An artist that I will pedal for the rest of my life, due to her words and music getting me through some of the toughest spots in my short 22 (and almost a 1/2) years, is the ever brilliant and beautiful Ryn Weaver. I really don't know why she hasn't done a tour yet, not to say that I am trying to force publicity or overt advertising on her either. The way her voice and her lyrics are purely hers and her authenticity really makes her such an amazing artist. One of her songs called Traveling Song, led me to what I wanted to write about today. I actually had this other post all written up about the funeral of a woman who mentored me as I grew up, and it led me to realize how much I wanted to live my life where people remembered my spark and my goodness and the love I shared. She had gone and done so much in her life that I had no idea about, and her spirit was so free, it really set my sights on taking in every moment and remembering that these days are precious. Life on this Earth can be done in second.

So, going back to Ryn, she wrote this great song about her grandfather and his passing and the impact it left on her. I wanted to quote some of the lyrics from that song right here:

Nobody knows where they are going

Oh, how we try to wrap our minds

Over the edge of all our knowings, be it a bang of the divine

Tip of my iceberg, blues are showing

I've never been one for goodbyes

So, till I meet you there, I'm singing, a traveling song to ease the ride

And so you know, everywhere I roam, I'll see you on the road.

I seriously love those lyrics, so poetic. Really though, I cannot see the future and so I have no idea where I am headed, but I want to make sure that I can make these moments count. Including finding my soul mate. Now, before you jump to conclusions or call me crazy, everyone has their own beliefs and ideals and I believe that there are people in this life who's spirits speak stronger than others. I know I have met people and felt this undeniable connection and mutual understanding, that to me would allude to maybe, JUST MAYBE, we were sunflowers together in another life.

For reals and all seriousness though.

I just have this crazy feeling that there are people who can be soulmates and that find each other, and who are meant to be. Call me a romantic (I 100% am and have no shame in it), but I believe that for myself. For those who don't know, I went through a bit of a hellish year and currently I'm in the final stages of divorce. I don't know where the stigmas for divorce came from, but I used to not even be able to say that word in conjunction with my life without pushing it out. I guess I'm an old pro now. Divorce hurts and it sucks and most of the time it is never easy. I do know that it was the best decision for my ex and I, though, and I already feel that peace and awakening of my spirit to a choice well made. Two people doing what is best for their happiness. I thought I would be so abhorred by love for years and years to come, and in fact I still am trying to find myself, but I was happy and scared to find out that my resilient attitude to finding true love still stood. Now I do not mean true love from fairy tales, or some mythical love that makes it seem like I am chasing after something that doesn't exist. I mean the kind of love that makes me truly feel alive, inspires me to become the best version of me, and the kind of love that makes me fight. Fight for life, fight for myself, and fight for what we have. When I say (or write) things like that out loud, I already start to feel discouraged! But I never want to settle for less than I deserve in anything, which includes being with someone that I feel I was destined to be with. I'm not asking for a prince or superstar, I am just going to quietly keep searching for the one whom I feel that "soul connection" for. One of my favorite quotes that Pinterest delivered to me, was this:

It is a ridiculously cheesy quote, I KNOW. However, I find something beautiful within it nonetheless, because I believe that we shouldn't just settle for anything, but really have the patience to keep looking for someone who just speaks to you like no one else. I am not saying that you should ditch every person who may not seem totally over-the-moon crazy for you or when everyday is perfect, but just someone who does give you that feeling in your toes or chest or fingers, the feeling that you very well could have met before. The feeling that you waited and despite what the world threw at you, the universe gave you something beyond words. Not everyone will agree with me, and that is fine! I love to keep an open mind and to see things from varying perspectives. But as my personal opinion on my personal blog and website, I believe in real lasting love that can only really work when two souls have the connection to make it through. If you are reading this and have been married or in a relationship for years and years, ask yourself, truly, what you think it could be. Every marriage and relationship that lasts stems from something, and I think that something stems from souls finding their mates. I hope and dream and seek after the same for myself.

I am not naive. I know love and relationships take work and patience and diligence, but I also believe it takes a little something more too. So here's to those who have loved, will love, and continue to love. Whether that be life, someone else, a fantastic career, a hobby, you name it. I believe in circumstance and purpose, so as someone who had to find my way through finding out the kind of love I need the hard way, I say keep on going. Especially to those who have had their hearts ripped out by different loves or life. I just believe in the good and that eventually, we will find a soul mate. More importantly, find someone with that soul recognition.

Remember to appreciate every moment and to never settle for less than you deserve, my lovelies!

Sincerely,

Jessi Hope

p.s. I do not know who @kevinn_g is, but I do know that I found this on Pinterest and loved it so disregard the fanfare outside of the quote, ha.