Your Corner of Light reminds me of a shrine of sorts--a sacred space--that conjures peace, light, hope, and whatever you need as you stop and pause in front of it.
I think that's what these times are returning me to, two things really: one, compassion and two, the sacred.
I am reading CHERISHED BELONGING by Gregory Doyle, and he says often in the pages of his book, "We belong to each other." Indeed.
And this: "Sometimes the most difficult stranger to welcome is the one inside of us."
He believes that belonging involves looking at social problems differently than we usually do. Instead of focusing on the word "hate," look behind and beyond it: what is the wound that caused the hate? Asking ourselves this question helps switch a deeper compassion for all of humanity as the wounded walking. Because that's what we all are: wounded. And when we can remember that, we are better able to return to each other and remember that we all belong to the human family.
That is what I am focusing on.
There is something holy about that, therefore my word "sacred." Holiness as an everyday experience. Holiness as in locking eyes with a stranger and smiling. Holiness as in witnessing the seasons unfold and unfurl. As in listening to my kids encourage each other, say they're sorry, ask questions, wonder.
The sacred lives inside each of us. I believe, as Gregory Doyle does, that no human is inherently bad. Regardless of what heinous things people do, there is always a wound behind it. And therefore the only response is the one of recognizing the sacredness in each person and in choosing to love.
This was such a beautiful read, Jeannie. Thank you for sharing such valuable insight. It has felt like real guidance to me today. I appreciate YOU and all that you give so generously.
Likewise, Rachel. It is a delight and honor to be part of your community of tender-hearted, compassionate humans...with you leading the way. I appreciate you!
Jeannie is one of the first friends I met on Substack. We’ve never met in person, but I admire her thoughtful essays and true stories. She has a lovely family and doesn’t Sarah just rock your world?
I absolutely love Gregory Boyle!! He is an incredible human Being....I only read his first book and look forward to reading his others. Your comments remind me of the ritual of blessing others. Something I need to rekindle in my life. Thanks for this reminder.
How wonderful to hear this, Melissa! This book is powerful. It is timely. It speaks directly into the heart of what might possibly heal the divisions in our world.
Great piece 🧡 A grief and resilience researcher I follow sent a template for a basic calendar to write on all the things we’re looking forward to. Hers didn’t work for me, but i printed my own - so i now have a joy calendar on my wall. It only contains the things I’m looking forward to; its effect has been stronger than i expected!
I am looking forward to the day I am truly happy and feel desired again. I have a child with special needs that prevents me from leaving my current marriage (full of adultery and infidelity on his part) but I know God didn’t bring me this far to leave me. So on the days I can barely get out of bed for having to face a life with HIM, I thank God for the hope of better days to come. 🙏🏼
Dearest Jodi, I look at this beautiful photo of you and your beloved child and see you and your light... I also see a loving bond there that is so strong. I sit with you today in expectation of the day you will experience the happiness and desirability you so richly deserve. May it come sooner than expected. My hand in yours.
It is so exciting to see the young people we watched grow up begin to build their beautiful futures. I am so happy you get to experience the joy of THREE weddings in 2025.
I am looking forward to seeing YOU in just a few weeks at the Kripalu retreat. You are the best roommate, teaching assistant, and beloved friend I could ever ask for.
It brought me joy to read your list and savor each positive happening in your life. I love how it is a mix of bigs things and little things. Hugging you from afar today.
a decade ago when I knew it was time to leave my job or face the risk of further mental breakdown, a plan put together by my partner and I made all the difference, changed my outlook and helped me face the remaining months of work until we could afford for me to really leave the paycheck. Having a plan, and a deadline to execute the plan, was a game changer.
This is so powerful! And in sharing your story, someone reading can be strengthened in their difficult situation. We can learn so much from each other. Grateful for your presence, your inspiration, your heart here today, dear Sandra!
I love love your corner of light idea! I too am looking forward to opening day of the baseball season! And as of 10 minutes ago I can now add your Kripalu retreat to what I'm looking forward to. I'm registered!! (I like the number 16!)
