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Publisher Jackie Flaherty
Editor Karen Adams
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ur theme for this month is “Personal Growth,” which has been a lifelong passion of mine. For me this includes a lot of
reading, workshops, classes, journaling, walking and introspec- tion. Others may grow through yoga, meditation or hobbies. I think we’ve all discovered the puzzle in this, that no matter how much you learn and grow, there is always more learning and growing to do.
The theme I’ve been hearing this year is that right at this moment each of us is not only OK, we are perfect. We were perfect wherever we were 10 years ago and will be perfect tomorrow. Yes, we can always be better, kinder, more thought- ful and more generous, but the point is not to think we are “less than” because we are striving to be more and to be better. We can recognize this endless cycle and appreciate where we are now. We can find the silver lining, celebrate the joys, stumble through the sad times and, through it all, know that we are whole and perfect. It’s worth reflecting on that for a moment. On a more personal note, our family has been wandering in a dark valley
since August, when we suffered a life-altering tragedy with the loss of our future son-in-law. Ryan was 34 years old, parent of Michael (8), Bella (7) and, with our daughter, Dominic (6 weeks). Ryan was the epitome of vitality and health. A more devoted boyfriend, son and father would be hard to find. His death left a gaping hole in the lives of many people, including our daughter and his children, mother, siblings, relatives and many friends. Sometimes finding the silver lining is tough. Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it’s not enough for that moment. During this time I’ve learned to lean into my pain, let the sadness wash over
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me, let the clock tick slowly and accept that I am sad and perfect. Before, I would have just been sad. And even though my sadness is not as deep as the sadness that our daughter, Ryan’s children, his mother and his siblings feel, some days it feels like a chasm of grief opening before my feet. And yet, I am perfect. As a spark from the Divine, we are all perfect. So, as we seek improvements, personal growth and a better life, let’s not forget that we are perfect now. We can bask in our perfectness. Let the glow of sat- isfaction shine from our faces. And let the acceptance of this perfect moment calm and still our seeking, just for now.
Times goes by. Seasons pass. Love endures.
Jackie Flaherty, Publisher
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. ~Tecumseh
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