I love your poem, you are so gifted, very genuine. You are very knowledgeable and very generous and share your time . I am so blessed when my aunt gifted me your book “ Find Your Truth” summer 2015. Also I watch you while we were visiting my family in Alberta for Thanksgiving 2007.Your book change me to a better person after my 5 failed surgery in 2014 thru early 2015 28 days ICU. I was in the darkest of my life as I left that hospital with a feeding tube,tracheotomy and not able to speak and half of my face not being recognized.I thought I researched all of my surgeons as their bio were stellar.Your book help me to bounce back and move forward ..Your courage ,appreciation of life and love help me to keep pushing forward. Your true gift for not only do you grow but also your always sharing with others. We talk 1:1 after Christmas and I ask your advice about how to stay calm delivering a speech? You said to breath ,pray and speak from the heart. I did what you said to me and I delivered my speech January 25th with a big crowds and I speak from my heart no handwritten to go by. All crowds were in tears and standing up. I also resign my job of 28 years (21active ) 7 years medical leave due to cancer and it ended 12/31/2021 due to mandate. I am very happy with my decision and more busy with my new journey of working for myself.Graham I thank you with your kindness and compassion for others.Cheers!
Lucy ,I have so much respect for you and your strength and courage on this journey of healing. I read the publication of your journey from Mayo clinic and also watched your videos. Such an inspirational story to the road of healing. Hugs and prayers for your continued “beautification journey “ You are already beautiful inside and out! 🙏❤️
Irene is right, Lucy, you truly are an inspiration. Your response to your difficult journey leaves me in awe of your faith and your spirit. It's been wonderful to get to know you and you lift me up with all of your warmth and postivity. May your healing continue, my friend, but you are already beautiful!
Lucy I have just read about your journey. You are so courageous in the face of so much adversity. I have no doubt that you inspired every person you spoke to in January. I sense a warmth and determination in you through your writing which I so admire. Thank you for sharing. 🤗
Lucy I can’t imagine what you went thru. I had a scare in late 2014 a virus attacked my heart and I was diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure) and left bundle branch block. I also had a defibrillator inserted, it has never gone off. When I had the surgery I was scared to death I thought that my heart would stop and I wouldn’t see my family. My mom assured me I would be ok. I have a small plaque that states you should never look back except to see how far you’ve come. You have come so far from where you were. I’m so proud for what you have accomplished.
Graham…you know, my thoughts were so deep in your poem and video…kind of everywhere. And I kept asking myself where do I fit in your poem and following message as someone who is 75 and so blessed to have a loving family and good health and all that I need at this stage of my life. What I have concluded is that I can really have life rewarding goals by being more courageous about sharing my love of life with those I have contact with…by helping others who are not as fortunate as I am…and by continually exploring my inner self … exploring life to its fullest with no preconceived outcomes but staying true to or guided towards what’s truly in my heart. Again Graham you have challenged me and inspired me to search deeply about who I truly am and what is it I want in life for the remaining precious days ahead of me. Thank you so much. As always blessings to you.
These last two poems reveal how far you have travelled on your journey of life. Not only in this natural world, but also in the spiritual 🙏 ✨
I love the way you share so openly about what it all means to you and the lessons you've learned along the way.
I like the fractals idea too - the infinite possibilities that lie before us - and how we need to release our attachments to outcome and just enjoy the ride. Finally I feel the hope in your words, as though you have silenced the demons of the past and are ready for new adventures in your life on earth. I want to say how proud I am of you, Graham, and I hope that doesn't sound like I think I've somehow got it all together- as I am far from that place!
You have inspired me in so many ways and given me the confidence to share my own writing ✍ which I've held onto for many years as I was afraid to show my vulnerability online. I wish you every blessing and look forward to hearing more of your work. ( just wish I knew how to post video on mine!)
So beautifully said Carole. I have read and listened a few times and I am gathering my thoughts as well. So many running through my brain right now but so inspired ! 🤗
This is it! My poem! It speaks to me in so many ways. As a girl I was going to be a teacher. I loved my teachers...well most of them....and I wanted to gather up the children and make learning fun. And I did teach. And then I didn't. So that's a story for a different day. But I wanted to try something else. I was never the clique girl, I always had friends from wherever. I wanted to spread my wings. I joined stuff, volunteered, took classes and competed. All different, at different places with different friends. So doing something different was woven into me.
So I answered an ad for a CSM for People Express, a new airline in the 80's. It was looking for teachers and nurses. Sure! I can do this. But I hated flying. I didn't do it much but I was always apprehensive and gutted out the whole experience each time. But the ad said I could check in passengers at the counter and gate or work in reservations or fly. So yeah! I just won't do the flying part. I got the job!! And then... I LOVED the flying part and not so much the other stuff. So I did mostly flying. I went all over the world! I took a chance and went in a different direction. Not what I expected. Best job I ever had my whole life and I didn't even want it.
