Letting go is one of the hardest lessons one can ever learn. It is something that may take many years. It make take a great deal of reflection or counseling or both. What ever it takes it is worth it. Letting go is a source of freedom. The hard part is that letting go is not natural. We want retribution, we want to believe that life is fair, we want to believe that good will overcome evil. This is one of those truly difficult conflicts that we each much confront in some way in our own lives. Letting go is one of the most powerful act one can take. Through out life we are all injured or damaged either by the acts of other, acts of God or by self. Act by others may be abuse or rape. Acts of God may be any number of tragedies from natural disasters to a fluke accident. Acts by self may be the injury you created when you were driving drunk and hit a tree and the accident left you impaired. The reality is that holding on to the pain. and anger that these actions promote only keeps your wounds open. it allows them to fester. It is like a cancer that eats into your soul. You may have been abused by someone either physically or mentally. That was not your fault. How you choose to handle it ultimately becomes your responsibility. Each time you replay the insult is now something you are doing to yourself. The only way to free your soul is to “let it go”. Sometimes time heals, sometimes we need help. What ever you do seek to let it go. “Letting go is a source of power”

There are hundreds of example of people letting go of great personal tragedies and moving forward with their lives. From Rhuwanda to Amish/Quaker (?) community in a small town in Pennsylvania. Learning from these tragedies and moving forward can also create great power. I have had more than one student who took their anger and pain and turned it into something positive. It all boils down to our choices and willingness to move forward. It is never easy. I could write a great deal more but I think I have said more than enough. Thank you for your patience. Be well and take care.

Many years ago a friend shared this thought: “I am my word.” That simple statement has defined my actions and my commitments most of my life. When I have faltered it has been because I have not honored my “word” and I did not listen to my heart. Be clear, I have not always been true to this ideal but I have made every effort to do so. In those times when I was inconsistent I have tried to make amends. Knowing your heart is the place to start. (I just read this in daily practices and thought it fit:) “In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”
~ Howard Thurman

Tom thank you for your thoughtful reflection. For most of our married life (45 plus years) my wife and I have walked at least an hour a day in the early mornings. (During the lock down we have upped it a bit)

We have had the privilege of watching shooting stars, a multitude of moon shadows and an infinite number of sunrises. This time daily it our time to reflect, be thankful and connect. We do it year round, snow, wind, rain, beautifully clear skies and everything in between. It has been a daily gift. Thanks again!

I think there four basic elements that are a part of my daily rituals. To some lessor or greater degree I do each of the following. 1) To nurture myself physically, mentally and spiritually. As I have gotten older my needs and my desires to be able to work and play require a constant commitment to each of the above. My exercise, my responsibilities and my desires to grow in spiritual ways has only grown.. 2) To stay current with those I love. Maintaining empathy and compassion are central to how I would like to be. I have to work hard at avoiding the traps of today[s society. It would be easy to get lost in the negativity that surrounds us. I try to reach out with a phone call, or note, With those with whom I work and encounter in my daily travels, I like to take few extra minutes to check in with a friend or family member. 3) I seek to grow and learn as much as possible. I like to surround myself with positive messages, reading and people. 4) Finally I seek to work in meaningful ways consistent with my values.. I am fortunate to have my health to do what I love and feel most passionate about. Most of this revolves around my volunteer work, my family and my other commitments. Make it a great day.

Many years ago my family and I were at a resort at the very end of the season in late fall. There were no other people at the venue except staff and a piano player who would play any request we made. Sitting in that room, listening to that music, and having my family huddled around me was a wonderful gift. At that moment there was no where else I wanted to be. . My attention was absolutely on that span of time. I was out of touch with the rest of the world and felt extreme gratefulness for that time. There was a since of child like joy and a deep sense of peacefulness in my heart.

I agree, if one is to truly have a clear commitment for their family, their God and their country then they must take care of themselves first. Failure to do so means they are not going to be fit for the multitude of tasks that life provides. Taking care of one’s self allows you to go forth with a servant spirit and compassion. It allows you to show up everyday working closer to your potential. It allows you to give unconditionally. It is a model for those around you that demonstrates your personal value and a high degree of self regulation.

Your statement reminded me that we are all connected. “Whatever happens to the least of my brothers happens to me.” I think in this time of mass media it is easy to become hardened and overwhelmed to the pain and suffering around us. With the presence of the pandemic, the idea of sheltering in has only compounded this sense of helplessness and isolation. I find if I consciously reach out more to family and friends who are closest to me I feel most empowered and positive about my ability to provide support at what ever level I can. I read a statement from a 12 year old boy who had contracted aids and was brought to this country by an aid worker who adapted him, He said something like this: “I must do all that I can, with what I have, when I can.” His thought has resonated with me for a long time.

Kevin I agree. This is a difficult question and yet very simple in its essence. I have had the privilege of working my passion as an educator for almost 40 years. I was blessed on many levels. Retirement was bitter sweet. What has driven both my professional and personal life is that my time was/is defined by a sense of purpose and meaning. Finding our way takes work. I have spent the last 6 years working as a volunteer in a non profit. The opportunities for service are all around us and the needs only seem to be growing. I agree your counsel pray/meditate and listen to mentors, listen to your inner voice, and seek out opportunities. Sometimes by getting out of ourselves we learn our greatest lessons. Be well and take care.