Torrey Jade

Vocation

2012-01-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

You are not lost.

God knows exactly what he's doing.

I've always had plans and a dream. I've always known what my gifts are and how I've wanted to use them. I've always been aware of my heart for other people and how powerfully God intends to move through that. Since the beginning there has been a love and a fire that has burned within me. A passion for music, a passion for writing, a passion for people, a passion for animals, a passion for spirituality, culture, and life. A passion to explore, a passion to grow, a passion to change the world. But all of these are mere effect of my one true passion and purpose in life which has always been and will always be to share Gods loving light with everybody.

For years it has felt like I'm wandering in search of fulfilling this dream. I've exhausted myself serving the homeless in Oceanside and the orphans in Haiti. And I've exhausted myself pursuing music to the point where the only reasonable option has seemed to give up on this dream. But if my dream is to help people and to share Gods love and light with everybody, why am I not living in that reality today? It hit me that I will never fulfill this dream unless I learn how to live in it right now. It's not a matter of getting to some place so that I can love other people fully... Sure in Haiti I had more of a platform to love people, sure if I were sucessful in music and touring the world I would have more of a platform to love people. But I realize now every opportunity I've ever hoped to fulfill is right here, right now.

It is so important that in doing what we love, we remember our first love and who/what we are executing our lives for. I have big dreams, to fill big needs through the gifts that God has given me, but I choose to be faithful in answering his call for my life by loving and serving right now in the small things. It may be that he never entrusts me with the big things, but that holds no meaning because as long as I am living for him my life is complete.

I am not lost.

God knows exactly what he's doing.

His light is shining bright within me.

2011-12-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

It's not a competition of who can be the best person, we're all just people. With different stories, living different lives. Each uniquely imposed upon one universal meaning. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, what you're doing in life.. Strip everything away and it comes down to this, we are all just people. At times joyful, at times stressed, at times filled with curiosity, at times unable to rest. At times laughing, at times dancing, at times exploring, and at times caught in the midst of a mess. My heart has a yearning, to explore this depth. Because our souls are worth more than uncertainty and tests, we are united and we are always at best.

The silence of my soul awakens each quest, the silence awakens my best.

Day Dreaming

2011-11-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

You can't catch a single beat of her life without a dream beaming straight in sight. There's not a moment that goes by that she's not dreaming up a new dream, wishing, wanting, hoping for or creating a better life. There's not a spare inch in her mind that toys with logical thoughts, not a spare foot that steps on the treadmill of a stagnant life. She feels lost in a world of conformists, lost in a world of logic, limits and reason. But she keeps running onward as a world of broken dreams treads behind her. Why? She's a dreamer living in a realist's society; she's a dreamer that desires everything but a "normal" life.

You can't catch a single day of her life without a twinkle in her eyes. There's not a moment that goes by that she doesn't believe in what she's seen, wants, hopes or dreams. There's not a spare inch in her mind that thinks about anything else, not a spare foot that steps to the beat of anyone else's drum. She feels helpless in a world of conformists, lost in a world of doubts, unbelief and treason. But she keeps running onward as a world of broken feet tread behind her. Why? She's a dreamer living among the chains or corporate crime; she's a dreamer that knows she's here to live a different life.

You won't catch a single wave she's not riding, a single rhyme she's not writing, a single day she's not living fully. She's waiting, oh so patiently she's waiting for the day she can jump outside that little box completely and run freely for good. Are you a dreamer that's waiting to jump outside that little box too?

2011-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

I’m in love with life right now. Not what life entails, but life itself. I feel a new state of conscious awareness coming over me, I feel peacefully connected to the source and everything around me. I feel life in me, a powerful force that is leading me to feel and see everything differently, with new eyes and a new momentum. Transcendence of some sort, a crystal clear image, perspective and understanding of the energy that peacefully and harmoniously connects us all. I’ve begun to mark the vibration that unites all living beings as one as the ebb and flow of the divine steadily reveals itself to me. I’m awakening from a slumber, dancing and propelling forward, light is flooding over me and opening up an entirely new embrace.

There is no science; no equation to answer the questions of life, there is only your own eyes, your own spirit, your own time and mind to create, explore and identify. You define the meaning of your own life; we are deliberate makers with untapped, unmet and unlimited potential for growth and insight. Release logic and there you will find your answers. Awaken yourself to the magic of life.

