To honor the past, hold a rock. Feel its strength and weight. Place it in a pocket or a handbag. Carry it for awhile. When you feel ready to leave the rock - and the past - behind, make a sincere intention to leave behind regrets and resentments along with the rock and its two billion year perspective. Come into the present keeping an insight, guidance, and wisdom you gained. 

Now, to cherish the present moment, touch something living. It could be a flower, a plant, a tree outside your door or down the street, or your cat or dog, Or hug a household member with whom closeness is safe. Hug yourself. Maybe touch many living things. Weed a garden. Savor present sights, scents, and sounds with gratitude 

To affect tomorrow, be kind to every person you encounter today. Or just one. Even if your expression of kindness is simply a softening in your eyes and a smile that may not even be seen behind a mask, trust that sincere smiles, even unseen ones, are conveyed from heart to heart and that caring ripples on.

With love,
Charlene

THE ELEVENTH GIFT IS LOVE. It will grow each time you give it away. - from The Twelve Gifts of Birth