Footprints On My Heart

 

 

 

 

Francois Mauriac
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.

 

 

 

My life has been blessed by good friends, acquired sisters, and finally a love that lasts.

All individuals crossing my path, however briefly, are captured in my heart.  Those who once appeared to be judgmental of me, have eventually revealed themselves as teachers.  The challenge is often in retaining the  lesson.  I am thankful for those who give so generously from their hearts. 

 

Life taught me how to detach, to protect my self from pain, not realizing in doing so, one also locks out love and appreciation from others.  It is written somewhere that God continues to break open our hearts, over and over again, to allow our hearts to fully heal.  I realize I have been a hard heart to crack. 

 

In finally loving my self, I have attracted a life long companion to share love, life, and its challenges.  To celebrate the survival of our ups and downs, we will board a ferry taking us to Sunset Island a short distance away.  Here we will enjoy a twilight dinner on the ocean's edge.  We will watch the sun go  down trusting it will rise again in the morn.  Such is our relationship, feeling love between us, trusting it will rise again in the morn.

 

For all of those who have loved me or not, I  extend love on this Valentine's Day for the past, present or future role played in my life.  I readily assure you, once you have been present even with storm or strife, your footprints on my heart will be forever more.



 

 



The Higher the Climb, The Greater the Fall

I don't ever remember them telling us or teaching us that the only way we could be more successful is if other people were less successful.  They never inculcated the belief that somehow, in order for us to climb the ladder, other people have to come down from the ladder.   ~ Mark Rubio


When I was a child, a priest or minister spoke the words of God and therefore, never questioned.  The family doctor's diagnosis was not to be scrutinized and never would a family seek a second opinion.  Politicians ruled the world without being held responsible for decisions nor actions.

In today's world, the internet is a super highway for information.  Very little happens or goes undetected, leaving very little room for moral discretion.  It is my observation that the more public you are, the greater the risk of both temptation and discovery.

We are all human beings which equates to having both strengths and weaknesses.  The trouble seems to begin with the ego becoming inflated creating an attitude of being above others and not having an equal playing field.  Phrases like, "It's a dog eat dog world," does not hold truth for me.

Years ago, I read a magazine article about two men who were both millionaires ... I suppose by now they are both billionaires.
One millionaire reflected a world of success but 'beating out' others and competiveness requiring him to 'step on other peoples toes'.  It was no surprise to read that he felt it was very lonely on the top and continuously felt the need for high security as protection from younger partners, competitors, and employees.  The other millionaire stated how thankful he was for loyal employees and grateful for his mentors.  He claimed that his success had been a group effort which he could have never accomplished on his own.  He reciprocated kindness to workers who fell on hard times, by paying unexpected medical bills or assisting with other life challenges.  Once when the economy took a dive, he was destressed to lay workers off for a week, but repaid them with bonuses when times turned good.  When one of the factories burned to the ground, the majority of the employees voluntarily appeared every day to help with the clean up and new construction.  When asked, employees shared their sense of family within the business.

As human beings, we all have choice.  We each decide how we want to navigate through life.  Those few who make it to the top of the ladder with ego billowing in the clouds seem to eventually topple ... politicians, men of the cloth, doctors, athletes, and even you and me.  There is nothing wrong with competition, if it is honest.  There is nothing wrong with being driven as long as it hurts no one.  It is lonely at the top of the ladder only when we have lost touch with our fellow human beings.

If we truly respect each other, celebrate our diversity, and maintain a personal code of conduct surely our world could be thriving, healthy, and peaceful.  If we join our ladders together we reduce the risk of a great fall.

Through the Eyes of the Innocent Child

 

 
 
Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

- Oren Arnold

With child like innocense, we can easily observe the magic of the season.  Some of us are more comfortable using the term synchronicity for the impecable timing of people, places, and things coming together with an unexpected and unexplainable connection.

With our heart open, we are available to more experiences with friends, neighbors and strangers.  It is during this holiday season that we are more apt to greet others with a warm smile or a gesture of kindness.

When we have been emotionally or physically wounded, we have the tendency to protect ourselves from further harm.  We may hide behind imaginary armor not realizing we are robbing ourselves of the experience of sincere and honest relationship.  The armor keeps others 'out', but also keeps our pain in.  We can be stubborn like a child.

When we view experiences through the eyes of the innocent child, the holidays can be more playful.  Forgiving and tolerating friends and family tends to be easier and leads to healing.  To serve others by giving of our personal time or financial support creates a stronger sense of dignity and integrity within us.  When we assist others, we also help our selves.

The holidays can be a very challenging time which opens the door to opportunity for deep cleansing and release.  We can begin to prepare our welcoming for genuine love and acceptance in the new year.  Activate artistic expression and visualization through the eyes of the innocent child.