Beauty

2011-11-04T10:24:00.001-07:00

Life is so stunning to me. People are so stunning to me. Each and every one of our journeys is so stunning to me. Every time I'm in nature It feels like my breath is being taken away, but like I can breathe so deeply. I stand in wonder of the beauty of creation, of who we all are and where we are heading. I look to the sky and feel my heart radiating, I look to life and feel so much love and meaning. I gaze in awe of the elegance of our spirits, the life that is inside of us, and the incredibly unique purpose we are all fashioned for. Everything is beautiful, everything is so so beautiful. And I am so grateful to be awake and alive to the delight and the dazzling gift of the beauty of life.

Peace, love, beauty, grace, all good things. Namaste.

Light vs. Darkness

2011-11-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

I really wonder how there are people that are unaware that there is light and darkness in this world. It sounds almost silly doesn't it? It's so obvious that it's kind of strange someone could say it's all grey... But i've surprisingly seen this a lot lately, from many different people. If it hasn't been stated directly, it's been hidden in their mannerisms, opinions and characteristics. Maybe you "know" there is light and darkness, but ultimately "knowing" is a whole lot different than awareness. If you were aware of darkness you would see where it lies, you would know where it's hiding and how it surrounds you, your life, and the world around us. If you were aware of the light you would see and feel something different inside, you would know that you are more than just a body but yet a soul. If you were aware of both, you would notice the difference between people that are awake in the spirit (living for a higher purpose) and people that are dead in the flesh (living attached to the material world).

But if you were aware, would you do anything with your awareness? Would you wake up and start living like you're meant to? Would your thoughts, actions, words and feelings reflect it? Would your goals and desires be shaped by it? Would the way you treat people and your outlook on life change? Would you be a different and better person because of it? I already know the answer to every one of these questions is yes. Because light and darkness are both transforming, but only one has the power to awaken and bring awareness to us.

Light is my favorite subject, it's something I'm constantly exploring. And lately I've been braced with the challenge of finding light in darkness. More than just embracing and shining the light, but bringing awareness of it to myself and to others. I'm learning how many people wouldn't know the difference between light and dark if it hit them right in the face (unawareness is a form of darkness) and how I can help to awaken light IN darkness. Inherently I've always hoped for this in being an example, but right now I've inquired into a whole new alley. Not just in the grey area, but in full contrast, awakening color in all ends of the spectrum and shedding light on the light - the spirit that dwells within all of us.

Vegas Baby!

2011-08-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

I wish I stayed consistent with photo posting, I'm so busy these days that it's seemed nearly impossible! Hoping to date back and get footage from The Roxy and our venture to Chicago on here soon. For now, here's a few random photos from Summer & I's most recent getaway (another show) to Vegas!

Tehe. "Hey guys"

Ironically there's a whole lot of photo/video of planking, dancing, and being silly rather than of the show but to be honest the trip was so much more than that. Performing is so amazing but being as fortunate as I am to have started traveling for music has been so much fun thus far. Spending time with friends and getting to experience new places all while doing what I love has been just lovely! Where next? :)

The Little Things That Light Up My Life

2011-08-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Looking out my window at the twinkling lights

Watching the ocean glimmer as the waves crash on the shoreline

Playing my piano with nothing but the light of the moon shining outside

Climbing to the top of a mountain, enveloping myself in the fresh blowing wind

Being greeted every day by the sweetest little boy who calls me his best friend

Feeling the love and quiet touch of a beauty that is beyond my capability of understanding

There is love, there is peace and that's all I really care about.

Simplicity

What you can give

2011-08-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that most of the problems in my life arise when I am focused on what I can get rather than what I can give, and I think the mentality that comes from greed is one of the reasons our state of affairs constantly get blown out of proportion. Greed is what keeps us locked in the chains of ill gratitude and the perpetual victim of the "woe is me!" phenomenon. And greed is also what has the world in an ever spinning (and growing) state of disaster. When we are focused on what we can get we tend to take ownership of things, like we are entitled to a certain level of respect, wealth, belongings, etc. So the cycle continues and spirals in a downward motion as egos inflate and everyone clings to the same disposition in defense of the exact things they're unknowingly fighting against.

But the truth is that we own nothing and our purpose can only be fulfilled through the recognition of the importance of humility and surrender.

I find that when I am focused on unconditionally loving and pouring into the lives of other people I get less upset when I am let down or things don't go "my" way. And if only everybody chose to embrace giving rather than getting, what a better place this world would be. Everybody would be in closer harmony with one another, relationships would be less strained, less stress would exist. We would begin to build upon peace and climb back upward in a beautiful melody on that twisted stave.

