“Makes no difference who you are…”
– Leigh Harline and Ned Washington

It’s true. It makes no difference.

“Makes no difference who you are,” goes the song, “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Jiminy Cricket sings it in the film, Pinocchio.

The message is meant for all of us. We all deserve to have dreams. And when they come from our hearts, they can come true.

Another true message for all of us is demonstrated by Coco, the kitten in the photo with her security blanket, “Fishie.”

Everyone needs to feel safe and secure. We all deserve to be safe and secure. We all deserve to have dreams and be free to follow them.

Let’s do all we can to assure safety and the freedom to be oneself, for ourselves and for all. This includes fostering respect and reverence within ourselves and cultivating then in our culture. How might we do this?

Here are some ways to consider:

Practice mindfulness and compassion for oneself.

Notice when thoughts about ourselves and others are harsh. Get into the habit of then pausing, taking a few slow, deep breaths, and saying something like, “I forgive myself for judging myself and others as not good enough, bad, worthless, dumb, lazy, weak, stupid, ugly, or whatever negative label we are using.”

Apply love like a healing balm for our hearts. One way to do this is by placing our hands over our hearts, close our eyes, intend to have love flow into our hearts, and stay in this position until subtle or strong warmth is felt.

Avoid all books, films, games, conversations, and situations that celebrate and encourage meanness.

Perform at least one deliberate act of kindness every day.

Smile often.

Another activity to try and possibly make a habit is to remember that every person we see and encounter was an innocent, trusting, playful toddler. Take this further by, as best we can, “seeing” at least one person each day as they sweet child they once were. Imagine getting in touch with the young child we were. Stir love and compassion for the children we were and the child we aim to see in others, in all.

Pray for increased love and respect flowing among us all.

Reach inside for courage and strength every time we feel reluctant, shy, afraid, not important enough, or any other limiting perspective that holds us back from doing the right thing and from following our dreams.

I wish you deep sleep and beautiful dreams, the REM kind and the make-a-difference-in-the-world kind. I wish you peace and hope too.

With love,
Charlene

The eighth gift is IMAGINATION. May it nourish your visions and dreams. – from The Twelve Gifts of Birth

This entry was posted on June 7, 2020, in Compassion, Courage, Hope, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Prayer, Reverence, Spirituality, Strength, Tools, Touchstone.

Hi there friends, long time and new.
I’m sending good thoughts,
praying too,
as I wish for you
health and hope,
and the courage to cope.
Actually, there’s more.
I’m wishing you’ll soar.
Beyond surviving.
I see you thriving.

I believe in the gifts and talents in you.
I believe in your goodness and you being you.

Each morning, each day
may joy come your way.
with strength and compassion
and peace that will stay
bringing sweet dreams for deep sleep
that lasts through the night.
And for the day,
may peace be your light,
and guide the way,
for you to be you,
living the dreams and doing the good
your heart longs to do.

Charlene

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work; you don’t give up.” ~ Anne Lamott

Hope is always present, in the dark and in the light. It stands ready to be called upon, even when we feel hopeless.

Hope opens windows and doors, allowing light, fresh air, and entry into other places. 

Hope lifts us. Sometimes ever so slightly. Sometimes to great heights.

Hope energizes and empowers us.

Hope helps healing. It may even help us live longer, some studies show. “It will help all live better,” says Dr. Jerome Groopman. “It’s critical that we be absolutely intentional about nurturing hope in our lives, ” says Naomi Drew.

So, let’s feed hope.

Here are a few ways to do that:
Be kind to yourself.|
Take deep breathing breaks.
Curtail the intake of news reports.
Read, watch, and listen to uplifting stories.
Remember times when confusions became clear, troubles were resolved, and good things came in unforeseen ways.
Use positive affirmations.
Smile.
In all circumstances, let’s be kind to ourselves and one another.

Remaining hopeful,
Charlene 

THE FIFTH GIFT IS HOPE: Through each passage and season may you trust the goodness of life. – from The Twelve Gifts of Birth.