I'm in the winter of my life now and there have been choices made along the way that weren't easy. Survival choices...you know....those bill paying choices.
Along the way I mostly made choices with my heart and hoped my mind would catch up. And somehow it did. My family and friends shook their heads but I felt anything was possible...even when I was broke, in debt, had no home and no job. But possibilities were still there. Not too long ago I ended up living on the beach for a few years babysitting and taking care of lady with Alzheimer's disease in my building...right on the beach! People in my building were wealthy but I rented a place and used most of my earnings just to pay for the apartment and food.
My whole life I visualized living on the beach and then I did! I lived in paradise on earth!
I'm in my winter years now. Luckily along the way I married, had children, became unmarried and then met my soul mate. He is Icelandic and led me to discover the most amazing place on earth...Iceland. That was back in the mid 90's before it became very "in" to love Iceland. Such an amazing path and adventure I've had all these years. He lives there. I live here. My family and friends are still shaking their heads.
So now I've discovered you Graham. You speak from your heart. You open up to us about your journey and how you have gotten to a place where you can share your discoveries with us. How exciting it is to be a small part of witnessing your life's journey and cheering you on...and learning and discovering right along with you. You're a teacher!! The kind that makes learning fun! It's been a sweet ride so far. We are blessed. Thank you for giving us this. Much love, Barbara
I do think that you have to have balance. I start each day being thankful and reading the Bible & praying. Getting my heart right with God asking for direction. That doors will be closed to those things that God doesn't want for me. I think we have to set goals and make plans but be flexible and listen to our heart because it will tell you which path to take. Thanks Graham for really making me think and ponder before taking action.
I totally agree with you, Bev. I think that balance is key. I too, spend my mornings praying and reading the Bible and then I do my best to act on what the Holy Spirit impresses on me. You are right about flexibility as well. Sometimes, I get set on doing something a certain way, but realize quickly that there may be a different way to do it that is usually better than my initial way. I have also learned to put the needs of others first (most of the time as I'm not perfect!!) and take my focus off of myself. This helps keep me balanced and flexible.
I agree with you. If we have Christ in our lives we will be in the right track. I do my meditation every morning and read the bible so that I know the message for me to follow. We need to put Christ first before following our dreams and our goals. When I was younger I was so quick full of goals in life that sometimes I stumbled. God had to whisper to me « wait » then I would pray. We need to have balance.Graham you are so intelligent. I admire your platform. Many are sharing their thoughts and opinions because of your platform. I understand you now why you left Heartland. God opened another door for you. I support you and I will always be a fan of Heartland. You are a smart young man. Keep 7p the good job. I am so proud of you. Waiting for you to be a producer.,director and actor 3 in one.Cheers.
I totally agree with you. I start my days in a similar way as you. I look to God for balance and have to continually remind myself that he’s in charge and willing to guide me in all I do.
Bev ( Jody too) I so agree with you both. It's so important to have dreams & goals, but it's important to have boundaries too that God provides. Also to know what is not just GOOD but also what is BEST. My inspiration comes from the Bible & the Holy Spirit. I'm so thankful for His guidance and inspiration & confidence to move forward. Thankful for Graham's poems that help me dig deep into what's really important in my life.
The last year has taught me so much about holding on to things more loosely and giving ourselves the freedom to choose to step out of where we're stuck. I was far too attached to my job and who I thought I was because of that job. I stepped away without having a clue what I would do next and it was scary, but embracing the unknown and allowing God to lead the way to the next phase of life and letting go of the outcome was probably the best decision I've ever made. The Bible also says we are "strangers and aliens" in this world; a different version calls us "pilgrims and sojourners". The idea of living in the world but not of it, knowing that we have a higher calling and not being too attached to the things of this world is how we were meant to live. It allows us to have hope when the world seems a mess. Another great poem, G. Gave me lots of think about and remember. Love the idea of always wandering towards the sun, but appreciating all the sights along the way.
I like how you explained being of this the world but not in it. I looked it up trying to understand what he meant. I read it over and over. When you explained it and I know Graham explained it as well it clicked. Wondering towards the sun and enjoying every bite of the ride.
Graham always does a great job of explaining what he means and believes, especially about his writings. But if something I said helped to clarify anything, I'm glad!
Beautiful poem Graham. Thanks! We need to shine the light of Christ wherever we go. This makes us better people. We will be with the flowers, exhaling their perfume wherever we go.❤️🥰🇧🇷
I want to be the perfume of Christ too. I will make people around me smell my perfume of love and compassion.your poem Graham is very inspiring for us.
