uncontrollable giggles

Every now and then something strikes me so funny that I laugh until I cry and can barely catch my breath. This usually happens when I'm tired. I thought I would share the most recent thing…

Winnie was visiting and Kristin got out the book “Corduroy” which is a favorite story of mine about a bear who needs a home and someone to love.

Anyway, Winnie had on pants of that material, and I said, “Oh! what are your pants made out of? Before Winnie could answer, Mike said, “Are they made of BEARS?”

That made me laugh loudly which made Winnie look at me with surprise and curiosity; I don't think she's ever heard me laugh like that. The expression on her face was what kicked in my hysteria.

What started as a silly joke brought me uncontrollable giggles which made Winnie give an even more quizzical expression. Isn't it fun to laugh?

Philosophy in Haiku

I am always looking for new ways to think about life and spirituality. My friend, neighbor and fellow writer shared this with me and agreed to let me share it with you. Any thoughts?

Henry Francisco

Philosophy in Haiku

Entitled: THE # PATH

Being Your Ideal

The Holy Spirit Within

The Better-er Way

Organize be-ing.

Present a certain structure

As part of your day

Learn productively

What will contribute to life

As you find it now

Produce something new

From the raw material

Provided to you

Respect others' thoughts

Wander among their ideas

Mining benefits

Reason. Think things out

beyond the superficial

Expose subtleties

Conserve the vitals

That make up the life we live

Reproduce essence

Share nature's bounty

Made available to all

Who would use it well

Solve the conundrums

Besetting society

Making life better

Change from within or

Without if necessary

Leaving improvement

"O Spirit within

Help to guide my current life

To constructive ends

Building upon blocks

Already provided me

By mortal bounty

From the present day

To a worthy conclusion

Thence to my reward"

inner light

I have been working on a definition of inner light as I see it. This light is a quality of love for yourself and others coupled with mental or emotional strength; when shared with others it makes yourself and those around you feel optimistic and even happy or inspired.

Your light is not a skill or talent. It is a feeling. Your light can be expanded in different ways. Some challenges that we meet in life call us to use this feeling of love and strength. Though the struggle is not necessary. Doing kind things for others and keeping kindness in all of your daily activities can develop your light. The more you share it the brighter it will be.

Most importantly, feel it and use it in your own life. Nurturing and encouraging yourself is the best place to begin. You have this light. Look for it, feel it, and then share it!

better thoughts

A leader does not say, “Follow me.” A leader says, “I will go 1st.” – Neale Donald Walsch

So here I am. I will go 1st in seeking the positive in every situation, seeking greater spiritual understanding (how many of you have explored Source?), and practicing encouraging others to feel the light within them.

Here is an exercise from Esther and Jerry Hicks: whatever your thought is right now, reach for a better one. For instance, “being cooped up in the cold weather gets me down.” A better thought, “I'm so glad I have a roof over my head.” A next better thought, “My home is so comfortable and nicely decorated, I love it.” And another, “When I am bored at home, I could rearrange the furniture and have some fun.” The idea is to reach for better thoughts repeatedly until you feel good.

When I'm feeling down, the process is hard to get started, but when I put my mind to it, I feel better. Hope you do, too!

grieving

While this is a season of joy, it is also one when many of us grieve for loved ones who have died. The following is about grieving for my mother, but please read through to the end to catch my positive spin...

I am mad that Mom doesn't get the chance to turn 59 or any other age over 53. I'm so jealous of families whose parents live into their 70s, 80s or 90s. Of course, she won't have to deal with aging or losing her mental faculties or quality of life.

Still, I'm selfish; I want her here with me! I want her present for weddings, births and all the smaller good things, too. She should have had more opportunities to travel, see friends, etc.

I guess I have to hold on to my belief that her spirit is always with me and that she IS present for all life's events. She probably IS still traveling and seeing friends!

I'm happy to say that 16 years after her death, I am more blessed for having her as long as I did than I am angry about my loss. She is with me every time I think of her. I am never alone because I carry her in my heart.

Much love to you and to those you carry in your heart.

reflect

There are two ways of spreading light: be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.—Edith Wharton

I believe that each of us can help make the world a more positive place by sharing our light. Something else we can do is to hold a mirror so others can see their light. When you speak to friends, family, even strangers, it would do them a great service if you can help them recognize how special and wonderful they are. If we all shared our light and supported the light of the people we encounter, peace would spread across the world.

Be the light. Reflect the light in others. Who can you reach out to today? Who do you know who needs a little encouragement? Even a quick e-mail with kind words could make a big difference.

handling

I like this change to the old adage:

God doesn't give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given. - unknown

Even, or especially, in difficult times, I lean on God and I feel supported. I feel understood and loved. Most of all, God gives me the feeling that everything is going to be okay no matter what challenge I must face.