Today's Episode of 'What Was I Thinking?'

Dear Reader

Today marks the beginning of a new month and the beginning of the end of my horrible dreams & nightmares, and with it comes fresh opportunities for growth and reflection. The autumn air carries a crispness that reminds me of new beginnings. As I sit here writing, I'm aware of the gentle rhythm of my thoughts and the quiet space I've created for myself to express them.

The past few days have been a journey of self-discovery and introspection. I've been thinking deeply about my relationship with myself and others, about my goals and dreams, and about the kind of person I'm becoming. It's both exciting and humbling to realize how much potential for growth lies ahead.

I've noticed patterns in my daily life that I'd like to explore further. Sometimes I find myself rushing through moments that deserve more attention, while other times I linger too long on things that perhaps deserve less. Finding that balance – between action and reflection, between giving and receiving, between striving and accepting – seems to be a central theme in my life right now.

There are questions I keep coming back to:

What truly matters to me?
How can I better serve those around me?
What small steps can I take today that will lead to meaningful change?
These aren't questions with easy answers, but perhaps that's the point. The journey of asking them, of sitting with the uncertainty and remaining open to possibilities, is itself a form of growth.

I'm learning to be more patient with myself, to recognize that growth isn't always linear, and that setbacks are often just setups for comebacks. Each day brings new lessons, if only I remain open to receiving them.

Today, I'm grateful for:

The quiet moments that allow for reflection
The challenges that push me to grow
The inner voice that guides me forward
Looking ahead, I want to remember that every moment is an opportunity to begin again, to choose differently, to be more fully present. Whether the day brings sunshine or rain, there's always something to learn, always a reason to be thankful.

Until next time, Chaplain Mark

P.S. A quote that resonated with me today: "The only journey is the one within."