How I can be a better human to those suffering right now. I am trying with an open heart and mind to understand and learn suffering from a different perspective so that I may be a better advocate.

By turning my focus to here and now rather than the what ifs of the future. By paying attention to the moment and finding beauty, goodness, sadness, anger whatever it may be and recognizing it, learning from it and finding the good in it.

The very fact that I was granted the gift of living through this day. I do try my very best to serve in some way every day, could be as simple as a smile, showing patience and understanding to helping those in need.

The way we treat each other.

To me, to live wholeheartedly is to live with others in mind. Being accepting, compassionate, willing and ready to lend a hand, an ear, to be patient and understanding.

I was a gymnast for 17 years and learned early on that if I wanted my body to perform for me I need to care for it, physically, mentally and spiritually. During pregnancy, although I was very sick with both of my boys, I was amazed that my body could harbor and grow a little human. I am fortunate to be active and healthy still at the age of 54 and I know for a fact it is because of the habits I developed early on learning the importance of listening and caring for this temple of mine.

By being kind, compassionate and understanding.

Come for a visit, I’ve missed you!

My Mother-in-law. She has been a positive light in my life since the day I met her. She encourages me to want to be as helpful and kind as she is and has taught me to find the good in everything.

I feel like I have more time to accomplish things on my to do list, not having to rush through them to get them done, however, I also realize that if I don’t get my tasks completed there is always more time tomorrow.

Everything! Life is much easier when you lend a helping hand or have some help!

My Aunt, and Godmother. I spoke with her yesterday, we caught up and reminisced about times we were together.

Anyone who I pass judgement on.

These moments seem to appear at different times. It can be times that I feel eternally grateful and even in times of despair. It can be a smile from a stranger or a hug from a friend. Also in moments when I notice the beauty around me.

It can’t happen today, and I might not be able to do it this year as I’m in the midst of packing up and moving to a different state, but my new home has a huge backyard and I would love to have a vegetable garden.

Self Acceptance, I’m always seeing the good in others but fail to see the good in myself.

A different point of view. A struggle that is not my own. A perspective that I may not have noticed. A need different than my own. It makes me more compassionate, more grateful, more understanding and perhaps tolerable.

We are moving, again. It’s our fourth move in 16 years. From the Northeast, to 2 different cities in the the Mid-West, to the South ….currently heading back up North. A little closer to our roots. Although most of our family has moved from the Northeast and we made each city we lived in feel like home, I feel the possibility of finally coming full circle and returning to that place that deep in my heart I have always been trying to replicate.

By being grateful for who I am and the experience that I have had helps me realize all that I am capable of.