I don't have all of the logistics worked out yet, but I'm going to trust that by saying yes and committing myself everything will fall into place. And I'm going to work on creating my own little corner of light today. Thank you Rachel!!
CLAUDIA! I am dancing with joy! You are beautiful #16 and bring the sparkle to this incredible group that is gathering in one month. I am literally counting the days to be in the presence of LOVE. Thank you so much for trusting the logistical details will fall into place. I will be sending lots of good energy your way in hopes that they fall easily and swiftly. I cannot wait to see hug you!
Intentionally Celebrating life, especially in the times where dear and chaos feel so imminent. Remembering to make celebrating one of the things that continues to get me out of bed in the morning.
So grateful you decide to rise, my friend... and so lucky when you extend your hand with a nugget of wisdom or gesture of support. You make a difference.
I love this so much! It truly is so powerful to anticipate joy, in ways big and small. Right now, I am looking forward to both lunch with my best trainer on Friday to celebrate her birthday (never mind that it was actually last Friday) and my daughter’s first lacrosse game in a few weeks. A soccer player since age 6, my daughter decided that team was not the best fit for her anymore for multiple reasons. The lacrosse team was looking for more players, she took the leap, and is thriving in the first few weeks with this new group. While I was admittedly sad at first when she decided to walk away from something she’s loved for so long, I am proud of her for making a brave choice and can’t wait to soon be cheering her on from the sidelines!
I love that you honored your daughter's decision to make this big switch. I drug my feet when Avery wanted to quit swimming and that has always been a regret. She knew what she needed. Thank you for sharing your "look forward" list. It's a beauty!
Thank you, dear Rachel, for making me consider all I have to look forward to this year, as I have been stuck in the mindset of being overwhelmed with all the to do’s instead of being excited.
•Our son is graduating from Law School in May
•Our daughter is getting married to the most wonderful man in June
•My husband and I have a trip soon to Hawaii together which isn’t a work trip and we will be able to relax and enjoy one another’s company.
•Upon return from Hawaii I get to go visit my mom for a week in Florida to help her as she recovers from surgery and I’m thankful to be able to spend quality time with her.
I adore the idea of a special corner of light to remind me of the joy of my impending occasions rather than focusing solely on the endless list of the to do’s. This slight, but significant shift in perspective will make all the difference, I just know it. Thank you! ❤️
What a beautiful, hope-filled list, dear Kelli! I love how you intertwined "look forward to" and "grateful for" in your wording. It helped me see that they go hand in hand.
I am looking forward to returning to a favourite camping spot with my wife and kids in May half-term and that our recently 18yr old son still wants to come. I am also looking forward to going away to a holiday cottage at Easter with my extended family which includes Granny and Grandad, Aunty and Nephew plus Suki the dog. Being on the beach is my happy place and sharing that with family brings me joy. I am also looking forward to a concert in June, where I get to support one of my favourite artists Robbie Williams and introduce the live concert experience to my daughter. And in two weeks my favourite day will be here which is so much fun for me at school in the library celebrating “World Book Day” Though I am still unsure of who I will be dressed up as the theme is villains and so far I have ideas for Queen of Hearts, Cruella de Vil or Horrid Henry. I love your gratitude corner in your kitchen a beautiful visual reminder of the joys to come. ❤️
This is the most beautiful "look forward to" list, Nicola! It has all the most wonderful parts of life - family, time to slow down, enjoying nature, toes in the sand, experiencing live music, and celebrating books! We are kindred souls in so many ways. I am smiling so big to know what you have coming that will fill your heart. Thank you for sharing!!!