Graham, another inspiring poem! Your question has had me looking back on my life and thinking about how I balanced my spiritual life with physical world along my journey. As I do that I realized it has been my faith/ spiritual world that has carried me through many trying times. My faith showed me that things happen for a reason, (many times unknown to me) life takes unexpected turns or paths that I can’t always control. It is those times when I need to focus on what I can control and let go of those I can’t. The summer of 1990 was full of unexpected events, my father passed away, our family made a major move across country, my husband was deployed to Kuwaitt upon arrival at new home and I started a new job…all in 3 months. Oh yes, had two high school age kids who weren’t happy about the move. My faith/ belief that it would all be fine was really tested that summer. When I reflect on that time in my life, it was then I learned to handle one day at a time and trust that everything would work out. I had to let go of constantly worrying about what future was holding for my family. and be in the present. Letting go of that worry helped me during that time, plus taught me to practice that in my life, that’s how I still try to balance my life today. Yes, I do have slips where I need reminders to refocus/ reset. Following your work Graham this past year has reaffirmed these practices and it does take practice/ work to stay aligned. It also has helped me to open up more, as that has been hard for me in the past, but when I do my life is more fulfilling, and I see the blessings around me every day. I start each day writing my appreciation for things, focus on positive things in my life, share love and joy with others as I go about my day. It helps me remain in gratitude for my friends & family as well as appreciate life with all the blessings!
Hi Graham, Sometimes I think you are looking into my head and heart. I wonder “how can he know these things?” Then I balance it with that it feels so good to hear you and others feel the same. Reading thru the comments gives me incredible comfort. To hear others share their spiritual journeys is simply awesome. Six years ago I downsized a lifetime of “things” into a garage size storage unit. I walked away. One friend was very disturbed by it and thought I was going to end my life. In essence I was ending a life focused on “things.” Everything precious was packed away in my heart and mind, my spiritual being and beliefs. Today, I understand being balanced between two places. I am connected to my heart. I am invested in life, not possessions or things. I have gifted myself with boundaries to free myself up from drama. And, I’ve learned patience to allow things to happen in their own space and time. I have and continue to evolve. I have left my old self behind in the shadows as I seek light. Thank you for providing a platform to share a wide range of the most beautiful and human stories as we walk this endurance path of balance. Thanks for no judgement and for the immense courage in the sharing of comments. We are truly connected by hearts. I am grateful.
PS - I have not returned to that storage space, all I need has been provided.
I lost myself being a widow and single mother dedicating myself to my only son who lost his dad at 8... 11 years later I was the first at a family suicide scene of a colleague and it plagued me. Then lock down of 8 months hit our country and it was me myself and I. So covid was good for me (well only in the beginning) I went on a journey to find out - Who am I and with the help of material by Graham and Lynette I grew internally in 2 years... I am now at a place in my life where I need to start playing the game called life... and gheez it is difficult because I get hung up when I fail at goals set. So I am looking at it at a different angle now. I set dreams (dreams stay forever it can take you 4 years or 40 years to achieve) I have health, relationships, financial, work and self worth /mental wellness dreams and then I set small goals to reach my dreams So if I did not master a goal I look at another possible goal to reach my dream... that helps me a bit not to loose focus or to give up on a dream or to be caught up in the drama... I breath and re-set my goals and adjust the vision board but never loose sight of my dream. I keep on taking action because action changes my thoughts and my thoughts changes my feelings! Thank you Graham for sharing your wisdom, for sharing so much of yourself...you touch people, you shift hearts and you change life's. For that you will be blessed young man! Today's advice comes in handy yet again the universe knows what we need and thank you so much for being obedient in order for the message to reach the right person. I am sure I am not the only one this message spoke to. Have the greatest week ever. Sending you strenght, courage, love and tons of blessings.
My heart cries with you my friend...hang in there it gets better I promise you. My son and I and my siblings however 20 years younger than I have a special bond. We are into hiking and kloofing so we spend a lot of quality time together...I am grateful for that. Feel free to look me up on Instagram if you ever need to talk or in need of someone to listen. I might not be able to give advice but I am a good listener. Usually when I am stuck I just seek up positive friends and avoid being all by myself because the darkness has a way to suffocate me. May I have the honor to wish you a happy loving friendship day
and a bunch of virtual flowers ⚘🌷🌱🌼 because it is Valentines day and we have no one to spoil us. Have the greatest week ever Susan. Lots of love, strength, courage and blessings coming your way.
I normally put God first because He leads me into places I can trust the outcome. I love listening and now that I’m older I want to explore more. Life is a gift from God and not to love it is disservice to God giving it to me. God is about discovery, step out in faith and trust. It’s important to seek people who build us up. You do that for me.
