The light is still on.

THE LIGHT IS STILL ON

Reflecting this morning I decided that pain can definitely make you or break you, it’s one of life’s greatest catalysts. It helps if you have other people who share it with you and express concern although it definitely doesn’t lessen what you are going through. Feeling our own pain is normal it’s when you begin to really feel other people’s pain that life becomes extraordinary. I’ve never bought into  “things happen for a reason” but I’ve done a complete 360 turn this week and yes they do!

I’ve had guiding hands these past few years, I can’t explain it, I just know. Every adversity I’ve faced physically and emotionally has been an impetus for growth and learning things about myself and others.

Talking to people across the country this week has been uplifting. Spending time with some Hawaiian people was an “aha” moment as Oprah would say. Their beautiful philosophy is truly the key to happiness,the Huna motto is: the “hurtless and helpful life”, how simple and yet how complicated! It’s more of a philosophy or psychology. Each prayer ends with the words “so be it” and is likened to planting a seed, just imagine where this can take you. Isn’t this really the natural state of the human being?

Upcoming elections, economy woes in the Unites States have not dampened the spirits of the many people that I had the pleasure of talking to. In fact just the opposite, the hope and goodness is there for all to see. What struck me is the helpfulness from everyone. A woman with four noisy children streaming behind her did not hesitate to put down her suitcase and give me a helping hand when my purse tumbled and contents were strewn everywhere! Stuck in a line up for over an hour and no water on a hot day, I felt a tap on my shoulder and a young man of about 20 handed me a bottle of water and just smiled. I must of looked thirsty but it’s moments like this that renew and  recharge my faith in humanity and I know goodness will prevail. It’s our ability to show compassion and empathy that makes the human race special.

Feeling other people’s pain whether it be physical or emotionally sometimes can almost be as hurtful as feeling your own, sometimes more so I’ve found. We need to remember that as difficult as life can be, the blessings also abound. I can say from observing the people around me this week that most are choosing to live and deliberately seeking ways to celebrate the joyous.

The Light is still on.

copyright Es-tee Miller