my sister in laws 50th birthday dinner on Feb 22. life has been quite complex, exhausting. and overwhelming lately. many changes happening at once where as the mom and wife I am the safe place to absorb all the stress from my daughter and husband but as a HSP and empath I am doubled over with worry, lack of focus and a need to feel like I am staying strong for them. so with a lot of invisible emotional stress and anxiety on my shoulders from my beloveds which I am so blessed to carry ... is the weight of my own personal struggle with grief for my mom, caring for and ensuring my dads physical and mental health, general tendency toward depression and anxiety and all of life's other complexities I find myself only able to look to things like a dinner where I can be with family and feel supported. I will accept and take the small events to look forward to but hope that my mood, the heaviness and responsibilities I put on myself to be the keeper, fixer, manager, advisor. etc wane and allow me to be and feel cared for, supported and held. I no longer feel anyone has my back and I am the lifter and sustainer for all
I was thinking about you today, Michelle, and hoping the birthday dinner yesterday went smoothly and there were some glimmers of goodness for you to experience. My heart went out to you when I read how you are the steady support system for so many in your life. I am grateful you have a space here where you can share your feelings. Please know you are cared for deeply here in this community. My hand in yours, Rachel
Rachel thank you for your supportive and kind response to me. Dinner was wonderful and a reminder that although I am juggling many roles, I am blessed to do so. So many are lonely and don't have the privilege of family or even small things to look forward to. I always try to see my fortune instead of my heaviness and for that I thank my mom. Much of my sluggishness is rooted in grief of the sudden loss of my mom, I am keenly aware of this. Although I am 55 and she was 78 when she left us, she was my north star my balance my best friend. So, I will carry things the way she did .. by faith, with gratitude, grace and use the final lesson she taught me in the way she died unexpectedly ..that you must enjoy every minute of evert day.
Rachel,
Your Corner of Light reminds me of a shrine of sorts--a sacred space--that conjures peace, light, hope, and whatever you need as you stop and pause in front of it.
I think that's what these times are returning me to, two things really: one, compassion and two, the sacred.
I am reading CHERISHED BELONGING by Gregory Doyle, and he says often in the pages of his book, "We belong to each other." Indeed.
And this: "Sometimes the most difficult stranger to welcome is the one inside of us."
He believes that belonging involves looking at social problems differently than we usually do. Instead of focusing on the word "hate," look behind and beyond it: what is the wound that caused the hate? Asking ourselves this question helps switch a deeper compassion for all of humanity as the wounded walking. Because that's what we all are: wounded. And when we can remember that, we are better able to return to each other and remember that we all belong to the human family.
That is what I am focusing on.
There is something holy about that, therefore my word "sacred." Holiness as an everyday experience. Holiness as in locking eyes with a stranger and smiling. Holiness as in witnessing the seasons unfold and unfurl. As in listening to my kids encourage each other, say they're sorry, ask questions, wonder.
The sacred lives inside each of us. I believe, as Gregory Doyle does, that no human is inherently bad. Regardless of what heinous things people do, there is always a wound behind it. And therefore the only response is the one of recognizing the sacredness in each person and in choosing to love.
This was such a beautiful read, Jeannie. Thank you for sharing such valuable insight. It has felt like real guidance to me today. I appreciate YOU and all that you give so generously.
Likewise, Rachel. It is a delight and honor to be part of your community of tender-hearted, compassionate humans...with you leading the way. I appreciate you!
Jeannie is one of the first friends I met on Substack. We’ve never met in person, but I admire her thoughtful essays and true stories. She has a lovely family and doesn’t Sarah just rock your world?
I absolutely love Gregory Boyle!! He is an incredible human Being....I only read his first book and look forward to reading his others. Your comments remind me of the ritual of blessing others. Something I need to rekindle in my life. Thanks for this reminder.
How wonderful to hear this, Melissa! This book is powerful. It is timely. It speaks directly into the heart of what might possibly heal the divisions in our world.
Great piece 🧡 A grief and resilience researcher I follow sent a template for a basic calendar to write on all the things we’re looking forward to. Hers didn’t work for me, but i printed my own - so i now have a joy calendar on my wall. It only contains the things I’m looking forward to; its effect has been stronger than i expected!
I love this, Anna! Thank you for sharing this idea... and its impact.
"We're celebrating life" should be a daily event!
I love that idea! I will be sure to tell my mom you said so! She will LOVE it.
