“All you need is love.”
~John Lennon
Twelve years ago today, all I could think about was being near the people I loved the most. Faced with the daunting and overwhelming horror of devastating tragedy so close to home, I, like so many human beings, immediately focused upon what matters most: love.
We realized on that day that standing together, being united, helping one another, and loving each other are really the most important things we can do.
And since that September 11, 2001, despite what the news reports or what fear compels us to believe, we have grown. We are in the midst of a revolution of consciousness, an awakening of spirit, an expansion of joy~centered living where we remember that it’s not wealth or status or power that really makes us successful, it’s the love we give, the love we receive, and the light we shine that fulfills our human potential.
In honor of 9/11 and in honor of every other tragic loss of life, of suffering, of hatred, I want us to take time to focus on the good. When we think back on this or any tragedy, let us not dwell upon the hateful individuals who devastated so many lives (though of course, we must acknowledge this horrific loss), instead, let us remember and honor the loving kindness that emanated in the midst of chaos.
Let us remember the loving phone calls that people shared before meeting their deaths, the helpful hands that reached out to save another soul, the nurturing and tenacious heroes who gave everything just to rescue one more person.
The gift of life is so profoundly precious that sometimes we can take it for granted. When we are faced with the reality that life is ephemeral, suddenly we tune in to what really matters. We let go of the bullshit stress that was making us cranky, we release the anger we’d been holding on to over some ancient grudge, we stop worrying about all the trivial things that don’t really matter…
And, we start to live a life uplifted. We begin to transcend the mundane and thrive in awe and wonder of this grand adventure we are experiencing. We pay attention to the people we love, we slow down and savor the moment, we express the depths of our emotions freely, we thrive in ways that expand our joy, we truly LIVE.
So, today, let me express my gratitude, in the hopes that these words inspire you to remember all the beautiful wonderful amazing aspects of your life for which you give heartfelt thanks.
To my husband, I am overflowing with love and appreciation for you, my partner, my best friend, the love of my life. We’ve been through intense highs and lows, and through it all, we continue to grow together in love. I hope you knows this, but my heart is so full of love for you, sometimes I think I’ll burst. Words will never be enough to express the depths of my appreciation and love. I give thanks for us finding each other so early in our lives that we may share more time together…1000 years and I’ll still be longing for one more day with you. You are the man of my dreams, the best daddy I could imagine for our daughters, and the strongest, most handsome man I’ve known. I feel so lucky to be yours.
To my daughters, Juliana and Isabela, you are sunshine in our lives each and every day. You two have been my best and most brilliant teachers, shining the light for me and inspiring me to be the best version of myself so I can reflect the beauty illuminating from your souls. You two have made me Mommy and a lifetime of thank yous will never be enough to express how very much you mean to me. Thank you, Juls and Bel, for choosing me to be yours, for reminding me what joyful, lighthearted, awe~inspired living is. You are both my angels and I am grateful for every day we share. I know how blessed I am to be your Mommy and I hope you feel the unconditional, everlasting love I have for you both. No matter what, no matter where, I am loving you. Forever.
To my mama, where do I begin? You’ve been everything a girl could hope for and more. When I imagine the best mama in the universe, it’s always you who comes to mind. You’ve been patient and kind, strong and brave, wise and loving…you’re my first teacher and you continue to be my mentor as I navigate these years of being a mama myself. Your love has been ever present and unconditional…you allow me to be exactly who I am and love me all the while. I always want to express to you my appreciation, to show you how much you mean to me, and to give the love and support you’ve given me. I hope you feel how much you are loved and how very much you mean to me. You have been on my team since the day you birthed me into this beautiful life, and I wish I had words to express how much I love you. Thank you for being you, sweet mama. And, thank you for nurturing me with all the love a heart can hold.
To my beautiful friends and family {this would become a book if I mention each of you individually…please know that I love you so!}. Your presence, kindness, and love have supported me through the challenges and triumphs of my life. I give infinite thanks. I know how lucky I am to be surrounded by intelligent, giving, engaging, wise, philosophical, fun, energizing souls who uplift me every single day. You are the ones I turn to for advice, for excitement, for fun, for joy….you are the ones that make life happy. You are dear to me. You know who you are. Thank you, beautiful people, for the moments, the laughs, the tears, the joys, the love we share…I am blessed beyond belief and my heart is so full of love for each one of you.
These are the truths that are always in my heart, waiting to be expressed, hoping to be shared. In honor of all the people whose lives were cut short, whose voices were never heard, whose love was never spoken, let this confession be a tribute to their love.
And, let this be your call to action…to live today, and each day, with your heart wide open, with your feelings shared freely, with your love expressed every chance you have. Let my words remind you of all the amazing people you love and appreciate.
Now, even though you’re crazy busy and have too much to do, take a moment to express the love bursting from your heart…your words need to be heard by the people you love the most.
Here’s to living for today, giving love, and practicing gratitude for this gift.
Peace & Love,
Denise
p.s. A huge thank you to Dr. Lissa Rankin, whose heartfelt wisdom is always an inspiration to me. Her post today, “On September 11th, Live Like Today is Your Last”, inspired me to write this love letter and share it with you. Take a moment to check out her site {and sign up for The Daily Flame for beautiful soul~centered daily inspirations!}: Lissa Rankin, Passionate Prescriptions for Living and Loving Fearlessly.
Bryan
September 11, 2013
‘Listen, with nurturing love,
If you are brought into conflict,
you will overcome the opposition.
If you will maintain this love, you will be firm.
When heaven is going to intervene,
It protects you unexpectedly with nurturing love.’
~Lao-tse
…
Thank you for taking the time to share this post with us, Denise ✌ Love is one of my favorite things to discuss and share.
I would really like to remember who it was, but many years ago I heard a very wise person explain that love is the currency which can simply be cashed anywhere. No conversion rates. No exchange fees. Love just is and love just does. We need to remain open to receiving love for ourseleves (even if it is from the Self), and to paying it back to strangers and those we are close to alike. Love gives us courage, nourishes us as we choose and continue to put one foot in front of the other and step around or climb over obstacles, and our love for each other can save us from so much that can and already causes so much of the pain and suffering that empathy helps us understand and compassion helps us do what we can to assist with healing. Too often, too many are caught up in the busyness that is modern life. Taking the time to say “thank you” to the Universe or your Self or another even for something that may seem insignificant (I often find myself saying “thank you” for nothing more than waking up even when I am still sleepy and not functional enough to speak clearly), stopping and feeling your connectedness and looking for someone that needs a smile (and sharing one with them), and sharing all of the good that is You when you can are all simple things we can do to make one moment or many moments of all our lives just that much better.
Denise Dare
September 12, 2013
Bryan, thank YOU so much for your heartfelt and thoughtful words.
I appreciate the Lao-tse quote you shared, and your personal reflection of how we can all practice being more loving, grateful, and kind.
Your awakening practice to give thanks each day is so powerful…every day, every moment that we give thanks, our hearts are lighter and our happiness grows.
So stoked you’re part of this Live Happy community, Bryan…keep sharing the LOVE! 🙂