As Gandhi said "There is enough for everyone's need but not enough for everyone's greed."

Aim to be selfless today, stop and see what you create.

Remember

2011-08-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today I heard a quiet whisper, a word gently blown with the wind to my heart. A letter sealed with the words "remember", just for me to open. As I sat on top of the rocky mountain the waves of truth started flooding in. Remember how lovely you are Torrey? Remember how much you care for other people and what a big heart you have? Remember how worthy you are of a beautiful life? Remember the bright shining light within you? Remember how wonderful and loved you are? Remember how many people you've helped, how much love you've shown, how many lives you've touched? How many times you've risen out of the dust? Just remember Torrey, just remember.

I headed home exhausted from a 4 hour hike and just as I reached my exit I saw a young girl off the side of the freeway. And to what I would have usually ignored out of fear, I felt like talking to her. So I picked up some water and snacks and headed back to the spot I last saw her. She was gone, but how far could she have wandered? I circled around the neighborhood and found her at a bus stop. There I talked with the sweetest girl, someone who seemed so smart and deserving of recognizing her own worth. It was nothing out of the ordinary, I find my self conversing with homeless people all the time but there was something about this encounter in particular that was so refreshing. Then I remembered...

In her I saw the own light in me, and what fear and sick lies can rob you of if you don't dare to remember and believe in the truth of who you were created to be. I remembered all of the wonderful good things about me and all of my potential and worth as she opened my eyes through what I saw in her. I remembered how much I love caring for other people and I remembered the some of the biggest passions I have. Most importantly I remembered what my life is truly meant for in this time here on earth.

Believe in who you were created to be. Believe in who you already are. Because you are beautiful, worthy, amazing and play a role that no one else can replace! Your path and journey is unique, individual and so important to the good of this world.

Remember.

Be the Change You Wish to See

2011-07-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

We live in a corrupt world, where you are no matter where you go it's always going to be the same. There's no denying it and you can't escape it, but most importantly it's not our job to try to change it.

We've become a world of people constantly in search of a better day, constantly holding to desires that promise what they can't deliver. Hoping that if maybe we got out of our current circumstance or completely fled from everything that is holding us "captive", we'd be in a better place and things would start to change. But the disappointing yet incredibly enlightening reality is that outside circumstances have nothing to do with the true enslavement of our being as humans.

Take it as you will, it applies to many different aspects of life, but the truth is feeding into the realization of our imperfect realities is only furthering our conformity to the soul destructing environments we are all wishing to escape. I believe the only thing we truly can do to better our lives in the midst of the mess we've all created is to chose to embrace it in a positive way. We can't change the fact that there's always going to be war, we can't change the fact that people will always hurt one another, and we can't keep running waiting for the day it will all go away. But what we can do is live in a way that confidently encourages the things that we wish to change.

Whatever you're against, whatever you're passionately giving your negative energy towards, flip it around. Right now make the choice to change the way in which you think, view and act upon any and every negative affair in life. Because our sole ability and productivity for anything good in our time here on Earth is cultivated from within. It is a choice to be made every single day, and with that a better place we will begin to create.

2011-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

As most don't know since I keep my life extremely private, things have taken a huge turn over the course of the last few months. More has happened, been changed, flipped and rearranged than I can even keep track of. From love, to pain, to excitement, then again more joy and rain, some amazing opportunities as well as many 'unfortunate' events have taken place. I've chalked up a few blogs but being that so much has happened I have been unable to convey the many many things I have wanted to say. Lucky for me inspiration is usually brought in some pretty unconventional ways.

I found this piano abandoned in a field in the middle of the night this past Tuesday, my birthday. Though battered, bruised, and broken it still called my name. It was one of the strangest things I have ever encountered, but however haunting and unusual my heart gravitated towards it. I started running it's direction in complete wonder, curiosity and excitement. As my fingers came in contact with and played the broken keys I was amazed. Out came the most beautiful unique melody and there was the joy I was in search of all day. Chills went running up my arms and a light of peace was beaming within me. In this moment I recognized that where we stand in life has nothing to do with what it appears to be on the outside. Everything can be and is used for good, whether we are aware of it or not this I know to be true.

