Life seems more fragile in these gray, cold days of November. The skies are so often full of gloomy clouds that won't lift, and the empty tree branches look lonely against the sky's smoky silhouette. Darkness comes early, and people huddle inwards to brace their bodies against the chill that's always in the air. Children's lighthearted play is shadowed by unkind words, relationships that once seemed solid crumble and leave broken hearts in their rubble, influential cities topple under the weight and force of a monstrous fall storm. It is so easy to feel sad and powerless as we watch all of this unfold around us, and easy to retreat further into ourselves to try and avoid the unhappiness of it all.
There is potential, though, in the turning inward that an unfriendly November urges us to do. If we take time to be still, to allow ourselves to listen to and see and feel the unique essence that lies deep within each of our hearts, we will find there a light that shines brightly and has the ability to bring great warmth and hope and happiness. We can encourage that light within by not being afraid to be ourselves, by recognizing and understanding and accepting the intricate beings that we are, by believing that we are meant to always keep growing in positive ways. Our light shines with more beauty and force when we are not swayed by people or events whose negativity tries to smother our flame, when we continue to be guided by our hearts, which somehow know the way to the goodness we want to see in our world.
When we find our own inner light and allow it to shine forth brightly, we can help to illuminate the world for others. Our warmth will help us teach our children to spread messages of love rather than hatred; it will let us reach out to those who are hurting and need support to mend their broken hearts; it will help us to rebuild a destroyed city so that it once again stands strong against the backdrop of a menacing November sky. With our light, each and all of us are powerful.
Photo credit: the guardian u.k.
Lovely words to think about. Visiting from MamaKat.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post. Sometimes the worst brings out the best in us. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteSo true, Kelley. Thank you for your compliment -- I'm glad my words had meaning for you.
ReplyDeleteBanker Chick, thank you -- nice of you to visit!
what an inspirational post! We can all learn something from the cold, dark days that come upon us and we all have the ability to shine in spite of it, as you stated so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I'm glad you stopped by!
ReplyDelete