November marks 3 years since I began a journey to start my website RISE - Realizing Individualized Spiritual Enlightenment.  Most businesses fail the first year of creation, especially specialized ones.  Spirituality is not a religion and is not recognized as one being tax exempt. GREAT!!! But there fore is considered a business. In order for me to practice what I do, I have to have and maintain my papers with United Metaphysical Churches, which has been given the classification as a religion, because they profess "Christian Metaphysics." It really is amazing how just adding a word, can make a practice of a certain belief that is not recognized, become something that is.

Spirituality teaches about taking responsibility and following through on it.  Religion, as spirit and I believe as well, takes away that responsibility making one responsible to an illusion of a greater power.  True Christians (Christ followers) actually are practicing spirituality, but because it involves God and Jesus, typically viewed religious Icons of several world religions, can be seen that they are religious.  I don't want you to think I am putting down religion, but it has lead people to believe that there are certain behaviors that allow people to treat others differently than themselves and it is ok, if they believe that their religion teaches what man made ideas have written about as their truths, differently what the real truth is. 

What does this all have to do with Three Years of RISE and Gratitude?  Well firstly it shows me that their are truly people interested in spirituality, bettering themselves, taking responsibility and also their own Co-Creativeness and belief of it.  These past 2 years, because of Covid, have totally changed the direction of how I was working to a super highbred of itself allowing me to work with not only local people, but people all over the world.  I have worked with people on 5 of the 7 continents via the internet. AMAZING to think that Spirit had such foresight as a friend has said several times to me, to prepare through others, the way my work would be in the future. I have made changes of course to my work as well, but I had to do it. I had to do what was best for me and also for what spirit seems to be leading me more so to.  I know a lot of people are not happy with the decisions I have made, but I didn't create the situations we are all living in and I wouldn't be able to extend my work as I do.  I have had to make decisions on who I can and cannot work for as my belief in spirituality is stronger than the need to tell a person over and over again, whether they are going to get married, buy a house or make more money.  Those are details people have full control in and they want someone else, like religion to tell them what and how to do it because they just don't want to do it for themselves.  Sorry, that is the truth, but through studying spirituality and putting it into practice, one can certainly create the path to be able to accomplish it.  My son also, who has been one of my main focuses as a parent should have, has worked with me and also been able to attend sessions and learn because he just can't drive back and forth to one place.  Many have commented on how much he has grown and how they can hear him benefitting from the sessions and lessons he attends, if I were to only work for a small group of people and he benefits from it, I did the right thing and for the opportunities I have had to do so, I am grateful.   

I am grateful for everyone who has crossed my path, teaching me things about my belief and myself I never thought I would.  Starting RISE allowed me to love my work again and make some truly great friendships.  Starting in 2022 I have to main focuses that will begin.  One - The start of online classes both taught by myself and spirit and an added afternoon circle on Wednesdays for those who live outside of the U.S. or cannot attend in the evenings EST.  I also will begin working on three books that been speaking to me for years to start and will do so because of the things I have learned during this time.  

It will be my hope these things, will further they opportunities for growth for everyone of all ages, yes I said all ages.  All are welcome in spirituality.

If you decide to continue on this journey with me, welcome and I am glad you stayed. If you move on to find someone else more suited for your needs and what you want, I am happy for you as well.  I have given people plenty of opportunities to express the things they wanted and were interested in and hopefully in the future, you will see something that will help you on your path or answer your questions. Great or small, more than you expected or just enough, all I can say, I did my best that I could do and if it wasn't enough, I only want the best for you, whatever that is.

Have a great November, I am grateful you took the time to be here.

Blessings,

Steven

Understanding Halloween

What is the Spiritual Meaning Behind Halloween

The Ancient Celts believed Samhain to be a time when the “veils between the physical and spiritual planes were thinned”. During this time, they believed dead spirits were free to roam until dawn. The Druid Celtic priests believed Samhain was a time they could easily tap into the spiritual realms. The priests held ceremonies to divine the health of tribesmen, make powerful predictions, and come up with elixirs to cure sickness. Samhain was also considered to be a night when the physical plane was overrun by magic. The Ancient Celts were very superstitious and thought some Souls that were set free may be jealous of the living, and therefore, malicious. They set out food and wine for the good Souls of their departed ancestors to allow them a brief loving visit home. And, they disguised themselves in scary masks to trick the malicious spirits into thinking them one of their own! Some of the Celts who were dressed in ghoulish masks, even marched in parades to lead the unwanted spirits out of town. While others, tried to appease the bad spirits by offering them sweets and treats!

