One of the few things that will allow you to have the strength to emerge through a tragedy, any tragedy, is a belief in something or someone greater than yourself. It’s really that simple. We are amazing, gifted, human beings We are capable of so many things. But at some point in EVERYONE’S life we all will experience the need to let go, and give our cries up to something or someone, greater than ourselves. We just can’t do it all on our own. Whether you believe in Christ, Buddha, Allah, or God, make a conscious effort to give it up, let it go, and believe that the universe is here for you. The key is to remain open. An open mind, and an open heart will allow you to see and feel the presence of that thing greater than you. This world is in such chaos now. Mother Nature seems to be very upset with us, gun tragedies are out of control, our family unit is lacking the cohesive bond we experienced decades ago. I can feel the stress of our world. I see it on the faces of so many people I pass by. We need to have faith. Faith that this world, our lives, are not all about ourselves. Faith, that we, as a universe, need to open our hearts up to needs of others. Without the “It takes a village mentality,” we not only are cheating others, we are cheating ourselves. The true gift of this life is the joy you receive when you help another. Share a smile, open a door, write a check, do a favor, put your arm around someone, and just listen. Don’t expect anything in return. Your gift, in return, is your heart full of gratitude, and love. The return will be when our world is a little more connected to one another. This isn’t meant to be thoughts on religion. In a way, we, as human beings, together are a religion. Our religion is and should be love. So much more “good” comes from giving and receiving that love.
EMMETT:
“Sometimes I wish Emmett didn’t have special needs. I wish special needs never existed.” said Gigi, a few days ago.
“Do you think Emmett feels that way?” she asked. After a few moments thinking about her quite meaningful question, I thought to myself. Maybe Emmett thinks we’re the ones with “Special needs.” Most of us have these crazy ups and downs. We suffer from our own self-inflicted emotions, good, bad or ugly. We over think absolutely everything. Our ability to just “be” is greatly limited. We are the one’s with all of the “needs” and “wants”, most of the time not so special.
He on the other hand, embodies all things good, all things great. He is happy just to “be.”
I came to the conclusion that if special needs, in fact, didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have Emmett. And THAT is the roundabout answer to Gigi’s question, ”Do you think Emmett wishes he didn’t have Special needs?” The answer is short and sweet, no.
Most days are spent in our usual routine. (That’s not a good thing or bad thing, it just is) That routine can be whatever WE choose it to be. The defining factor that allows our routine to be enlightened or at the very least, a little less mundane, is simply being present. “Being here now” Easier said than done. When we are truly involved, engaged, connected to ourselves and to others around us, life is a little sweeter. Just think about that the next time you find yourself rifting off in “Should’ve-Would’ve-Could’ve-Land.”
Save valuable time and space in your refrigerator. Turn your everyday salad into a jar of joy, SALAD IN A JAR. This is an Utterly brilliant idea, not mine, I’m afraid!
From BOTTOM to TOP:
A little bit Dressing (I love a traditional vinaigrette.)
Shredded carrots
Sliced cherry tomatoes
Chopped egg whites
Chopped roasted beets
Chopped spinach and chopped arugula.
DIRECTIONS
1) Arrange ingredients in a large mason jar
2) Store in fridge for up to a week
3) When ready to eat: shake jar, place on a plate, and eat. Or, if you are anything like me, save the plate and just grab a fork!
Remember, you can add anything you want, cucumbers, peppers, chopped almonds. Just remember to always put the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce at the top. This is a MUST.
*If you are making a few salads at a time for the week, you MUST remember to vacuum seal the Mason Jars. (Mason jars can be bought at various grocery stores) They must be vacuum sealed to remain fresh and crisp.
Regroup, recharge, restore, refresh, regenerate, revive, reinvigorate, reassure,
restart, reboot, recline, recollect, reconfirm, reflect,
refashion, rehabilitate, reinvent, refreshen, refocus, reclaim…..
+ Add “myself” after each word. This is what can happen if we “unplug” for just a day or two.
PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. Look up and see the world for all it can be.
“So mom, Do you want to know what I love about living in the world?” Asked my daughter. No, what? I replied. ”You can do anything you want, like play in the basement and do cartwheels, or play dress up, or sing songs……. I just sat in wonder of her.
“Do you know what I don’t like about living in the world?” ”You can’t hear what other people are saying about you.” ”I hate secrets, mom.”
“I hate secrets too Gigi.” I replied. 
Is this an angel? Do we “see” it because we believe? Do we “see” it because we are desperately looking for a sign? A sign of hope? A sign of peace? A sign of unity?
Whether you believe or not, it is awe inspiring to hear the world speak, once again, of God. Whoever God is to you.
Last night prayer conversation with Gigi.
“I don’t get how God lives in ALL of our hearts. He’s inside my body? Now wonder I’m hungry all the time. He eats all of my food.”
