Good Thinking

I did not write this – but WOW does it speak to my heart!!! Worth the read.

“Barely the day started and… it’s already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it’s already Friday.

… and the month is already over.

… and the year is almost over.

… and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.

… and we realize that we lost our parents, friends.

and we realize it’s too late to go back…

So… Let’s try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time…

Let’s keep looking for activities that we like…

Let’s put some color in our grey…

Let’s smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left.

Let’s try to eliminate the afters…

I’m doing it after…

I’ll say after…

I’ll think about it after…

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don’t understand is that:

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold…

Afterwards, priorities change…

Afterwards, the charm is broken…

Afterwards, health passes…

Afterwards, the kids grow up…

Afterwards parents get old…

Afterwards, promises are forgotten…

afterwards, the day becomes the night…

Afterwards life ends…

And then it’s often too late….

So… Let’s leave nothing for later…

Because still waiting see you later, we can lose the best moments,

the best experiences,

best friends,

the best family…

The day is today… The moment is now…”

Shine On!

xo

Emergence

I want to introduce you to my dear friend Iris, by way of her blog which you can find here! While she’s not on WordPress like the rest of us, she’s got amazing insight to share and her post today had me immediately writing one to present her to you because I feel many of you will resonate with her messages.

The post I am referring to is titled On Loss, but after 9/11, perhaps it’s fitting that it should be now. (Fitting, the southern term – my Mom or her family must be around!) – because you know the veil is currently thin with the full moon in Pisces and six planets in retrograde etc. But alas, I get off subject…

What came to me after reading Iris’ post was: a deep harkening to the soul…be present it whispers…be grateful…take the time to listen, to hold sacred which is just what I’m planning to do today.

Many of us have suffered losses. I have many loved ones who have passed away and their love stays with me in the deepest part of my soul. Tucked away like a small reminder of what once was. A treasured memory now almost dusty, but still warmed by my soul’s affection for and with them.

Iris has another website as well so you can really get to know her which is thelightanddarkofday.com As someone who has benefited from her gifts, I can heartily recommend booking a session with her as she is warm, inviting and full of inner wisdom which radiates within us. Please tell her I sent you if you should decide to reach out to her. She can let you know what session would best benefit you. She’s been a dear friend to me, as well as an insightful companion and mentor. Her understanding of our world and its creatures as well as the humanity and heart of all that beats within is incredible. You will find yourself grateful for the gift of Iris as I do.

Shine On!

xo

Twenty One Years Ago Today

Does it seem like it happened twenty one years ago? Do you remember where you were? Because I do. I was teaching in my classroom. My class had left the room and the front office called to tell me what was going on. I quickly turned on the television as there weren’t any students in the room and watched the South Tower of the World Trade Center fall in real time. It was surreal to me and I remember how my mind couldn’t quite grasp the reality of what I was seeing at that very moment.

Students came back in for the next class I was teaching and I had to remain calm, but I was a little more than shaky. Luckily, at that time my students were still blissfully unaware of what was occurring and we forged on, business as usual. By later in the day word had spread as parents had come to take their children safely home. We had many parents who worked in NYC at the time and many at the World Trade Center. Some of those parents never came home, which was a tragedy that as a community we all mourned, along with their families.

I remember how my Mom used to talk about the day that JFK was shot and how everyone remembered that day and where they were. I feel that 9/11 is similar especially for those of us on the East Coast. It changed our world in ways that we still feel today…twenty one years later.

I still get teary on this day. I don’t know why, but I do. So on this quiet Sunday morning, I ask that you take a few moments in stillness with me for all of the souls who passed in this tragedy and for all of those who were so affected by it.

We have not forgotten. You are always remembered. God bless.

Shine On!

xo

Remember You Are Loved

There have been a few people in my life who have sadly taken theirs, so when I heard it was World Suicide Prevention Day, I felt it was important to honor it. Please accept my heartfelt hugs to those of you who know someone(s) who have chosen this path. For me, I know that any passing leaves a deep sadness in its wake, but somehow it seems a suicide feels more tragic to me, as if it were preventable on some level, even if we didn’t have control over it ourselves.

