"We Are In This Together"

 We Are In This Together 

I am one of the weeping citizens that Pres. Obama mentioned in his speech tonight.  I have cried frequently during the last 48+ hours and without hesitation carry as much of Newtown's sadness that I can bear.  I can tolerate the idea of loosing one of my nieces or nephew to such a tragedy for only seconds at a time.  That thought brings with it a pain that has no words.  It is a sensation that I can bear for as long as one can hold their hand in a fire.   But tonight so many are unable to remove their hands from this fire.

Since Friday 12/15 at about 2:30 pm I have wept, I have prayed, I've written; I've taken time to experience deep meaningful gratitude.  I have sat with an overwhelming sensation of gratitude for my family, my health, my abilities, and for the very full and influential life I have already led.

I have also, again, seen humanity at its best.

One individual's loathing of life has sparked an entire nation's appreciation of life.
One individual's poisonous hatred has ignited a nation's love, compassion, and sympathy.
One individual's fierce rage has quieted a nation for countless moments of reflective silence. 
One individual's malignant jealousy has filled a nation with gratitude and thankfulness.
One individual's incessant feeling of helplessness has caused a nation to act.
One individual's destructive evil has compelled millions to seek goodness that is greater than themselves.

If happiness, joy, strength, gratitude, compassion, hope and love can be experienced during times of struggle, adversity, and heartache then you have found each of their true meanings.

xo
Michelle

Even Flickering Candles Give Light in The Darkness.

 Even Flickering Candles Give Light In The Darkness

I woke up multiple times last night with a heavy heart.  I woke with the thought that 27 families are being forced to face torturous reality... over and over and over.  Every second that goes by and every thought that they have now exists in darkness... A darkness they cannot escape from; A reality that they cannot run from; a nightmare they cannot wake from.

To be honest I am having difficulty even finding and writing inspirational words about this tragedy as hopelessness and helplessness seem unavoidable.  BUT it is now when those who can be strong, must.  It is now when those who can "walk" must carry the those who cannot ...  just as we did and continue to do after Hurricane Sandy.

It Is In all Of Us's Mission is to acknowledge and foster Resilience, Empowerment, Respect, Community, and Love.  During this time these ideals may seem more like quivering, languishing candlelight rather then steady, strong beacons of hope and guidance.

But even flickering candles give light in darkness...

So I am writing even though it feels so very insignificant.  Pushing through this hopeless feeling this morning is reminding me of what Empowerment is ...  The insignificant feeling is the sensation that you are powerless against something so BIG.  Empowerment is doing it anyway. 

I am encouraging you all to send love and light to those families.  I am hoping that you will sit down with your loved ones this holiday season and everyday that follows with the experience of gratitude; the kind of gratitude that sparks change in thought and behavior, the kind of gratitude that causes one to be kinder and gentler to another.

I know you will because even when it seems Impossible- It Is In All Of Us ....

xo
Michelle