Is Halloween the Same as All Hallows Eve

After thousands of Pagans were baptized into Christianity, the Church looked to ways to turn Pagan rituals into new Christian ones. All Saint’s Day, aka All Hallows, was the church’s attempt to turn the night of Samhain into a more holy day that honored Saints with feasting and celebrations. Instead of remembering the dead with sacrifices and setting out food and wine to appease spirits, the church asked members to honor the dead with prayers. They also began the tradition of baking what were known as “soul cakes” that were given to the poor who prayed for the dead. “Soul Cakes” were a beautiful charitable custom that ensured the poor people had plenty to eat and celebrate on All Hallows as well. Over time, this custom grew into young men going from house to house singing to ask for food, money, or ale instead of “soul cakes.” The early Roman Catholic Church is therefore attributed with naming Halloween. Their All Saint’s Day was also known as All Hallows. Despite the early church’s efforts, many still celebrated their festivities the night before November 1st, making it All Hallows’ Eve. This eventually got adapted into Hallowe’en, then simply Halloween.

Embrace this time and open you hearts to your loved ones and guides and you never know what you will receive.

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!

We all benefit, when we give to others.

I know that seems like a simple and also vague statement, but there is a lot of truth in it.  There is always someone we may know, a cause, a charity that when we give freely with out any expectation, we really all do benefit.  We benefit in ways so countless that when we are in the midst of doing it, we really do not understand how those ripples extend outward to other.  There was a movie several years back by the title Pay it Forward. It is a movie with the basic premise that if something is done for you, you are not expected to pay back the person that did that thing for you, though you may choose to, but go on to pay it forward to someone else. 

I have done this several times and especially when I can. I can't express how it makes you feel seeing someone enjoying something they have wanted or needed help with. Sharing in an event or making someone's day because you enabled them to have their experience.  Doing things like this just so lifts you and us. Spirit has commented about not putting all your time into earthly things, but giving time to things that you will take with you, like experiences and memories. When you do something like this, there is no value you can place upon doing something for someone else.  The joy, happiness and look alone on the other you have given to can do amazing things and give amazing things in return. It can be healing, emotionally uplifting and give a sense of purpose that when you do such a thing, you continue to want to share that with others and all with the intention that you receive nothing in return but that believe they will pass that on to someone else.

This all comes down to doing and being in a sense good. Being good, lends to kindness and compassion. It leads to selflessness and empowering the less fortunate. It leads to a sense of unity, connectedness and even adds a personal check mark in your spiritual report card.  It always gives to you and never takes.  Being kind for the sake of kindness. Being a whole person with the world with you instead of being in a sense of feeling alone.  There is great energy in it and it also boost your endorphins which can also ease all types of personal and emotional pain.  Doing good is truly when intentionally done right, is something we all should practice, especially when we can.  We don't have to give in terms of financial or physical things to help someone in need. It is the sense at times of appreciation or just listening to someone that can mean the world to them. Giving advice only when asked or wanted, but never pushed, for not everyone wants or is ready for it. 

It is the thought I carry all the time, to do only good.  To not align myself with negativity or negative people. To practice this as much as I can and even when I am alone with my thoughts, to not let negative thoughts or people take up occupancy in my mind. If I see something that offends me or my feelings, I just say to myself, let it go, separate your self from those things, it isn't important, let go and let God deal with it. I do this with people as well who need to work on their own things and if they do not connect further with my happiness or beliefs, I bless them and hope they find what they are looking for elsewhere. We do not need to entertain negativity to be happy.

If we all took the time to just let go and not hold on to the things we do not understand and practice a bit of compassion and love, we can truly make this world a better place.

Enjoy your September.

