Thinking in the Present

An e-mail message I received this week reminded me that we really only have now, to give, to live, to love.  The past is over, but how we regard it affects our present.  I am learning to stop thinking of my past in a negative way, such as saying it was difficult or hard or painful.  I did more than survive illness and abuse - I grew into who and what I am right now because of those experiences in my life. 

When I did the Domestic Violence Symposium (WAIT), I realized that everything happens for a reason.  My experiences, how I chose to present my story, and the song I wrote for the symposium were all based in empowerment, not negativity.  A very special friend helped me to see that I must present everything so as to leave my audience with a sense of positivity.  I now am thankful for those experiences.  I am  thankful for everything in my life.  What am I thinking?  I'm thinking I love me.  I love my life.  I am grateful for everything I have. 

The Quakers speak of taking time every morning to "centre down".  To me, this is like spending time in gratitude for everything I have and for the day to come.  I have begun to spend 15 minutes every morning in thsi way - listening in the silence and being thankful.  Life is good.  Life is magical.  Love is the key to every good thing.