Simplicity

Joy often comes when I am able to simplify my life, which for me is letting go of some obligations and removing clutter from my calendar and my studio. It is so refreshing being in a state of simplicity. The quality of keeping things simple and uncomplicated liberates me and my creativity and makes me happy. I am free to think more clearly because simplicity allows me to focus on what is truly important, which are all those things that are in my heart such as interpersonal relationships, connections, kindness, love and joy. Do you see how joy and simplicity are connected? How can you simplify your life?

Related articles

• Simplicity. (eminayiden.wordpress.com)
• Happiness and Simplicity (ministryofhappiness.wordpress.com)
• On a mission called Simplicity… (harmeetanand.wordpress.com)
• Simplicity as truth (findingforrest.com)
• Happiness: The Beauty of Simplicity… (eof737.wordpress.com)

Memories

What are memories? Memories are all the big and small events in our life that touched our lives.  They are most often very significant moments of joy or pain. They are snapshot images that flash before our mind’s eye triggering all the emotions that surrounded it.

I wish only to trigger those joyful memories,  but sometimes a painful memory might surface. I honor that painful memory because it makes me who I am today. I now have the opportunity to heal and use that memory to create better memories…joyful and delightful ones. 

Compassion

Compassion is made up of the Latin prefix “com-“, which means with, together or in association; and, the suffix “-passion,” which refers to Jesus Christ’s sufferings on the cross or can mean suffering. Simply put, compassion means in association with suffering. Wikipedia describes compassion as a virtue in which the emotional dimensions and capabilities of empathy and sympathy for the suffering of others are considered as part of love.

Compassion to me is holding the hand of another who is in pain either emotionally or physically (or both) and being present for him or her. You are there completely to support another being with unconditional love. Compassion is holding another physically or simply holding his or her intentions during times of distress and anguish. Compassion is one of the most loving gestures we can have for each other. It is BEING love to another human being no matter what the circumstances are. It is more than saying, “I LOVE YOU.” It is SHOWING, “I LOVE YOU!” 

I want to dedicate this blog to my tia Gladys…I LOVE YOU, SO VERY MUCH tia Gladys!!!!

My aunt Gladys has always had compassion for everyone she has come in contact. She has been LOVE for so many people. I am so happy knowing that now everyone has compassion for her as she goes through this period in her life. 

PLEASE, have compassion for all your loved ones and then go beyond. May GOD and LOVE be with ALL of your loved ones especially those who are ailing or in crisis. Thank you for reading my blog. God Bless You and May the Light of Love and Life be with you and your all those you hold dear to your heart always. With love, joy and blessings…Angi

Reflection

What is reflection? To me, reflection is careful consideration, looking back on a time or event in our lives, which often gives us insight to how things could have been different or perhaps even handled better. To look back on how we handled an event in our lives can be quite useful for future events. It helps us grow and develop as a person; and, evolve as people, especially when we reflect with a different perspective or frame of reference.

When I reflect back on specific events in my life, I see clearly other ways I could have acted. Using this information allows me to act differently if I did not like the outcome of a previous experience. Reflection is a great tool and can bring more joy into one’s life as long as you see each experience as a life lesson or blessing through the reflection and NOT as a regret or mistake. 

Surprises

Surprises often bring joy! I got a lovely surprise in the mail today.

A mystery friend sent me a card filled with inspirational words!

I love surprises. Below is the front of the card my mystery friend sent:

I did not even realize today is Friday the 13th (of January). It has been a pleasant day filled with one lovely surprise after another. Most of the surprises came from the friendly interactions I had with many people today both on-line and in person. All the people with whom I interacted face to face were not people I knew, but each one of them were super nice. I love exchanging pleasant words and gestures with them. It is the small things in life that make a world of difference in our hearts. I wonder how many small surprises I can create for others in the future to bring joy into their lives? Some things you just can’t plan. They just happen by surprise. 

Nurture

I define nurture in this passage as: to feed and protect; to support and encourage; foster.  For our own well-being and that of the world it is important to nurture our friendships as well as our own hearts. I believe I can do both, nurture my heart and my friendships, at the same time.  Spending time with friends, socializing, eating, drinking and being merry supports and encourages love and joy in our hearts. The hearts of our friends as well as our own hearts are being nurtured as we spend time together and simply being in the moment with each other by giving our undivided attentions to each other.  Every moment we have is a blessing that should be fully appreciated.  Sharing these precious moments with others is a great way to appreciate those moments and nurture our own hearts as well as the hearts of our friends.  Friendship is a form of love that deserves to be nurtured. 

I will nurture my heart by feeding it joy and protecting it from negative feelings. I will support and encourage my heart with only those activities that I take delight. I will foster happiness in my life. This will nurture me! By nurturing me, I can nurture my friends and the world.  Self-care is so important. It is vital that we do not neglect ourselves. How are we able to take care of others when we are not taking care of ourselves?

Nurture…feed, protect, support, encourage, foster…our hearts and our friendships with joy and love.