Just as this piano was no different than the fanciest of them all, neither is there a difference between the highest and the lowest moments in our lives. There is no such thing as a good situation and no such thing as a bad situation, because sometimes the most joyous beautiful things come out of the most unsightly packages. This piano though abused and destroyed brought peace and joy to my heart as I found the very soul of it was still intact in the midst of it's distress. Just the same, through all that happens in our lives the core of which we are as people can never stray. If and in anything it can just be revealed in a more beautiful way. Whatever the case, the circumstances and events that happen in our lives are not going to waste.

Who are we to judge how God is working, or discern our own peaks and valleys? All is created equal and all is created one.

No matter what we face life is a celebration! So go on, celebrate :)

Just Breathe

2011-05-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Life is full of embarrassing moments, discouraging disappointments, and situations that slam you in the face. Nevertheless, roll with the punches, because when all is said and done our existence is so small and our stressors are nothing but a vapor in this exceedingly vast world we like to call our "home".

It seems as if the obscurity of my life would be disheartening, but to be quiet honest it is remarkably comforting. All I need is 5 minutes of this video to be reminded just how insignificant all of my struggles truly are. I am immediately put back into place every time as everything brought into perspective again.

"When this world starts getting hard will you rise above it?"

Just Breathe.

Be Joyful Always

2011-04-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

It is breathtaking to me the ways in which the human heart adapts to the difficult situations we face. First the fact we can feel such great joy and such great pain all within one vessel is so amazing, but what's even more captivating is what we take from each circumstance that comes our way. The heart can grow bitter, cold, and resentful, becoming an onslaught to a destructive fire as it breeds and adheres to the very core of our being. Or it can be revived, refreshed, renewed, and restored, becoming a beautifully unbroken light that shines as an iron to the fire and heals other souls.

It saddens me to see the routes that people take and the ways in which we allow the cycle to continue. With so much good fortune in cultivating positivity, it comes as a shock to me that people are unable to open their hearts to the divine opportunity of change. Whether we like it or not life is about pressing on, making the conscious effort and choice to allow difficult circumstances to move us forward and onto better things. To not allow anything to shape you in negativity is a truly beautiful thing, and there is nothing more empowering than recognizing and mastering your own strength.

I make the choice every day to not allow the world around me to taint the beauty, strength, and purity of my own heart. I make the choice to open myself up in light, love, and understanding, even when I am fearful and hurting. I make the choice to keep giving, even when it goes unnoticed and is tossed around like it means nothing. And I chose to forgive, even when the only thing I want to do is stay stuck in bitterness, hurt, and resent. Because to pour energy into avoiding pain is only going to bring you more pain, and to be held back by the past makes you no better today than you were yesterday.

Be joyful always - Thessalonians 5:16

2011-03-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

"I just wanted to call and say that you are such an amazing person. It sounds so cliche but I mean that in all honesty. Your colors shine so brightly and the light within you is so vibrant. You are so inspiring and so sweet, and I just wanted to encourage you in that. If there's anyone that deserves everything it's you, and I believe the best is coming to you. You have endless opportunities, the world is at your feet."

What can I even say about this but thank you? Thank you, so much.

2011-02-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

Brought a little joy to my day :) 1,000 precious Haitian babies singing their hearts out to the Lord this past Summer at Sunday school in Les Cayes, Haiti.

2011-02-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Devon's 23rd birthday! My oh my is everyone's growing up these days.

Contagious: Sweet, short, and to the point

2011-02-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Oceanside Pier 2/9/11

This word resonates with me. I wouldn’t call it my motto, but naturally it seems to have directed the flow of my life lately. I’m one of those people constantly looking to be inspired, to get excited, to live passionately. If it fails to shed light on these I’m onto the next thing. Maybe I’m a little ADD, but I believe I’ve been granted these defenses in a way that God uses them to shape me. I’m rarely calm, rarely at ease, but should it be a bad thing?

It’s a question that has a definite answer but first let me ask you, has there ever been something that you just couldn’t get enough of and you weren’t exactly sure why? Have you ever witnessed an energy so strong you felt completely compelled to follow? As if you were pulled and bonded to it like a magnet? How bout a shiver that sent chills running through your spine? This friends is not by sheer accident. We have been created to not only experience this, but to crave, and witness direct examples of it in our daily lives. It is an attraction stronger than no other and that pull is a direct result of the spirit he has placed upon our heart and lives.

Whether it be in our hopes, dreams, or goals… God created us with a desire to seek after what is contagious because he is contagious. And the beauty of it is a result of the love, passion, and excitement he has over flowed unto us, we too become contagious as we actively embrace this and pursue after the unique plans he has made for us.

