"...Noticing the good,
finding the gifts,
recognizing the blessings..." 
from The Twelve Gifts from the Garden 

How do we maintain peace and well-being through times of trouble? 

I've asked this question many times. Upon returning to Sanibel Island after a hurricane, along with appreciating the goodness I saw in people and in nature, I recognized valuable gifts and precious blessings in the storm's aftermath. And there was my answer.

We all have life storms. In every one, along with agonies, there are many opportunities for us... perhaps to become stronger, to claim our true voice, to heal old hurts, deepen our loving, discover hidden talents, appreciate basic things, see more beauty, awaken, find a new dream... The possibilities are almost endless.

In all our days - whether they are confusing, clear, chaotic, calm, painful, pleasurable, or seemingly plain and ordinary - let's be open to all that is good, to experiencing life's gifts, and to recognizing blessings. 

Let's look for beauty and wonder and aim to live each day well. 

With hope, love, gratitude and joy,
Charlene 

THE FIFTH GIFT IS HOPE.  
"Through each passage and season
may you trust the goodness of life. 
- from The Twelve Gifts of Birth