Last night was one of those nights. I just could not sleep. With eyes clamped shut in an effort to bring on the sleep state, my active mind was having none of it. It was busy, you see, scanning visual images, last week’s emails, tomorrow’s to-do list. Left brain kept reminding right brain, “You have only 5 hours before you have to get up.” Right brain ignored the declaration and continued imaging.

OK, OK, I’ll get up.

The last thing circulating in my mind was a new book I heard about. Not Quite What I Was Planning is a compilation of six word memoirs by famous and not-so-famous authors. The idea emerged from a challenge that was given to Ernest Hemmingway. He was asked if he could write a complete story in six words. He penned the words, “For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.” This legend prompted online magazine Smith to query its readers, asking for six-word memoirs. They received 500 submissions per day and compiled the best ones into this book.

Some are poignant like Hemmingway’s, some are thought provoking and some are just funny.

So, this particular night, as I lay in bed, sleepless in Southfield, the mind was conjuring up what six words could I come up with? Here’s what came to mind:

Lifelong quest to understand deeper truth.
Piano dusted every month. Never played.
Best years to come… God willing.
Seasoned and “hip”... not yet broken!
Still have dreams not yet realized.
Beauty seen in every living thing.
Making someone laugh makes my day.

I recall one that my Dad used to say, “Too soon old, too late smart.” I always thought that was kind of sad… that you had to get old before you got smart. Now, the truth of that little phrase is becoming clearer to me. You may be smart when you are younger, but true wisdom comes along as you travel a while on life’s path. There are just some things that aren’t learned from a textbook or a lecture. Experience is a wonderful teacher. (I know, it’s only five words, but it’s still a good thought!)

Another Dad-phrase popped into my head. “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.” OK, I get it, Dad. You can tell people about the wonders of exploring your inner realms, about the spiritual quest, but they won’t necessarily “get it” until they have their own unique experience. Some may start their search by reading a book or seeing an interview. Others may be inspired by meeting an exalted soul like the Dalai Lama, a great guru or spiritual teacher. At some point in everyone’s life, I believe we are all presented with a moment (or perhaps many) where we can choose to look at the “big picture,” where we begin to to ask the questions... “Why am I here? What is my purpose? Is there something greater than myself and if so, how can I have a more intimate and personal experience of this?”

Once the questions are posed, the answer comes. Ask and it is given. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Aha, again we see the Law of Attraction at work!

OK, Dad, got it! You already know this stuff, being in the non-physical realm and all. Lesson learned, coach. Thanks for dropping in. Well, I’m glad you decided to come visit and enlighten your “little girl.” I appreciate the help in getting me inspired for this month’s column. Say hi to Mom, Aunt Sel, Aunt Arlene, Uncle Lou, Mae and the rest of the gang.

I have a hunch this isn’t the last time I’ll be hearing from you. Only next time, could you please drop in when the sun is still out?

Love,
your grateful daughter,