Reason, Season and a Lifetime

A teacher is a candle who spends their whole life giving light to all of their students.

I never knew there was a World Teacher Day until I saw it on my calendar, so here I am. Because as a retired Spanish teacher, and a blogger who uses – SHINE ON – to end her posts, well, it was only fitting for me to write today.

Perhaps though I’ll go in a bit of a different direction. Because I think that the world is our classroom and all of her inhabitants are our teachers. Each relationship we have teaches us something else. We learn much from the people in our lives. That poem about reason, season or lifetime seems fitting at this juncture. We are blessed to learn something from each relationship we are in. I found this poem by Brian A. Chalker which I think explains it very well. Read on…

Reason, Season and a Lifetime

People always come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are. They are there for a reason, you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.

LIFETIME, relationships teach you a lifetime of lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway), and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being part of my life…..

My heartfelt gratitude to all of you with whom I have been in contact, had a relationship, and learned from as my teachers. You have shaped my life in amazing ways and I am truly grateful for all of you.

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

Sunday Blessings

Happy Sunday!  I hope your day was filled with love, peace and goodness!  I stopped by a local farmer’s stand today and purchased the flowers above.  Does anyone know what type they are?  Are they zinnias?  The pot contains light pink, dark pink and orange blooms which just looked so perky to me that I had to get them.  The best part?  They love full sun which is key for me and they were on sale!!  Don’t you love to help out the local Mom and Pop stores and get to bring home a pot of sunshine to your home?

Well, at least that’s how I feel!  But that wasn’t the only blessing I enjoyed today.  I braved going to the grocery store to pick up a few items and while I was there, I observed a man, probably in his early thirties, staring blankly at the feminine products on the shelf.  So I approached him because he looked befuddled.

“Do you need any help?” I asked as I walked up to him.

“Yes, please.  I need to buy unscented, heavy pads with no wings.”  He pointed to the array of products on the shelving, “But I am not sure what is what.  Can you help?”

“Of course,” I answered him and we began looking to find what he needed.

“My wife sent me.”

I smiled and told him what a good husband he was to go to the store for her.

“We found out she was pregnant on Friday at the doctor’s office, but now she’s bleeding.”  He looked at me with a forlorn look and I just wanted to reach out to hug him.

“Have you called the doctor?” I cautiously asked.

“Yes, but she can’t see him until tomorrow.  It’s our first and we’re a bit scared that she’s already losing the baby.  I mean, we’re not sure, but…”  His voice trailed off.

“Well, then let’s get these pads for her now so you can get home to be with her,” I answered and found exactly what he needed.  I took the package off the shelf and handed it to him.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.  You are my angel.  I couldn’t find the pads that fit her description.”

“I’m glad to help.  I’m sorry to hear about what you’re going through and I hope that all is ok for you both.  I will keep you in my prayers.”

“Would you really?” he asked as his eyes looked a bit teary.

“Yes I will.  I’d be happy to do whatever I can to help.  I wish you both all the best.”

“Thank you.  You were really nice.  I needed that today,” he said as. he looked straight at me.

“You know what?  So did I.”

As he turned to leave, I thought of the Sunday blessing we’d just had because two strangers bonded for a moment in a grocery store.  Life is full of little opportunities that drop in unexpectedly and we never quite know how a momentary kindness can help someone else.

So that’s why I called the post, Sunday Blessings because he made me feel good to help him and to add someone else to my prayer list.

Shine On!

xo

Angels Walk Among Us

Throughout my lifetime, I have been blessed. I know this and I don’t take it for granted. In fact, I want to celebrate it so that you can see it in your lives too! Because when we see with a grateful heart, we understand that we are never alone. God sends us angels in all different forms to help us along the way. Strangers who become friends. People who go out of their way for others whom they don’t know. Information and synchronicities that come out of nowhere that are the key to unlocking certain situations. Wisdom that’s shared simply because it will help someone else. Do you see what I mean?

These human angels walk among us. Have you ever wondered how you got the right person on the phone when you were trying to fix something? Or noticed a stranger in line at the grocery store doing something so kind and it makes your day? Have you ever been nudged to reach out to someone to help them? Why, that’s God’s way of expanding his angelic kindness through us!

