Reminders of Me

Whenever I am feeling disconnected and far away from myself, all I need to do is play a song or pick up a book that inspires me.  At least that temporarily jolts me back to myself.  It fills me with a peace and knowing.  A spark of my own Spirit returns and reminds me of who I am.

I have many choices that I turn to when I am in need of inspiration, but there are a few go-to items that I always have handy.  Since I live with minimal possessions due to my constantly traveling job, I can only have perhaps 4 books with me at a time (which is tough, because I love my books!).  Currently I am so grateful to have with me, “Warrior of the Light: A Manual” by Paulo Coelho.  I always have a Coelho book near, and this particular one has been my closest travel companion for quite a while now.  Another book I refer to often is by, perhaps a less known author, but no less impactful, John O’Donohue, and his book, “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom”.  Incredible really.  Also usually in the mix is any book by Sanaya Roman (often co-authored with Duane Packer).   I have so much more to share about these books and authors, but I think I need to devote a post per book, as lumping them all together in one entry just wouldn’t do them proper justice.

A few of my favorites

My other must-have is music.  I absolutely cherish my music and need to have it handy at all times.  My iPod is my saving grace, for nearly any mood I am in.  I love my music so much, and I am so baffled by people who either do not have a musical opinion, or who simply listen to and are satisfied with whatever is played for them (i.e. commercial radio stations, and yes, I am mainly referring to POP).  I have an ever-rotating playlist, going in and out of phases of love with many artists, but I always seem to have a specific theme song during a certain time period.  Also another topic that deserves its own entry.  But for now, I’ll just conclude my music love by saying that sometimes all I need to do to feel like me again, is turn on a favorite song, listen closely to every word, feel the beat, harmony, and life of the song course through me.

What do you turn to when you need a boost?  What is your reminder of “you” when you are getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the everyday?  Whatever it is, find it, cherish it, and share it with others, if you so dare.