| Dear John, This morning I made the mistake of looking at the news. I was sitting in the living room, enjoying a cup of tea when I turned on the TV to see what was happening in the world. It only took a minute before I clicked the off button and left the room. Like many of you, I’m affected by the pain and suffering that’s occurring all around us. The damage to the earth, the pandemic, and its impact, the lack of humanity in some of the people in public and private institutions and organizations. There’s so much I could say about the state of our world today, and believe me, not a day goes by when I don’t want to post some kind of reaction to the madness that fills the news on an hourly basis. But I remind myself of the intention that’s guided my work for nearly three decades:
I’m in the business of raising consciousness.
I don’t choose my audience and I don’t discriminate. I want as many people as possible to wake up, to take themselves and their needs seriously, and to care so much about living with integrity that they feel compelled to make sure others have the opportunity to do so, too. All positive change begins with the individual. This I know for sure. That’s why self-care is so important. The way I see it, self-care is good for the planet.Selfishness – the honoring of one’s soul, leads to selflessness – the desire to respect and value humanity and the earth. As we care deeply for ourselves, we naturally begin to care for others – our families, our friends, our greater global community, and the environment – in a healthier and more effective way. We tell the truth. We make choices from love instead of guilt, obligation, or hidden motives. We stop judging and we start listening. We don’t take sides, we build bridges. And we cut people some slack when they push our buttons because these are difficult times for everyone and fear can bring out the worst in people. This weekend, as we celebrate independence, I’m reminded that while all great change begins with you and me, eventually we must arrive at “we” in order for humanity to turn things around. Maybe we need another holiday, one that recognizes the goodness in people and our innate desire to help those in need. Maybe we call it… Interdependence Day 😀. Now that’s a holiday I could get behind! Love,
Cheryl P.S. – You can now find the Touch of Grace button at the bottom of our homepage at: cherylrichardson.com. P.P.S. - You’re invited to submit your name and address to our Gratitude Gift list where I randomly choose someone each week to receive a surprise gift and note from me. Sign up here. | 