyful expectation of the next opportunity to BE more; to be all that we meant to be. That opportunity is just one choice away, always. And time is at hand to be filled with purposeful activity.

Then, today is not the last day, but the beginning… or perhaps it is the last day we fail to begin.

On the workbench… Autumn-colored bits and pieces coming together to form a new batch of Beech Leaf Gift Pouches.