Jan Denise – Page 204

Only love …

If we see all that is relative to love, we will see ONLY love. We will let love light the darkness. And while we can’t choose love for somebody else, we can see love eventually transcending their fear. Love wins.… More

Your wings …

To trust our wings IS to find them. And to practice using them IS to fly. … More

Happy is up to you …

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Dear Friends … We can discern without judging

Let’s beware the difference between discernment and judgment. I can discern that somebody is behaving in an unloving way. And when I do, I can love them anyway, even if I back away, rather than subject myself to their energy.

But if I feel negative emotion in me–not just in them–then I’m judging them. I do NOT feel negative emotion when I simply make an observation. I DO feel negative emotion if I personalize somebody else’s anger, opinion, or hatred. Then, I want to point out what’s wrong with them! If I truly know who I am, I also know it’s okay if they don’t.

It’s easy to accept others unconditionally when they’re humble and unassuming, when they’re gracious and loving. But THEY don’t help me gauge the purity of my “love.” Authentic love IS pure. And we know we have it, when we don’t struggle to love those who condemn us from a self-righteous sideline.

But don’t dismay. As long as we have an awareness of the struggle, we can be honest with our self about where we are and grow into our authentic self, authentic love.

Forever a student of love,… More

Tribute to Mom:

At 91, Mom found the courage to flee a nursing home despite the opposition. She had been misdiagnosed, drugged up, and “managed” in diapers and in bed. One year later, she is prescription free, wearing pull-ups, and using a walker. Rather than endure the problem, she is living the solution. That means hard work one step at a time. But Mom has always been a warrior.

She had to strengthen her arms in order to push herself up and sit on the bed without help. She had to develop her core muscles to gradually balance herself in an upright position. Then, she had to learn to stand up with assistance, and pivot into a wheel chair. That allowed her to get to the toilet and the shower. And, now, she is learning to use a walker. She’s also eating a healthy diet, using her mind, and letting go of fear and anxiety.

I’m so grateful that Mom is choosing to work for the quality of life she wants. And I feel like I’ve witnessed a series of miracles in body, mind, and spirit. Yesterday, we celebrated Mom, her one-year anniversary, her freedom, her grit, and her life. YAY, Mom! … More

Don’t Squeeze Yourself Into a Relationship

It can be just as tempting to squeeze yourself into a man’s (or a woman’s) mold for you as it is to squeeze yourself into the latest fall fashions. Okay, maybe it’s more tempting! Hold your ground, though. Let relationships — and clothes — enhance who you are, rather than try to change who you are.

If you love to wiggle your toes, don’t get all cramped up in pointed boots; and whatever you do, don’t stifle your magic with his constraints. Maybe it doesn’t sound like something you’d do. You’re an independent woman of the world, right? That doesn’t mean you don’t act like a puppy dog in a relationship! You have, probably within the last week, feigned pleasure in something, rather than disappoint him … and if that seems harmless, imagine the burden of keeping up a façade for the rest of your life.

You might not even realize you do it; but remember when you really wanted a salad and ended up fixing burgers? Or maybe you were so ready to get a good night’s sleep when you accommodated his sexual move instead. Or maybe you watch movies you find shallow, walk when you feel like skipping, wait for him to say, “I love you,” or bite your tongue during still another vacation with the in-laws.… More