My children. My sister and her kids. My parents. My friends. And I need to continue to be gentle with myself. Because we all need each other, and so I want my presence and interactions to be loving, respectful and kind; which come from a well I always need to nurture, the best I can.

Gentleness, hope, forgiveness and love. As well as witnessing the tenacity and courage around me. Listening, laughter and silence, too.

Honestly, I have trouble letting go. So maybe I can make an effort to believe I can a little more. And continue to seek help for it. There’s a gentleness in letting go that I aspire to. When I’m able to, I feel a greater sense of connection…

Opening my heart. To grace and the wisdom that surrounds me. To greater hope and curiosity. To connection with others. To love, especially. And respect, empathy and understanding.

Thank you for the beauty and simplicity in your guidance this past week and this summary of tools. I have found them to be very helpful. Greetings from San Diego. May you and your loved ones be well. Peace.

A warm hug from any of my loved ones.

My doctor who sent me for an MRI when I had a meningioma over 25 years ago. If I could have spoken the word “button” when he asked me for the word for one, he wouldn’t have sent me. My life hung upon that test. I’d lost my ability to express myself and read. That I am here, relaying this experience to you is truly a miracle in my life. I am forever grateful to him, to my neurologist–and to you for listening. Thank you.

My heartbeat. And language; that allows me to understand and express matters of the heart.

When acceptance resonates deeply in your spirit.

For the gentle, loving, steady voices of my family. For the quiet voice growing in my heart, the more I practice being thankful and mindful. For wise and compassionate voices the world over.

I’m thankful for my relationship with nature that sustains me always. I’m thankful for my relationship with my family. As my parents have gotten older, we’ve grown closer. I’m thankful for my relationship with my friends, many of whom have been with me for decades now (I am in my fifties).

This sanctuary and community help immensely with that and so many other things. Thank you for being here and so generously sharing your hearts.

With humility and by believing in myself & my connectedness to the great mystery, that enfolds us. Also by abandoning myself to a sense of wonder and gratitude, trusting in them to carry me through with grace.

Entering Joshua Tree National Park with my love and watching the sunset from beginning to end with him silently, along with a coyote that emerged from the wild.

Love and courage. And the beautiful ephemeral tapestry we find here together.

February finds
me knitting changing colors.
My sister’s
gift is warmth.

You’re so welcome, Pollyanna! I’m happy it resonates for you. Rumi’s work is wonderful. Blessings to you as well.

Thank you so much, Ingrid. Your kind reply means a great deal to me. That we’re connected through my story warms my heart.