Addressing family relationships

Family can offer a HOTBED of learning opportunities. It's important to remember that family members are individuals traveling along their own unique path. At first, issues can arise that trigger rage, resentment, and deep memories of similar "ugly situations." When we can look inside ourselves, and release our own anger, rage, judging, blaming, and not forgiving. Then, we can begin to explore ways to release unhealthy patterns of interaction with family members. It is up to us to decide whether or not we choose to continue an unhealthy "dance." Sometimes it helps to send lovingkindness to the family member who is engaged in a pattern of interaction that has worked for them for many years. When we come from a place of gentle patience, then we can unravel and stop unhealthy patterns of interaction. It's the first step along a healthier new path in family relationships.

Social media -- I'm G*L*A*D* (see, SARK!)

Social media can be fun, playful and innovative. SARK, the author of "Glad No Matter What," posted a social media activity on her website:

"Be GLAD No Matter What - Give Lovingly And Daringly

This does NOT mean feeling glad when you don't - how annoying. It means finding the glad parts in as many of your feelings as you can and then finding ways to help the world with your GLAD heart. Blog or post your GLAD offerings on social media. It might be large or tiny, common or uncommon. One of my GLAD heart gifts was singing Amazing Grace in the DMV office until everyone joined in!

Write or post a video or art on your blog or social media about your GLAD heart gift and be entered to win a signed copy of the book and a 15 minute Scoop of SARK"

So...here's my artwork--the footprint of "Creating Love and Joy." I'm GLAD social media has come about--it brings the world closer together. It's fun to piggyback on each other's ideas and share our creativity. Hugs--tc

Some experiences can't be relived...

We read in many different ways that it is so important to remain present in the moment. We never know what gift it can bring, and our presence brings a fresh new energy to each situation when we are focused on our lighted energy.

My cousin from Spain unwittingly provided a reminder of this recently. He sent news that the Puente Del Diablo (Devil's Bridge) near the lighthouse in Santander, Spain, had collapsed during the early morning hours. Fortunately, nobody was injured.

Last March, he and I hiked out to where this bridge once stood. He asked me to stand in a certain place so he could take my picture. It was only AFTER he had the pictures that he invited me to hike down so I could see where I had been standing. The view was breathtaking. The ground felt solid and sturdy. We took several pictures that day.

Now...less than 6 months later, the bridge no longer exists. The second photo is from a magazine article where the photographer was looking down onto the portion where I once stood.

Some experiences cannot be relived or replaced. By keeping our attention in the moment, we can bring the best of who we are at all times to every situation.

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1676010/Creating_Love_and_Joy_news_release

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1676195/Creating_Love_and_Joy_news_release_2

Today, I discovered Wordle.net. It creates a picture of the words in an article or text. For fun, to see what Wordle might draw, I created a wordle of the news release for "Creating Love and Joy." It's wonderful how the most important words are highlighted! Love and light--tc