Preventing a suicide is key:

The key to me is to listen with an open heart and mind to those who are hurting. To care about them and let them know how much you care. To be with those who are hurting. To listen beyond what’s being said to what is silenced. To hold sacred space for them while encouraging their participation in this world. To gently take their hand and walk with them for as long as it takes. To be aware that ‘I’m fine” may not mean “I’m fine” in the way you want to believe it does. To always let people know you love and care for them and that you’re really here for them through thick and thin. They are never alone…

For those who are hurting:

To allow someone to hold our hands when we’re feeling low. To open up to trusted friends and family. To talk about it. To write about it. To get the feelings out when they are messy so that the despair doesn’t fill us up inside. To try. To share. To ask for help. To receive help. To believe that this will help us. To see beyond the present moment and ourselves. To realize there are other choices. To take baby steps towards healing. To feel the love that others have for us. To realize and know we are never alone. To think beyond that present moment as to how an potential action affects those around us and question how we can save ourselves and others. Because we can stay here and get help and feel better…

While I am not suicidal, we have all had low moments in our lifetimes I think and so we can understand how someone may feel in that moment…let’s make sure that all who inhabit our earth feel our heartlights shining so that we can help each and every person so that no one feels alone again.

Shine On!

xo

Two Hearts

I watched a movie on Netflix called Two Hearts. Have you seen it? While I don’t want to give away the story, nor the plot in case you’re interested, instead I’ll give you my takeaway from it. Because I cried while watching the movie because it hit home a few times.

“Life is short,” is a line we’ve heard time and again, but until we’re in that position of loss or grieving, we sometimes forget that nobody knows how long any of us have here on Earth. In an instant, circumstances can change dramatically and we are left without warning. Having lost many loved ones, I understand this, as you probably do as well. It isn’t easy when someone we love passes away, nor when we are battling an illness that makes life uncertain.

Regrets for words left unsaid or for those harshly delivered makes healing harder for those left behind. Focusing on the smaller annoyances and not seeing the bigger picture also play into guilt later on. Seeing the good in people and voicing your loving support is important – to the giver and to the receiver. Unfortunately, this may be a lesson learned a little too late for some people.

So here’s my gentle reminder – remember to reach out to those whom you love and cherish. Show your loving support so that you know that they know how you feel. Be mindful of how much of a difference you can make by your loving presence in someone’s life. We are all connected here. Plant seeds of kindness and watch them grow. Understanding and love are like Miracle Grow to people as they bloom when the supply of support, love and patience are delivered daily like sunlight.

Shine On!

xo

Heart and Soul

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you know I have written about the many life experiences I’ve had in order to connect with others. Making connections and helping others has always been the key to my writings. Well, that and talking about heartlights shining which at this point, I find even more curious since my heartlight is due for a shiny upgrade.

Being a breast cancer survivor, (now at the 20 year mark!), I thought that it would be smooth sailing from here on out. Apparently, my soul had signed up for a few more life experiences at earth school that I wasn’t aware I needed. So here I am, asking for your help, your prayers and your good thoughts, because open heart surgery is next on my schedule.

I know, shocking, right? It was to me, too. My entire life I’d known I had a heart murmur, low blood pressure and I would describe myself as a fainter (not often, but enough to not surprise myself that I faint at the sight of a needle etc.). It was my normal. However, it wasn’t normal. It was due to a genetically deformed aortic valve that I was born with – a bicuspid instead of a tricuspid valve that received more damage over the years by chemotherapy, radiation – and needs to be replaced now.

I’m not your typical heart patient. There are a multitude of complications to navigate for the cardiologists and luckily, they are prepping their strategies with the help from my previous doctors for hopefully the best outcome – a renewed heart.

So there it is – my latest news. I’ll admit that as the date gets closer, I get a bit more nervous. I’ve danced with the ‘what if I don’t make it’ through the surgery. I’ve battled the ‘I don’t want to have the surgery’ and I’ll take my chances. I’ve curled up in a ball and cried myself to sleep, feeling sorry for myself. I’ve had every emotion imaginable and ended up here.

Interestingly, here is where I am processing the letting go of fear. There’s something amazingly freeing at this point in my life to know that there’s a chance I will not make it through the surgery. It makes the last few days before it more meaningful, more urgent to share the truth of how I feel, most important to tell those whom I love and appreciate, how much they mean to me. I have nothing to lose.

Whether or not I make it through, I love that I am unafraid to speak my truth, finally…interestingly how the soul knows and I do not question life school anymore. I wanted to share this with you because you have all been on this blog journey with me over the years and I have appreciated your loving support, your help and your friendship. My life has been richer because of our connections. You have my sincerest love and gratitude for being you!