From reading your first book and reading the two poems you shared I feel that this time in the second book there is more hope. In the previous book the poems were dark, there was a bit of despair in them, a feeling of disorientation in the world. And in my last two poems, I feel you are much more supervised, more empowered and whole with your truth.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank this person who exhales the perfume of Christ, @Angela, who gave me this signature as a gift. Thank you so much my friend for this affection. well you know i have been through hard days. Get involved with the page in support of Graham's work over on Instagram @infograhamdwardle and now this space here has been a blessing to me. Thank you so much to you and Graham Thanks also to Irene Ligado and Silvina Rosemberg. You know why. 🥰❤️🇧🇷
After listening to your poem &, commentary again, I began to think how much I have changed. How much my life & goals have changed.
Covid changed so much for me. It sent my goals through waves of ups & downs. My volunteer work (working with children) was a goal I had yearned to do for years. Finally achieving that & then it being taken away, I felt lost. I didn't know what to, what would happen. I went through so many emotions, anger, pain, anxiety & depression. Then other goals also failed to come to fruition.
I lost my way.
After many months, I felt a shift, as though I was being guided in a whole new direction. My heart was pulling me to new goals. Through these goals
I felt a spiritual connection with my dad that gave me comfort & continued to help me set future goals. This connection has given me hope, strength & courage.
I also was guided by others, such as yourself, & achieved goals I had never thought to do, or too afraid to do.
I have been back & forth with some, but this year I felt more clarity as I have been able to be more flexible with what goals I can do & others that have to be put on hold, such as my volunteer work.
It's still a struggle & a juggling act at times, but it's a work in progress & I feel more at peace.
Christine last week I wrote as well about the ravages of Covid as to how I measured myself and evaluated my truth. It was a devastating time for me and many many others as well. It shook our world and our place in it most definitely. I can very much identify with your emotions in that regard. It does outline how much we see ourselves through the lens of our participation in the world at large. 🤗
Thanks Sherry. Covid has been extremely difficult for me. Suffering from a mental illness of anxiety & depression, Covid sent both through the roof. I'm terrible with change & lack of control, so with Covid, all the unknown aspects & constant changes made it difficult to cope. I couldn't plan anything. I need to plan, so that was making my anxiety worse.
Thankfully, I found ways to help me. I still slip up at times, but much better than I was.
I hope that you are better within yourself also. 🙏💖
I am thank you so much. I know many people who have been catastrophically effected by the enforced containment in their places of residence. My personal story during that time was mild in comparison to both yours and theirs I am sure. It was more in the realm of the severe change and not having the tools to go forward. Our world was turned upside down in almost every way! Sending hugs 🤗
Thanks Sherry. I am sorry that we have all had to go through these last few years. It's been hard for everyone. Take care & wishing you all the very best. 🙏🤗❤️
Wow this poem really touched upon things I struggle with right now. As I age I'll be 70 this year and my physical goals have lessened. I have a few actual physical limitations now.. I've always been spiritual and I've needed it very much in my life for my family but that's another topic. I rely more on my guidance from above more than ever now. If I have trouble reaching a decision for a problem I put it aside for awhile and usually the path is shown to me.
It's hard to leave the attachment to the physical behind. But I still look forward to every new day as a gift.
Thank you for your insight and your gift of giving of your self. I often asked you to share your thoughts with us and this is so appreciated by myself. It gives me a whole new way of looking at a everything. Thank you and God Bless.
Hey 1952 girl! Me too!! My body keeps me guessing these days...but in my mind I'm in my 30's! Here's wishing you a great celebration of your last 70 and may joy and blessings fill your days ahead! ...Barbara
I love your poem, you are so gifted, very genuine. You are very knowledgeable and very generous and share your time . I am so blessed when my aunt gifted me your book “ Find Your Truth” summer 2015. Also I watch you while we were visiting my family in Alberta for Thanksgiving 2007.Your book change me to a better person after my 5 failed surgery in 2014 thru early 2015 28 days ICU. I was in the darkest of my life as I left that hospital with a feeding tube,tracheotomy and not able to speak and half of my face not being recognized.I thought I researched all of my surgeons as their bio were stellar.Your book help me to bounce back and move forward ..Your courage ,appreciation of life and love help me to keep pushing forward. Your true gift for not only do you grow but also your always sharing with others. We talk 1:1 after Christmas and I ask your advice about how to stay calm delivering a speech? You said to breath ,pray and speak from the heart. I did what you said to me and I delivered my speech January 25th with a big crowds and I speak from my heart no handwritten to go by. All crowds were in tears and standing up. I also resign my job of 28 years (21active ) 7 years medical leave due to cancer and it ended 12/31/2021 due to mandate. I am very happy with my decision and more busy with my new journey of working for myself.Graham I thank you with your kindness and compassion for others.Cheers!
