Some People

Some people have really been blessed with the gift of expressing their thoughts in words. I just discovered the inspirational writings of Flavia Weedn, a woman whose words are well worth a few seconds of our time.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go… Some stay for awhile and embrace our silent dreams.

They help us become aware of the delicate winds of hope… and we discover within every human spirit there are wings yearning to fly.

They help our hearts to see that the only stairway to the stars is woven with dreams… and we find ourselves unafraid to reach high.

They celebrate the true essence of who we are… and have faith in all that we may become.

Some people awaken us to new and deeper realizations… for we gain insight from the passing whisper of their wisdom.

Throughout our lives we are sent precious souls… meant to share our journey however brief or lasting their stay they remind us why we are here.

To learn… to teach… to nurture… to love

Some people come into our lives to cast a steady light upon our path and guide our every step, their shining belief in us helps us to believe in ourselves.

Some  people come into our lives to teach us about love… The love that rests within ourselves.

Let us reach out to others and feel the bliss of giving, for love is far richer in action that it ever is in words.

Some people come into our lives and they move our souls to sing and make our spirits dance.

They help us to see that everything on earth is part of the incredibility of life… and that it is always there for us to take of its joy.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.

Flavia Weedn

Welcoming the Light

The contrast between light and darkness fascinates me. Without a doubt, our lives must consist of both, simply based on the fact that if there were no darkness, then we wouldn’t know the value of light. It’s a good thought to keep in mind when occasionally we have to work ourselves through some rough times.

But even though rough times do occur in everyones life, there is another  important thought that should also be kept in mind: That we always have a choice how to respond to those twists and turns of life. We can always make a choice to focus on the light.

Another winter has come to an end. Everything that has been frozen is melting and the miracle of spring unfolds in front of us. It occurs to me that somehow, it has been a very short winter. Of course, the number of days have been the same as any winter (and the amount of snow as well). Still, that’s what it feels like. And I think I know the reason why. Last summer, I made myself a promise: to keep my eyes on what’s truly beautiful in life, and focus on what really makes living worthwhile. I realized that when we start searching for sources of  joy and inspiration, gradually our lives begin to change. There is always a light shining somewhere. But to truly see it we have to focus on that light, and open up to the beauty life has in store for us.

Life is wonderful, in every way. But it’s true what they say; we do get what we ask for. If we stop filling our lives with what really matters, ignoring our dreams and visions, then eventually the darkness will take over and we end up merely existing instead of living. I know. I’ve been there.

So today’s thought is; Let us all allow ourselves – and each other – to be who we truly are, to live with honesty and humility for life, and welcome the light into our hearts.

Because when we do, something wonderful happens; We discover our own power to bring more light and warmth into the world, making us part of a very positive circle.

“Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s a light shining somewhere nearby.” ~ Ruth E. Renkel

What is Love

Here are today’s philosophical thoughts, (or should I say tonight’s philosophical thoughts, as I’m writing this in the middle of the night, with only the moon outside to keep me company)

Among all the essential questions we ask ourselves while trying to figure out the mysteries of life, there is one that seems to stay with us no matter who we are or what kind of times we live in; the question of love. Not the love we aim to show all our fellow men, the do-onto-others kind of love. I think that is somewhat easier to define. No, I mean the love we have, or hope to find with that one, special person in life. What we often refer to as true love. But what does that really mean? What is true love? How do we know what to look for, and how to know if we have found it? Does it even exist?

What is undoubtedly true is that the concept of love holds different meaning to different people. Simply because people are different. And so each one of us will have to define love for ourselves, and no one else can do that for us.

Although I am certainly no expert on the matter, I do have a few personal thoughts that I’d like to share. I believe love is about finding a soul companion; an equal, a mirror, someone who sees you for what you really are, and still feels no need to change you. Someone who believes in your dreams, who lifts you up and never tries to pull you down or hold you back. Someone who will provide shelter when you feel vulnerable, and encouragement when you’re ready to take on the world. Someone who brightens your day and makes you a better person, who knows that every now and then, silence says what words can not.

So what must we do to find it then? Should we simply go searching for it? Many have tried. Some have succeeded. But I don’t think love needs to be found, or brought to life. I believe it comes to us, in its own way, in its own time. And when it does, we just know that it’s there.

Finally, perhaps the most important thought (or at least, to me, the most honest one); I believe love cannot be given half-heartedly. It has to be everything – or nothing at all. And when we come to realize what love is, what it means to us personally, then we have also learned what it’s not.

Amor Vincit Omnia – True love conquers all

Related thoughts: Definition of Success and Be Who You Must Be

Go Hug Someone!

