Well, well, well Graham, you must be reading my mind. For the past several months I’ve been going back and forth in my mind seeking God’s guidance for a decision that I know that will change my life somewhat. Today, I took that leap of faith to whatever the next phase is of my life. To do that, I had to be still and silent along with being completely open minded to listen to how I felt God was guiding me. God is my compass but it is “I” who must be quiet enough to listen. I truly feel at peace for the first time in months. Some doors for new possible opportunities have opened up at the same time. Exactly where I’ll land, God only knows, but I’m trusting he’s the compass, but I too must remain silent and still to be able to sense or hear and know His will or direction. Hope that makes sense without going into a lot details. I try to approach decisions or anything else in life this way. Thank you Graham for another wonderful and thought provoking poem. Blessings to you and to all in this community. 🙏🙂
I guess what I got from it is a bit of a different take.
Since my accident with my fractured ankle, I have been reflecting a lot on my journey. Not just my holiday, but my journey in life.
I really have grown and my accident has shown me just how much I have.
The 'old' Christine would've freaked out, had panic attacks and gone home to Australia. The 'new' Christine didn't freak out, didn't panic. I was actually surprised by how calm I was at the emergency clinic. Of course I was upset and disappointed, but going home wasn't an option for me. I would finish my trip despite having to cancel so much.
The strength and determination really surprised me. And even though there have been moments of sadness and anxiety, I managed and got past them. I continued on.
So despite not being able to do my dream holiday and having a fractured ankle, I have learnt so much about myself and am proud of how I have handled myself. I managed being on my own, in a country far from home and with a injury that limited me.
It's upon reflection that I realise how huge an accomplishment this is. Plus, that I have allowed myself to recognise this and praise myself for what I have achieved.
Of course I wished my accident never happened and I could have carried out my plans, but I have really learnt a huge lesson.
Who knows, maybe I am meant to come back on a 3rd trip and reap the rewards from lessons learned.
Well said Christine! I think the way you handled this very big bump in the road is a great life lesson for us all. Stay safe and blessings as you continue your journey.
As I was reading/ listening to the poem, I thought this is exactly what I have been doing the past few months, waiting for permission to take a step out of my comfort zone. Walks in nature, time in silence, and listening to my heart, gave myself permission to take the first step. Wrote this poem about my feelings as I struggling with the decision. Now am listening for guidance for the next steps.
It can be so hard to step into the unknown. But even when some paths are scary, you'll be surprised on how strong you can be. I know you can do this Linda. As people have said to me, you are stronger than you think. 💗💗
I follow the beat of my internal drum be it common sense, be it trust in myself, be it faith that my decisions will not harm others and in turn be advantageous to me. I walk slowly and am prepared to reverse course if necessary since not all first decisions are the best or right ones. I guide myself I do not believe in trusting my decisions to external forces. When I have in the past I’ve often been burned. I keep from tempting that fire or even trying to challenge it. If you think and trust in yourself, there is always a detour out there which usually travels through the heart!
Hi Graham ~ so excited to see you are auditioning. Good Luck! I noticed in the last couple years I lost a bit of confidence as I’ve aged. As a young person, even though I read a lot of self-help books, I never needed anyone’s permission to do a project, etc. Somehow I allowed society’s idea of older people being “has beens” and needing “to take a back seat” color my views, and I started doubting whether I had anything left to offer. But in the last year I listened to my heart -- I started a blog, am compiling some entries into a book, am starting a grammar review series of videos called “The Little Old Lady with the Red Purse,” entered some poetry contests, and am back out doing public speaking. I am trusting myself and it feels good…
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
Thank you Graham, for yet another reflective poem. I was reminded of the Morgan Freeman video you shared about the inner voice. That inner voice for me is like a silent compass. That silent compass is the voice of God whispering in my heart. Every time I didn't listen to this voice I failed... This brought me problems and sadness.
Beautiful scenery where you recorded the video! Thank you for all the dedication in everything you do! 🙌🏻
When I have questions in my mind and I’m not sure how to handle things I ask for God's guidance. After a while I start prioritizing what I feel and I start to find answers. Most times the answers have always been within reach. This was a meaningful poem Graham. Thank you for every poem you share with us. You are the best.👍❤️🙏
I have lermed in my 78 years silence is golden. If we are not silent we can't hear what we need to hear. Nature is the best place for that silence. BLESSINGS TO YOU GRAHAM. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE .BEAUTIFUL POEM.