Keep shining your heartlights! I’ll be looking for them!

Shine On!

xo

Snake In The Grass

I took the puppy out this morning and found this snake in the grass. I have to admit, it gave me a fright because it’s the first snake I’ve seen here since we moved in almost five years ago! I’ve heard from the neighbors that there’s a really big snake that was sighted last summer, but I never had the luck in seeing it. Thank goodness for my lucky streak!

With luck continuing to be on my side, Buster was oblivious which was even better. I can’t imagine trying to wrangle a dangling snake out of his mouth in the wee hours of the morning before coffee! Who am I kidding – I would be screaming my head completely off and probably have a heart attack right there if that were to happen! I am not good with snakes at all!

Quickly, I refocused him to another part of the yard while I kept an eye on said snake. After he attended to his morning business, I daringly walked him near to where the snake had been. That’s when I noticed that the snake hadn’t moved from when I first saw it and realized that it was no longer alive. Whew. Sorry snake, but I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

I kept hoping that perhaps the hawk that dropped it (that’s my theory) would come back to retrieve it, but that never happened. All day I awaited one of the many predators outside to enjoy a free snack, I mean snake (haha), but unfortunately, none of them were interested in free take out. So I guess one of us will be removing him from the lawn sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, in the basement, another carcass was found, this time it was a mouse. What’s with Mother Nature today? Two wildlife deaths in one day? I wonder what the foreboding message is here. Any ideas?

When looking up dead snake spiritual meaning, I found this: A dead snake comes as an omen that somebody’s trickery, lies, and deceit has come to an end. Whether their attempts to manipulate or deceive you were successful or not may never be known. But, the dead snake’s omen endures regardless—you are leaving behind anxious times where trusting people was difficult, and now you are coming to a point in your life where you can count on and value the honesty on your inner circle.

When looking up dead mouse spiritual meaning, I found this: So a dead mouse in your house is not always an omen for something bad. It can be the message from the universe to pay attention, change the course of action, and see what opportunities there are coming your way. So when you find yourself facing difficulties in life or need guidance on how to live it better, look around for dead mice! They may have some important messages that will help you make decisions about your future.

Dead mice often see as symbols of death, especially when they appear out of nowhere or without any visible injury. Seeing dead mice is considered unlucky because it is indicative of someone dying soon – usually yourself! And this means that dead mice meaning should never be taken lightly because people do die suddenly from time to time even though there might not seem like anything wrong at first sight with them. Dead mice also represent people who have recently died so seeing one may mean that person has passed on and is no more in this world.

Others claim dead mice pieces are omens of a journey you need to undertake, and the dead mouse omen will be delivered by those who are either close or loved ones come to visit from the next realm. They want you to know they’re there for you, even after their physical death!

Some people believe dead mice represent journeys or new opportunities in life. So seeing them means your loved ones have come down from heaven with messages for you – either warning or welcoming news will soon surface! But before leaving, these spirits ask us never to forget about them because once you die out here, a lot of changes will take place.

In more general terms, dead mice mean someone’s death will soon come and it is time to fix things with the person because this might be your last chance!

Wow! Who know that there could be so many interpretations! Please feel free to deliver any messages you get from this post (if you get them) as I’d appreciate any insight you may have!

I hope you’re all having a lovely Saturday!

Shine On!

xo

Make A Joyful Noise

I awoke this morning before six am hearing:

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: It is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise: Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; And His truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 King James Version

I spoke along with my mind, knowing full well that today is the anniversary of my Mom’s passing and this was one of her favorite psalms. I laid there quietly with tears running down my cheeks, repeating the psalm that as children we said before bed every night with her, and in her last moments, we said at her bedside.

Of course you knew I’d be sad today because I loved my Mom. She was special. She was genuine and like me, she loved with her whole heart. But I miss her even more because I’ve been sick, and there’s nothing like a caring Mom to take care of you when you’re home sick. So I’m a bit more vulnerable today than usual.

But I miss her. I miss how she saw life and could absolutely make me laugh, even when I was sad. She saw through people’s baloney. She kept life real. Even with her condition, she didn’t forget some things that became funny over the years. She and my sister (in the photo) always had a good time wherever they went! Can’t you tell?

