Find the Spark

"My dear, in the midst of hate, I found there was within me an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was within me an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was within me an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was within me an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger, something better, pushing right back." ~Truly Yours, Albert Camus~

Good morning dear ones. Throughout my life I thought I hated myself. I called myself stupid, ugly, or whatever other awful thing came to mind. I allowed the awful things others said about me to take hold and push me down into a darkness I didn't know existed. I cried many tears, usually at night where no one else could see. I sometimes lashed out at others, becoming angry and spewing hate that I didn't really feel. I let myself be told how I should feel about myself, and others, rather than make that decision on my own. I became numb to many things and I didn't think love would ever show itself in my life again. What I failed to realize then, was that it was there the whole time. It was just waiting for me to see it.

Out of the ashes of what I was so many years ago, a spark caught on to something that had been lying dormant. I have found the unconditional love for myself and others that I didn't know was there. I figured out that it wasn't hate that I felt, but fear. I feared that if I showed love to myself that I would be seen as selfish or conceited. However, I have found that loving myself without condition helps me to show love to others in the same way. Admittedly, I slip now and again into the old ways, but I do try to correct myself. I try to remember that world needs kindness, now more than ever.

My loves, with so much hate going on in this world, I ask that you look inside yourself and find that spark of love that I know is there. We all have it, and I am sure that if we can all find it, a bonfire of love will rise. Be good to yourselves and each other. Let kindness be your go-to and let your love shine through. Yesterday is past and tomorrow isn't promised. Live and love for today. - Live - Laugh - Love - Namaste