Sunday, November 29, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
REACH FOR THE SKY: Going the extra mile for love
How far would you go for love? What sacrifices are imminent or impossible for you?
Some people detest the thought of ever being involved in a long distance relationship. The thought of putting oneself through the agony of missing someone across that great stretch of the miles and watching the endless hours on the clock before you meet again...just seems daunting and avoidable.
But what I've learned in life, at age 38, that I've had to BEND a little, to get something tangible and REAL out of my love life. I've certainly had to REACH much higher than I'd ever dreamed I would. SKY HIGH, in fact. Somewhere, an airlines agent is counting my frequent flyer miles.
A few months ago, if you'd asked me "would you date this man who lives 2,500 miles away?" well my response would have been "not a snowball's chance in hell."
To me, it's just too hard. Not really worth the time and effort. The separation anxiety is heavy. Plus, where is the reasoning? The logic? Aren't there enough men in Canada? Ontario, for that matter?
Quality over quantity, alas, is my reasoning. My verdict. This Canadian girl has fallen hard for a California man. Top notch human being, filled with love and compassion. He has the biggest heart of gold I've ever found in a person. He's also a hard-working, smart, funny as hell, deeply sensitive, and doting father to his grown kids. Why couldn't he have been born closer, you might ask? A few blocks away? In the next city?
The answer is simply this: HE WASN'T. He was placed 2,500 miles away so we would appreciate one another. The Universe is filled with wonder. Its massive opportunities and boundless mysteries are there for the taking. These mysteries are made for the inquisitive and searching...like myself. I always love a good adventure, and why the heck WOULDN'T I love a man who is not easily within my reach? To me, that's just too boring and basic. Mediocre love was never meant for a die-hard romance queen like me.
Let me share something profound. Some time ago, 22 years to be exact, I wrote a love story called AGAINST ALL ODDS, about a bi-coastal connection between Starr Taylor, a Chicago reporter, and Peter Adams, a Los Angeles pop singer. Well, apparently, my clairvoyance and prophecy always leads to a real life manifestation. Fast forward to 2015, and here I am, a woman in a bi-coastal romance with the same distance and almost identical profile of the two main characters.
I guess you could say that I wrote my own love story, some 22 years ago as a precocious teenage girl with high hopes and big dreams. The real miracle is just astounding. How I even found my "real life hero" is a case of beating immeasurable odds. Meeting by chance on social media in the most unlikely of events, we've definitely achieved something that even a blockbuster Hollywood film could rival. Only difference is...we are REAL, ordinary people with no glitz, glamour or headlines. There's no red carpet arrival, expensive suits or gowns. The paparazzi is not stalking us in the bushes. We live and breathe as normal humans. We laugh, we cry, we love...like authentic people.
Reaching high for this love is the greatest risk or gamble I've ever done. I want to say it's the biggest reward of my life. To have the love of a high value man whose heart is pure and intentions sincere. Who wants to make me happy, day in and day out. Who is my biggest supporter and loudest cheerleader. Who makes me laugh till my sides hurt and I'm begging for oxygen. Who eases the pain of a long, arduous flight. Who holds my hand when things get scary. The man just GETS ME. Like no one else ever could. It's mind blowing. Gratitude ripples from my heart, overflowing.
The advice I would give anyone who is opting for the "easy route" of just loving someone locally in their own region is this: NEVER BE AFRAID TO TAKE A CHANCE ON SOMEONE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. IT MIGHT BE THE MOST EPIC STORY OF YOUR LIFE.
As always, I'm right here cheering for you.
xo RR xo
Some people detest the thought of ever being involved in a long distance relationship. The thought of putting oneself through the agony of missing someone across that great stretch of the miles and watching the endless hours on the clock before you meet again...just seems daunting and avoidable.
But what I've learned in life, at age 38, that I've had to BEND a little, to get something tangible and REAL out of my love life. I've certainly had to REACH much higher than I'd ever dreamed I would. SKY HIGH, in fact. Somewhere, an airlines agent is counting my frequent flyer miles.
A few months ago, if you'd asked me "would you date this man who lives 2,500 miles away?" well my response would have been "not a snowball's chance in hell."
To me, it's just too hard. Not really worth the time and effort. The separation anxiety is heavy. Plus, where is the reasoning? The logic? Aren't there enough men in Canada? Ontario, for that matter?
Quality over quantity, alas, is my reasoning. My verdict. This Canadian girl has fallen hard for a California man. Top notch human being, filled with love and compassion. He has the biggest heart of gold I've ever found in a person. He's also a hard-working, smart, funny as hell, deeply sensitive, and doting father to his grown kids. Why couldn't he have been born closer, you might ask? A few blocks away? In the next city?
