Blessings in a bottle

“Be water my friend."

Bruce Lee

Be like water, because water has a way of finding where it wants to be. Drop by drop; water collects where it's needed, replenishing the parched landscape. Water finds a way or it carves it's way through obstacles. In the end water is the element that sustains us, provides for us, and imparts life upon us. I must be like water this year, to have my thoughts and actions become fluid enough to squeeze through the barriers that divide me from my ideals. So that when I have found my way, I'll be right where I am most necessary.

One thing after another has always taken up my attention and the sudden accomplishment of these goals has left me in restless place with a lighter load to carry on my shoulders. Although I work full time (while trying to acquire as much over time as possible) I still feel like I could be doing more with abilities. My “adjustment period” excuse is running low and soon I know that won’t pardon me for long. Now that personal satisfaction is wearing, thin its time to move forward again since staying stationary will put you behind.

All the lessons I have taken from this life speaks of one great human obligation: to altruistically give yourself to others. I've translated this sentiment into my own moral constitution. I believe true happiness is found when one can practices selflessness. Good deeds done with the expectation of praise or fame are in jeopardy of falling victim to discontent, bringing one further away from bliss. Find fulfillment in the contentment of others and you will know what unadulterated love is.

In gratitude to the giants before me, I have a responsibility to actualize the potential I inherited, so that I leave this place better then when I arrived. We are so fortunate to know first world luxuries but seldom we consider the lives of those less charmed. I know what it takes to be of service to the community I live in. I know what it means to be the pillar of support for my family. Still, I have yet to know the global scope of volunteerism and it is that which I strive to comprehend.

I have been researching various medical volunteer abroad opportunities for some time and now it’s just a matter of planning. Saving up vacation days from work and the proper funding while I am overseas is the easy part. I should appreciate this lull in activity for what it’s worth, since the time is now to cultivate my spirit for this endeavor. Personal growth is in order so for the next few months the only traveling I will be doing will be within the corridors of my mind.

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock,
the stream always wins--not through strength but by perseverance."
Buddha