This time of year can be wondrous and filled with festivities and
family but it can also be challenging for many. While the
holidays jingle with tradition and good cheer they can also be a
reminder of what is missing. They are a mixed bag for me as we
approach the second anniversary of Richard's passing on December
13.
Last year at this time, as we launched "An Hour to Live, An Hour to
Love," there was a healing force at work as the first books actually
shipped, unplanned, from Amazon one month early on the anniversary date
December 13, 2007. As Oprah had us on in early December, it was a
beautiful tribute to Richard and recognition for a life well lived as
she credited him for teaching herself and the world to live in the
moment. Richard's legacy continues as his books remain among the
top selling stress management books sold all around the world. Now,
more than ever, the world is being called to reveal a strength of
character as we are faced with worldwide economic hardships and
challenges as many economies appear to be crumbling and every-day
working people lose their homes.
The question for all of us is how do we keep our perspective when we
are enduring loss and hardship? It's not the easy part of being
human--that's for sure! I am no expert, but I lived with one for
my whole adult life and he lived all of what he aspired to teach.
When in the midst of the 'eye of the storm" of turmoil, it is the most
difficult time to remember, "this too shall pass." Early on,
after Richard's death, I knew that there are no accidents and that this
loss would be my greatest test and hopefully hold in it my greatest
lessons. His loss rocked my faith in God a bit, but it
strengthened my faith in life. I now, nearly two years later,
have endured a tsunami of grief and have perspective about life I never
would have had otherwise. Life is an adventure, and it isn't just
a joy ride. It's a full human experience that includes joy but
also loss and suffering. It is how we go through the hoops of
fire of our suffering that will determine how we continue living.
Surrender, trust and accept has been the mantra of my grief and now is
the mantra for life. I acknowledge the hardship and the feelings
that come with it and I find a healthy way to express those
feelings. Whether it is through tears or kicking and screaming
into pillows, or dancing and laughing, I allow these feelings as much
as possible to move instead of numbing out or suppressing what
is. Depression happens when we don't express our feelings.
Depress-in or Express-out; an easy way to remember the choices we have.
We are experiencing what I think of as a worldwide meltdown of our
collective ego. As a whole, we can rebirth into greater
authenticity and move toward less separateness and more world
peace. As you go through your holidays and they are perhaps
difficult for many reasons this year, please look for the gifts that
may have been hidden in all the distraction and trimmings of the
previous material world of illusion. Remember to live presently
with love and kindness a priority. Cherish your time with family
and friends and count each breath a blessing.
Join the Live and Love in the Moment Challenge!
If you have been inspired by
the message that you
received from a friend, based on our new book "An Hour to Live, An Hour
to Love" please consider joining our "live and love in the moment"
challenge. At the heart of personal growth is intention. We issue the
"live and love in the moment" challenge to help inspire your commitment
to yourself to treasure the gifts of life and love. [click here]