The answer is simply this: HE WASN'T. He was placed 2,500 miles away so we would appreciate one another. The Universe is filled with wonder. Its massive opportunities and boundless mysteries are there for the taking. These mysteries are made for the inquisitive and searching...like myself. I always love a good adventure, and why the heck WOULDN'T I love a man who is not easily within my reach? To me, that's just too boring and basic. Mediocre love was never meant for a die-hard romance queen like me.
Let me share something profound. Some time ago, 22 years to be exact, I wrote a love story called AGAINST ALL ODDS, about a bi-coastal connection between Starr Taylor, a Chicago reporter, and Peter Adams, a Los Angeles pop singer. Well, apparently, my clairvoyance and prophecy always leads to a real life manifestation. Fast forward to 2015, and here I am, a woman in a bi-coastal romance with the same distance and almost identical profile of the two main characters.
I guess you could say that I wrote my own love story, some 22 years ago as a precocious teenage girl with high hopes and big dreams. The real miracle is just astounding. How I even found my "real life hero" is a case of beating immeasurable odds. Meeting by chance on social media in the most unlikely of events, we've definitely achieved something that even a blockbuster Hollywood film could rival. Only difference is...we are REAL, ordinary people with no glitz, glamour or headlines. There's no red carpet arrival, expensive suits or gowns. The paparazzi is not stalking us in the bushes. We live and breathe as normal humans. We laugh, we cry, we love...like authentic people.
Reaching high for this love is the greatest risk or gamble I've ever done. I want to say it's the biggest reward of my life. To have the love of a high value man whose heart is pure and intentions sincere. Who wants to make me happy, day in and day out. Who is my biggest supporter and loudest cheerleader. Who makes me laugh till my sides hurt and I'm begging for oxygen. Who eases the pain of a long, arduous flight. Who holds my hand when things get scary. The man just GETS ME. Like no one else ever could. It's mind blowing. Gratitude ripples from my heart, overflowing.
The advice I would give anyone who is opting for the "easy route" of just loving someone locally in their own region is this: NEVER BE AFRAID TO TAKE A CHANCE ON SOMEONE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. IT MIGHT BE THE MOST EPIC STORY OF YOUR LIFE.
As always, I'm right here cheering for you.
xo RR xo
Sunday, October 18, 2015
FAMILY ISN'T BLOOD: FAMILY IS YOUR SOUL TRIBE
Contemplating a major move here as one big era of my life is ending. It's a huge concept, not one to be taken lightly. I have the courage of a lion, and it's true that I can survive anything. That's just how I roll.
Thoughts of leaving my sleepy bedroom town behind have me very reflective these days. I built a life here, three decades ago. Life blossomed. I rode my first horse here, had my first kiss, gave birth to my only child, not to mention, wrote all my novels here also. Life in this small town shaped my identity and forged my all-encompassing sense of Self.
Bittersweet memories linger. Many photographs have been taken. I find it important to keep a time capsule or some other commemorative ritual. Time is of the essence. Nothing should be lost.
This period of reflection has reminded me that family members have not always supported me. It's unfortunate, but in the constraints of a family dynamic, there is a sense of conformity where most members follow the lead of the dominant parent. Myself? I do not fall into this dynamic. I am the proverbial Black Sheep. Think outside the box? What box?? I like to think of myself as a trailblazer, misfit or rebel. Somehow, following the crowd just doesn't work for me.
People have come into my life who blew any preconceived notions out of my head of what "family" was known to be. Thankfully, they also lit the path for me, with a candle of hope. I grew into who I was meant to be, with a little help from a couple of great mentors.
These days, family is anyone who belongs to my soul tribe. Those who resonate deeply with me, finish my sentences, think and feel like me, accept me the way that I am. The ones who judge, condemn, slander, or put me down --though blood related -- are demoted to a dark corner. They don't get any more precedence. The only legit ones who matter are those who make me FEEL nothing but good vibes and support me--AS I AM.
This year, I started "cleaning house." People whom I had known for a good span of time (say, five years or so) were cut off. No, it's not a question of me being disloyal or anything. On the contrary, it was THEIR choice to not be loyal. To me, anyone who didn't serve me anymore or was not contributing to my greater spiritual growth was hindering me. These people were not even supporting my career or path. It's crucial to take stock of your friend list from time to time, and see who is deducting from your value. Do they make you feel like trash? Then it's high time you gave them the boot.
It's unfortunate, but some family members have no desire to support me or give edifying words that uplift me. If someone is bringing me down, I pull the plug. Really, I have no time or patience for this nonsense.
Family is simply those who love me and build me up. Family is the friend who calls up to take me to lunch "just because" or the person who calls to brighten my day, prompting me to feel like a million bucks. Or just to hear my voice and tell me how much I mean to him.
I want to thank a special man in my life who daily inspires me, supports me, and affirms that I am not only important to him, but I am the key to HIS happiness and abundant future as well. He is determined to profess, provide and protect. His presence is consistent, day after day. I'm proud to put him on my list of those whom I call FAMILY.
I love you T.G.
