Take Heart

The world seems in chaos and as we see events taking place, over which the majority of us have no control whatsoever, even in our meagre one vote. We feel that everything is sliding into some kind of dark place. It is depressing to say the least: disease, war, poverty, pollution and more. But take heart. Right where we stand, is where we can find peace if only we let it in. It doesn't come in bottles or smoke or pills. It comes from the heart. We can still smile, say a friendly word, do a nice thing for someone close. Just smiling makes our environment more pleasant. I know people who watch their screens constantly. They can spout the latest news about world events and sound very knowledgeable. They know the names of the enemy, be it a virus or a party or a faction. They know weapons, their titles and what they can do. They can point out on a map, every place that is warring and hurting people and causing the world to retch its bombs and rockets. They impress their friends with their passion about which places develop and cause destruction and what "they" ought to do about it.  Each natural disaster becomes the topic of their day. Their lives centre around horror and mayhem and they appear to revel in it. A life like that, needs to find balance. While I don't think one can turn away from what needs doing or what needs some help through contribution and assistance, I also believe that a ray of sunshine is needed to keep one's personal equilibrium. What good does it do to find yourself inundated when right around you, there are others who need your attention? Your kids might be where your grace is, or the relative you seldom see or call. Visiting someone who is alone, or taking yourself for a walk or out to a nice lunch could be part of the solution to things negative. Peace begins at home, as is said. It's all about thinking how the other feels. Spending time to be with someone near, offering encouragement, giving compliments that are genuine and seeing things in positive ways is key to personal happiness. Spending too much time grieving is not recommended for anyone. Stepping out into the sunshine and welcoming its warmth and seeing a bit of humour is a much better way to live and be productive. Many of us have little extra money to be attending hundred buck or more dinner benefits, sending life bequests to television stations or fat cheques to big universities even if we are alma mater. We can offer our small, meaningful donations. Most of us, have just enough to put groceries in the cupboard or pay the regular bill needs monthly to keep our own little worlds turning.  Some haven't enough to accomplish even these, but we are all rich in family or friends or natural surroundings. Sunrise and sunsets are free. Parks are open to use. People, even strangers at the market or café, could use a smile and a hello. Find your heart, and do your peace.