What's in a name?

The name for this blog comes from something that has been an ingrained part of my life for over 20 years and comes from something I read in my One Day at a Time in Al-anon book (sometime during my first year in that program). The line that struck me so profoundly and resulted in an epiphany that has shaped the rest of my life was, '.... thorns also have roses...."

That one line changed my perspective at the time - making me realize that while there were many painful and "sucky" elements to my life, if I took the time to look, I would find that the "bush" was not all thorns. There were "roses" there, too -and has shaped my perspective on the events of my life, ever since.

It has remained my ultimate personal philosophy to ALWAYS "Look for the Roses".

It does not matter how "thorny" the bush, there are always "Roses" to be found, if I take the time to look for them. Sometimes I have to look really hard to find even a single "bloom", but it is always there. And, if I can focus on that "bloom", once I find it, life always becomes much more managable.

Sometimes it seems that there are more "thorns" than there are "flowers", and it makes it hard to enjoy & appreciate the beauty of the flower.

Then, there are other times, when the "flowers" are so ubundant that I am hardly aware that the "thorns" are even there. I never forget that the "thorns" are present; I am always mindful that if I am not careful, it is possible to be "stuck" again. But I have learned, through the years, that it is important to "enjoy the garden" when the flowers are in bloom; and not to worry about the thorns.

I hold fast to this phiosophy, and it helps me to find perspective and focus to make/keep my life more manageable. Over the years, I have come to realize that it doesn't matter how insignificant, or horrific, the event. There are always "hidden blesssings" to be found (in the good, as well as the bad) .... I just have to remember to slow down, stop, and look for them...

Inspired to Blog

I was inspired to start this Blog by 3, somewhat intertwined things.....

First and foremost by my wonderful, fabulous, amazing friend Emily.

Meet the Wonderful, Fabulous, Amazing, Emily

She has 2 amazing, unbelievably creative blogs... both of which, literally, "Make My Day"... It doesn't matter what kind of day I am having "checking in" on Emily & Noah (and Joe) always "Makes my heart smile"....

Second, my/our life took a sudden and unexpected turn last month, creating changes that are presenting some unique challenges... to say the least....

And, third, writing has always been therapeutic for me, but I never seem to make the time for it (myself)....I thought, since I spend time unwinding at the computer most nights, that I would use this avenue to help myself explore the new path that I have been forced to embark on..... How the changes effect me, effect Zachary, and ultimately how they effect us, together...... Blogging also seems to be a nice way to keep friends and family up to date on what is going on with us. So... I thought I would give it a try

I keep putting off starting this because I want to find out from Emily how she does all the cool things with her blogs that she does (and, if I am perfectly honest, I am a little intimidated by how fabulous hers are, and my not knowing the first thing about where to start) ....I am fairly certain that mine will never "measure up" in the creativity factor, but I would at least like to add some FUN & FLAIR...

I want to, but have not been able to find the time to... So, for now, until I become a more sophisticated Blogger, I guess I'll just have to be happy with writing, and what it has to offer me. (and I hope it is not too boring for those who choose to read it.)

Tonight I shared Why I chose to start a blog. In my next entry I will share How my blog got its name and how it ties into my New Journey.