"I have a silent compass in my mind, which directs me towards freedom...
I insists on not following the indicated direction, I still haven't managed to let go of the handrail, and I continue without my golden light.
The truth will come, like a liberating bird, and give me wings to fly... Fly in freedom, finally follow my road with acceptance and one step at a time...
Hope in a dawn of light, which will come to win darkness, to star in the next chapter of a life in silence...
Of a story never told...
Of a dream never lived.
Listening the voice of silence, for a moment I hear what my heart asks of me, I feel the presence of the new... I feel the urgence to follow my SILENT COMPASS"...
Thank you Graham, for the poem, for the inspiration and for allowing us to see you, so exuberant, so happy...
I love when you appear on video in the Tuesday Reflections...
Thinking of when my heart was closed, and now my heart is re-opened to all of the things that life has for me. You don’t know how your words of wisdom, reading your poems every week made me stronger to face the challenges in my life. You are a special person. Keep your heart open so you can receive all the good things that life has waiting for you.
Christine, yes he has given us a community that we all rely on and make friends my family. Hope you are feeling better and enjoy your trip with the girls.🤗
The visuals of this poem are very picturesque as well as being an excellent choice for your content. My experience with my silent compass is relatively simple. I can read or listen to many subject matter experts, get a lot of advice, some of which conflicts with one another, but if I do not have my internal permission, my heart and soul’s conviction, my decision will result in persistent doubt. My present decision concerns a move that others say go one way, my silent compass is rising up loudly saying to stay put. I am listening to my heart! Thank you Graham for another thoughtful message! Continued blessings, fun and safety on your journey.
Great setting for this poem. First of all, I agree with your statement-“ I have what I need for this point in my life.” Very apparent that you have taken diligent steps to advance your self awareness.
The straight and narrow can be boring.
Since many of us in this network have longevity, I have found for me, that my past experiences guide me. I call this my gut feeling.
This does not mean that as I mature through these years that errors aren’t made. Life can still be painful and exciting . Once I learned not to walk on eggshells, life for me became more fun and enjoyable. I still need to feel all the feelings.
At this point in life, I rarely ask for permission to do what I want. This is a very freeing feeling. I believe it has to do with longevity.
Appears that you are having another summer of fun and new experiences. Enjoy. You will never regret this.
Thank you Graham!! You always give me something to think about!! My Dad always gave great advice when I had a lot going on, or was unsure about things!! I sure miss him!!
There was a time in my life I felt trapped... and all alone... even though I was surrounded by people however the person I was dating at the time didn’t like the people in my life so he decided that it was best if I cut ties and only hang out with him... of course it didn’t start that way but gradually I allowed myself to loose the person I was by trying to keep the peace and be a good girlfriend... not good... it took a while to figure out what I needed to do and then I had to find the strength to get out and fight for myself... I am grateful God sent just who I needed and what I needed to let go of the “railing” and stand... no I didn’t get back to myself immediately I worked hard and had bad moments where I wasn’t sure how to do things without being told or get permission to... with a lot of listening to my inner self and letting family and friends back into my life I was able to get stronger and more confident that I was smart and I am capable of doing anything I wanted... so anytime I feel like that young girl truly g to creep back into my head and send all that doubt I stop and be still and pray and try to listen
Find strength in the silence to move forward
God has been so good to me I am grateful
Thank you Graham..
And everyone else that comments.. they always lift me up
So happy you were able to get out of such a terrible and destructive pattern. You were so strong and still are being the real you. Being the person you were always meant to be. 💗🙏🤗
Well, well, well Graham, you must be reading my mind. For the past several months I’ve been going back and forth in my mind seeking God’s guidance for a decision that I know that will change my life somewhat. Today, I took that leap of faith to whatever the next phase is of my life. To do that, I had to be still and silent along with being completely open minded to listen to how I felt God was guiding me. God is my compass but it is “I” who must be quiet enough to listen. I truly feel at peace for the first time in months. Some doors for new possible opportunities have opened up at the same time. Exactly where I’ll land, God only knows, but I’m trusting he’s the compass, but I too must remain silent and still to be able to sense or hear and know His will or direction. Hope that makes sense without going into a lot details. I try to approach decisions or anything else in life this way. Thank you Graham for another wonderful and thought provoking poem. Blessings to you and to all in this community. 🙏🙂
Fantastic news Anne. So happy that you are taking your leap of faith. Good luck with what comes next. 💗🤗🙏
Thank you Christine! God bless you!
