My dear sister and kind and warmhearted friends; some of my teachers; they were with me then in heart, inspiring positively. It was a natural response to expressing my deep gratefulness verbally, possibly blessings and with all my heart helping them also when they were in need.
My faith in a higher power, the Divine, has kept me going during some of my darkest days. Knowing I am not alone, the Universe is in me & all around me. This “light” continues to stoke my inner light.
How can I express my gratitude? By constantly giving back. Never ever forget the Light that surrounds Me. Share the Light & the Love with those around Me & out into our broken world.
Be the Love.❤️
Happy Winter Solstice to All….✨🌲✨❤️
Sitting down for even a few minutes and reading books by various spiritual teachers and mystics helps rekindle my inner light during dark days. Peace Pilgrim, whom I have mentioned before, is one who is especially helpful, but there are many others as well and I am discovering new ones all the time. I can express my gratitude by carrying out their love and teachings into my daily life.
Friends both near and far to include those who visit this site; many authors like Br. David, my children and grandchildren and especially my son who lives here locally. As I look back over my life, the compassion of others is a key to my well being. Also, my own willingness which has grown because of dark days. I always try to express my gratitude verbally and give support to others during their dark days.
It has been my dear friend Nan for many years who recently passed away. However, I found this website that helps ground me and I appreciate all that visits and reflects here. Happy Winter Solstice! I had the wonderful opportunity to visit several ancient sites that celebrate this day in Ireland. Have a great first day of winter. We have a little bit of glistening snow this morning here.
The person who rekindled my inner light during the dark days was me. I’d never be able to understand something clearly at last if I intentionally covered my inner sight, allowing self-immerse in pity and suffering. As I open for the source of light, my Lord, my loved ones, and the strangers are all there for me. All are supportive of hope and joy.
And as far as your answer is concerned, what you have going for you for the benefit of the doubt is that I’ve seen you struggle with self-confidence. It’s a major influence in why I love your answer.
I talk positively about Sean. He also has thick skin based upon how well I’ve known him since middle school. Therefore, I’m going to use him as my whipping boy for an alternative example.
If he answered himself for these types of questions, I’d see it as arrogant and selfish. He’s confident in himself, knows what he wants, and has a general idea on how to get there.
My Ngoc, I respect the self-confidence. Thanks for answering that one for me. We’re the ones who help ourselves the best. People can give advice. We make the decisions. It’s “You help you.”
So many beautiful people over the years. My parents, friends, my husband, each of you here, work friends, and pets… especially my BC who was with me thru my divorce and all the changes that brought along with it. He was the Best Cat, the best Black Cat, and I still miss him to this day. It’s been almost 2 years since he passed, but he was an old man and I’m so grateful he showed up one day and shared the last 10 years of his life with me 💚🐈⬛💚
I am grateful too,
dear Sunnypatti,
for every animal who has shared his or her life with me…
they bring us back to what is basic,
which is
unconditional love…♥
The biggest thing that helped me rekindle my inner light was being outside. I was full of so much sadness and despair and grief in 2022. That same year, I woke up early one morning and something told me to go outside, so I did. It was the start of my solo hiking, visiting as many state parks as I could. I hiked and cried and screamed and laughed and sang and swam and ran, all while of nature held me. I’m crying as I type this because it was such a profound experience being in touch with nature that year and I haven’t made time lately to do so. With today being the Winter Solstice, I will give my deepest gratitude to my GOD (Great Out Doors as my sponsor says) and it’s ability to heal me while I was at my lowest. 🧡
Jenifer, thank you for sharing. Your words, your experience, so touching. I can so relate to your experience with Mother Nature & her healing powers. The glorious Redwood trees were my healing balm as I experienced so many losses, so much grief in the last few years. These magnificent giants literally saved me. Mother Nature is my “go to medicine”.
Blessings to you. Happy Winter Solstice.🌲✨✨🌲
Jenifer, Thanks so much for sharing. Your sharing made me think of a poem I wrote in 2009. Since this day is the Winter Solstice, I share it below in honor of you and your GOD (Great OUT Doors). I renamed the poem after reading your post.
Love of GOD by Carol Conner
You can’t fake love
You can’t break love
You can’t will love
You can’t kill love
You can only choose
To love.