Finally, to those out there wondering where they stand or if they matter to someone, check the mirror. See the phenomenal person staring back at you. Check your inner compass. It will never steer you wrong. It knows the way. Ditch those toxic family members and "frenemies" who pose as comrades. Seriously. You deserve far better. I mean it.
Cheering for you always,
xo RR xo
Thoughts of leaving my sleepy bedroom town behind have me very reflective these days. I built a life here, three decades ago. Life blossomed. I rode my first horse here, had my first kiss, gave birth to my only child, not to mention, wrote all my novels here also. Life in this small town shaped my identity and forged my all-encompassing sense of Self.
Bittersweet memories linger. Many photographs have been taken. I find it important to keep a time capsule or some other commemorative ritual. Time is of the essence. Nothing should be lost.
This period of reflection has reminded me that family members have not always supported me. It's unfortunate, but in the constraints of a family dynamic, there is a sense of conformity where most members follow the lead of the dominant parent. Myself? I do not fall into this dynamic. I am the proverbial Black Sheep. Think outside the box? What box?? I like to think of myself as a trailblazer, misfit or rebel. Somehow, following the crowd just doesn't work for me.
People have come into my life who blew any preconceived notions out of my head of what "family" was known to be. Thankfully, they also lit the path for me, with a candle of hope. I grew into who I was meant to be, with a little help from a couple of great mentors.
These days, family is anyone who belongs to my soul tribe. Those who resonate deeply with me, finish my sentences, think and feel like me, accept me the way that I am. The ones who judge, condemn, slander, or put me down --though blood related -- are demoted to a dark corner. They don't get any more precedence. The only legit ones who matter are those who make me FEEL nothing but good vibes and support me--AS I AM.
This year, I started "cleaning house." People whom I had known for a good span of time (say, five years or so) were cut off. No, it's not a question of me being disloyal or anything. On the contrary, it was THEIR choice to not be loyal. To me, anyone who didn't serve me anymore or was not contributing to my greater spiritual growth was hindering me. These people were not even supporting my career or path. It's crucial to take stock of your friend list from time to time, and see who is deducting from your value. Do they make you feel like trash? Then it's high time you gave them the boot.
It's unfortunate, but some family members have no desire to support me or give edifying words that uplift me. If someone is bringing me down, I pull the plug. Really, I have no time or patience for this nonsense.
Family is simply those who love me and build me up. Family is the friend who calls up to take me to lunch "just because" or the person who calls to brighten my day, prompting me to feel like a million bucks. Or just to hear my voice and tell me how much I mean to him.
I want to thank a special man in my life who daily inspires me, supports me, and affirms that I am not only important to him, but I am the key to HIS happiness and abundant future as well. He is determined to profess, provide and protect. His presence is consistent, day after day. I'm proud to put him on my list of those whom I call FAMILY.
I love you T.G.
Finally, to those out there wondering where they stand or if they matter to someone, check the mirror. See the phenomenal person staring back at you. Check your inner compass. It will never steer you wrong. It knows the way. Ditch those toxic family members and "frenemies" who pose as comrades. Seriously. You deserve far better. I mean it.
Cheering for you always,
xo RR xo
Friday, October 2, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
THE SOUL OF A WOMAN
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The soul of a woman is vastly underrated.
We've come a long way in evolving as a species and in the realm of history, women have advanced through the years. We won the right to vote, the privilege to divorce (without moral condemnation), we've advanced up the ranks to CEO or some high powered executive. We even have females running for Congress.
But the soul of our existence is highly unnoticed.
We have a power unlike any other. We are women. We are STRONG. Invincible. Our bodies take a beating. We survive child birth, disease, hard work, emotional duress, and many burdens of life. Still, we come out on top.
Wonder Woman might have been a fantasy role, not a legit human, per se. But she is forever exalted as the prime example of a powerful woman. She is fast, she is fine, and what a force to be reckoned with!
Myself, I don't claim to be Wonder Woman. But she and I have never been seen in the same room at the same time, just sayin.'
The soul of a woman is what I want to address here.
The soul is a component that is highly important to our survival. If the soul dies, then we ourselves die while living. That is the human tragedy. So we must keep our souls nurtured and sustained. We must feed them with joy, goodness and truth. Never letting toxic things invade.
The world is in dire need of more women of substance. Women with courage, heart, soul and a powerful VOICE.
To all the ladies out there who think they don't make a difference, think again. SOMEONE desperately needs you right now. Your impact, though you assume small, is not scant by any means.. Your voice, compassion, mercy...it truly does make waves. Bring your soul everywhere you go. Bring your candle to light up the darkness.
Let's bring a collective force to the human race. Can we together make a decision right here? That we will let our courage ring true and our souls bring the fire.
Remember, life is waiting. Will you heed the call? Love is waiting. So much relies on our soul. Our bright, blazing torch of hope is needed.
Cheering for you always,
xo RR xo
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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