If you’re not a believer in God, but perhaps in Mother Nature’s infinite wisdom or the Universal Laws or something else, I feel as if it is all similar when we connect with kindness with others. Can you feel it?

Since the start of this next chapter with my heart, I have met so many angels along the way that it’s been amazing. The Divine Timing of our meet cutes has been extraordinary. But I know (big inner smile) that there’s a soul plan here at work. It’s not by chance most likely. It’s got more of an angelic feel to it and I am relishing in all of it.

For when we are grateful, when we acknowledge the blessings, we open our hearts/minds/souls to more of the same. When we receive with grace, we can also give out and flow with the loving energies that are so healing.

Not just now, but throughout my life, angelic humans have made their presence known to me, helping me when needed in extraordinary ways. My sister and I have had many of these experiences and we are so grateful to continue to have them. We marvel at each encounter which solidifies our thinking.

So I hope that if you are nudged to get out of your comfort zone to connect with someone else that you will not hesitate. Sometimes we are the catalyst for joyfully changing someone else’s life and that’s the best feeling ever! For those of you, who like me, have been the recipient, let’s continue to pass it along, spreading kindness and love with each personal encounter.

Our world aches to grow in love so let’s feed it! Keep shining your heartlights for we can see them!

Shine On!

xo

The Gift of Choice

In my last post I asked you about making lemons into lemonade…then, I found this inspiring woman and had to share her story with you. She’s got her heartlight lit and shining for all to see and I just love that about her. Her honesty, her humor, her way of seeing life’s challenges will summon your inner strength and renew your spirit.

Isn’t that what sharing is all about in this life? Each of us learning from the other person’s experiences, holding hands and helping each other over the rough spots? Making lemonade and sitting on the porch on a warm afternoon together, sharing the moment of peace? Knowing that someone’s supporting you through the hard times is a priceless gift and one that I always appreciate.

It’s always about how you look at the situation that you’re in. The GIFT OF CHOICE is yours to do with how you wish…so, now let me introduce you to Kathy…

A living example of turning lemons into lemonade, Kathy inspires people to determine their life’s course by sharing her own stories of hardship and self-discovery. She is an active volunteer for causes close to her heart, and volunteers at many children’s charities including No Limits, a non-profit organization for children who are deaf and hard of hearing

https://www.kathybuckley.com

Keep shining your heartlights my friends and making that delicious lemonade!

Shine On!

xo

Jersey Roots

As you may remember, I’m a Jersey Girl. Born and raised in New Jersey. Bruce (Bruce Springsteen) is pretty famous here. He lived in my town for awhile. I’ve met him a few times. We’ve actually got a few friends in common. Whenever we’ve met he’s been nice and not pretentious at all. A normal man who doesn’t act like he’s a celebrity or deserves special treatment. Just a kind person…and that counts for a lot in my book.

It’s been a few years since I’ve watched the Superbowl, but I’ve always loved the commercials. This one was no exception and in tribute to my Jersey roots (and to Bruce’s), I wanted to share it with you. Because there’s a feeling of hope, calm, caring and even love in this commercial. What do you think of it?

“There’s a chapel in Kansas standing on the exact center of the lower 48. It never closes. All are more than welcome to come meet here in the middle,” Bruce says. “It’s no secret, the middle has been a hard place to get to lately, between red and blue, between servant and citizen, between our freedom and our fear.”

“Now fear has never been the best of who we are. And as for freedom, it’s not the property of just the fortunate few. It belongs to us all, whoever you are, wherever you’re from. It’s what connects us, and we need that connection,” he continues. “We need the middle. We just have to remember the very soil we stand on is common ground. So we can get there. We can make it to the mountain top, through the desert, and we will cross this divide. Our light has always found its way through the darkness. And there’s hope on the rode up ahead.”

Our light has always found its way through the darkness.

Shine On!

xo

Wishing You Love And Joy

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Blessed Christmas filled with so much love and joy!

I pray you enjoy a day that reminds you of all of the blessings we have to be grateful for surrounded by loving memories of those who cannot be with us today. I am reminded in the still of the morning with my sweet children asleep in their beds that these are the small blessings, the amazing moments that are to be cherished.

So hold your loved ones closely. Life is precious. Be the love and joy you wish to feel in this world. As always, keep shining your heartlights! You are loved!!