In Deuteronomy 4:24 it says for the Lord God is a consuming fire and I cannot tell you how much I have seen this to be true in my life over and over again. He never fails to inspire, ignite that fire, or get me moving towards a life of higher meaning. I am forever grateful because I truly doubt that I would be where I am today had he not chosen to ever do so. I can’t imagine having any desire to stay connected with him or any motivation to continue to learn, live, and grow without that reckless energy he has placed inside of me.

He is the the light, fire, motivation, inspiration, support, and backing to all that is me. I give all credit to him completely, and for him I live contagiously.

2011-02-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

The loveliest person in the world came to visit this weekend. I couldn't be more enthralled by our time spent together :)

2011-01-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Lay me on the water

2011-01-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

A little dose of what you need

To inspire, to direct, to enlighten, to refresh, to rebuild, to restore.

I love awesome nights like this. Where it's late, I'm sleepy, and have work in the morning but am so inspired by how the spirit is moving in me that I can't help but write about it. Sometimes God surprises me and it makes me so happy. Not even by the blessings in my own life but him simply showing me how much opportunity I have to be a blessing in the lives of those around me. It's these times that I really do feel blessed, when I am able to receive freely by giving. Giving is the absolute best way to receive and it is one of the most beautiful aspects of life to me... Why being of service promotes one filled with so much meaning.

We all have been blessed with gifts to GIVE, gifts to bring light to the lives of those around us, and gifts that tell each one of our stories. So often we forget to share these with one another, but so often do we also get caught up in seeking our own glory. God has given us life to enjoy and live freely but at some point you have to ask yourself if the selfish desires you've been seeking are really allowing you the most opportunity to receive and allow the light to pour in. The conscious choices and actions we make will always bear witness to who we are and what we stand for. Weather it is us sharing, or hiding these gifts, it will affect someone in some way or another. So chose wisely, don't act selfishly, share, and make decisions that allow for people enjoy these precious treasures with you. Rejoice in this, live with love in your heart, joy in your spirit and let light start moving! Remember this in the times of need.

Amen!

2011-01-04T00:13:00.000-08:00

Brought in the new year celebrating my dear friend Traces' 23rd birthday at Beso in Hollywood. Had a wonderful time catching up with friends and even got to watch everyone dance to our single as the DJ played our song... Pure bliss! Here's a few photos that captured some of the magic, though not near all :)

Looking forward to what this year will bring, I guess we will see!

Little Sunshine and Charlie out to play

2010-12-12T13:13:00.001-08:00

Took a break from studying to play with Sunshine and Charlie out in the back yard today. Had some fun snapping these photos of my babies.

2010-11-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for the life I lead.

Lovely thanksgiving trip to Big Bear with the family. You could probably say I fell one too many times snowboarding. My butt is SORE!!

2010-11-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

September 28th, 2010

My first day working with the special education class at Mira Costa College

The second I walked in I was immediately captivated by the hearts of these young men and women that surrounded me. Each of them held this unique un-tamed joy that I can’t describe; it was unlike anything I had ever seen before. As time went on and I got to know the young adults I was working with, I grew completely attached. You see, these people were not just “special”, they were extraordinary.

I will admit the first time I went it seemed more like a chore than anything. I thought to myself, "I can't believe it's my only day off and I have to come here." But if you had asked me an hour later you couldn't drag me out if you wanted to! I loved every second of it.

More importantly as the weeks went on I began to see them for who they really are. As I looked around the room for the last time the only thing I saw were real people, with conscious minds, feelings, and hearts.

I almost cried when I walked out the door for the last time yesterday. Every single one of these students will hold a special place in my heart for much time to come. Here's a video of 'Michael Jackson' (aka Amber) leading exercise class on Tuesday, enjoy :)

A Spirit of Gratitude

2010-10-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

There are truly no words to describe what I am feeling right now. But given this incredible moment there is no way I could stop myself from expressing it. God never ceases to amaze me, and it is absolutely breath taking the way he has worked in my life over the past few years. Time, and time again.

It's 1 am, I've been driving for 12 hours and my eyes are now beginning to close... The only thing I would like to do is sit here with my smile ear to ear, and shed tears of joy for the stunning weekend I was so blessed to experience.

