What I know for sure . . .

What I know for sure is that I am determined to live with joy, good will, positive intention and peace.  DeWitt Jones says "Celebrate What's Right with the World", and he teaches us to choose a life of possibilities by being open to what's out there.  And sometimes we never will know the impact that we may have in our world.

BUT at times I unintentionally allow myself to be overwhelmed with,

• being late paying bills
• forgetting to pay bills
• running late to my meeting
• missing phone messages
• being upset by a comment from a friend
• participating in road rage
• forgetting to take my vitamins and meds
• skipping my yoga class
• eating too many french fries
• not eating enough vegetables
• letting the laundry stack up
• letting the dishes stack up
• staying up too late
• getting up too early
• putting off my daily writing
• and the list goes on

Then there are the worries about

• the national and global economy
• government spending and debt
• health care
• unemployment
• unknown reasons for bees dying
• water shortages
• energy consumption
• access to education for youth in poverty
• services for our elderly
• Social Security and retirement benefits
• the presidential election
• global safety and security
• war
• death
• famine
• and the list goes on

What power do I truly have in effecting systems change, saving the earth, sky, water and wind?  Have I contributed to negative outcomes in my own universe?  Who's responsible and what more can I do?

What I know for sure is that I received one email message today from my student thanking me for listening to her last year.  From that visit she felt encouraged and was writing to tell me about some decisions she has made.  She faced her truth, her challenges and took action. Her actions generated deep discussion, understanding and new perspectives for her and her important relationships.  She surprised herself with her own courage, strength and resiliency.  She spoke her truth and she was heard.  She is recognizing a power within her that she did not know that she had.  She thanked me for the time we spent.

What I know for sure is that I must live mindfully and be present in each moment.  To give all that I can with love and peace in my heart for myself, for our students, for all those we love and come in contact  each day, each moment.  To live honestly and truthfully and let go of the need to own everything, and to give of myself freely.  Because I may never know how far the rippling effect of positive intentions may travel.  If we are steadfast and committed to our vision, then  perhaps others will catch the wave and ride on beyond where even we can go.  See the possibilities.