heart Archives - Writing From The Kitchen

Kaleidoscope of Hope – True Inspiration

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

Fragmented, broken pieces of myself have formed into a moving creative pattern appearing through a kaleidoscope induced image of myself. My feelings of inconsistency remind me to accept the orderliness of a divine arrangement marked with symmetry and cohesiveness to produce authentic work reflecting my individual design.

Psychology of perception ground up learning theory would state that I am a product of experience. What I see is because of what I already know. Having learned to finally tweak the vision of those broken parts into some sort of manageable recurring design for others to view plays on this well-accepted theory. However, what is perceived still remains subjective.

Events can turn the environment causing a new realm of stability, slightly shifting the lens, and strikingly new patterns emerge. Consider too that each repetitive pattern is continually morphing into a modified version of itself until it becomes completely unrecognizable in the metamorphosis, retaining only some of its original colors.

We can all recognize the beauty in the constantly changing visions of a kaleidoscope. But can we accept change in ourselves?

Vivid colors surround me daily, awakening a deeply-rooted purpose to express my feelings and reflections in the form of artistic creation. I cannot deny the profound effect of colorful displays of inspirational images on my heart. Motivation to share and create is born from these visions of delight. Flowers, birds, and trees as well as oceans and mountain streams enlighten me guiding my heart deeper into a natural realm of being where self-acceptance and a desire for a non-hurried lifestyle allow my dreams to thrive.

As in the turn of a kaleidoscope. creative development often remains a work in progress and a mystery. A journey refined by every step. Joy felt from our individual perspective of each design as seen today without our eyes on tomorrow or our hearts left in the struggles of yesterday.

It is for each of us to appreciate the constantly changing visions of our inner kaleidoscopes.

For what we think to be true, is often only true because of how we see it.

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Grace, hope

My Hope on Sunday

March 17, 2019April 9, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

I dream of a world where judgment is replaced with understanding and compassion. A world where opinions are stated with warmth and withheld when generated from self-promoting agendas.

Each individual contribution in this world is available from the life-giving spirit given equally to all of us. The belief systems that grow within each unique heart is as personal as its owner’s reflection in the mirror. One individual does not have the answer for another. Grace has the only answer we all need.

When one voice emphatically reprimands another with the weapon of self-righteousness, a pretension of a special relationship with the all-knowing and a misguided belief that truth is shared only with them, they partake in a foolish fantasy.

My fellow writers, this week, I read your commenters’ distasteful judgment with sadness. Fending off wolves of merciless evangelism is no feat for the sensitive of nature. And although I wish them grace as well, I swallow my own righteous indignation at their misplaced words.

Keep writing!

©Erika K Rothwell

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hope, Self Protection

Self-Protective Hope

February 25, 2019February 25, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

Self-protection. Do we allow it to get in the way of progress? Does fear of harm or ridicule stunt our growth. Do we view outside forces as something to hide from? Or do we learn to adapt?

I watch the water form a river in the leaf of a plant. My mind wanders to the self-protective ability of a succulent to divert the harmful power of torrential rain from washing it away.

How much of our environment and its harsh elements helped create who we are today? The adaptation of our natures cannot be ignored as we learn to deflect the ominous, hurtful, degenerative, toxic messages that may have been forced upon us.

When the vicious prey on us, we have our cloaking devices. We do not have to expose ourselves to harmful situations to become more powerful. Power resides in the protection of the gift we are given. There is no need to flaunt or battle.

Deflecting criticism protects our tender roots. These roots ground us in a hostile yet beautiful terrain. The vast wilderness becomes manageable as we adapt by using our strengths. Our beings are created for survival and hope.

The love in our hearts survives in deflection.

©Erika K Rothwell

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hope, Personal Growth

Redemption of Hope

February 24, 2019February 24, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

The heaviness of my heart lands on my fingertips today. I begin to move toward clarity yet the message that calls to be written hides behind a veil of obscurity.

So many times confident words leave my heart driven by the power of a story I tell myself. At times, this story is crafted as a wish for you as well so that you may not get caught in the sticky web of regret. Memories of my past indiscretions forgotten by most observers live violently free in a world created by the harshest critic, me.

Yet the redemptive power of the word saves my soul. Each word painstakingly chosen to craft a story of hope.

Hope is the answer for redemption. Calling on deliverance, writing can move shattered hearts in the direction of a lifeline.

Your words and mine may intertwine to reach the same objective, to free people to be who they were created to be. Dwelling on a hurtful past does not bring a good future. And the work of my spirit today is to share hope. A hope that carried me from harmed and harmful (to self) to helpful. The pain of the past does not need to build a wall.

Breaking down the barriers between harm and help redeems us all.

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appreciation, encouragement, hope

Hope – Appreciating Simplicity

February 11, 2019February 12, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

Simplicity does not signify weakness nor unimportance.

Small forces that appear insignificant can cause powerful effects. A tiny drop of water over time can drill its way into rock. Words of hope written from one’s heart and understated actions can dig deep into the crevices of our beings.

There is a world to be found in simplicity. Treasures, discovered in the appreciation of just one word or even a small gesture.

The simple letters in H-O-P-E continue to spell out a life-changing motivation for me. However, at times my search for hope becomes disguised as a quest for happiness.

And I discover, seeking happiness is not equal to simply being happy.

Yet if you are a believer that happiness can be found, it must reside in the simplest, yet a most profound, symbol of joy on this planet that is neglected when we forget to smile.

How many times have we caught ourselves in a tense situation because we forgot to smile? Or rather, how many times have we gotten out of a sticky situation because we chose to smile?

Our simple and genuine smile shares positivity with others and conveys our hope of happiness for them.

Connection with words can be much like a smile. I send you my smile and a final thought.

😊

Smiling will make your heart happy, no matter what you may be facing. It’s really that simple.

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