I am not sure what the heck is going on with this world. I sometimes think I will wake up and discover it was a dream. The uncertainty of our lives is being challenged everyday. I do how ever know that I do not want to be associated with people chanting they want the president to die or that only women matter. I was shocked to see how many women protested in Washington DC on Saturday. I am not against peaceful protest, but from what I saw I am not sure people were united in what they were protesting against. I would prefer to channel my energy into making a difference through organizing charities or community service that unite women towards goals they want to reach. I wish they would let go of their hate and be grateful for the freedom we have in this country.
I learned a valuable lesson from cancer. Our life can change in the blink of an eye. Twenty years ago I awoke to what was an ordinary day that ended with your husband has cancer. We talk about pulling the rug out from under us. My family was devastated and to hear people say they can't go on, because they don't like the president is beyond my comprehension. We may not like his views or tone of voice, but democracy prevailed and our lives go on. And so did our life continue twenty years ago, even though my husband was given a bleak outlook. After the shock we eventually returned to living. We enjoyed the years of remission until the cancer returned. Then the rug was pulled out from under us again. No one likes uncertainty or upsetting the apple cart, but we learn the hard way that in order to move on we channel our anxiety and fears towards new goals. We must not waste energy on what we can not control and focus on living in the moment.
I remember as a child that we did not worry about what was happening in the world. We thought about school, playing and dreaming about how we wanted our life to be. We made it here today despite war and many presidents that we did not agree with. We were young and full of life.
I can not control the actions of others, but I can control how I act. I choose to respect others even if I don't agree with their views and I am glad that our constitution allows me freedom of speech. We need to forgive others so we can move on and not waste our energy on negativity. It does not mean our voice is not heard or that the wrongs of others are dismissed. It does allow us to move on so that we can create the life we want and be happy. Forgiveness works I know it does, because cancer tried to suck the life out of me and my family and we started channeling our energy into helping others and my husband is still here enjoying life with us.
My life has been a learning curve that has not happened without heartache, grief, and realizing that I have a choice to live my life with an open mind and the willingness to accept what I can not change. I have spent the past three years taking care of myself and letting go of unhealthy thoughts that will not serve any purpose other than to make me feel sad and paralyzed. It is true that if you surround yourself with positive people and an open mind then you own the power to be happy and succeed. The negative people are like a virus that we let make us ill when we are vulnerable. Life is not always fair and we all grieve when we loose loved ones. It is up to us individually to get help and let positive people into our life. No one can help you until you open your heart and say I love myself enough to be a better person. I would rather be a positive person that people respect than someone ranting that their life is over because of another person's actions.
No ones life is perfect, we all make mistakes, and yet we keep moving forward. Remember life is beautiful !
I am waiting on smiles from God and actually saw a smile the other day. One single pansy blooming in a flower bed in the middle of our unusual weather in the north. Could it be a sign that life is full of unexpected surprises. Open your eyes and see the beauty. Yes indeed, flowers are smiles from God !
Hope this is a great year for everyone !!!
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)