"After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer." 

                   ~ William Alger

It can be a challenge to be of good cheer during fierce weather storms but more so during storms in our personal lives.

I appreciate the perspective that it is the soul's duty to be of good cheer, but not to use this concept as a way of pressuring ourselves to be anything but authentic in every moment nor to deny feelings of fear and sadness.

Whatever the weather within us and around us today, let's remember that, just as the sun is always present despite clouds, joy is always present in our souls.

With loving,
Charlene

PS - I've often quoted Etty Hillesum, Anne Frank, Viktor Frankl, and others who, despite the horrible conditions in the death camps, demonstrated that beauty, joy, love, and compassion are present in our souls and can be brought forth, no matter what. Not easy. But we all have that ability. May we choose to experience and express life's gifts as best we can today and every day.   

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JOY: May it keep your heart open and filled with light. (from The Twelve Gifts of Birth)

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(c) 2012 Charlene Costanzo 

Charlene Costanzo is the author of  The Twelve Gifts series of books:
The Twelve Gifts of Birth
The Twelve Gifts for Healing
The Twelve Gifts in Marriage
The Thirteenth Gift 
Touchstones: Stories for Living The Twelve Gifts 

December 12, 2014

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