I think the older we get, the more we realize this
I am looking forward to the day I am truly happy and feel desired again. I have a child with special needs that prevents me from leaving my current marriage (full of adultery and infidelity on his part) but I know God didn’t bring me this far to leave me. So on the days I can barely get out of bed for having to face a life with HIM, I thank God for the hope of better days to come. 🙏🏼
Dearest Jodi, I look at this beautiful photo of you and your beloved child and see you and your light... I also see a loving bond there that is so strong. I sit with you today in expectation of the day you will experience the happiness and desirability you so richly deserve. May it come sooner than expected. My hand in yours.
Excellent! Just what we need to shake us out of the "shock and awe". Good work!
Thank you, dear Ellen. My hand in yours.
Beautiful, Rachel! And Hawaii!! Amazing!!! We have at least 3 “nextgen” weddings this year, and I’m so looking forward to each of them!
It is so exciting to see the young people we watched grow up begin to build their beautiful futures. I am so happy you get to experience the joy of THREE weddings in 2025.
I am looking forward to seeing YOU in just a few weeks at the Kripalu retreat. You are the best roommate, teaching assistant, and beloved friend I could ever ask for.
Cannot wait!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Looking forward to:
•My first child graduating in May and off to college in August, excited to witness his wings spreading and the adventures that await his souls path.
•My second child registering for his Junior classes, this one hits home harder for me today.
•The return of bright green buds on trees, green hues of new growth, hummingbirds returning, the chance of seeing baby painted turtles and baby foxes.
•Volunteering at an annual sustainability event.
•Volunteering at GradBlast
•Reading more good books
•Morning quiet coffee
•More stretching/yoga
•Celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary with the best human being, my husband/best friend ❤
•HUGS
Wow, I feel happier and lighter writing this list.
I adore your corner of light.
Thank you for this post!
It brought me joy to read your list and savor each positive happening in your life. I love how it is a mix of bigs things and little things. Hugging you from afar today.
a decade ago when I knew it was time to leave my job or face the risk of further mental breakdown, a plan put together by my partner and I made all the difference, changed my outlook and helped me face the remaining months of work until we could afford for me to really leave the paycheck. Having a plan, and a deadline to execute the plan, was a game changer.
This is so powerful! And in sharing your story, someone reading can be strengthened in their difficult situation. We can learn so much from each other. Grateful for your presence, your inspiration, your heart here today, dear Sandra!
I love love your corner of light idea! I too am looking forward to opening day of the baseball season! And as of 10 minutes ago I can now add your Kripalu retreat to what I'm looking forward to. I'm registered!! (I like the number 16!)
I don't have all of the logistics worked out yet, but I'm going to trust that by saying yes and committing myself everything will fall into place. And I'm going to work on creating my own little corner of light today. Thank you Rachel!!
CLAUDIA! I am dancing with joy! You are beautiful #16 and bring the sparkle to this incredible group that is gathering in one month. I am literally counting the days to be in the presence of LOVE. Thank you so much for trusting the logistical details will fall into place. I will be sending lots of good energy your way in hopes that they fall easily and swiftly. I cannot wait to see hug you!
Intentionally Celebrating life, especially in the times where dear and chaos feel so imminent. Remembering to make celebrating one of the things that continues to get me out of bed in the morning.
So grateful you decide to rise, my friend... and so lucky when you extend your hand with a nugget of wisdom or gesture of support. You make a difference.
I love this so much! It truly is so powerful to anticipate joy, in ways big and small. Right now, I am looking forward to both lunch with my best trainer on Friday to celebrate her birthday (never mind that it was actually last Friday) and my daughter’s first lacrosse game in a few weeks. A soccer player since age 6, my daughter decided that team was not the best fit for her anymore for multiple reasons. The lacrosse team was looking for more players, she took the leap, and is thriving in the first few weeks with this new group. While I was admittedly sad at first when she decided to walk away from something she’s loved for so long, I am proud of her for making a brave choice and can’t wait to soon be cheering her on from the sidelines!
I love that you honored your daughter's decision to make this big switch. I drug my feet when Avery wanted to quit swimming and that has always been a regret. She knew what she needed. Thank you for sharing your "look forward" list. It's a beauty!