Love this poem Graham.
I guess what I got from it is a bit of a different take.
Since my accident with my fractured ankle, I have been reflecting a lot on my journey. Not just my holiday, but my journey in life.
I really have grown and my accident has shown me just how much I have.
The 'old' Christine would've freaked out, had panic attacks and gone home to Australia. The 'new' Christine didn't freak out, didn't panic. I was actually surprised by how calm I was at the emergency clinic. Of course I was upset and disappointed, but going home wasn't an option for me. I would finish my trip despite having to cancel so much.
The strength and determination really surprised me. And even though there have been moments of sadness and anxiety, I managed and got past them. I continued on.
So despite not being able to do my dream holiday and having a fractured ankle, I have learnt so much about myself and am proud of how I have handled myself. I managed being on my own, in a country far from home and with a injury that limited me.
It's upon reflection that I realise how huge an accomplishment this is. Plus, that I have allowed myself to recognise this and praise myself for what I have achieved.
Of course I wished my accident never happened and I could have carried out my plans, but I have really learnt a huge lesson.
Who knows, maybe I am meant to come back on a 3rd trip and reap the rewards from lessons learned.
Well said Christine! I think the way you handled this very big bump in the road is a great life lesson for us all. Stay safe and blessings as you continue your journey.
I really appreciate that Linda🙏🤗💖. Surprised myself.
As I was reading/ listening to the poem, I thought this is exactly what I have been doing the past few months, waiting for permission to take a step out of my comfort zone. Walks in nature, time in silence, and listening to my heart, gave myself permission to take the first step. Wrote this poem about my feelings as I struggling with the decision. Now am listening for guidance for the next steps.
Unknown
Taking steps out of comfort zone
Moving forward into the unknown
Like walking through fog, path unclear
Anxiously waiting for next step to appear
Moving along slowly, weighing each step
Anticipation of what lies ahead
Would always wonder if venture not taken
What the unknown could have been
Excited to explore the path unseen
Trusting inner voice knows how far to go.
Linda Lubitz 2023
It can be so hard to step into the unknown. But even when some paths are scary, you'll be surprised on how strong you can be. I know you can do this Linda. As people have said to me, you are stronger than you think. 💗💗
Thanks Christine, the first step was the hardest, now to keep walking to see where road leads.
I follow the beat of my internal drum be it common sense, be it trust in myself, be it faith that my decisions will not harm others and in turn be advantageous to me. I walk slowly and am prepared to reverse course if necessary since not all first decisions are the best or right ones. I guide myself I do not believe in trusting my decisions to external forces. When I have in the past I’ve often been burned. I keep from tempting that fire or even trying to challenge it. If you think and trust in yourself, there is always a detour out there which usually travels through the heart!
Hi Graham ~ so excited to see you are auditioning. Good Luck! I noticed in the last couple years I lost a bit of confidence as I’ve aged. As a young person, even though I read a lot of self-help books, I never needed anyone’s permission to do a project, etc. Somehow I allowed society’s idea of older people being “has beens” and needing “to take a back seat” color my views, and I started doubting whether I had anything left to offer. But in the last year I listened to my heart -- I started a blog, am compiling some entries into a book, am starting a grammar review series of videos called “The Little Old Lady with the Red Purse,” entered some poetry contests, and am back out doing public speaking. I am trusting myself and it feels good…
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
Thank you Graham, for yet another reflective poem. I was reminded of the Morgan Freeman video you shared about the inner voice. That inner voice for me is like a silent compass. That silent compass is the voice of God whispering in my heart. Every time I didn't listen to this voice I failed... This brought me problems and sadness.
Beautiful scenery where you recorded the video! Thank you for all the dedication in everything you do! 🙌🏻
Have a good night!🙏✨
When I have questions in my mind and I’m not sure how to handle things I ask for God's guidance. After a while I start prioritizing what I feel and I start to find answers. Most times the answers have always been within reach. This was a meaningful poem Graham. Thank you for every poem you share with us. You are the best.👍❤️🙏
I have lermed in my 78 years silence is golden. If we are not silent we can't hear what we need to hear. Nature is the best place for that silence. BLESSINGS TO YOU GRAHAM. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE .BEAUTIFUL POEM.
Graham Hello
From my heart to your heart...
Come, be the light of the world💥
"I have a silent compass in my mind, which directs me towards freedom...
