Vision (vizh'en) n1.a. The faculty of sight. b. That which is or has been seen. 2. Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight. 3. The manner in which one sees or conceives of something. 4. A mental image produced by the imagination. 5. The mystical experience of seeing as if with the eyes the supernatural or a supernatural being.
Upon further reading, was the explanation of the next word "visionary." Since some have used this word to describe me on more than one occasion, it seems to follow that "Visions" is indeed the only title this book can hold.
I've been taught that you either write prose, poetry, or some other well-known category in between. But, maybe there is one more category yet, and it might be called "visions." It is these visions we experience that gives a glimpse of all that is great and empowering. It is these experiences we feel compelled to share with our dearest friends and loved ones. You have experiences like that too, don't you? To have these visions and not share them would do dishonor to God's original sharing of them with us. It would also be a great waste of endless possibilities yet to be experienced further out of that... to laugh, to cry, to learn compassion, understanding and forgiveness, to share, to give, to grow. Haven't you had the experience yourself that these experiences, when shared, bring us closer yet to those we love as well as all new found friends?
While these are my visions, you may have seen the same experiences in a slightly different light as we all will. These are your visions. Neither is greater nor less than the other yet each is unique, and all could be shared. Some people, when putting a book, such as this one, together, would divide it into emotional sections. I decided not to, given that while one might read something and consider it sad, another may read the same piece and consider it inspiring. I have no need to limit my sharing to only the degree that I may see, but instead to be open to sharing in hopes of revealing and creating more from the experiences. For this reason I have included a section at the end of each writing for your thoughts.
May these visions of mine that I share with you, bring you all said possibilities that will unfold to you new and undreamed of experiences of your own. As well as awaken old ones that lay dormant in your memories. Once brought back to the present, you might re-create them for others as well and that beautiful rippling effect will begin anew once more. My life is pretty much this open book I share with you of my reflections in experiencing my fears, ego, insecurities, love, trust, hope, desires, growth and all the other emotions that make up our humanity.
I didn't start out to write a book, it wasn't my intention (but it must have been God's). All I did was to begin putting thoughts to pen and paper. What transformed over time was the vision that was unfolding and becoming keener with each new experience. During my editing and re-editing I became well aware of my growth over the past few years as is well evidenced in the writings. This book is not necessarily who I am today. It's more about the experiences I worked through in the past; although, the results of these experiences could be at cause for molding and creating who I am in this moment. I am continually reaching higher levels now, and for this experience I am grateful as well. Writing this book wasn't about getting famous. It's all about sharing.
Sketch by Michele C. Long
