I am writing tonight from Montana. Through my open window, the sweet smell of lilacs in blossom is wafting in along with the sound of an industrious neighbor roto-tilling his garden. The turkey vultures (I'll try to get a photo for you before the end of the trip) just returned to the top of the cottonwood tree to settle in by dusk. If my husband and children were here, this would be a perfect evening.

Today, I have had been struck by several things...first, my heart's deep need for the smells of springtime. Second, the wonderful experience of digging up weeds and planting flowers (we have soil in our backyard in Phoenix that resists everything but the sharpest pick axes, so my gardening is contained to planters and pots) and finally, I have realized that many people might miss appreciating an evening such as this...and evenings such as this are occurring everywhere and in other season in other latitudes; in other countries and in other homes. But I am beginning to understand that many, many people forget to stop and breathe it all in...whatever the "it" of the moment might be wherever they are. Let me ask you this...what comes to mind more easily in this moment, your blessings or your fears?

I think it is unfortunate that for a split second, any of us should miss what a miracle our lives are. I know I get so caught up in being efficient, being worried, being busy or being a parent/wife/businesswoman/daughter/shopper/volunteer/whatever the role-du-jour may be...that I often don't even notice life around me. But I have heard the word fear in too many conversations today.

YOU ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE AFRAID.

I know I don't know you. I don't know your story. But truly...give up your fears my friends. Fears sabotage your potential and damage your potential to do what you're meant to do in this world. You are meant to be a FEARLESS promoter of goodness...of understanding...a practitioner of peace. So take the F word out of your vocabulary.

What are you afraid of? Why? What will happen if it comes to pass? Are you afraid of the current administration? Are you afraid of Republicans or Democrats or both? Are you afraid you are misunderstood or not appreciated? Let's talk about what we're afraid of and then let's talk about all the things we're blessed with and see what wins!

FEAR Not!

It is an amazing, beautiful suggestion. Don't commiserate with a like-minded friend about that which frightens you. Instead, find someone who thinks differently...better yet...pay someone who thinks differently and has a neutral perspective (aka a counselor or therapist!) and name your fears so you can banish them and embrace this amazing beautiful life we've been given. We've been given economic hardships...whoo hoo! We'll have a story to tell and a muscle to flex on the other side of the "turn down". And if you're disheartened by politics...quit being political. If you're disheartened by the current administration (and I'm not...) but if you are....wait eight years. If you're disheartened by anything else, apply the Blooming Mimi test...if it's worth feeling worried/angry/guilty/sad/depressed about, then it's worth doing something about. If it's not worth doing something about, then LET IT GO. And LIVE. Life is so beautiful. And our time here is fleeting. So lace your moments with goodness and live in beauty and hope. Make your Glenda salute to fear. WHAT!? You don't know the Glenda salute?! You obviously need to rent Wizard of Oz. But I will leave you with this recap.

Lift your right hand and flick your wrist at your worries as you say with your most pleasant voice and loving expression...
"Poof. Be gone. You have no power here!"

Fear not. Be good. Practice Peace.