Lucy ,I have so much respect for you and your strength and courage on this journey of healing. I read the publication of your journey from Mayo clinic and also watched your videos. Such an inspirational story to the road of healing. Hugs and prayers for your continued “beautification journey “ You are already beautiful inside and out! 🙏❤️
Lucy. I am amazed on the strength and courage you have shown on your long journey. Continued blessings. 🙏❤
Thank you Anna🙏❤️
Thank you Irene ❤️
Irene is right, Lucy, you truly are an inspiration. Your response to your difficult journey leaves me in awe of your faith and your spirit. It's been wonderful to get to know you and you lift me up with all of your warmth and postivity. May your healing continue, my friend, but you are already beautiful!
Thank you Cathey❤️
Lucy I have just read about your journey. You are so courageous in the face of so much adversity. I have no doubt that you inspired every person you spoke to in January. I sense a warmth and determination in you through your writing which I so admire. Thank you for sharing. 🤗
Thank you Sherry
You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. It can help so many others.
Thank you 🙏
Lucy I can’t imagine what you went thru. I had a scare in late 2014 a virus attacked my heart and I was diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure) and left bundle branch block. I also had a defibrillator inserted, it has never gone off. When I had the surgery I was scared to death I thought that my heart would stop and I wouldn’t see my family. My mom assured me I would be ok. I have a small plaque that states you should never look back except to see how far you’ve come. You have come so far from where you were. I’m so proud for what you have accomplished.
Awwe thank you Shari I am humbled all this comments. I am so blessed with my journey.❤️🙏❤️
So beautiful. Read your prayer, do wonderful. I really like to subcribe. Is it for free? Blessing. Margareth
Yes it’s free and thank you.
Graham…you know, my thoughts were so deep in your poem and video…kind of everywhere. And I kept asking myself where do I fit in your poem and following message as someone who is 75 and so blessed to have a loving family and good health and all that I need at this stage of my life. What I have concluded is that I can really have life rewarding goals by being more courageous about sharing my love of life with those I have contact with…by helping others who are not as fortunate as I am…and by continually exploring my inner self … exploring life to its fullest with no preconceived outcomes but staying true to or guided towards what’s truly in my heart. Again Graham you have challenged me and inspired me to search deeply about who I truly am and what is it I want in life for the remaining precious days ahead of me. Thank you so much. As always blessings to you.
Danny Payne
These last two poems reveal how far you have travelled on your journey of life. Not only in this natural world, but also in the spiritual 🙏 ✨
I love the way you share so openly about what it all means to you and the lessons you've learned along the way.
I like the fractals idea too - the infinite possibilities that lie before us - and how we need to release our attachments to outcome and just enjoy the ride. Finally I feel the hope in your words, as though you have silenced the demons of the past and are ready for new adventures in your life on earth. I want to say how proud I am of you, Graham, and I hope that doesn't sound like I think I've somehow got it all together- as I am far from that place!
You have inspired me in so many ways and given me the confidence to share my own writing ✍ which I've held onto for many years as I was afraid to show my vulnerability online. I wish you every blessing and look forward to hearing more of your work. ( just wish I knew how to post video on mine!)
Your writing is very good Carole. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us too.❤️
So beautifully said Carole. I have read and listened a few times and I am gathering my thoughts as well. So many running through my brain right now but so inspired ! 🤗
Balancing the spiritual and physical world ( translated with google translate)
I want to light suns
before the world rains
I want to make spring
out of fallen leaves
I want to keep dancing in the rain at a garden party
even after the musicians have gone home
On the gray asphalt
in big white letters
I want to write LOVE
And when others scream:
everything makes no sense
I want to see a new beginning
at every end.
First the heart
than the mind
As a dreamer, thinker, mother, friend and teacher out-of-the-box
I want fully immerse myself in life
and fall
and fall
and get up again
This is beautiful! ❤️
Beautiful poem. I love the final verse, "and get up again."
I love your poem, thoughtful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing ❤
This is it! My poem! It speaks to me in so many ways. As a girl I was going to be a teacher. I loved my teachers...well most of them....and I wanted to gather up the children and make learning fun. And I did teach. And then I didn't. So that's a story for a different day. But I wanted to try something else. I was never the clique girl, I always had friends from wherever. I wanted to spread my wings. I joined stuff, volunteered, took classes and competed. All different, at different places with different friends. So doing something different was woven into me.