I insists on not following the indicated direction, I still haven't managed to let go of the handrail, and I continue without my golden light.
The truth will come, like a liberating bird, and give me wings to fly... Fly in freedom, finally follow my road with acceptance and one step at a time...
Hope in a dawn of light, which will come to win darkness, to star in the next chapter of a life in silence...
Of a story never told...
Of a dream never lived.
Listening the voice of silence, for a moment I hear what my heart asks of me, I feel the presence of the new... I feel the urgence to follow my SILENT COMPASS"...
Thank you Graham, for the poem, for the inspiration and for allowing us to see you, so exuberant, so happy...
I love when you appear on video in the Tuesday Reflections...
Infinite blessings 🙏
Cheers🥂 IndiaFreitas 🇧🇷 💙
Great poem! Thanks Graham.
Thinking of when my heart was closed, and now my heart is re-opened to all of the things that life has for me. You don’t know how your words of wisdom, reading your poems every week made me stronger to face the challenges in my life. You are a special person. Keep your heart open so you can receive all the good things that life has waiting for you.
Thanks Graham as always, thanks for being you ❤️🤗
Graham is truly a special person who has given us a fantastic platform and community where we can learn so much. 🙏💗
Christine, yes he has given us a community that we all rely on and make friends my family. Hope you are feeling better and enjoy your trip with the girls.🤗
Meeting the ladies tomorrow. I am feeling a bit better. Thanks Lois. 🙏🤗❤️
The visuals of this poem are very picturesque as well as being an excellent choice for your content. My experience with my silent compass is relatively simple. I can read or listen to many subject matter experts, get a lot of advice, some of which conflicts with one another, but if I do not have my internal permission, my heart and soul’s conviction, my decision will result in persistent doubt. My present decision concerns a move that others say go one way, my silent compass is rising up loudly saying to stay put. I am listening to my heart! Thank you Graham for another thoughtful message! Continued blessings, fun and safety on your journey.
Linda, do what you want
What feels right for you. You need to do what makes you happy. 💗🤗🙏
Thank you Christine! ❤️🙏🤗
I’m always sensitive to the guidance of Holy Spirit to get my directions to change my course or stay put.
Great setting for this poem. First of all, I agree with your statement-“ I have what I need for this point in my life.” Very apparent that you have taken diligent steps to advance your self awareness.
The straight and narrow can be boring.
Since many of us in this network have longevity, I have found for me, that my past experiences guide me. I call this my gut feeling.
This does not mean that as I mature through these years that errors aren’t made. Life can still be painful and exciting . Once I learned not to walk on eggshells, life for me became more fun and enjoyable. I still need to feel all the feelings.
At this point in life, I rarely ask for permission to do what I want. This is a very freeing feeling. I believe it has to do with longevity.
Appears that you are having another summer of fun and new experiences. Enjoy. You will never regret this.
So happy you have found that peace in your life. You have taken huge leaps forward and freed yourself from those bonds that held you back. 💗🙏
We can all reach this place with practice and awareness. You are doing just fine Christine.
Thank you Graham!! You always give me something to think about!! My Dad always gave great advice when I had a lot going on, or was unsure about things!! I sure miss him!!
Have a wonderful week!! ❤️🙏🏻
Miss my wise dad too Lori. I'm sure he's still looking out for you. 🙏💗
❤️
There was a time in my life I felt trapped... and all alone... even though I was surrounded by people however the person I was dating at the time didn’t like the people in my life so he decided that it was best if I cut ties and only hang out with him... of course it didn’t start that way but gradually I allowed myself to loose the person I was by trying to keep the peace and be a good girlfriend... not good... it took a while to figure out what I needed to do and then I had to find the strength to get out and fight for myself... I am grateful God sent just who I needed and what I needed to let go of the “railing” and stand... no I didn’t get back to myself immediately I worked hard and had bad moments where I wasn’t sure how to do things without being told or get permission to... with a lot of listening to my inner self and letting family and friends back into my life I was able to get stronger and more confident that I was smart and I am capable of doing anything I wanted... so anytime I feel like that young girl truly g to creep back into my head and send all that doubt I stop and be still and pray and try to listen
Find strength in the silence to move forward
God has been so good to me I am grateful
Thank you Graham..
And everyone else that comments.. they always lift me up
So thank you 😊
So happy you were able to get out of such a terrible and destructive pattern. You were so strong and still are being the real you. Being the person you were always meant to be. 💗🙏🤗