Today I Rise

I was awakened this morning by the weight of my golden retriever sleeping soundly while stretched across my legs.  Glancing out my window, I was surprised by the beauty of an unexpected first snowfall that covered the ground with a crystal carpet of light. For the past many days since the presidential election, my mood has been dark and despairing. It has been two weeks since I went to the polling place, so very excited to cast my vote. Standing in front of me in line was a young mother who had brought her 10 year old daughter with her so that she could witness a ballot cast for the first woman President of the United States.  Moved to tears for that child, and for the little girl inside me who would never have believed that possible, I cried like a baby as I cast my ballot, privileged to be alive and see this historical day.

However, in the middle of the night, shocked by the unexpected election results, disbelief, anger, fear, grief and confusion moved in like unwanted guests.  I have veered towards blaming and complaining over all that is wrong and unmended in our country. But something shifted inside me this morning as I gazed across the snow fallen landscape illuminated by light. I remembered Maya Angelo’s words of wisdom in her poem, “I Rise.”  And so today, I rise by putting away my darkness and my mourning clothes, and vowed to stop bewailing these difficult times.  My dog and I walked thought the wintry wonderment and etched the word HOPE in the snow.  Now I turn my intention toward noticing with gratitude countless moments of goodness throughout the day. In the days ahead, I will stand up and show my soul by speaking the truth of what I believe and acting mindfully and kindly. I encourage you, gentle you, to stand up with me and be fierce as you show the light of your soul in these shadowy times. Be quick to love and make haste to be kind.  Kindness is contagious.