So I answered an ad for a CSM for People Express, a new airline in the 80's. It was looking for teachers and nurses. Sure! I can do this. But I hated flying. I didn't do it much but I was always apprehensive and gutted out the whole experience each time. But the ad said I could check in passengers at the counter and gate or work in reservations or fly. So yeah! I just won't do the flying part. I got the job!! And then... I LOVED the flying part and not so much the other stuff. So I did mostly flying. I went all over the world! I took a chance and went in a different direction. Not what I expected. Best job I ever had my whole life and I didn't even want it.
I'm in the winter of my life now and there have been choices made along the way that weren't easy. Survival choices...you know....those bill paying choices.
Along the way I mostly made choices with my heart and hoped my mind would catch up. And somehow it did. My family and friends shook their heads but I felt anything was possible...even when I was broke, in debt, had no home and no job. But possibilities were still there. Not too long ago I ended up living on the beach for a few years babysitting and taking care of lady with Alzheimer's disease in my building...right on the beach! People in my building were wealthy but I rented a place and used most of my earnings just to pay for the apartment and food.
My whole life I visualized living on the beach and then I did! I lived in paradise on earth!
I'm in my winter years now. Luckily along the way I married, had children, became unmarried and then met my soul mate. He is Icelandic and led me to discover the most amazing place on earth...Iceland. That was back in the mid 90's before it became very "in" to love Iceland. Such an amazing path and adventure I've had all these years. He lives there. I live here. My family and friends are still shaking their heads.
So now I've discovered you Graham. You speak from your heart. You open up to us about your journey and how you have gotten to a place where you can share your discoveries with us. How exciting it is to be a small part of witnessing your life's journey and cheering you on...and learning and discovering right along with you. You're a teacher!! The kind that makes learning fun! It's been a sweet ride so far. We are blessed. Thank you for giving us this. Much love, Barbara
I do think that you have to have balance. I start each day being thankful and reading the Bible & praying. Getting my heart right with God asking for direction. That doors will be closed to those things that God doesn't want for me. I think we have to set goals and make plans but be flexible and listen to our heart because it will tell you which path to take. Thanks Graham for really making me think and ponder before taking action.
I totally agree with you, Bev. I think that balance is key. I too, spend my mornings praying and reading the Bible and then I do my best to act on what the Holy Spirit impresses on me. You are right about flexibility as well. Sometimes, I get set on doing something a certain way, but realize quickly that there may be a different way to do it that is usually better than my initial way. I have also learned to put the needs of others first (most of the time as I'm not perfect!!) and take my focus off of myself. This helps keep me balanced and flexible.
I agree with you. If we have Christ in our lives we will be in the right track. I do my meditation every morning and read the bible so that I know the message for me to follow. We need to put Christ first before following our dreams and our goals. When I was younger I was so quick full of goals in life that sometimes I stumbled. God had to whisper to me « wait » then I would pray. We need to have balance.Graham you are so intelligent. I admire your platform. Many are sharing their thoughts and opinions because of your platform. I understand you now why you left Heartland. God opened another door for you. I support you and I will always be a fan of Heartland. You are a smart young man. Keep 7p the good job. I am so proud of you. Waiting for you to be a producer.,director and actor 3 in one.Cheers.
I totally agree with you. I start my days in a similar way as you. I look to God for balance and have to continually remind myself that he’s in charge and willing to guide me in all I do.
I drive to work and listen to the Bible on my phone. It makes my day to hear the Bible. It gives me a smile to know I start my day with God.
Bev ( Jody too) I so agree with you both. It's so important to have dreams & goals, but it's important to have boundaries too that God provides. Also to know what is not just GOOD but also what is BEST. My inspiration comes from the Bible & the Holy Spirit. I'm so thankful for His guidance and inspiration & confidence to move forward. Thankful for Graham's poems that help me dig deep into what's really important in my life.
The last year has taught me so much about holding on to things more loosely and giving ourselves the freedom to choose to step out of where we're stuck. I was far too attached to my job and who I thought I was because of that job. I stepped away without having a clue what I would do next and it was scary, but embracing the unknown and allowing God to lead the way to the next phase of life and letting go of the outcome was probably the best decision I've ever made. The Bible also says we are "strangers and aliens" in this world; a different version calls us "pilgrims and sojourners". The idea of living in the world but not of it, knowing that we have a higher calling and not being too attached to the things of this world is how we were meant to live. It allows us to have hope when the world seems a mess. Another great poem, G. Gave me lots of think about and remember. Love the idea of always wandering towards the sun, but appreciating all the sights along the way.
I like how you explained being of this the world but not in it. I looked it up trying to understand what he meant. I read it over and over. When you explained it and I know Graham explained it as well it clicked. Wondering towards the sun and enjoying every bite of the ride.
Graham always does a great job of explaining what he means and believes, especially about his writings. But if something I said helped to clarify anything, I'm glad!
I can’t wait to see what he has to say on Tuesday.