Shine On!

xo

The Christmas Spirit Is In Action

I adore the Christmas Spirit which comes during the holiday season!  It warms my heart when people are nicer, more thoughtful and loving.  I appreciate the extra kindness that arrives when generosity of spirit reigns.  How I wish we would continue the spirit of Christmas throughout the year!

Being kind doesn’t require anything spectacular.  It is simply being aware of those around us and being thoughtful of how others may be feeling.  There are many lonely souls who are quietly experiencing Christmas alone.  Neighbors, friends and even those who are in old age homes.  It doesn’t take much to reach out in a friendly manner to let them know that they are being thought of at Christmas.

A small card can make a difference, especially to those who have Alzheimer’s.  Even though they may not fully be aware that Christmas is upon us, to receive a card makes all the difference in the world.  I know that from experience.

Yesterday I brought cards to the Alzheimer’s home where my loved one resides.  As I am a frequent visitor, I bought a pack of Christmas cards and made one out for each of them.  It was a simple heartfelt gesture on my part, but the result made my heartlight grow tremendously.

As each lady received her card, she smiled.  While they recognize me, they do not remember my name, but they know I belong to my loved one who is one of their friends.  I had brought extra in case I had inadvertently forgotten someone and I was glad I did.  I ended up making a few extra cards right there when I realized I was to deliver a card to a lady who was seated with two others whom I really didn’t know and I wasn’t sure if they were aware.  But sure enough, they were.

Quickly, I went back and wrote the cards for the other two ladies and then delivered them.  I smiled and as I handed the newly written card to one woman in particular, her chin wobbled.  “I hope you didn’t think I’d forgotten you!  Here’s your Christmas card!  Merry Christmas!” I cheerily said to her.  She smiled at me and I walked back to my loved one’s table.

A few minutes later, this particular lady appeared, having summoned one of the workers to bring her to “that lady who gave her the card.”  As she sat in her wheelchair she was teary and said, “Thank you.  This was the nicest card ever.  It means a lot that you thought of me.”  That moment of a small action on my part touched her and it meant the world to me.  I reached out to hug her and I got teary too.

While some may think that just because those with Alzheimer’s don’t remember a lot, it doesn’t mean that a kind gesture doesn’t touch their hearts.  While I am not naive enough to think that those cards may not make it back to their rooms to sit on their dressers, it’s that moment that counts.  That moment of Christmas spirit, connection and as a result of a small action, ties two hearts in harmony.

So if you’re contemplating sending a small batch of cookies to an elderly neighbor or sending a card to someone, my advice is to do it.  There’s nothing like the magic of Christmas to make this world a better place.

Shine your heartlights my friends.  Together our lights ignite the sparkle that grows the Christmas and Hanukah spirit!

Shine On!

xo

Light, Love and Faith

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

~~~~♥~~~~

“I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 

~~~~♥~~~~

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

~~~~♥~~~~

Quotes above by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of the holiday today.

I think we could all use a bit of inspiration!

Shine On!

xo

You Never Know Who You’ll Touch Just By Being You

Recently, the world lost a feisty Mom (Rest In Peace Deanna).  While Deanna and I never met, her daughter and I have been blogging friends for years.  So when Rhonda announced her Mom’s passing, I received the privilege and honor of learning that “your blog was appreciated by her more than you’ll ever know.”

I can’t even begin to tell you how full that sweet comment made my heart.  I am humbled.  I am honored.  I am grateful.  I am even surprised for sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading – and then I feel badly that I don’t write as much as I once did.

Our time here on Earth is limited dear friends.  Even if we don’t understand how, we are all connected.  Love knows no bounds and can travel at light speed to heal and to share in the happy and sad times.  Our only legacy is the love and connections that we make while here.  We are remembered through the shared experiences we have with everyone.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~ Maya Angelou

It’s a new year with many resolutions on the horizon.  Might I suggest one to you that is free, but its reward is endless?

Please shine your heartlights!

Please connect positively when you can.

Be the person who lights up the room with kindness and love.

Have patience and compassion.

Kindness and caring are more valuable than gold.

Smile and make the extra efforts in all that you do today.

You never know who you’ll touch…by just being you!

Shine On!

xo