compassion and perspective—self compassion for my errors in judgment, harshness and fear. Fear provokes some negative actions on my part. The fear exposes my vulnerability, my aversion to letting events unfold organically..I have often acted in haste and urgency with painful results. This is how we learn. Blessed be.

Just be kind. Smile at the person in line at the grocery store, the library, everywhere. Pay attention to the interactions each of our days offer–they are opportunities to share your wisdom, compassion and recognition of others.

Yesterday morning a mama duck and her 4 little ducklings walked down my street…I was delighted to see them as they took their walk. Little moments but big smiles. Several of my neighbors also saw it and we all said hello. Sweet moments.

Patience. Patience with myself, my shortcomings, my self absorption. Patience with what appear to be setbacks, disappointments, fears about my future.
Patience with the daily mysteries of life–acceptance of what occurs without over analyzing and defining every thought that comes into my head.

beautiful music on the radio..helps lift my mood. The situation in Ukraine is deeply tragic but the massive support for the beleaguered people of Ukraine is encouraging and beautiful. I pray for the beauty of peace…a lasting peace.

To experience this day, I need to not pay attention to the frustrations I experienced yesterday.. Too often I carry those negative burdens and keep them active in my mind. I will respect this new day and accept what comes my way. I will also be open to surprises.

I will try to slow down the hectic pace and monkey mind that saps my energy and gives my inner critic a lot of power. I am going to expand my awareness of Being and not doing…..

And focusing more on the good things in my life.

When I waver and feel fearful I pause and accept that dark times and difficult moments are always a part of life. I think of people who performed heroic acts even as they too had fear: Rosa Parks, Abe Lincoln, Anita Hill to name a few. I also recall past difficult passages I got through and take comfort knowing that this too shall pass.

I would be happier and less frustrated. When I view events, people, situations as burdens, I rob myself of joy, tire myself out from anger and resentment. In other words, I push myself into an uncomfortable corner where I feel alone, depressed and misunderstood.

The sun is shining brightly and the skies are blue and cloudless. My inner mood is not so grand, I am veering towards fear and anxiety. Was it Vince Lombardi who famously said that “fatigue makes sissies of us all? I need to shake the blues and get back to hopefulness. The Covid numbers in California where I live are appalling. I don’t read the news but that negative news finds me… thanks for listening, I had to put this out there so I can get back UP!

You are not alone with this Avni. Take care.

good ideas. 2021 had plenty of challenges but there were good things too.