I don’t say that deep inside you there isn’t fear, shame, despair, anxiety or some other member of that dark, dreary, hopeless family of nasties. I do say that whatever else you have in there, you also have light, cheer, wit, strength, humor and their cousins. Having felt all around and having watched carefully, having been in touch with other explorers, it seems pretty clear that the nasties will win a few rounds, maybe even a whole season.
But remember your allies, your strength and your heritage. Your greatgrandmother’s greatgrandmother had a rough time, too. But she noticed the beauty of the sun, the moon, the clouds. She realized that even with her eyesight limits and her silhouette, her memory and her school grades, she could detect love in the world. She realized in the depth of winter that owls were making babies and farmers were planning their plantings. She gave a smile of appreciation to the young mother balancing three little kids and a budget while trying to get the groceries to the kitchen.
Every time you go up those steps, you are lifting your full weight with just one leg. Every time you tense those muscles, you are reminding your body of its power. Every time you find and relax that tension, you are back in tune with your whole self: muscles, yes, but nerves, senses and brain powers, too.
Every time, you give your neighbor a wave, your children’s teachers a smile, the benefit of a doubt to others, every time you choose life, cheer, and sympathy for others victories as well as pains, you are increasing the good of the world. Every time you notice the habitual training you give yourself to be fearful, resentful or ashamed, and interrupt that routine to put it gently aside, you are increasing the world’s supply of love and strength. That’s the same world I live in and I am writing this note of gratitude.
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Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety
