Life is way too short....

I had the fortunate pleasure of being in the company of some pretty special people in my life this week. Of course there just was not enough time for me to see everyone, but those who did take the time out to spend with me truly made this trip worth every mile travelled. Some were planned visits, some where spur of the moment and there were even a couple of "by chance" meetings in the grocery store. I'm a blessed lady to have such beautiful people in my life. I wish there were a way to just tell everyone that.

During the course of my visits, I was updated on all sorts of things that I missed this last year. I was shown pictures, told stories, and even introduced to new members of the family. I was also informed of the passing of beautiful lives. There were too many this week, and a couple others are expected very soon. My heart aches for the loved one's left behind. Whether sudden, unexpected or spread out over time, there is just no preparing for the loss of a loved one. 

One woman in particular stands out for me. She's the mother of a long time friend of mine. She's probably one of the most courageous women I've ever met. I have known friends and family who have endured lengthy illness, but never with such zest for life. She's battled disease and beaten its attempt to strip her spirit. She has focused on the things in life worth living for. She's persisted in putting her family first and her illness last. She's kept the family dynamic together and taught those around her the true meaning of dignity. She's smiled through the pain, held her head high when the enemy inside her attempted to alter her outward appearance, and kicked the ass of the demon that tried to defeat her. She demanded that her children and grandchildren love each other unconditionally, and showed them how to live when life puts up road blocks. She faced her fate with love and light rather than hate and bitterness. I'm sure she had her moments both alone and with those she loved, but those moments appeared to have made her stronger rather than deflate her. As she enters the light and becomes one with the angels, I can only look at her with admiration. For I hope that I can continue my life through her example....seeing only the love and good and turning my back on anything that challenges that. I hope I have the strength enough to hold my head high in spite of myself when faced with adversity and challenges that are too great. I hope that I can embrace those around me that provide the everlasting light and teach them to love one another just the same.

I come from a very large family. Naturally, there are those that get along and those that do not, it's part of the family dynamic. As I get older and more comfortable with my own balance in life, I can see the people in my life that are truly meant to be there. Life is way to short to surround yourself with negative, toxic people. We all feel a certain sense of obligation when it comes to keeping blood relatives or long-time friends close to us, even if they constantly try to detour our paths. One thing that I've learned is that the only person that I can take personally is me. I can not take anything or anyone else personally, for their actions are solely based on their own situations at the time. All I can do in times of negative company is silently ask for their self-enlightenment. I know that I can only embrace those that add love to my life. I must sever the ties with those that do not and wish them well in their quest for happiness.

My heart aches when I see the animosity, jealousy and outright lack of love within my own circle. If only we could step back at times and see the future. Would you still be mad at her? Would you still choose to not have contact with him? If you knew they would no longer be there tomorrow, would you be big enough to pick up the phone and say you're sorry? If you don't, how big of a void will you carry in your heart? Is it worth it in your life to hold hatred in your heart where love should overflow? Has that person truly hurt you that much that you are willing to remove them from your past, present and future without a second thought? Do you even remember what it was that you thought hurt you in the first place....probably not. Hatred is a virus that grows so rapidly within us. It is much easier to hate because it infects our minds. What we need to realize is that love is just as easy and once we let it, the infection is so much more pleasant to experience.

I sit here and I think about all the people in my life that I have parted ways with. Some of them were for my own good. There was no fight, altercation or discussion. We just faded. That happens, it's normal in life. But the ones that disappeared as a result of miscommunication are a shame. Life is about constantly gaining love in our hearts, not letting it go. Our heart is a muscle that knows no size boundaries. Each time I feel that I could not love another person any more than the last, my Universe shows me the powers of fulfillment. My cup never runneth over, it simply gets bigger. Grab the people in your life, past and present, and tell them you love them. For the ones that you can not reach out to, just send them light. The simple acknowledgement of their life will enrich yours more than you will ever know. Say those three words out loud every day. There's nothing embarrassing about them. Mean every syllable.  Tell your husband, wife, children and even your friends. Take a look in the mirror and let yourself love the image you see. You truly are perfect in every way. Hoard strength and dignity like it's going out of style...you never know when you're really going to need it. Mostly, open your heart to all the love you can find, and once you receive it, never let it go.

Life's a beach, and then you live on one....