Nowadays I take nothing for granted and I feel so stunned and deeply grateful because of the blessings that still exist for me , my family, and community everyday I wake up. I know around the world how fragile those blessings are for others. I help whenever I can daily to pay it forward.

I feel peaceful and whole. Able to embrace the day with calm and a positive outlook.

-the sky, those gorgeous clouds in a sunset
-the resilience of people in constant pain
-memories of my ancestors generosity and love
-my twin who doesn’t miss a day of paddle boarding
-a bird song
-the milky way

Right now I just embrace anything that keeps me in the moment. Even if it is fleeting. When I do I can be filled with gratitude for just seeing a bee or a Monarch butterfly alive and doing well. At the same time having hope that a vaccine is on the way and this too shall pass.

The power of anyone not telling the truth. I had no idea that a lie or concept could spread like wildfire.

That I am human and if I doubt I examine the doubt and see if it has merit. If not I explore it more deeply. In the end that which is unexplainable is left for me to keep having faith or not. Sometimes time will tell with patience about my faith. Sometimes just what my inner deep down heart and soul tells me is what I follow with trust.

Near the end of the day if I walk outside in nature and reflect on how the day went and take in what it feels like but regarding it all lightly. Right now it feels best with so many challenges just to be kind to myself and everyone else with each step forward.

Prayer in high anxiety times in the middle of the night, nature walks in the day , my bestfriends voice, and a loving touch from my husband to ease fear.

My son and my twin brother. How lucky can one person be? The odds of being born with another human and close for life. To know that another person remembers a whole childhood of details and life. My twin and I make sure we survive and flourish through all hard times. To have someone who has got your back is a blessing I am so grateful for. For a son who when born connected me in spirit with all of humanity.

Anyone who I pass by. Even when walking in the foothills a gentle wave of the hand or a nod of my head means a lot when we are all wearing masks. I touch a tree branch for comfort as I need compassion right now. The election is the big white elephant in my room. I am so concerned about who will win. Even when I know this too shall pass.

I am so grateful for so many things. Nature that brings me peace. The roof over my head that I feel safe in, being able to work from home. The doctors and nurses who are standing by in my hometown clinics and hospitals. All my neighbors wearing masks where ever I go for essential goods. For the good food to eat that still comes to the stores. The love of family and friends during this difficult scary time of the pandemic.

Peace today came when my husband held my hand and looked at me lovingly. This calmed my whole body as I have been so anxious about the outcome of our elections.

My religion is kindness.
Dalai Lama

When I touch my favorite tree I feel reverence and so at peace.
When I look at the Milky Way and star filled sky brings the same feeling. As I realize how small I am in the big picture of life. Which is so freeing as my ego floats away and is replaced by presence free of any burdens at least for that moment.

My grandmothers who immigrated from Italy. They are gone now but they always were happy .Making all the family feel loved even when their own lives were so difficult as they arrived dirt poor and very young in the USA.

When I was holding my newborn son in my arms for the first time. In that instant I felt a love for all of humanity that I have never felt so powerful in my whole time on this EARTH. I felt totally connected to everyone as a human. I felt changed as a person filled with empathy that hadn’t existed that deeply in me until I held my baby son.

Going outside is the best. Connecting with nature and reading a great book, learning and listening from friends, drawing and looking at all kinds of art. Listening to music from all over the world and birds singing. Slowing down to notice the world.

I really like these suggestions and questions Hot Sauce. I will use it and ask myself these questions when I need to review my motivations or make a decision.

I will send a prayer for you for strength and more help your way. I hope things ease up.