Memories of past experiences of joy and hope which were always expanding me, not constricting; which beckoned me to “go” and be open, rather than to stay in the comfort of what I already know. It is tempting to stay in comfort, but waters that are not stirred become stagnant.

Knowledge of and connection to what is Infinite gives my life meaning.

Appreciate that people communicate differently, and try not to judge certain communication styles as “wrong” just because i find it challenging. Not everyone has taken communication skills training. Not every bird sounds the same. Appreciate the amazing gift of communication in all its forms.

Loving kindness

I feel like i am continuously being bathed in forgiveness. How could i move forward in life if i was not released from the many intentional and inadvertant mistakes and misdeeds i have committed? It makes all the difference in the world. Thank God and all God’s children for sweet forgiveness!

I think I could live more fully in the present if I let go of the need to always check to see if I am liked or approved or agreed with.

I need to face my fear of doing or saying the wrong thing which only results in inaction. I need to face the fact that I may face confrontation. I need to face humans who think differently than I do and who aren’t afraid to say so.

My first thought was my husband who I have known for over 40 years. Could i be wrong about some things regarding him? My second thought was myself. Yes, i have known myself even longer, but maybe i am not completely who i think i am. Then i thought, potentially i am wrong about anyone. My tendency is to form quick judgements and opinions, and to categorize people accordingly. I don’t like this in myself and am trying to be more open-minded.

Know that you are deeply loved, and go love others in the best way that you can. And don’t think that you need more things to make you happy. Be kind, and remember that for better or worse we all share this pale blue dot together

Gratefulness re-orients me and gives me a solid foundation so that I can stand my ground and not run away in the face of fear.

I Corinthians 13 comes to mind. It goes way beyond tolerance and is a high standard which I personally cannot achieve, but if I practiced even one of those qualities of love I’m certain I would be more tolerant.

To uplift these, I must first see beauty, truth and goodness. To see these, I must seek them. In what seems ugly, false or bad I will look for the exceptions and show/tell someone else what I see.

Humour; a calm presence; love; acceptance; poetry. I try to honour that by being authentic and honest. To let my yes be yes and my no be no. I frequently forget who I am though.

How would I know?

Happy Birthday!

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am crying, and haven’t shed tears in a long time. In my case, it is a good thing to be crying. I miss my parents too.