My heart is heavy as I write this. Mom is sick again. I don’t know which is greater, my compassion for her pain or my fear of her absence. I bought a plane ticket to be with her on Mother’s Day. Sometimes the pressure behind my eyes and the swelling in my throat makes it difficult to breathe.

I have a copy of the rough draft of Bugg's Book of Change ready to send to her. Fear of rejection and misunderstanding has kept me from doing so. I think it’s time I sent the envelope.

How’s the bird on your shoulder today? Mine is speaking loudly about the impermanence of life. White dove is asking me, “Are you ready to let go?”

A person who is familiar with regret will always find something to regret. An angry person will always find something to be angry about. A person with great sadness will always find something to be sad about. A fearful person will always find something to fear.

My weakness is fear. Boy, do I struggle with it. My mind can take just about any ol’ thought and create a fearful situation. The pain I am experiencing at this moment is directly linked to fear. There is no danger in my environment, yet in my mind there exists a nightmare. I can choose to remain in this painful place within me, or I can choose to let go and allow life.

This moment is all we have to give to ourselves and others. When we are present, it is as though we are beaming light rays of energy to the universe and the ripples go on infinitely. People who choose life inspire others to do so. Their choice feeds us when we are void of life due to our own choices.

When I’m choosing this moment, and the little bird on my shoulder chirps up and asks if I am ready to let go, I say, “Let go of what?” That is what I call embracing change.