These opening lines of a poem have been on my mind a lot over the past few days. There is great power in being able to hold an open and loving space for the emotions of others, especially in times of grief and sadness. We can also hold this space for ourselves, allowing ourselves to feel the depths of our sadness, but also sensing that kernel of peace that lives within all of us, strong and steady. This kernel allows life’s challenges to be met with acceptance and love, instead of fear and despair. During challenging times, friends and family who offer their support in words and hugs may doubt that this is enough, but they should know that these are all that are needed. If you know someone who’s going through a tough time, let them know you’re thinking of them, don’t worry too much about what to say, words offered with love are received with love. Such gentle offerings wrap us up in a warmth all of their own, and remind us we are never alone (hey, that rhymes…perhaps I’ll write another poem someday soon). For now, I’ll leave you with the serenity prayer, which has also been on my mind:

I’ve turned off the comments for this post lovely people, because it doesn’t really need any: it is what it is.