Blessings,

Steven

I wanted to talk about Mistakes. A mistake is a judgement or action that is misguided or wrong.  Now we all make mistakes. Mistakes are as natural to us as breathing. We make them and often have to sit and deal with the fall out not realizing in the moment what the mistake was going to lead to. I make them, you make them, we all make them. We don't have to wallow in the repercussions of them, but we should really understand this, was that really a mistake?  We are told all the time by spirit and spiritual leaders, that whatever happens to us or for us is meant to be. If we follow these thoughts, then we never make mistakes, even the action of doing it in the moment may lead to something we didn't expect, but maybe, it allows for growth. Growth in ourselves to understand that what happened, happened. It was needed. It was what we needed to see something in ourselves we need to change. How we have to change the way we direct our thoughts, or even the cutting out or letting go of people and things in our lives that cause us distress or problems.  

I was recently asked what I thought.  In the heat of the discussion, because yes it became heated because of the topics discussed, I first stated, "You really don't want to know what I think." They pressed stating they really did and well, I let go. I sat after the discussion, more like a release of thoughts that I had kept to myself, what I really thought, myself personally and felt several things.  I felt a little numb. I felt a relief as well. But all day after it, I felt a little remorse. I didn't say anything to try to hurt someone, but to tell how I have been hurt by the subject. What that hurt was like, how it made me feel and how those involved made me feel as well. Even as I write this, several feelings come up. "Was that a mistake or did I need to do it for myself?" But I decided to share this experience because I wanted to prove something. Spirituality teaches us to be responsible for ourselves and learn that if we do something that those actions are our own, not others nor does it belong to them. We need to be responsible for what happens next and realize that God, your guides,  whatever or whomever you pray to, is not judging you, you are. 

A part of me wants to push the feel regrets subject, but in reality, I don't. I had to speak my peace for me because when people ask you what is on your mind, they don't want to really know. They want to know a version of what is on your mind they can accept. When something is told them that they don't expect, that is on them, not you. You have to speak your peace and yes make mistakes. Those are needed to happen to create growth not stagnation. If we sat around telling each other what they wanted to hear, we wouldn't grow. I have made my views clear and have always been my truest self. If someone, anyone doesn't want accept the truest version of myself, they do not need to be present and can find others who will make them feel better for themselves when they don't feel better for themselves. I am not here to tell a fairy tale of life, but a reality. We have been given so many illusions and bought into them that we really don't understand ourselves till we strip off those blinders and smile like an aimless puppet doing and saying what ever others want.  That is so clear in how people are approaching the current situations in the world as well, but if they stopped, ripped off the bandage, let the wounds breathe, they would eventually heal. We can't keep applying bandages to people wounds in our lives. The scars give character and reminders and sometimes when we are through with those scars, they disappear. 

So don't beat yourself up because you have made a mistake with someone or something, learn from it. Be a better version of yourself and embrace what it is teaching you today, because most likely tomorrow you will make another one.  Let them go, learn, be better and most of all know your still loved as long as you love yourself more than anyone else will.

Blessings and Happy August,

Steven

I found this article to be something to share.

For some Americans, July 4 is a time not to celebrate, but reflect

By — 

Courtney Vinopal

Courtney Vinopal is a general assignment reporter at the PBS NewsHour

The document signed more than 200 years ago declaring the United States’ independence from Britain contained within it inherent contradictions.

While the Declaration of Independence declared “that all men are created equal,” endowed with the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” the laws that followed did not apply to Black or Native Americans, nor women. Leaders often speak about the United States as a “melting pot,” built by immigrants from all over the world, but the country has not always been welcoming to newcomers, either.

This Fourth of July, Americans are grappling with a global pandemic and an intense period of political and social unrest, driven by calls to reform policing and address systemic racism that dates back to the country’s founding. While some people see the holiday as a chance to celebrate democracy — or “the greatest political experiment ever tried” — others are questioning what it means to be patriotic, and whether the country is fulfilling the promise of its founding for everyone.

Sixty-two percent of Americans who responded to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll feel the country is getting worse, and are deeply divided over how to handle the coronavirus and protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Some respondents to a NewsHour callout said it was a positive reminder of “the potential to change, the hope that someday we will live up to our national values.”

To many, the Independence Day holiday simply means a day off of work, fireworks, and barbecues. But it’s clear that many are thinking more deeply about the holiday this year. Below, readers reflect on what July Fourth means to them.

‘I don’t feel independent from the oppressors of the past’

Many Americans of color whose ancestors were disenfranchised from the start said the Independence Day holiday engenders complex feelings.

