We hear so much about the troubling times we live in and it is true. But, I have come to realize that a lot of it is in perspective. It is the lens through which we view our surroundings. Don’t you imagine that the settlers who pushed west in covered wagons perceived troubling times and hardships you and I can only imagine? Or how about when the Native Americans were forced off the land they loved to live in squalor on the reservations?
I love the analogy of the caterpillar and the butterfly. As in so many different aspects of nature, it is beyond amazing. How can a green hairy worm turn into such a beautiful winged creature? There are scientific and biological explanations for this, but in the scope of things, and through my own lens, it is utterly surreal. A miracle of sorts.
So, in reference to the times we live in and the turmoil society is exhibiting, there is an underlying and hidden sense of calm. Aside from politics – aside from religion – aside from society as a whole, there is something deeper and more meaningful. It is that calm that gives each of us the strength to face chaos.
It has been said that before change comes great chaos and I have found that statement to ring true throughout my life. I believe it is true today.
We must not give up on the very basis of everything we have built our lives around. Thomas Edison was a genius in more than one way and his wisdom still rings true.
I love this quote from Benjamin Franklin. It truly says it all.
I don’t watch the news. I don’t buy into dramatic negative posts I see on Facebook. What I do, is try to make my little corner of the world the best I can possibly make it. After all, that’s what I have control over. That’s what each of us have control of. And when we focus our energy on that, there begins a ripple effect that spreads across our communities and the world.
This quote from J.K. Rowling touched me deeply. Let’s do this!
We can change the world, but it all starts with each of us in our own little corners. Make it the best you can!
Jan, my sweet friend, your beautiful soul shines through in this lovely post. As I read it, I thought of the song: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. We must be the change we wish to see. The way out is the way in. We also need to stay aware of all going on around us, but we shouldn’t “live” there, so to speak. I think it’s important to share information to that end and take positive and appropriate action when necessary. I often find myself recalling that Edmund Burke quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” One thing that is for certain … the lunatic fringe needs to learn to laugh at itself! A book that greatly expanded my perspective on the purpose of life was The Little Soul and the Sun ~ a children’s book, and yet, not so much. Little souls talk about the lessons they want to learn when they incarnate and ask each other’s help in achieving this, even if it will be painful. But once we incarnate, we forget; otherwise, we’d throw up our hands and say, Forget it! Let’s have some fun.” Life is mysterious and grand … 💖
Thank you, Tina. Your words always inspire and always lift me up. I appreciate you stopping by.
I think all of us need to find the calm. I have noticed the most vocal and I might add spiteful voices I hear today have no sense of calm and I think they are shouting out since they don’t know a better course. I find your words to be right where I am and am growing very weary of the noise around us. Good job Jan.
I agree, John. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
🙂
Jan, I keep thinking of the trip I took to New York two years ago and took the ferry over to Liberty Island. On the ride over to Lady Liberty standing so proud and tall, I watched the faces of those around me. So many were from other countries and speaking different languages, but they were so excited to be there. They pressed to the sides and talked faster and faster the closer we got, motioning with their hands and pointing to the Statue of Liberty. They were even more in awe I think than I was and I’d always yearned to see that sight all my life. It was then I realized that everyone yearns to be free and Lady Liberty belongs not to us but to every single person in the world. She’s a beacon of hope and light and promise.
Well said, sister!
Great post for these times. Love the quotes too.
Thanks, Craig. I appreciate you stopping by!
Fantastic blog, sister! Except I’m having trouble finding the calm inside me. I don’t want to live in this world we’re creating that’s so full of hate, racism and bigotry. That’s not the America our forefathers created. Where is the equality and justice for all? I’m having trouble finding it these days.
Here’s the text from the Lady LIberty’s scroll as she stands in New York harbor:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
This is the America I want to live in. Welcoming. Free. Unbiased. Where there is love. Would any of us be here today is our previous generations were denied entry? We all come from other countries except for the Native Americans. We are all immigrants who were following a dream.
Okay, I’ll crawl down from my soapbox today. Sorry for airing my thoughts. I’m really terrified.
I know, sister. But, we have to trust that somewhere underneath all of the hatred, chaos, bigotry and racism, there is a calm. We just have to dig really deep to find it. Thank you for stopping by and getting on your soapbox. 🙂 Freedom of speech. So far, we still have it. 🙂 Love you.
What a lovely inspiring post, Jan, and a beautiful way to kick off the week. I love the quotes you chose, especially the one about the caterpillar and butterfly. Also, I just finished reading a book on Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse not that long ago. Those were definitely men who preserved despite failures!
So true, Mae. We can’t ever give up and even if we’re a worm, we can dream of becoming a caterpillar. 🙂 Hugs and thanks for stopping by.
Jan- what a beautiful and inspiring blog. Thank you for bringing light into our Monday morning. You’re a ray of sunshine in my life. Love these words of wisdom.
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Tonya. I am happy to bring a little light anywhere I can. 🙂 Hugs!
Beautifully written, Jan. I so agree with you. We do, indeed, “have the power to imagine better.” And, “imagine” we must, for ourselves and for those who have forgotten that they can. Thank you for this lovely post.
Absolutely, Gwen. We must be the ripple effect of light and love. And I believe with all my heart LOVE always wins and light always dispels darkness! Thank you for stopping by.