Keep it simple, keep it true. Listen to your heart, your hopes, your fears, all of it. You are your best guide. This week, let’s all be especially kind and generous with yourself and others — these are difficult times and there is a lot of hot air, fear, negativity capturing our attention. I pray for steadiness and patience as we wade into unknown waters.

This too shall pass……

simple and effective. Be well my friends.

Grateful for my ancestors. Today is my father’s birthday: 102. He passed many years ago and I wish I had expressed my love and appreciation to him more than I did as a young, self centered person. Most of our parents did their best for us and taught us vital skills and values for our lives. Let’s honor our parents and families today.

In spite of wearing a mask that covers a smile, I can smile with my eyes to another masked person. In these troubled times it helps to be seen and to acknowledge each other. Many of us are lonely, isolated and fearful; and miss connections with others. So we smile and silently wish others well.

Ouch…my regrets feel like accusations of my weak character…so the first step for me would be compassion for my mistake. And forgiveness for disappointing myself (and others). We can’t get through our lives without errors in judgment, impulsive actions and behaving badly. These are lessons in the classroom of life.

Years ago I read some inspirational material that suggested that we give our first thought to God or your concept of spirit upon awaking. Before you leave your bed… I have found this a helpful tool as I have struggled to quiet the fearful voice in my head. It sets the stage for a calm entry into the new day and reminds me that I am not alone.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Courageous, generous, brilliant.

I want to be kinder to myself. To stop judging myself harshly. To treat myself as I would treat one of my friends. To relax the unrealistic high standards and to retire the judges robes. Really. Perfection is overrated.

My godson who struggles with health issues. As he grows from a child into a young adult he experiences the world with a number of challenges. I pray that he will be guided to find his way in this life and to find his own type of happiness and meaning. Blessings to all children and young adults as they move into the bigger world.

I admire the work of Pema Chodron particularly When Things Fall Apart. All of her writings are very good. Your public library is likely to have her works in their system. I personally also take hope and inspiration from reading about people I admire: early suffragists, peace activists, artists and writers: many of which overcame difficulties and found meaningfulness through their challenges.

Hello Annie: Thank you and I applaud you for decommissioning your t.v. You are better of without it.

Best to you,

Amacord

Cathy: I support you in taking care of yourself and your sandbox! Best wishes to you.

Shelley

thank you so much pkr! best to you!

Yes. When I stop fighting and resisting hardships, disappointments and move into acceptance my suffering is reduced. We are living in historic times, for better or worse. It’s imperative that we adjust our reactions to get through these tough times with full hearts and joy. Sending my support outward as we each struggle with the questions.

Hope that your bones mend up soon Judith.

You are welcome Misty. Have a peaceful day and do something foolish!!

So true. Prez Obama inspires us, comforts us and reminds us to demonstrate our best behaviors and always strive to do our best. I am so proud of him. How we miss him and Michelle Obama, but they are still with us. Blessed be.