“As an American descended from slaves, we weren’t into it,” Valerie Brown, a 49-year-old Black woman from Brooklyn, wrote of her family’s feelings about the Fourth of July growing up.

The hypocrisy of the holiday was not lost on the abolitionist and scholar Frederick Douglass, who in 1852 delivered his famous address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

In it, he spoke about the “sad sense of disparity” that existed between Black and white Americans at a time when slavery had not yet been abolished.

“I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary!” he told the mostly white crowd at an event in Rochester, New York commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.”

Jonathan Lande, a Purdue University history professor who recently wrote a column for the Washington Post arguing that “The Fourth of July is a Black American holiday,” noted in an email to the PBS NewsHour that “Black Americans who decided to participate in July Fourth celebrations did so because they considered themselves part of America, and they wanted to mend the nation.” In his research of July Fourth celebrations from 1827 to 1865, Lande found that many Black Americans treated the holiday as an opportunity to “sanctify and reflect,” meditating on what America could be, even while many remained enslaved.

Lande added that because Frederick Douglass embraced America, he embraced the Fourth of July. But not all Black Americans agreed that they must struggle to be American. Lande added that Black leaders like Martin Delany, Mary Ann Shadd, and Henry Highland Garnett all considered leaving the U.S. and founding a new country instead.

Christopher Storm, who leads a Black Lives Matter chapter in Milwaukee, said that he identified with Douglass’ speech decrying the hypocrisy of the Declaration of Independence. He said he was born in Jefferson Davis hospital in Houston, named for the former president of the Confederacy, and has been surrounded by reminders of white supremacy his whole life: “From the get-go I had white supremacy stamped onto me.”

The protests taking place this summer, Storm added, are a reminder of the oppression that people of color in the U.S. have always faced. “I been seeing things like George Floyd going on since forever,” he said. “Racism is not new. It’s always been a problem, it’s just being filmed now. There are so many George Floyds.”

For Native Americans, too, Independence Day celebrations can feel strange. The Declaration of Indepence, as an article in Smithsonian Magazine recently noted, purports that King George had “endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.”

“My family are Mvskoke Creek tribal members and having our ancestral lands stolen, millions killed, tortured and raped…doesn’t give Indian folk much to celebrate,” wrote Donna K. Cobb of Hoover, Alabama.

Alex Furtado, a 30-year-old Hispanic man from Boston, said the term “Independence Day” does not resonate with him. “I don’t feel independent from the oppressors of the past,” he wrote. “I still see it in different forms and expressions in American society today. I still see how I and others internalize the narratives of these oppressors.”

Mixed feelings for immigrants in America

President Donald Trump has made tightening immigration a cornerstone of his administration. His policies have sought to limit immigration and drastically reduce the number of people who can seek asylum in the U.S. They have also led to the separation of thousands of immigrant children from their families, many of whom have been held in overcrowded and poorly run detention centers.

Rogelio Saenz, a professor of demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said that these policies, combined with the hard hit that Latino communities have taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, may make some immigrants reluctant to embrace the July Fourth holiday. Many of the Latino immigrants targeted by the Trump administration are fleeing violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, and Saenz noted that it has become harder for many of these people to seek citizenship — or even asylum — in the U.S.

Saenz said the spirit that the U.S. has tried to perpetuate “of the hard worker out there doing everything they can to make sure the country moves forward” is exemplified by many immigrant workers on the front lines today. “But at the same time you don’t have the appreciation, the embracing of what they do,” he said. “They’re essential, but they’re also seen as disposable.”

Patricia Keith Mathisen, 75, who currently lives in Merida, Mexico, recalled teaching people from other countries about the holiday when she worked in refugee camps elsewhere in the world. “We would make it a learning experience for the refugees who were about to leave for the U.S.,” Mathisen wrote. “Most countries don’t do much to celebrate their National Day except for a parade, but for us, perhaps more than any other country on the face of the earth, it is such a big deal!”

She said this year, though, “with the virus and the existence of the concept of ‘Independence’ being so much in jeopardy as a result of the current administration,” she would be reluctant to celebrate.

“Our government has never treated immigrants with respect, even though that was one of the expressed purposes of our independence,” said 31-year-old Douglas Pocock of Washington State, citing the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the deportation of Mexican immigrants in Operation Wetback, and the recent travel ban barring immigrants from several mostly Muslim countries.