They made a JOYFUL NOISE and loved every second of it! That’s what life’s about – taking what you’re given and making the best of it. Being in the present moment and realizing the gift that is this precious present moment! I am thankful we had many of those over the years and that my sister and I continue the tradition together.

Thank you for reading today as my heartlight is grateful, but perhaps a bit dimmer than normal. Any love and light would be appreciated if you can spare some? Thank you in advance for sharing!

Shine On!

Xo

Tiffy Cat

Yesterday I picked up our sweet Tiffy from the vet. Her cremains were in a pretty wooden box that had a pale pink plaque with her name scripted on it. As well, there were her two front paw prints imprinted on a heart-shaped, white ornament that we can hang on our Christmas tree this year, as well as the certification that it was indeed our girl whose remains were in the box.

My sons and I unpacked her, tenderly holding what was left of our dearly departed cat. I’ll admit we all were teary as she was almost fourteen years old and had been with us from the beginning. It was the end of another chapter in our lives that we are going through together.

We’ve been through many changes together, my sons and me. Those difficulties have only bonded us closer together as we have endured many losses. I am proud of who they are and where we are as a family. I feel very blessed to be their Mom and even through these shared experience of losses, we have continued to grow together.

As we set Tiffy’s beautiful box next to our previous cat Chessie’s, our sweet Tigger whom we rescued seven years ago appeared. She sat on the floor facing the boxes, staring up at them. Her ears perked from time to time, but she remained still, her eyes looking up into the space where the boxes were.

I wondered if she felt their energies. If our Chessie and Tiffy were still here with us in spirit? If Tigger saw something that I could not? Or heard something that my ears were not able to hear? Or sensed something that I wasn’t noticing? Or if it was just a figment of my imagination that she was acting this way?

You know it has been said that cats can see spirits. Have you ever heard that? Have you ever heard that those who love us never leave us?

Either way, after a few minutes she went to cat nap in her bed. When she got up a little while later, she came over to snuggle with me. Pushing her head against me, marking me and reminding me that she is still here. Oh how grateful I am for her presence in our lives! I am sure it was a bit of an adjustment for her as well when Tiffy passed. She’s now the only cat here, and she seems to have begun to mimic some of Tiffy’s snuggling traits as well as meeting us at the door when we come home, which she hadn’t done before now. That was Tiffy’s job and she never failed to greet us enthusiastically!

While Tigger’s meow isn’t quite as bold as Tiffy’s, she seems to be practicing more often now. I guess it was easier when Tiffy spoke up for the two of them when it was time for treats. Now she has to speak up for herself.

Thanks for reading. I just wanted to let you know that Tiffy is back where she belongs, with her family who loves her. We are grateful for the years her loving presence was a part of our lives.

Shine On!

xo

You’ll Know When It’s Time

It has been a sad time at our home. Our fur baby Tiffany (Tiffy) has been sick for a few months now and I wasn’t able to write about it. But if you search for ‘Tiffy’ on my blog, you’ll find many posts about our resident cat expert in healing through ‘fur therapy’ as she has been with us almost 14 years, snuggling in our arms and hearts with her strong purr healing.

But the time has come and as I write, with tears streaming down my face, I can’t believe we had to say goodbye to her. Anyone who knows us will remember how chatty our Tiffy was as she never stopped talking/meowing to us until she got her way…and she did get her way more often than not. She and I spent every morning presently together, as she demanded to be held like a baby and snuggled after my first sip of coffee. I can’t even begin to describe how bereft I feel without my little love.

I wish I didn’t know when it was time. I wish I could have healed her so that she could have stayed with us longer. My heart is breaking without her here. My sons and I are feeling her absence as she was such a force of love here. I thought that when our first kitty Chessie (you can search for her too) passed that my heart broke wide open, but Tiffy’s loss has broken all of our hearts. Thank goodness we still have Tigger as I hope she is ready for her very needy family to get some fur therapy. May Tiffy have taught her well.

Fortunately, each precious kitty has her own set of strengths so perhaps we have to wait to see what Tigger’s are now that Tiffy has passed. Tiffy was a force to be reckoned with and so now Tigger will step up. I know it won’t be the same as each relationship is different, but as I sit here typing to you quietly, Tigger is next to me, somehow understanding that we need each other. Her calm quiet presence soothes me.

Thank you for letting me share. Keep shining your heartlights!

Shine On!

xo