“I fall in love with people’s passions, the way their eyes light up when they talk about the things they love and they fill with light.” ~Unknown

Dear Universe,

It feels like it’s been a while since you me and you connected—well, at least formally through these letters.

Sometimes as life gets busy, then busy some more, I worry I won’t have time to write.

But these last couple of chaotic weeks have made me realize something.

No matter how busy I get or how many detours come my way, I will always find a way back to the things that feed my soul.

“Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” ~Julia Child

It’s just like when I can’t get to the gym for a while.  That time never lasts long because inevitably I want to go back, work out, and feel good.  Working out is a mental break that re-energizes me.

It’s just like how during the school year I can’t leisurely read as much as I would like, but then I’ll steal moments of quiet to devour books and when summer arrives read constantly, rapidly, excitedly.  I get lost in stories and characters, hanging onto them like long-lost friends.  It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

It’s just like how when I haven’t meditated in a while, I’ll finally stop, drop and take zen because mentally I’m craving the peace.  Even five minutes can make a drastic difference.

And it’s just like the way I always return to the ocean or the beach any time of year, any time of day.  It’s a soul reset that leaves me feeling recharged and rested.

So when I haven’t written in a while—to you, Universe, or just in general—it bothers me.  But then I try not to worry and remind myself that inevitably I’ll come back to my laptop and connect once again.

I have to because I crave it, because it’s part of what makes my soul happy.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” ~Rumi

We all have things we enjoy doing.  I like being crafty, attempting knitting and doing hot yoga, but if I go a while not doing these things, I don’t feel at a loss.  But when we find the things that put our souls at peace, we can’t let them go as easily.

There are certain things we simply can’t shake because, like breathing, they are vital to our very essence.

Connecting to any these activities—even for a short time—immediately sets my soul at ease.  I feel replenished and a little more ready to face my world again.

I’m grateful that through the years I’ve discovered what stirs me most.  And I look forward to making new discoveries as I go.

So I’m sorry Universe, for taking a little longer than usual to check in.  But please don’t worry.

I will always return to writing because it’s a part of who I am.  Whether it’s this blog, my journals or other writing, I can’t go long without putting my words down.

Thank you for the realization that there are some things in this life you just can’t shake, simply for the sake of your soul.

Much Gratitude,

A