It is that time of year again
Smells of fur trees
Doors decorated with wreaths
Ornaments glistening as they are hung
Beautiful bright colors of red, silver , gold , green and blue
Houses adorned in lights
Cookies being baked
Gingerbread men being decorated
Choirs singing songs
People running to and fro
Cities and towns decorated in their holiday best
Friends and families come together to celebrate the season

It’s time to rise up
Lift ones spirit
High towards the sky
To leave behind the little things
To leave behind the mundane
It’s time to rise up
To something bigger
Grander

It’s time to lift oneself towards the sky
Towards the universe
Towards the stars
Towards all that is good

It’s time to rise up
To take the spirit to a higher place
It’s time

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
Your gloves don’t really work
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
Or apple cider
With steam rising
The signs of the season have arrived
It’s winter

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
Your gloves don’t really work
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
Or apple cider
With steam rising
The signs of the season have arrived
It’s winter

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
With steam rising
The signs of the season arrived
It’s winter

Let joy touch you

Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky

Let joy touch you

Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort

Let joy touch you

Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

Look for Joy
At times of darkness
Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
One more time
Let it bring you sweetness
Instead of sour
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my heart
Joy in my soul
Every morning I wake with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my day
Joy every hour
Joy every minute
Because of you

Every evening I fall asleep with joy
Because of you
I dream sweet dreams
Filled with joy
I awake refreshed
Filled with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope
Joy

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my heart
Joy in my soul
Every morning I wake with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my day
Joy every hour
Joy every minute
Because of you

Every evening I fall asleep with joy
Because of you
I dream sweet dreams
Filled with joy
I awake refreshed
Filled with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

You are my joy
My light and happiness
When you smile
Light enters a room
Your laughter lifts up the world
Your energy is pure warmth
When you walk, it’s pure melody
You are unique
There’s no one else quite like you
When you are gone
There’s darkness
Emptiness
No colors
Life is dismal
Only gray

Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

Waking up
Letting sleep leave
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Grateful
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it
Heart filled with lightness

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
No better than an other
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else is
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I choose to celebrate both
This awareness is empowering
When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
Is part of the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Lift up the world
With your special light

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I celebrate both
This awareness is empowering

When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
In the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Light up the world
With your special light

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
No better than an other
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else is
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I choose to celebrate both
This awareness is empowering
When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
Is part of the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Lift up the world
With your special light

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
No better than an other
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else is
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I choose to celebrate both
This awareness is empowering
When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
Is part of the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Lift up the world
With your special light

As you close your eyes, think of the ocean, its color, the smell, and everything about it. Imagine yourself slowly melting into the water. Let yourself become part of it. Feel the coolness on your body. Let it calm and refresh you.
When you are outside take a deep breath and smell the air and let it cleanse you.

Realize once again, as you have always known, that you are a part of all things here and in the universe.

If the sun shines, look at its brightness and realize and remember that is a part of who you are as well. Let your spirit fly free. Your heart and spirit are pure.

When you close your eyes again, let music play in your head, hear the notes and the sounds as they play in your mind and realize that is a gift from the universe.

You are part of the most magnificent orchestra in the universe -- life, and your talent is your instrument.

I may not be like you
Look like you
Sound like you
But I am also human
I’m just me

My language may be different
My country
My customs
But I am also human
I’m just me

I have hopes and dreams
Wishes and desires
Though I am not of your blood
I am human
I’m just me

Trying to live my best life
In a good way
I am a peaceful person
Also human
I’m just me

I’m a traveler
An artist and writer
No more or less
Than another
I’m also human
From another place
No better or worse
I’m just me

So when you see me
Don’t judge
As I am just human
Walking my destiny
Just like you
I’m just me

Just Me

I may not be like you
Look like you
Sound like you
But I am also human
I’m just me

My language may be different
My country
My customs
But I am also human
I’m just me

I have hopes and dreams
Wishes and desires
Though I am not of your blood
I am human
I’m just me

Trying to live my best life
In a good way
I am a peaceful person
Also human
I’m just me

I’m a traveler
An artist and writer
No more or less
Than another
I’m also human
From another place
No better or worse
I’m just me

So when you see me
Don’t judge
As I am just human
Walking my destiny
Just like you
I’m just me

I may not be like you
Look like you
Sound like you
But I am also human
I’m just me

My language may be different
My country
My customs
But I am also human
I’m just me

I have hopes and dreams
Wishes and desires
Though I am not of your blood
I am human
I’m just me

Trying to live my best life
In a good way
I am a peaceful person
Also human
I’m just me

I’m a traveler
An artist and writer
No more or less
Than another
I’m also human
From another place
No better or worse
I’m just me

So when you see me
Don’t judge
As I am just human
Walking my destiny
Just like you
I’m just me

I am sitting in a café by the street
I am scene watching
People coming to and fro
Coats and hats on
Scarves around necks
It’s cold outside
Winter

Seeing what is going on outside
Watching the people inside
Sipping coffee
Eating breakfast
Smiling and laughing

