Bob and I have had a special tradition since 1999.  In 2013 I wrote about it.  This coming week, we’ll be celebrating again.  I hope you all find similar freedom and joy in your hearts this week.

Every November first, I wake up early. I do not check for messages, or sit down to write. I light the fire, then sit in my rocking chair beside the window. Bob comes down to join me.

 

And together we sit still and watch the sunrise. We do nothing. And we revel on this day that this is our right.

 

It was 14 years ago on this date that Bob was fired from his job. At first, we were dreadfully frightened. But then we noticed the sunrise, and noted that there was nothing to take us away from enjoying it. We recognized the true wealth we had been missing.

 

Our life since then has grown busy and full to the brim with activities of our own choosing. It is a wonderful kind of chaos that feeds our souls and fills us with light and love, even when it causes our hearts to beat faster, or the callouses to grow thick on our hands, or keeps us working long after dark.

 

But today, we just sit and watch the sun come up, and remember that all of it is our choosing. We own our lives, we own our souls. We are free.

 

Happy All Souls Day.