This Little Light of Mine.....

Update Note: I wrote this post over a year ago and never published it. Just reread it and it is still pertains today, if not more so. My goal to deal with all that is going on in this world today is to revive this blog as a place to share my feelings. Not for the likes, clicks, or any of that nonsense (I'm to old for that now!), but just for me. If it helps someone else as well I'll be thrilled.

I'm going to let it shine! And, you know the rest!

Several days ago, I posted on facebook a graphic that said, "Don't let anyone dim you light." It was accompanied by a note that said, "I admit, I did this. I let someone not only dim but almost extinguish my light two years ago. Been fighting back hard to get it glowing again. Thanks to books, affirmations, exercise, and most of all people (and dogs) that help my light burn brighter than ever before. "

The reaction was swift and unexpected. Public notes of encouragement and compliments. Private notes that explained how the post helped them. In reality, I didn’t post for all the sweet words and didn’t expect it at all. I was overwhelmed and humbled. However, because “words of affirmation” is my love language, I was extremely grateful .

I do need to say a couple more things about my light almost being extinguished. I have come to realize (through therapy and books) that I had more control than I thought I did. Although the words and actions of this person were hurtful, I am the master of my own destiny. I could let it break me (which it almost did) or I could learn, grow and forgive (which I am working on).

I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. I control my words and actions (and reactions) and I let it all get to me. Going forward, I choose happiness. I choose empathy over anger and fear. I choose health over sickness. I choose to spend my time with those that build me up instead of tear me down. Above all, I choose communication over silence. You can too. So, should the world. What a better world it would be these days if we communicated thoughtfully and with empathy instead of anger, gut reaction and fighting. We need to see, know or hear what is driving another’s thought, words and actions. I choose peace. We can’t let the bad in the world win.

From those I heard privately from, I hear you and I understand you. I’m glad I helped, but really you helped yourself. I just reiterated what you already knew. You helped me by reminding me to pray and move forward since that’s all I can do right now.

I do pray and think of the person that almost broke me daily. And, I hope that sometime soon, we can mend those broken hearts and discuss our deep love for each other that I know still exists beyond the hurt and blame.

Until then, here's an adorable picture of my then 4 year old son Chase, singing, "This l

Little Light of Mine" for a preschool concert. You should see the video where he shouts it out so loud that he had the whole place laughing! That's the way to embrace life! It's time to live like a child again embracing the light and song.

This child has grown to be a man full of wisdom, empathy and love. I couldn't be prouder of him.