new this month
self discovery
creative exercises
helpful resources
e-mail raphael


Self Discovery

Bloom
Where You Are Planted

By Raphael


Creative Exercise, Step One:


Fill in the blanks:
"When I __________, I will __________."
Think of as many answers as you can. For example:
"When I lose fifteen pounds, I'll wear my bikini."
"When I have kids, I'll bring them to DisneyWorld."
"When I have more time, I'll work out."
"When I get married, I'll buy a house."
"When I find someone to go with, I'll take a cruise."


Bring Out The Casserole Dish


Did your mother have one set of regular plates and another which was somehow special in some magical, myterious way? The "good" china. You know, for company. In the tradition of dear ol' mom, I had (still do) a lovely little casserole dish, a white ceramic beauty adorned with pretty pink flowers and trailing green vines. Stored away in my hall closet. "When I get my own place..."

"When I get my own place, I'll cook dinner."
"When I get my own place, I'll decorate it how I like it."
"When I get my own place, I'll use the pretty casserole dish."

I'm here to tell you, "Bring out the casserole dish." How many of us have a bad case of the whens? When I get a new job, I'll be happy. When I get that new car, I'll be happy. When I find the person I want to spend my life with, I'll be happy.


The Wake Up Call


Recently a dear friend of mine killed herself. I can't remember how many times I had gotten a message sounding something like this, "We're cooking a chicken... come on over!" I also can't tell you how much I wish I had stopped working and jumped in my car. The last time I received a call like this I remember thinking, "I hope she doesn't stop asking me because I haven't been saying yes." Just now I realized I will never get one of these invitations again. She did stop asking.

Often we spend our lives climbing. Each time we reach the top, suddenly we notice yet another hill to climb just beyond the one we've just scaled. And what about the Nows that are being ignored in favor of the Whens?


Creative Exercise, Step Two:


Go back to your listing of Whens. Which of these can you do Now? What can you do Now to enjoy today? What can you do today to bring joy to another? Why do you need more mouths to feed in order to warrant a gourmet meal? Cook a beautiful meal and have a date with yourself.

Go to DisneyWorld.
Wear your pink bikini.
Get out the good china.



I welcome you to share your own personal stories and comments. Get in touch: musings@raphaelblue.com. I'd love to hear from you!


Artwork and Text © 2003 Raphael Blue