The serenity of wine country, the endless days of giggling, dancing, singing, talking, eating... Running down the streets of Napa Valley in our birthday suits at 12am ;) Frolicking in the secret garden, busting open Mexican pinatas with golf clubs. And most importantly, feeling happy and truly free for the first time in I couldn't even tell you when.

Every moment was so special, so freeing, so refreshing. Like each minute was a breath of fresh air... Oxygen building in my lungs, opening the cavity of my heart and releasing me from the burden of being suffocated with no air in my day to day life.

Now with everyday I am away, everyday I am so grateful to be back home. I truly have the most incredible life, and am surrounded with the most beautiful people. Life is extremely hard, things have been so difficult lately... But everyday I wake up and am so grateful to be me, fortunate enough to live the life I lead.

Now the perfect ending to the perfect weekend. Summer and I have received the final mixes of our songs, I am glowing proud. After so much time, energy, and hard work, It's done and I couldn't be more happy. I am so excited for what's in store.

All I want to do is show my love, spread this light, and share the joy.

:)
Thank you God for all that you've blessed me, I love you!

2010-08-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps he hears a different drummer. The higher nature instead of the lower."

Imagine a world where everyone cultivated their true God given calling in life. A world where we were not entitled to the opinions of others, or held captive of the ever flowing pressure to keep up. But a world where we all danced freely to the beat of our own hearts. In light of the unique passions, talents, and gifts we each hold.

I left this summer in search not of anything, but gained a whole lot of clarity as to what I really want out of life. Listening into the voice of vocation, It's clear to see how unfulfilling a life in pursuit of status quo would be. Why would we ever chose to embody someone, and something that we are not? But the sad reality is this is the rule, rather than exception of our society. And I often wonder why...

Why it's so unacceptable to embrace who we truly are, and pursue a life of freedom and meaning. Chasing after the things we truly love, instead of settling for a plain and unsatisfying life. Why it'd be wrong to take a day off to dance on the beach, and soak in God's beauty; to ditch the office, pick up a guitar, and be captivated by the sounds. Or to spend time taking photographs, painting a pretty picture... Even to simply lay down in the grass and take a moment to just breathe.

The usual response is, "That's not going to make you money." And again, I ask why? Why the hell would I(or anyone for that matter) want to waste my life obeying the constant commands and nagging of the world around me. Why would I chose to sit in an office all day, when I could be outside in the fresh air and sunshine, writing music, or building upon service to others. Marveling at the peace and contentment I feel in doing so.

The problem with wanting to get to the top, is you never get to the top. It is not until you take a second to slow down, and chose to embrace the essence of our true nature that we are satisfied in just being. We were not created to do, we were created to be. Living to enjoy the sheer satisfaction of being alive, in the likeness of Gods image. And in following this law of the universe the rest flows naturally. We begin to feel at ease, content in knowing this is the place we are to be.

This is where you'll find me.

"I will not stand to the side and allow the music in my heart to fade away and die. I will dance to my own life song.

I will stop looking back with regrets, or looking forward with fear. And give the best I have today.

I will quiet my soul, silence the noise in my head and heart, and ask myself what I really want out of life.

I will make a commitment to fulfilling my dreams, no matter what I may be feeling. And I will dare to move forward in the face of life's challenges.

I will believe that what God has placed inside me is superior to the mountains that stand in my way.

I will believe I was born to dance, created by God to make a difference in people's lives.

I will stop doing things the same old way just because I like to play it safe. I will be daring and courageous and refuse to allow fear to control my actions.

I will share your hopes and dreams and desires. I will believe that you can turn your dreams into reality.

I will refuse to dance to the pressure to be, or to do, or to prove something in order to win someone's love or acceptance. I will not be a slave to the opinions of others.

I will let the love of God touch the depths of my heart and mold me into the person I should be. I will make love the center of my being and all that I do.

I will take every new day as a fresh beginning in God's grace and allow my world to be made new. I will savor the beauty and wonder of the world around me.

I will refuse to allow my past to determine my future. I will not let past disappointments hold me back.

I will stop chasing after happiness as though it is something I can obtain from outside myself. I will chose to be happy on the inside and give joy to others.

I will make the necessary changes in my life to ensure that I am truly living consistently with what I want to be in my heart and what I say I believe in.

I will do all that I can, with whatever I have, wherever I am... And I will believe what my creator has said, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

I will walk forward in the certainty that my dance is secure."

-Dance while you can by Lance Wubbels

I chose to dance to my own life song.