Americans that hail from territories like Puerto Rico, which is not given voting representation in Congress, might also think differently about the holiday. As a Puerto Rican, Stephanie Fuentes said the July Fourth holiday has prompted her to consider “what it looks like for all the American citizens that are on the island now and how independence doesn’t even translate the same unless they’re on the mainland.”

An opportunity to reflect

“Each year, I don’t just celebrate the birth of our country on July Fourth. I use it as a time to check in and see how we are doing on the task they left for us,” said 40-year-old Ann Hooper of Austin, Texas. “The patriots involved in the American Revolution were certainly flawed as individuals, but collectively they created documents, a nation and ideals that we should all continue to strive to achieve.”

“July Fourth should be a day when we renew our determination to strive for ‘liberty and justice for all,’ not a day for patting ourselves on the back for achieving those ideals for a privileged few,” wrote Sarah Taylor, of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Scott Tucker said that the Fourth of July holiday symbolizes the “spirit of America” to him: “ We recognize that we’re a work in progress and that our symbols are of ideals and principles, not of a snapshot of who and where we are now.”

The question for some, then, on Fourth of July, is how well America has held up to its promise of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” for all.

The recent protests indicate that this sort of reflection is not limited to the Fourth of July. “In 1852, Douglass compelled white Americans to look at themselves to better the country, much as protesters are doing today,” historian Jonathan Lande said of Frederick Douglass’ address 168 years ago. “It was important then and is important now to discuss inequality and mend America.”

During May, I had a couple of significant things happened that brought on a change and also the opportunity for further growth. 

I can never predict how a person will respond once they decide to take advantage of a Joy Guide membership to get a really reduced appointment since they get one free and then when it comes to renewal, respond so negatively that you just decide, ok, enough. 

I have decided to do three things around the Joy Guide Membership. 1 those who are current, had their membership updated to lifetime, Joy Guide Membership was then removed and instead of one free appointment a year, it was reduced to $50 for one. All other benefits of the membership stand. 

Joy Guide was meant for those who did not have the money for a lifetime, but the people who had their membership updated, have renewed enough to qualify for the change and I appreciate each and everyone one of them for continuing to do so as I do all those who decided to select lifetime.

This past week, I worked with the group Teaching of the Angels, with Tom Newman's group and though a lot of work, very enjoyable. Each person who had personal appointments and attended the circles and events, were so positive and life affirming that though I am physically spent from all the work, spiritually I am renewed, but not misguided on making the change I did now going on 3 years.  Most business in the first year fail. In a Pandemic, a lot of new businesses started as well as well known ones, failed, but instead of failing, spirit watching over me because when you work with spirit, spirit takes care of you, I thrived and still do. This is not meant to rub in anyone's noses the look at me statement, this is to prove that working with spirit, understanding your purpose, spirit will help you. I am very fortunate to have the work I have. I am appreciative every day for everyone who has continued to support my work.  I also realized I am more at peace because of how my work is right now. 

I cannot say when or if I will ever work in person again. I still have to be very cautious, especially now, due to a plastic fire I was in when I was 18, that damaged my lungs. I all my life have lived with a diminished lung capacity. When I had double pneumonia, they were damaged even more. My Doctor has stated all during covid, stay away from people and if you have to go out, be very very very cautious and remember that you have to mask up, wash hands and not touch your face.  I know as a spiritual person, I can change all of this perspective, but I have dealt with this so long in my life, it is hard to change what the body knows. Even though we are being told, fully vaccinated can go out with masks, I can't. I also can't trust to work in small spaces or close to people because of this very fact.  I contracted TB years ago because of working with someone who came in with it. It was a long year of getting through that treatment, now 19 years ago, that I still carry the scars of TB because of what it can do to your body. I recently told my Doctor how much I appreciate her as she has helped me stay alive these past 20+ years. With a body that wants to be different and a spirit and mind that says otherwise, I am keeping a balance even though I have all my life had a vision of living to 88 years.