In the Spring it is a decision
In the Summer it gets a revision
In the Fall it is a fruition
In the Winter it is a reflection
Of the ups and downs of daily life.
Love is like the summer sun
Frolicking and playing
Ripening and breaking
opening new horizons
Love is like the Fall winds
Blowing and gathering
Singing and salvaging
The Harvest
Love is like a rose in Winter
Neither fear
nor frozen ground
can kill it’s will to bloom
It rushes in like a Winter storm
then chooses to depart like
a gentle breeze
to nourish a needy world
Love is a decision
We all must make
We all must choose
If we want to break
the cycle of fear
that rules our lives
I don’t have just one person or thing.
As said, here, folks on this site inspire, and challenge. The word of the day and question often fit in with what I need at that moment. It is like that saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
My autism teacher, Jim’s teachings, has rekindled my life during the dark times; not Jim himself. It’s just like how we love the building but not the construction workers. He was only in my life almost 15yrs ago at one point just for a few months.
His self-esteem exercise stands out. Everyday, we had to pick a different person for the entire school year. His purpose was to motivate autistic people to open up.
Jim’s self-esteem exercise has proven effective on me. Since Ngoc and I have similar roots, I’m doing the same with her. The only differences with mine are that it’s more individualized. We also start over for the new week. Since her circle is smaller, I require her to come up with 1 different person everyday. For me, I go with at least 2, soon to be, 3 for me. Bigger gloves for bigger hands.
Loc Tran, I always enjoy reading your open sharing about living with autism and what has helped you. My Uncle Jack (who died a couple years ago) had Asperger’s Syndrome. Like it sounds you are, he was a gifted pianist. He worked all his life as a piano tuner. When my brother and I were kids and went to visit my grandparents in Michigan, we used to really enjoy the nights when Uncle Jack came over for dinner. We would play a game where we would play a few notes on my grandparents’ piano, and then he would instantly sit down and play a song from it, with harmony and melody together! He was so kind and loving. He was very interested in the sounds of our voices and would secretly record them to hear how they changed as we got older.
I am curious about the self-esteem exercise. What did you do with the different person you picked each day?
No problem, Elizabeth. Your story of Uncle Jack is very touching. I’ve heard before that autistic people have shorter lifespans than the neurotypical person. Put 2 and 2 together, I can see how it makes sense. We live in a social society only changing at a faster paste. Autistic people are more vulnorable to attachments and unrealistic expectations.
Loc Tran, my uncle was 80 when he died, so not much shorter life than a neurotypical person I am sorry to hear that autistic people have shorter lifespans that the neurotypical person.
We just reflected on how they helped our self-esteem. It’s common for autistic people to have trouble explaining things to others.
Once, we had a class assignment on doing something for someone we may not be close to who has helped our self-esteem. I picked the head principle of that school, Sue. I gave her a “Happy to be your BFF” balloon. She appreciated it.
No problem, Elizabeth. As far as your uncle’s concerned, it sounds like he lived a long productive life. I’m very happy for you guys.
I use to play the piano at a bar in the suburbs. My co-worker, Andrew, has autism as well. He once sent me a video. The lady in the video spoke in 2011. That’s a long time ago.
Andrew is also Vietnamese and has a mild case of autism as well. Conversations between him and me have gotten deep and interesting before. The main difference is that he’s sighted whereas I only have 10% vision in my right eye. The ability to drive will broaden our circle. I’m still grateful for the fact that at least, I can still walk. Freedom of mobility goes a long ways.
2
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Expressing gratitude could be as simple as:
Writing a heartfelt note or letter 📝
Giving a small, thoughtful gift 🎁
Spending quality time together 🌟
Offering a sincere thank you in person 🌻
Doing something kind for them in return 🤝
These gestures can go a long way in showing your appreciation and strengthening your bond. 😊❤️
My dear sister and kind and warmhearted friends; some of my teachers; they were with me then in heart, inspiring positively. It was a natural response to expressing my deep gratefulness verbally, possibly blessings and with all my heart helping them also when they were in need.
There are a few people in my life, that have helped me through rough times. I express my gratitude by intentionally staying connected to them.
