It would be lovely if we could hear each other without the veil, really listen to each other. ‘Both/and’ conversations rather than ‘this or that’, or ‘my way or the highway’. What we could learn! My steps are to actively listen, be present with an open mind and open heart. Not sure what that’ll do, but I’m willing to keep on.

Walk gently. Breathe deeply. Allow my inner flame to direct me. Listen like I have no opinion. Smile. Rest.

Including laughter and play in my day. I do believe it’s working. :))

A few days ago, walking around a lake snuggled in fog, I stood in wonder as birds went about their morning, chattering on about this and that. Watched squirrels rediscover some plump acorn snack, romping about, whizzing up and down tall trees and skittering across the forest floor. Reminds me how being present in the moment changes my perspective as well as opens my eyes and heart anew to the necessity of play in my life.

By putting one foot in front of the other. Looking up with an open heart and open hands. Prayer and meditation. Listening to my intuition instead of ignoring it. Letting go of what’s holding me back. And not necessarily all or in this order either. Happy 2021!!

The one I find rekindling my inner light during dark days is God/Divine with skin. Sometimes it is the face of someone I love, someone I know; however, some of the most profound inner lightings have been gifted through short conversations with strangers and random acts of kindness. I express my gratitude daily through prayer, a smile, a simple ‘thank you’, or actively listening to another who just needs to be heard.

Self-compassion. In these last many, many months with no employment, having to ask for help to stay afloat, and enduring skepticism because I do not match or agree others’ expectations (including mine), I learned that I am worthy just as I am, as a child of God/Divine, and that when I treat myself with compassion, I am accepting the gifts of grace and faith, the belief to keep looking up. And the best, I now have something I can give away to others, with love and no conditions.

Current outside weather is sunny with a cool breeze. Reminds me that while the outside weather will flex, my inside weather, my heart, directs my being, and my mood. Today my heart feels playful and joyful so I’m going to engage life while I have the opportunity!

Being present in the moment is a wellspring of joy.

Living gratefully opened my mind and my heart to find joy and light in all I take inside. Gratitude is slowly transforming past damage and trauma into a kaleidoscope of color, hope, possibility, and a belief that I, too, matter. One of the most positive fruits of gratitude I experience is the ability to love myself enough to love others without losing myself. Priceless.

The level of denial, fear, and anger that are cresting over this pandemic. Wow! Thank goodness for prayer and gratitude to keep me grounded in the here and now, in reality.

When I adjust my perspective to see the positive and be where my feet are, I can find joy. Especially during these tough times, when I need a lot of WD-40 to loosen the internal gears and fears, expanding on my gratitude list provides the much needed push to shift my perspective upward.

I bring forth my most generous self by giving my time to another in need of a friend to listen unconditionally. I don’t know what others receive from this, but just being available and open makes my heart sing.

I am thankful for all frontline workers, healthcare professionals, first responders, and military personnel (past and present) whose service makes life possible.

When I remember to not take everything personally, I am able to step back and realize that what someone says or does is about them. In this space I find my heart and mind opening, and compassion for another human being appears.

Thank you for this, Kevin. I needed to hear it this morning.

I hear you, Lauryn! Redwoods are comforting old souls.

Happy New Year, Cheryle!