Why I am sharing this is to tell you, I am not being selfish, I am being thoughtful. I want to be available for spirit to work through till our agreement, which was 70.  I don't want to be someone who spends most of my time being sick, but being healthy for spirit to work through for those who are seeking.  I don't want people to give up hope on a better day as I don't believe there won't be one, but for now this is how life is. There is just too much negativity in the world to not work on yourself and be better than them. I practice all the time what spirit says: "Be better than you yourself each and every day." I cannot express, that life gives us exactly what we need, no matter what and how it comes to us. If we don't appreciate at least what we have, we can never have more, at least what counts as more. Money, the most expensive things in life, the biggest house or best car and all the trips one can have, won't matter when we leave this place. Humans live a disposable life. We throw away stuff all the time once it no longer has meaning.  People fall into this category as well. We remove ourselves and people from experiences that no longer have meaning just as easily. I have seen this time and time again. 

I simply believe this, that when people move on from you, you have done what you were meant to do for them. If they continue with you, that is also there is more to do for them. If you believe in them, they will believe in you. If they become more than what they intended to become, that is more than you had in the first place, but never be disappointed, be at peace. You can only do the best you can and if it is not enough, be at peace that for you, you were enough.

Have a great June,

Steven

Memorial Day falls on Monday May 31st this year.  Previously, but now seldom, called Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I think it is poignant this year to go a little deeper on this day, but also everyday that is yet to come.  

First responders, who gave up so much even their lives to battling the Coronavirus, do they not deserve the same honor?  All the small business and restaurant owners who tirelessly worked to stay afloat and serve food to those who were trying to avoid the virus all the while exposing themselves time and time again to possible situations of infection and ridicule as well grocery workers who also did the very same. The teachers for continuing to work hard at educating our children all the while going through their own drama.  

Last but not least, all the people who lost their lives to the Caronavirus, whether they believed it was real or not, we should remember that every person is valuable simply because we share this life with them.  

I know it can be hard to sit and remember all of this, I certainly do, but making time, just a little, to remember that this is a battle, none the less. A battle to try and get people all on the same page and remember that no person is any less than anyone else. Jesus taught this, he even went on to say that he himself was no important than anyone else, but so often people who use those words do forget them. If we can learn one thing out of this time in our lives, this very important time, that we don't have to fall. We can stand on our own two feet and help others to do the same. We can be more thankful, more kind, more appreciative. We can wear our mask, get our shot and do everything possible to keep others safe.  If we do those things, we can truly honor those who are still fighting everyday for us and also for those who lost.  

I would like to believe though they truly didn't lose anything, but gained something even greater. Even if we remember them, they continue to be alive in us, but we also know that they never die, just become something greater. Their deeds become continuous examples of what to and not to do.  

So this Memorial Day, take the time during your barbcue and pool party or whatever way you take the day to yourself for and just be so very very thankful for what we have now because of these people, they are all true heroes.

Have a great May,

Blessings,

Steve

Welcome Spring!

Warm weather, more outside time, better light, flowers blooming, trees turning green, new life everywhere, but most of us still feel not ready for it. But what should we consider when Spring arrives even in the midst still of an ongoing pandemic?  Spring still is an opportunity to move forward into new things and new opportunities, even when you are not feeling it. A lot of people have been with out significant work or pay. People are getting the vaccine while others wait to get it. Then there are the people who deny its' existence over all. There are so many still in denial of everything that has happened and still happening, you may find yourself having better conversations with a brick wall then your fellow man. 

A recent experience I had with someone had me completely dumfounded. Even as I write this, I am still finding myself perplexed as to why a person would take risks for their own selfish needs, instead of thinking my actions could actually lead to the death of another.  Even last night we were catching up on some TV and a character on the show had Covid. One of the other characters thought they might have given that person covid and one of the other characters involved with the first Character, was so angry that they said, if this is true and something happens, I will never speak to you again!  Even though it was a show, this is how a lot of people feel and there are people who are just going to deny it, but what does this all have to do with Spring?

Instead of focusing on those people, you continue to do what you need to do to protect you and yours. Springing forward into what is good instead of what is not is a better way to live and also to look forward to the good that still is out there. Even though there are those of us, when flowers start blooming, trees start releasing pollen and allergies start to flame, myself included, still can see the beauty in new life and the loveliness of the world. Spring is an opportunity to bring growth and grow into something better. We should all be in the midst of our own Spring, even when we feel like there is an endless experience that just won't stop.  One day this all will be the past. Even the events of those we deal with who just seem out of touch, we will move past them as they are stuck in the past.  You have to move forward. You can't be responsible for those in the world who just don't get it. If it is a family member, friend, coworker, neighbor or even just the casual acquaintance, your not responsible for them, ONLY YOU!  If they choose poorly, you choose wisely. If they want to be the worst, you be the best. Be the best person you can be for you and responsible for you alone. If everyone takes the time to do so we would be much better off.  

