Inspiration

Today’s Touchstones are messages like these.  With a quote and a reflection, they are meant to comfort, uplift, encourage, and inspire you. They often offer a suggested way to mindfully bring one or more of the gifts into the day.

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and with a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems to be upset." - Saint Francis de Sales

All too often, I've been in a hurry. My spirit has not always been calm. I know upset. But I also know peace. I want to maintain it within myself and foster it in all my relationships. I trust you do too. 

We may not reach "never hurry" or "never worry" but, with hope and reverence, let's let this healthy and wise precept guide our way and shape our days.

Toward peace,
Charlene

"Miracles happen every day. Change your perspective of what a miracle is, and you'll see them all around you." - Jon Bon Jovi

Yesterday I suddenly remembered the awesome miracle of holding my infant daughters in my arms. I remembered moments when the beauty of nature halted my breath. I remembered a time when a V-formation of migrating geese, honking and shining silver in the sky, brought me to tears.

Sometimes we see the world, see life, this way. With awe and wonder. With gratitude and joy. With reverence.

But too often, in our busyness, we hardly notice.

Today, let's notice.

With love, reverence, and compassion,
Charlene

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable. - Joseph Addison

Seeing the flower petals scattered along the pathways when I walk through this botanical garden on Sanibel Island stirs gratitude in my heart. And that appreciation leads me to more joy.

Along with spreading smiles and kindness today, let's keep our hearts open and receptive to beauty, courage, and compassion as well as to joy.

Notice when you feel gratitude and how joy accompanies it. Notice the degrees of joy you experience too. Joy can be large, loud, grand and sweeping like a great orchestra playing "Ode to Joy." Joy can also be like the softest purring of a new kitten.

JOY. It's always uplifting and wondrous, I say. What do you say about joy? What sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and textures stir joy for you? I'd love to hear from you.

Uplifted and hopeful,
Charlene