Light Behind the Dark Days

There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of those lights, the light of all lights.

– Bram Stoker

This quote was on my mind quite often this week. Unfortunately, we had some losses in our lives this week, one a friend and neighbor who was killed on deployment, way too soon in her young life. Although these individuals are physically gone, their spirits live on in our memories and actions. I continue to think about the light they brought into this world, with their kindness, creativity, and their laughter. This light is what helps me cope: I know that by sharing light with others I can truly honor the individuals we lost. I feel inspired by my neighbor and all she did in her life – she was constantly creating, working hard, yet having fun with her family and friends, and always reaching for more. I feel more motivated than ever to accomplish some goals I have held on to for years.

This week, however, is about coping. I took time to meditate, to explore my thoughts and feelings, really taking stock of where I am at this moment in my life. I find that being in Utah, away from home, allows me the benefit of focusing on the simplicity of life and on what I hold most important. Not sure why, but at home, I feel like I am constantly busy, not taking the time to breathe and meditate on the truly important things: family, friends, love, and happiness. Since I do not have all the distractions here that home brings, I am focusing on self care, my husband, and my children, and taking the time to notice the simple things that make me happy. My intention is to bring this self-awareness home with me, help us to simplify life when back on the east coast, and enjoy the moments that make life so beautiful.

This week’s happiness and cathartic activities included making Valentine’s Day cards with the kids; yes, I know it’s a commercialized holiday, but one thing that especially hit home this week is that it is always a good time to share your love for others.

In addition, I made time to update the kids’ scrapbooks. In fact, they are more like ‘life journals’, with pictures, stickers, and many memories {first steps, words, as well as trips taken and people visited}! I am very fortunate; my mom loves to take pictures and I have many albums loaded with pictures from my childhood. I decided to combine my love of writing with my obsession of taking pictures of the babies to create these journals.

I also found it absolutely necessary to go to the two yoga classes I signed up for this week. Yoga really helps me to center myself, as well as allowing me to delve into my thoughts, feelings, and acknowledging how that affects my demeanor and physicality. If you’re ever near Draper, Utah, please check out Cradle Your Soul! It’s a smaller studio, which I love, and has different classes for individuals of all levels. I especially appreciate the more intimate setting; I practiced for about 10 years, but am significantly out of practice. The smaller class sizes allow me to focus on where I am physically and emotionally. I am passionate about yoga because I love that it is all about the individual; it’s not a competition between you and someone else, only you against yourself.

The days have been difficult knowing that these individuals in our lives are gone, but I am committed to focusing on the light. Remembering the amazing qualities of these individuals inspires me to be more true to myself, which is my intention for the foreseeable future. Stay safe and see you next week!