Myself, I can make mistakes, imagine that! But I try to do what I can to fix those mistakes within or out and try to correct them so they don't happen again. I can be wrong over and over, but we learn from our wrongs. Spring for me is a time when my eyes are itchy, my throat is scratchy, I am doubling up on the antihistamine (I know it so well I spelled it right the first time.) But I don't stop trying to enjoy what I see happening, the promise that the Earth, our mother gives us. Even when we are bad and hurting her, she continues to show us her love and beauty.  If we strive to show our love and the beauty, the good in us to others, even when they hurt us, maybe, just maybe, they can still appreciate us and at least try to be better people too. 

Be like the Earth, even when your hurt and in the darkest times and you may feel hot when you mad, crying when your sad and cold when you feel like you can't take it anymore like the other seasons can feel like, grow, show your true colors and love the world, because your going to go through all of this again someday, but you will stall always, Spring forward.

Blessings and Happy Spring,

Steven

Here we are. March will be the anniversary of entering into a world wide pandemic because of Covid-19. We also have passed half a million people who have passed because of it. Our lives have changed. It wasn't till recently our own family was touched by a death because of Covid. Losing a relative to Covid, outside of all the reports, true and false. Outside of all the reactions people have to it from total hopelessness, to continuing their lives as if nothing is happening. Outside of not seeing people like we use to. Outside of going barely anywhere and having mild panic attacks because of the various side effects reported. Outside of your life not being as it was, you don't feel it truly till it happens to you. That death, of someone you know, or knew who has passed because of something unseen by the human eye.

We tend to act like it doesn't exist until we see it. We tend to act like if I just do the simple things, wash my hands, wear a mask, don't touch my face, we will be safe. But then you have holidays come around and people want to get together. People want to celebrate their birthdays with people they know and love. People want to see their loved ones even more so now that they are being told they can't. We want to hug our friends and family. We want the normal comforts of life we had before but it was those normal comforts that also got us where we are. 

We live in one of the most wealthiest countries that has the ability to help its' people, but because we are so divided and then one thing, will really not the one thing we don't see, but many, keeps us still facing a pandemic until the reality of it sets in so deeply that we look at the past and say that wasn't working, but new leadership and new ideas. Vaccines coming out, government looking to be effective instead of distorted.  Working together and realizing we will not make it if we are so divided, but need to come together, will get us through.

There are many who want life to get back to the old normal. That normal wasn't working. If it was, we wouldn't be where we are now. We have to get use to the new normal. What that means is that changes have to be made and many of those changes that have happened already will probably stay as the new normal. People will probably continue to work from home. If it working better than it was before, people will change the way they do things to fit was works better for them now. I know several people who have thrived during covid instead of suffered. If your doing better, why would you go back to the old?  Life brings us change and we shouldn't be afraid of it. If we become resistant to it, we will fail. If we learn to adapt, we will thrive. The Earth made this virus to teach us a lesson. Hopefully, whatever that lesson is and what it shows us, we will learn it. 

I myself have become more reflective on purpose. I have learned a lot about myself and what I am and not capable of doing or handling. I also have learned very clearly what and who I want in my life. I have also learned a lesson so clearly that I only have shared it with a few people because only those people will understand.  I truly hope that in the end, everyone learns what is important and who.  Everyone has the right to live their lives the way they want. Choice and the right to choose, right or wrong, it is still everyone's choice to make.  People will make a lot of choices and not realize that those choices do effect other people and in the end that choice could cause the end of someone else's life. Which leads me back to the start of this article. We live our lives in circles and here we are a year later, another circle but hopefully this circle, or cycle, will be different and better for all of us. Life and death is a circle we are all locked into, but we should never fear that circle, we should embrace it and be aware of our actions and try much harder to be better people that the world needs us to be.

Be safe, be well, wash your hands, don't touch your face and wear a mask.

Blessings,

Steve