Innumerable people, places, and things . . .
the only way I can adequately express my gratitude
is by paying it forward
with love . . . ♥
My faith in a higher power, the Divine, has kept me going during some of my darkest days. Knowing I am not alone, the Universe is in me & all around me. This “light” continues to stoke my inner light.
How can I express my gratitude? By constantly giving back. Never ever forget the Light that surrounds Me. Share the Light & the Love with those around Me & out into our broken world.
Be the Love.❤️
Happy Winter Solstice to All….✨🌲✨❤️
Thank you, PKR, and likewise!
Sitting down for even a few minutes and reading books by various spiritual teachers and mystics helps rekindle my inner light during dark days. Peace Pilgrim, whom I have mentioned before, is one who is especially helpful, but there are many others as well and I am discovering new ones all the time. I can express my gratitude by carrying out their love and teachings into my daily life.
Friends both near and far to include those who visit this site; many authors like Br. David, my children and grandchildren and especially my son who lives here locally. As I look back over my life, the compassion of others is a key to my well being. Also, my own willingness which has grown because of dark days. I always try to express my gratitude verbally and give support to others during their dark days.
Anyone who takes the time to truly listen to me and my feelings. I am so grateful to have wonderful listeners in my life
Listeners are true gifts, Marnie!
Anytime I see Random Acts of Kindness
Nature
This website and everyone who participates here – thank you
Happy Winter Solstice and Merry Yule!
Thank You Michele. I have had a very nice winter solstice so far. It is nice to be at the bottom rung of the days of long shadows.
Happy Winter Solstice & Merry Yule to you too Michele. 🌲✨
It has been my dear friend Nan for many years who recently passed away. However, I found this website that helps ground me and I appreciate all that visits and reflects here. Happy Winter Solstice! I had the wonderful opportunity to visit several ancient sites that celebrate this day in Ireland. Have a great first day of winter. We have a little bit of glistening snow this morning here.
Thank you, Robin Ann. I always enjoy the winter solstice.
Happy Winter Solstice to you too Robin Ann.✨
The person who rekindled my inner light during the dark days was me. I’d never be able to understand something clearly at last if I intentionally covered my inner sight, allowing self-immerse in pity and suffering. As I open for the source of light, my Lord, my loved ones, and the strangers are all there for me. All are supportive of hope and joy.
And as far as your answer is concerned, what you have going for you for the benefit of the doubt is that I’ve seen you struggle with self-confidence. It’s a major influence in why I love your answer.
I talk positively about Sean. He also has thick skin based upon how well I’ve known him since middle school. Therefore, I’m going to use him as my whipping boy for an alternative example.
If he answered himself for these types of questions, I’d see it as arrogant and selfish. He’s confident in himself, knows what he wants, and has a general idea on how to get there.
My Ngoc, I respect the self-confidence. Thanks for answering that one for me. We’re the ones who help ourselves the best. People can give advice. We make the decisions. It’s “You help you.”
So many beautiful people over the years. My parents, friends, my husband, each of you here, work friends, and pets… especially my BC who was with me thru my divorce and all the changes that brought along with it. He was the Best Cat, the best Black Cat, and I still miss him to this day. It’s been almost 2 years since he passed, but he was an old man and I’m so grateful he showed up one day and shared the last 10 years of his life with me 💚🐈⬛💚
I am grateful too,
dear Sunnypatti,
for every animal who has shared his or her life with me…
they bring us back to what is basic,
which is
unconditional love…♥
The biggest thing that helped me rekindle my inner light was being outside. I was full of so much sadness and despair and grief in 2022. That same year, I woke up early one morning and something told me to go outside, so I did. It was the start of my solo hiking, visiting as many state parks as I could. I hiked and cried and screamed and laughed and sang and swam and ran, all while of nature held me. I’m crying as I type this because it was such a profound experience being in touch with nature that year and I haven’t made time lately to do so. With today being the Winter Solstice, I will give my deepest gratitude to my GOD (Great Out Doors as my sponsor says) and it’s ability to heal me while I was at my lowest. 🧡
Jenifer, thank you for sharing. Your words, your experience, so touching. I can so relate to your experience with Mother Nature & her healing powers. The glorious Redwood trees were my healing balm as I experienced so many losses, so much grief in the last few years. These magnificent giants literally saved me. Mother Nature is my “go to medicine”.