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp day
Sun brightly shining

I am scene watching

I am sitting in a café by the street
I am scene watching
People coming to and fro
Coats and hats on
Scarves around necks
It’s cold outside
Winter

Seeing what is going on outside
Watching the people inside
Sipping coffee
Eating breakfast
Smiling and laughing

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp day
Sun brightly shining

I am scene watching

Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone we enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a bit
Light is always stronger than darkness

Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

Be a little kinder today
Offer more patience
Give a little more
Love a little deeper
Smile a little bigger
Hug once more
Appreciate what you have
And let those feelings help to lift the world out of this darkness
Keep the faith

Try a Little Kindness

In this rough world
Try a little kindness

Instead of being harsh
Try a little kindness

Instead of complaining
Try a little kindness

Instead of a frown
Smile
Try a little kindness

Instead of unhappiness
Be happy
Try a little kindness

Instead of darkness and pain
Walk towards the light
Try a little kindness

Instead of clouds and rain
See the sun
Try a little kindness

Be a little kinder today
Than yesterday
Offer more patience
Give a little more
Love a little deeper
Smile a little bigger
Hug once more
Appreciate what you have
Be grateful
Let those feelings lift up the world
To a better place
Keep the faith

Kindness

Be a little kinder today
Offer more patience
Give a little more
Love a little deeper
Smile a little bigger
Hug once more
Appreciate what you have
Let those feelings lift the world out of darkness
Keep the faith
Kindness has power
Believe

Try a Little Kindness
In this rough world
Try a little kindness
Instead of being harsh
Try a little kindness
Instead of complaining
Try a little kindness
Instead of a frown
Try a smile
Try a little kindness

Instead of unhappiness
Be happy
Try a little kindness
Instead of darkness and pain
Walk towards the light
Try a little kindness

Instead of clouds and rain
See the sun
Try a little kindness

You walk through the entrance of a cave
It is dark at first and quiet
You see a glimmer of light
At the end of the darkness is a small lake of water with a waterfall

Lake of diamonds

The water is warm, not too warm
The temperature is just right
The water is deep turquoise
When light from above hits it, it shimmers

Lake of diamonds

You walk into the water and stand in the middle
The bottom is soft, silky sand
As you stand there, the waterfall begins to gently pour over you
You move to let the water run over you

Lake of diamonds

Rays of bright light shine from an opening above
They are golden in color
The water sparkles and glistens  like diamonds as the light hits

Lake of diamonds

Sitting in a café
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Languages of the world

Watching the staff
Coming and going
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
Languages of the world

People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Laughing
Languages of the world

Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying bread
Languages of the world

Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
Languages of the world

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

Sitting in a café
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere

Languages of the world

Watching the staff
Coming and going
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra

Languages of the world

People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Laughing

Languages of the world

Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying bread

Languages of the world

Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds

Languages of the world

Languages of the World

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

Sitting in a café
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Languages of the world

Watching the staff
Coming and going
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
Languages of the world

People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Laughing
Languages of the world

Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying bread
Languages of the world

Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
Languages of the world

Come sit with me and hold my hand as we watch the last sun of the day before evening arrives

Let’s treasure this moment together
Let me gaze into your eyes and disappear
I have waited so long for this moment

We’ve been at this over a year
Learn!
We’ve been told what to do
To stem the tide
Yet we go back to old ways
Hoping things will change
We have the power
To turn things around
All we have to do
Is listen and learn
It’s not hard
It just requires a change
But in the end
It will be worth it
Not just for each of us
But
For the world
Let’s lift up the world
One by one
With our own special light
Learn

He’s leaving again

He hasn’t left in a long time
It reminds me of years ago
When he left for good
There was no choice
It isn’t the same this time
But it brings up memories

He’s leaving again

On a jet plane
The feeling is strange
Surreal
At times bothersome

He’s leaving again

It reminds me of years ago
A young girl dressed in pink
Standing by a street light
Saying goodbye

He’s leaving again
It pulls at my heart strings
It stings in a way

He’s leaving again

Leaving me here alone
What’s different this time is
He’s coming back

He’s leaving again
He hasn’t left in a long time
It reminds me of years ago
When he left for good
There was no choice
It isn’t the same this time
But it brings up memories
Brings back that pain

He’s leaving again

On a jet plane
The feeling is so strange
Surreal
At times quite bothersome

It reminds me of years ago
With a young girl dressed in pink
Standing by a street light
Saying goodbye
Watching him leave

He’s leaving again
It pulls at my heart strings
It stings in a way
Leaving me here alone
What’s different this time is
He’s coming back

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

We are all here for a reason. The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.

In the end, our legacy is about how we were and how we lived our lives.

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.

Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
Let it bring you sweetness
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
Gets more complicated
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning colors in the fall
Eventually falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season to
start anew

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning bright colors in the fall
Eventually leaving home
Falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season
To start anew
Reborn

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning colors in the fall
Eventually falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season to start anew

Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world