I just discovered that today is (US) National Hugging Day. Which is a great  idea!

But… shouldn’t it be International Hugging Day?!! What about the rest of us, is there any person on the planet that doesn’t need/want a hug? I think not.

If you have a minute or three, sit back and watch this video. It is guaranteed to make you feel good! Pay attention at 0:50, when the guy gets (and gives) his first hug. Now isn’t that beautiful? I also love the shift in colors at that very moment.

Hey, we should do this!

Warm hugs

Linda

Best Mom in the Universe

Putting my 6 year old to bed the other night, I was able to spend a little more time with him than usual, as his younger brother fell asleep early that evening. As I finished the bedtime story (which was also longer than usual) he leant up to give me a hug. And then, putting his arms around my neck, I heard him exclaim: You are the BEST mom in the entire universe!!!

Now what’s more beautiful than a spontanious, heartfelt compliment from a child?

I opened my mouth to thank him for the very nice compliment and say something nice in return, when I noticed he had a funny expression upon his face. As if he was somehow amazed by his own thoughts.. And then he added, as if to himself; – And that particular mom was given to me..!

What can I say?

Here’s a picture of – from my point of view – the best 6 year old in the entire universe!

And – can you imagine; that particular child was given to me..

Be Who You Must Be

I don’t know where you are on your path

I have never stood in your shoes

I see not with your eyes

I know not what your purpose is here

In this stage of your evolution

But I feel blessed to know you

As you are not in my life by chance

And you are my teacher

As I hope you learn from me

I pray I show reverence to you

I pray not to judge you

I wish for you to be

Who you are -

Who you dream of being

I will just be beside you

And watch you grow

And the day will come for sure

When we will know why

Our paths crossed this way

And until then my friend

Be who you must be

~ Diarmuid Cronin

Imagine what the world would be like, if we could all meet each other with thoughts like these.

Linda

For the Journey of Life

Heavenly Father

Please be with me on my journey

Remind me that I am not alone

I will put my faith and trust in You

Please guide me

As I wish to walk with love

Remind me that what is hidden from me

May still be there, and still be true

Fill my heart with your light

Keep my eyes focused

And my mind persistent

On this journey of life

Stockholm Tonight

I just discovered this song “Stockholm i natt” by the Swedish singer Peter Jöback. The lyrics tells about how the ordinary and even unattractive becomes beautiful when your heart is filled with joy and happiness. Honest and heartfelt. If you can’t understand the lyrics, do enjoy the wonderful melody!

Rediscovering Forrest Gump

I watched the Forrest Gump movie when it was released in 1994. But now, watching it again 14 years later, it’s clear to me that I completely missed it. I just didn’t realize back then – this is not only a touching love story. This story tells about so many aspects of life. Like having a warm heart, being a trustworthy person, taking on a challenge, dealing with disappointment, believing in love – even if it doesn’t turn out the way we imagine. And in the end it makes you wonder; what is being smart all about anyway – really?

I am so glad to have rediscovered this amazing movie. If you haven’t watched it yet, you must do so as soon as you can. If you did watch it a while ago like me, you might just want to watch it all over again. Don’t miss out. As for now you can just sit back and let yourself float away with the Forrest Gump “feather theme” – all of this music is beautiful, but I have completely fallen in love with the first part. Perhaps the most beautiful melody I have ever known.

The Truth about Parenthood

I’m spending the weekend in London with my husband. To be honest, it’s quite a few years since our last little getaway together. We have been on several vacations, sure – but we always brought the kids, heading for some family friendly place for the kids to have some fun.

And here we are, 4 days of eating my dinner while it’s still hot, sleeping through the whole night, finishing all my sentences without being interrupted and – no little arms around my neck, no soft hugs, no wet kisses on my nose, no little voices explaining their thoughts to me. Isn’t it strange – when you finally get a chance to spend some time on your own, you start missing your kids!

So we went shopping. For the kids (…) Then I spot these words on the wall of a kids wear store:

What can I say? I remember being both frustrated and exhausted at times, and it is great to have some peace and quiet for once. Still, I seem to carry them with me. Always keeping the thought of them in the back of my mind, thinking of them with a smile on my face. Because being their mom is also… well… wonderful, hilarious and rewarding (!)

I received a message from my mother-in-law (who is babysitting our youngest). And guess what? We are being missed too! I guess we are just meant to be together, the big and the small members of our family. Though we can sometimes drive each other crazy, we belong together, beyond time and distance. Isn’t family the greatest blessing in life – I mean, when it really comes down to it.

Linda