It's not

always what it looks like!  Recently a friend of mine was in a store at the end of a very long day.  She was with her daughter, who was much more tired than she.  My friend had asked her daughter to wait for her in the car and rest, but, of course, the girl said she was "fine!"  So my friend started shopping for the 3 things she needed.  Of course, they were in all different places in the store.  Her daughter was dragging pretty quickly, so she suggested she go and rest in the car.  "No, I am fine." said the girl.  I will shorten the story by saying by the time they were gathering up the last grocery, the girl was not in a great mood.  Neither was the mom.  So, the mom, tired and frustrated, raised her voice at her beloved daughter, and took her to the car.  Then, she returned to finish the little bit of shopping she had left.  The employees in the area where she had been with her daughter treated her as if she was a child abuser.  Let me tell you, this women has been through a lot with this child, loves her dearly, and was wiped out herself.  What I want to say is that compassion is always better than judgement.  If a situation is dire, that is a different situation.  But, before we rush to that judgement, lets think with our hearts!

Always be

authentic.  I have had friends through the years who were whatever they needed to be.  Heck, I have been the same.  But the times I have felt the best is when I have been exactly who I was heart and soul.  We all have such goodness inside us and such unique qualities to show the world.  I wish we were given more permission, at a young age to realize this before we are put in the box.  I had a friend who was wildly creative, such a kind and wonderful person, out to conquer the world until he got stuffed in a small, tight box and there was only one way to escape.  Don't let that happen to you!  For today, and ongoing, I would like to see us celebrate our essence.  There is so much good stuff in there.  And being unique, in my opinion, is the BEST thing we can be.

Welcome Sri Lanka

You are country #40! Please come back and join us! 

Poverty and

race.  A dear friend and I have been having some lengthy discussions lately about all the violence that has been in the news.  We have been talking about what part poverty takes in the mix.  We have come to the conclusion that poverty is a powerful thing.  It takes away hope, and cuts us down to the core.  It makes us feel afraid and mad.  It makes us feel like an animal trying to get out of a cage.  I haven't been in poverty, but I have had years of going from pillar to post just trying to get by.  The reason I say I haven't been in poverty is that some way I got through it.  Many people are caught in this cycle.  It causes irrational behavior because we are trying to just get what other humans take for granted.  In many places, poverty is disproportionate in the black populations, however, many other people suffer from it, too.  The combination  of poverty, being desperate, and being treated unfairly has to be a horrible experience.  We have to start somewhere.  Money needs to be allocated to cleaning up these areas.  Minimum wage, and jobs need to be addressed.  Most of all, since we are all precious valuable citizens, we need to be treated as such.  Yes, Republicans, money can be made from all this.  People will invest time and energy when they work and live in a place they can be proud of. We MUST to invest in them, first! 

Find

your own pace.  It seems like my life has been either do little and be slow about it or mad frantic. Lately, though, for the most part, I have found a pace that is right for me.  It sure feels better than the alternative.  If I need to go to the store, I don't go when I am in a giant hurry, nor do I do this at the bank because inevitably, I get into the crazy line and wait while everyone else flies through theirs.  Lesson learned!  I think I do better when I am not rushing through things anyway.  I do not do a good job, and I become impatient.  That is not good for us on many levels.  So, think about what YOUR personal pace is.  Think about when it FEELS GOOD to move around.  Think about when you feel happy to do stuff.  Maybe we could alleviate some hypertension. Flow with me!

4 for 4

I know that I am piggy backing on yesterday's post, but this is important stuff.  All my peeps are well as of today!  All my closest loved ones are feeling good!  It took me a while to get my priorities straight.  If you don't have your health, nothing else matters.  You can be young and rich, but if you have a life-threatening disease and die, the money doesn't matter except maybe you will have a lavish funeral.  So every day, I ask for health above all, for myself, those I care about, and frankly for everyone.  If you are healthy, all is possible.  So I am celebrating "4 for 4 day!"  Celebrate with me! 

Good News Friday!

Several of my close loved ones have been experiencing health issues recently.  As you know that can be frightening.  I am pleased to say that we are two for three, as you would say in baseball talk, as of this moment.  Nothing is harder for me than to see people sick. I can hold them in the light, but ultimately, it is up to.... So, today, I am having a "Gratitude a thon" for these dear ones, and all who are recovering.  I am also shining the light on all those who are dealing with any sort of health issue.  I have been there.  Let's ALL stop for a moment and wrap them in light, and don't forget to put ourselves in there, too!.