A RELEVANT One Week Rush

The last couple weeks have been rather interesting. My thoughts seem almost clear, but not quite clear enough. My heart is catching on fire, but I don't have words to describe it yet. My soul is longing for something more, but I know what that something is and have ignored it.

I'm coming alive again.

I'm realizing I should occasionally read my own blog. It might help when I feel the life leaving me, the fire and passion for Love itself, the clarity of purpose.

The last two weeks brought these things to my attention through conversation, "wasting" time, the internet, and movies. After this small journey (which is really representative of a much longer one), I would like to welcome myself back to Life.

A friend of mine is having a rough time. She is also on the ride of her life. I've learned this is typical of someone who is letting down walls and letting God break in. It's painful and beautiful to watch, a true blessing to be able to witness the glory of God. It's reminded me of why I'm here and why I have nothing to be angry about and everything to be thankful for.

Last week, on a whim and following a feeling, I left and didn't tell anyone where I went. I grabbed my book and money and drove to a coffee shop where I relaxed for 2 1/2 hours, enjoying soup, crackers, a bagel, tea, my book, and the sunshine. I realized I forgot how to "waste" time.

RELEVANT is a magazine whose tagline is, "God. Life. Progressive Culture." A recent article called "11 Things to Know at 25(ish)" rekindled many thoughts and beliefs that already cemented somewhere deep in my heart. I feel 22 years old again, and that's a good feeling.

Two nights ago, I discovered the movie One Week. I don't know when it came out, don't remember the actor's name, and don't know who made it. All I know is that it spoke directly to the core of being because someone else finally articulated what I have felt and believed all along. If the things I write here don't quite make sense to you, watch that movie. It's free and instant on Netflix.

Last night, I watched August Rush for the second time in my life. For some reason I remember it being "not quite as good as I thought it would be." I was in the mood for a good movie, a little deep but not too much, a good soundtrack... The movie blew my mind. August Rush is exponentially better than I remember, probably because I actually understand what it means now. And I just love the way art and beauty change you because they are transcendent...

I hope and pray for your own RELEVANT one week rush. Because mine was awesome.

I'm alive again.

Contemplate.

Don't ever get too busy to forget to contemplate.

Reorient yourself on the present. Redirect yourself towards your goal. Recommit yourself to excellence. Rediscover being ALIVE.

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

How Do You Poke The Box? (Pt. I)

So I'm reading a new book out by author and blogger Seth Godin called "Poke the Box." He speaks about initiating projects rather than just thinking of ideas and reacting - poking the box.

It's a concise, inspiring book that is quick to read. It motivates and encourages that inner part of you that wants to do something worth doing, that wants to change something worth changing...

It's a book that nudges your heart a little, your heart that's wanting to come alive in a new and real way.

Poke the box.

Come ALIVE!

With a renewed sense of purpose, I have completely redesigned my blog!

Through some reflection that resulted from solitude and sickness, I have realized that being encouraging and being encouraged do not just help us become more positive, they literally help us come ALIVE.

Hence, the rebirth of this blog.

So step out of yourself -- out of misery, despair, distraction, sorrow, apathy, narcissism, mediocrity -- and discover your true self. Experience the freedom in truly coming alive.


Follow me on Twitter (@EPSmits), follow my blog, email my posts, friend me on Facebook -- whatever you want to help you constantly remember the freedom in being alive.