Beautiful poem Graham. Thanks! We need to shine the light of Christ wherever we go. This makes us better people. We will be with the flowers, exhaling their perfume wherever we go.❤️🥰🇧🇷
I want to be the perfume of Christ too. I will make people around me smell my perfume of love and compassion.your poem Graham is very inspiring for us.
Graham, another inspiring poem! Your question has had me looking back on my life and thinking about how I balanced my spiritual life with physical world along my journey. As I do that I realized it has been my faith/ spiritual world that has carried me through many trying times. My faith showed me that things happen for a reason, (many times unknown to me) life takes unexpected turns or paths that I can’t always control. It is those times when I need to focus on what I can control and let go of those I can’t. The summer of 1990 was full of unexpected events, my father passed away, our family made a major move across country, my husband was deployed to Kuwaitt upon arrival at new home and I started a new job…all in 3 months. Oh yes, had two high school age kids who weren’t happy about the move. My faith/ belief that it would all be fine was really tested that summer. When I reflect on that time in my life, it was then I learned to handle one day at a time and trust that everything would work out. I had to let go of constantly worrying about what future was holding for my family. and be in the present. Letting go of that worry helped me during that time, plus taught me to practice that in my life, that’s how I still try to balance my life today. Yes, I do have slips where I need reminders to refocus/ reset. Following your work Graham this past year has reaffirmed these practices and it does take practice/ work to stay aligned. It also has helped me to open up more, as that has been hard for me in the past, but when I do my life is more fulfilling, and I see the blessings around me every day. I start each day writing my appreciation for things, focus on positive things in my life, share love and joy with others as I go about my day. It helps me remain in gratitude for my friends & family as well as appreciate life with all the blessings!
Hi Graham, Sometimes I think you are looking into my head and heart. I wonder “how can he know these things?” Then I balance it with that it feels so good to hear you and others feel the same. Reading thru the comments gives me incredible comfort. To hear others share their spiritual journeys is simply awesome. Six years ago I downsized a lifetime of “things” into a garage size storage unit. I walked away. One friend was very disturbed by it and thought I was going to end my life. In essence I was ending a life focused on “things.” Everything precious was packed away in my heart and mind, my spiritual being and beliefs. Today, I understand being balanced between two places. I am connected to my heart. I am invested in life, not possessions or things. I have gifted myself with boundaries to free myself up from drama. And, I’ve learned patience to allow things to happen in their own space and time. I have and continue to evolve. I have left my old self behind in the shadows as I seek light. Thank you for providing a platform to share a wide range of the most beautiful and human stories as we walk this endurance path of balance. Thanks for no judgement and for the immense courage in the sharing of comments. We are truly connected by hearts. I am grateful.
PS - I have not returned to that storage space, all I need has been provided.
I lost myself being a widow and single mother dedicating myself to my only son who lost his dad at 8... 11 years later I was the first at a family suicide scene of a colleague and it plagued me. Then lock down of 8 months hit our country and it was me myself and I. So covid was good for me (well only in the beginning) I went on a journey to find out - Who am I and with the help of material by Graham and Lynette I grew internally in 2 years... I am now at a place in my life where I need to start playing the game called life... and gheez it is difficult because I get hung up when I fail at goals set. So I am looking at it at a different angle now. I set dreams (dreams stay forever it can take you 4 years or 40 years to achieve) I have health, relationships, financial, work and self worth /mental wellness dreams and then I set small goals to reach my dreams So if I did not master a goal I look at another possible goal to reach my dream... that helps me a bit not to loose focus or to give up on a dream or to be caught up in the drama... I breath and re-set my goals and adjust the vision board but never loose sight of my dream. I keep on taking action because action changes my thoughts and my thoughts changes my feelings! Thank you Graham for sharing your wisdom, for sharing so much of yourself...you touch people, you shift hearts and you change life's. For that you will be blessed young man! Today's advice comes in handy yet again the universe knows what we need and thank you so much for being obedient in order for the message to reach the right person. I am sure I am not the only one this message spoke to. Have the greatest week ever. Sending you strenght, courage, love and tons of blessings.
My heart cries with you my friend...hang in there it gets better I promise you. My son and I and my siblings however 20 years younger than I have a special bond. We are into hiking and kloofing so we spend a lot of quality time together...I am grateful for that. Feel free to look me up on Instagram if you ever need to talk or in need of someone to listen. I might not be able to give advice but I am a good listener. Usually when I am stuck I just seek up positive friends and avoid being all by myself because the darkness has a way to suffocate me. May I have the honor to wish you a happy loving friendship day
and a bunch of virtual flowers ⚘🌷🌱🌼 because it is Valentines day and we have no one to spoil us. Have the greatest week ever Susan. Lots of love, strength, courage and blessings coming your way.
