Open Writing

Life goes in circles, some tiny, some large and some enormous, but they keep turning right in front of us.

Sometimes we think we'd like the circles to stop for a while, just until we catch our breath, or have a chance to at least catch up with everyone else who seems to be going faster and faster. I used to run in some of those circles. I ran and ran until I met myself, breathless, tired and worn out. I stopped running when I was 34 and began to meander through my life, one moment at a time, trying to appreciate each step that I take, making each one significant. Twenty two years later, I'm still meandering and life has more meaning than ever.

Over the past many years I gave myself some rules that have brought me great joy:

Always pay ten times what a child is asking for at a lemonade stand.

Always put extra food in the bin for the food bank, no matter how broke I am at the moment.

When I'm feeling down, scrape together enough change to buy a bouquet of flowers for the house.

Spend time each week helping at least one elderly person with something they need.

Once every month I budget for, prepare and serve a 'Babbett's Feast' for 12 of my friends—6 couples. They're not allowed to bring any food, and I cook for, and serve them. We slowly eat 4-5 courses over a 5-6 hour period, laughing, talking and sharing. I try to invite a few people who don't know each other and some who do to each meal. New friendships are growing from these utterly delightful evenings. In 8 months I'll have served a beautiful meal to at least 85 people whom I love dearly. At the beginning of the evening I give them a toast and tell them that they are important to me, thank them for being in my life and that I'm honored to be their friend.

Once every month I also have a 'Fun Craft Day' where I invite women and their daughters to my home. For 5-6 hours we sit together doing our own crafts, sharing some of ours with others, teaching each other new crafts, how to draw, make feather angels, bead work, jewelry, and other delightful things. Some bring their own poetry to read, or uplifting stories. We laugh a lot, sing sometimes, tell funny stories, tease, joke and share. The only rule is that the day is to remain positive, no bitching or complaining (one of my most favorite things to do!), only celebrating and sharing our joys. By the end of the day, we all feel so happy and lucky to be alive. Some of these women have been through some horrifying experiences in their lives so this one day a month brings them a moment of joy and reminds them of the goodness they bring to life.

Always send a thank you note for everything. Even if it's just a few words. It's the thought that counts.

If you're in line behind someone who comes up short for their groceries, give them the amount they need to be able to take the food home with them. This isn't just for holidays. Hunger is every day for some people.

Never turn the Television on anymore.

Once a month read a book about joy, true spirit and new ways to make life better.
Always remember special peoples' birthdays, even if the card is sent late.
Forgive yourself if you're not perfect at any rules you set for yourself. We are, after all, fragile humans with hearts of gold, souls of light and beautiful imaginations.

Life is getting more difficult for many all over the world and our liberties are being eroded by fear, greed, war and hatred. At times I'm deeply angry about what's happening to us. I get blistering mad over something that creates challenges that make me feel helpless and victimized. Then I slow down, look at the circle in which I'm now spinning and try to see where I can bring more harmony into my life. It may seem impossible some days, but it's always worth it.

May your days be filled with the knowledge that you are important to others and your sharing of your lives touches many.

© Anna Mancini