Thank you, dear Rachel, for making me consider all I have to look forward to this year, as I have been stuck in the mindset of being overwhelmed with all the to do’s instead of being excited.
•Our son is graduating from Law School in May
•Our daughter is getting married to the most wonderful man in June
•My husband and I have a trip soon to Hawaii together which isn’t a work trip and we will be able to relax and enjoy one another’s company.
•Upon return from Hawaii I get to go visit my mom for a week in Florida to help her as she recovers from surgery and I’m thankful to be able to spend quality time with her.
I adore the idea of a special corner of light to remind me of the joy of my impending occasions rather than focusing solely on the endless list of the to do’s. This slight, but significant shift in perspective will make all the difference, I just know it. Thank you! ❤️
What a beautiful, hope-filled list, dear Kelli! I love how you intertwined "look forward to" and "grateful for" in your wording. It helped me see that they go hand in hand.
Thank you for the inspiration to go outside, listen to the birds and soak up the bright sunshine. I feel more optimistic already.
I love to hear this! Thank you, Glenn!
This is beautiful - thanks for sharing! 💕
I appreciate you.
I am looking forward to returning to a favourite camping spot with my wife and kids in May half-term and that our recently 18yr old son still wants to come. I am also looking forward to going away to a holiday cottage at Easter with my extended family which includes Granny and Grandad, Aunty and Nephew plus Suki the dog. Being on the beach is my happy place and sharing that with family brings me joy. I am also looking forward to a concert in June, where I get to support one of my favourite artists Robbie Williams and introduce the live concert experience to my daughter. And in two weeks my favourite day will be here which is so much fun for me at school in the library celebrating “World Book Day” Though I am still unsure of who I will be dressed up as the theme is villains and so far I have ideas for Queen of Hearts, Cruella de Vil or Horrid Henry. I love your gratitude corner in your kitchen a beautiful visual reminder of the joys to come. ❤️
This is the most beautiful "look forward to" list, Nicola! It has all the most wonderful parts of life - family, time to slow down, enjoying nature, toes in the sand, experiencing live music, and celebrating books! We are kindred souls in so many ways. I am smiling so big to know what you have coming that will fill your heart. Thank you for sharing!!!
my sister in laws 50th birthday dinner on Feb 22. life has been quite complex, exhausting. and overwhelming lately. many changes happening at once where as the mom and wife I am the safe place to absorb all the stress from my daughter and husband but as a HSP and empath I am doubled over with worry, lack of focus and a need to feel like I am staying strong for them. so with a lot of invisible emotional stress and anxiety on my shoulders from my beloveds which I am so blessed to carry ... is the weight of my own personal struggle with grief for my mom, caring for and ensuring my dads physical and mental health, general tendency toward depression and anxiety and all of life's other complexities I find myself only able to look to things like a dinner where I can be with family and feel supported. I will accept and take the small events to look forward to but hope that my mood, the heaviness and responsibilities I put on myself to be the keeper, fixer, manager, advisor. etc wane and allow me to be and feel cared for, supported and held. I no longer feel anyone has my back and I am the lifter and sustainer for all
I was thinking about you today, Michelle, and hoping the birthday dinner yesterday went smoothly and there were some glimmers of goodness for you to experience. My heart went out to you when I read how you are the steady support system for so many in your life. I am grateful you have a space here where you can share your feelings. Please know you are cared for deeply here in this community. My hand in yours, Rachel
Rachel thank you for your supportive and kind response to me. Dinner was wonderful and a reminder that although I am juggling many roles, I am blessed to do so. So many are lonely and don't have the privilege of family or even small things to look forward to. I always try to see my fortune instead of my heaviness and for that I thank my mom. Much of my sluggishness is rooted in grief of the sudden loss of my mom, I am keenly aware of this. Although I am 55 and she was 78 when she left us, she was my north star my balance my best friend. So, I will carry things the way she did .. by faith, with gratitude, grace and use the final lesson she taught me in the way she died unexpectedly ..that you must enjoy every minute of evert day.