I normally put God first because He leads me into places I can trust the outcome. I love listening and now that I’m older I want to explore more. Life is a gift from God and not to love it is disservice to God giving it to me. God is about discovery, step out in faith and trust. It’s important to seek people who build us up. You do that for me.
From reading your first book and reading the two poems you shared I feel that this time in the second book there is more hope. In the previous book the poems were dark, there was a bit of despair in them, a feeling of disorientation in the world. And in my last two poems, I feel you are much more supervised, more empowered and whole with your truth.
I agree and it makes my heart sing to think so
I would like to take this opportunity to thank this person who exhales the perfume of Christ, @Angela, who gave me this signature as a gift. Thank you so much my friend for this affection. well you know i have been through hard days. Get involved with the page in support of Graham's work over on Instagram @infograhamdwardle and now this space here has been a blessing to me. Thank you so much to you and Graham Thanks also to Irene Ligado and Silvina Rosemberg. You know why. 🥰❤️🇧🇷
Nali, following Graham's journey with you is so much more fun, especially for our whatsapp conversations.
I want to see you always well and happy, I know Graham is an encourager on your way, so enjoy.
Thank you so much my friend.🥰❤️🇧🇷
I wish you all the best. You are very lucky to have such caring friends who are there for you. Take care
🙏💖🇦🇺
After listening to your poem &, commentary again, I began to think how much I have changed. How much my life & goals have changed.
Covid changed so much for me. It sent my goals through waves of ups & downs. My volunteer work (working with children) was a goal I had yearned to do for years. Finally achieving that & then it being taken away, I felt lost. I didn't know what to, what would happen. I went through so many emotions, anger, pain, anxiety & depression. Then other goals also failed to come to fruition.
I lost my way.
After many months, I felt a shift, as though I was being guided in a whole new direction. My heart was pulling me to new goals. Through these goals
I felt a spiritual connection with my dad that gave me comfort & continued to help me set future goals. This connection has given me hope, strength & courage.
I also was guided by others, such as yourself, & achieved goals I had never thought to do, or too afraid to do.
I have been back & forth with some, but this year I felt more clarity as I have been able to be more flexible with what goals I can do & others that have to be put on hold, such as my volunteer work.
It's still a struggle & a juggling act at times, but it's a work in progress & I feel more at peace.
Christine last week I wrote as well about the ravages of Covid as to how I measured myself and evaluated my truth. It was a devastating time for me and many many others as well. It shook our world and our place in it most definitely. I can very much identify with your emotions in that regard. It does outline how much we see ourselves through the lens of our participation in the world at large. 🤗
Thanks Sherry. Covid has been extremely difficult for me. Suffering from a mental illness of anxiety & depression, Covid sent both through the roof. I'm terrible with change & lack of control, so with Covid, all the unknown aspects & constant changes made it difficult to cope. I couldn't plan anything. I need to plan, so that was making my anxiety worse.
Thankfully, I found ways to help me. I still slip up at times, but much better than I was.
I hope that you are better within yourself also. 🙏💖
I am thank you so much. I know many people who have been catastrophically effected by the enforced containment in their places of residence. My personal story during that time was mild in comparison to both yours and theirs I am sure. It was more in the realm of the severe change and not having the tools to go forward. Our world was turned upside down in almost every way! Sending hugs 🤗
Thanks Sherry. I am sorry that we have all had to go through these last few years. It's been hard for everyone. Take care & wishing you all the very best. 🙏🤗❤️
Wow this poem really touched upon things I struggle with right now. As I age I'll be 70 this year and my physical goals have lessened. I have a few actual physical limitations now.. I've always been spiritual and I've needed it very much in my life for my family but that's another topic. I rely more on my guidance from above more than ever now. If I have trouble reaching a decision for a problem I put it aside for awhile and usually the path is shown to me.
It's hard to leave the attachment to the physical behind. But I still look forward to every new day as a gift.
Thank you for your insight and your gift of giving of your self. I often asked you to share your thoughts with us and this is so appreciated by myself. It gives me a whole new way of looking at a everything. Thank you and God Bless.
Grahams words always have a way of encouraging and supporting me as well. Sometimes I'm not sure where I would be if not for him.
Yes he is an inspiration in this crazy world. For such a young man to be so insighful is so refreshing and I just love his words and him of course.🙂
Hey 1952 girl! Me too!! My body keeps me guessing these days...but in my mind I'm in my 30's! Here's wishing you a great celebration of your last 70 and may joy and blessings fill your days ahead! ...Barbara
Thank you so much. And also for you.
Carol everyday is a gift from above. Now that I am aging too I always say God is in control He will do His work in us. God bless.