Principle #6 – Move to ACTION and Appreciate the Goodness
Happy Spring! We’ve been hearing for a long time; there’s light at the end of the tunnel, brighter days are ahead, and help is on the way. Well, all of these are happening…welcome to brighter and more hopeful days! We are actually seeing the light. Our country is finally heading in the right direction.
The federal government delivered on its promise to help the American people and passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Stimulus payments are reaching bank accounts, states will receive funding to reopen schools and get vaccines into arms.
My mom and mother-in-law have been fully vaccinated, and my husband, daughter, and son-in-law have received their first vaccine. The vaccination locations were well organized, and the atmosphere felt light, happy, and full of hope. I went with my husband to get his vaccine, and while I was sitting there, I watched the medical staff busily administering the shots. It was ironic to think these same front-line workers have helped people after they got sick with COVID, and now, they are helping to prevent people from contracting COVID. We owe our health care heroes the most incredible debt of gratitude. If you are interested, you can leave a thank you message on this website, https://nurse.org/articles/nurse-appreciation-week-kind-words-quotes-support/.
When I began writing this blog, I knew exactly what I wanted to write. But I just heard about the second mass shooting this week and now I am struggling. While I try to keep myself inspired and write positive and uplifting words, it is heartbreaking to see the hate and violence in our country. I’m so sorry for the suffering of families that have been touched by these needless tragedies. I don’t at all understand the darkness of violence, but I personally commit to carry on with kindness because that is what I need. I remain ever hopeful that the light of our collective souls can heal the dark places in our society.
It’s time to shift my thinking. When I’m feeling down, I go on a walk to clear my head. But when I’m unable to walk, I read quotes. This makes the most sense to me today:
“I’m grateful for being here, for being able to think, for being able to see, for being able to taste, for appreciating love – for knowing that it exists in a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and violence, and yet love exists. I’m grateful to know that it exists.” – Maya Angelou
Circumstances outside of our control, like these mass shootings, can put our emotions in a tailspin. Sometimes it may be challenging to move forward. But, when we turn to gratitude, our mindset pulls us to the goodness in our lives. So, I will love harder and treat everyone with respect and kindness. And I will appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
– Eckhart Tolle
There’s much to be thankful for. I appreciate the new beginnings of spring and of the brighter days ahead. The days are warming up, and it’s time to get outside. The trees are flowering, and the daffodils are blooming. And it’s almost time to mow the yard. I’m so excited…I love to mow!
My family will be getting their second vaccine in two weeks, and soon it will be my turn. It’s been a massive undertaking in developing, manufacturing, and distributing the vaccines to hundreds of millions of people. A big thank you to the scientists, healthcare workers, and government leaders for their dedication to the American people.
Help is here! And yes, our country still has challenges, but things are looking up, and our country will move forward. Let’s do our part to help by following the CDC guidelines and getting our vaccine when it’s our turn. And remember, if you see something, say something. It will take us all to work together to change our country. Spread love and kindness!
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb