"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world." ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama


It wasn’t until I walked out of my neighborhood Publix Supermarket into the warm, South Florida night that it came to me. My links were broken.

I had been working steadfast all day to create a new store for the Pug At The Beach website. This involved many different aspects of web work all of which I hadn’t had a clue about just a short while ago, but I was determined to figure it all out. It was nose to the grindstone work and with each small accomplishment my spirits were buoyed.

I started with the smaller chores: creating an off-site store through Etsy (a member based community where handmade goods are bought and sold), writing the copy and uploading the Pug’s products.

Tahitian Delight bracelet from Pug At The Beach.

Following that came a task which required my undivided attention. With the potential to seriously muck things up, this part had the potential to be completely nerve wracking. This is the part that kept me from going to the beach. I couldn’t leave, not at this stage.

Then came the do or die part, the part where with one key stroke could undo countless hours work. With index finger hovering over an “Are your really sure you want to do this? Really sure?” button, I took a leap off a steep cliff and grew wings on the way down.

All went well. Except for the broken links. Some beach time followed by a quick run to Publix  for a late supper seemed in order.

Reusable shopping bag in hand, I stepped out into the South Florida night. There was something in the Prussian blue sky and the way the twinkling halogen street lamps shone, that set into motion my deductive reasoning.


Almost without thought, from some subconscious part of my being, the answer I was looking for came into my conscious mind. My links were broken. And then, just as quickly, the instruction for the mend followed. Things flowed easily and effortlessly with the repair and the site was up and running smoothly is short order.

When I told this story to a friend, half in excitement in my accomplishment and half in testament that we each can do whatever we choose to do, she was not at all surprised at how the answer manifested.

“You were in a place of peace, a place of love.”

She was right. Stepping out into that warm, sultry night, I was stepping into my comfort zone, my comfort “home” if you will – the place that feels right and makes sense to me which, in turn, allowed me the freedom to relax which then opened the information channels.

And it seems I’ve stepped into this comfort zone many, many times since I began my life here. Before embarking on this journey, I made a vow ~ my life would “open up” once I got here. And it has. Perhaps it’s due in part to the fact that I’m home now or maybe it’s because I chose it to be this way; to be in a place of peace, a place of love where all my links are working smoothly.

I invite you to step into your place of peace and love and see what links you can create.

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Copyright 2009 Diana Taylor, Pug At The Beach
Photo credits: All Etsy photos, Diana Taylor

Pug At The Beach ~ Where mindful living meets artful play through the adventures of a small island dog philosopher named Pug. He’s part Dalai Lama, part Jimmy Buffett and a whole lotta fun.

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