Blessings to you. Happy Winter Solstice.🌲✨✨🌲
Jenifer, Thanks so much for sharing. Your sharing made me think of a poem I wrote in 2009. Since this day is the Winter Solstice, I share it below in honor of you and your GOD (Great OUT Doors). I renamed the poem after reading your post.
Love of GOD by Carol Conner
You can’t fake love
You can’t break love
You can’t will love
You can’t kill love
You can only choose
To love.
In the Spring it is a decision
In the Summer it gets a revision
In the Fall it is a fruition
In the Winter it is a reflection
Of the ups and downs of daily life.
Love is like the summer sun
Frolicking and playing
Ripening and breaking
opening new horizons
Love is like the Fall winds
Blowing and gathering
Singing and salvaging
The Harvest
Love is like a rose in Winter
Neither fear
nor frozen ground
can kill it’s will to bloom
It rushes in like a Winter storm
then chooses to depart like
a gentle breeze
to nourish a needy world
Love is a decision
We all must make
We all must choose
If we want to break
the cycle of fear
that rules our lives
Beautiful!
So lovely.
Beautiful!
This is one of my favorites, dear Carol.
Beautifully expressed,
dear Carol . . . ♥
What a powerful story, Jenifer– thank you for sharing!
I don’t have just one person or thing.
As said, here, folks on this site inspire, and challenge. The word of the day and question often fit in with what I need at that moment. It is like that saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
My autism teacher, Jim’s teachings, has rekindled my life during the dark times; not Jim himself. It’s just like how we love the building but not the construction workers. He was only in my life almost 15yrs ago at one point just for a few months.
His self-esteem exercise stands out. Everyday, we had to pick a different person for the entire school year. His purpose was to motivate autistic people to open up.
Jim’s self-esteem exercise has proven effective on me. Since Ngoc and I have similar roots, I’m doing the same with her. The only differences with mine are that it’s more individualized. We also start over for the new week. Since her circle is smaller, I require her to come up with 1 different person everyday. For me, I go with at least 2, soon to be, 3 for me. Bigger gloves for bigger hands.
Loc Tran, I always enjoy reading your open sharing about living with autism and what has helped you. My Uncle Jack (who died a couple years ago) had Asperger’s Syndrome. Like it sounds you are, he was a gifted pianist. He worked all his life as a piano tuner. When my brother and I were kids and went to visit my grandparents in Michigan, we used to really enjoy the nights when Uncle Jack came over for dinner. We would play a game where we would play a few notes on my grandparents’ piano, and then he would instantly sit down and play a song from it, with harmony and melody together! He was so kind and loving. He was very interested in the sounds of our voices and would secretly record them to hear how they changed as we got older.
I am curious about the self-esteem exercise. What did you do with the different person you picked each day?
No problem, Elizabeth. Your story of Uncle Jack is very touching. I’ve heard before that autistic people have shorter lifespans than the neurotypical person. Put 2 and 2 together, I can see how it makes sense. We live in a social society only changing at a faster paste. Autistic people are more vulnorable to attachments and unrealistic expectations.
Loc Tran, my uncle was 80 when he died, so not much shorter life than a neurotypical person I am sorry to hear that autistic people have shorter lifespans that the neurotypical person.
We just reflected on how they helped our self-esteem. It’s common for autistic people to have trouble explaining things to others.
Once, we had a class assignment on doing something for someone we may not be close to who has helped our self-esteem. I picked the head principle of that school, Sue. I gave her a “Happy to be your BFF” balloon. She appreciated it.
Thanks for explaining, Loc Tran. That sounds like a neat project/idea!
No problem, Elizabeth. As far as your uncle’s concerned, it sounds like he lived a long productive life. I’m very happy for you guys.
I use to play the piano at a bar in the suburbs. My co-worker, Andrew, has autism as well. He once sent me a video. The lady in the video spoke in 2011. That’s a long time ago.
Andrew is also Vietnamese and has a mild case of autism as well. Conversations between him and me have gotten deep and interesting before. The main difference is that he’s sighted whereas I only have 10% vision in my right eye. The ability to drive will broaden our circle. I’m still grateful for the fact that at least, I can still walk. Freedom of mobility goes a long ways.