We woke on Tuesday suddenly ready to be home. No debate, no hesitation, no disappointment. Just ready.
We all felt the farm calling us back.
So we hastily packed our things, cleaned the cabin, and set out for home just two and a half hours after waking. It was unceremonious but the perfect low-drama end to a low-key vacation.
Back home there were new ducklings to meet, enormous zucchinis to harvest, and sweet goats to love on. There was the familiar comfort of the right pillow, the favorite tea cup, and the mist painted across the hills.
We're home. Reintegrating. Catching up.
But catching up meant getting on-line and it's been a rough few weeks in the world. I felt the crushing heaviness that I often do when reading the headlines these days.
So much anger. So much fear. So much grief. So much destruction.
I'm not even sure how to process it all.
And then I pause.
I breathe.
I reflect.
And I remember that while so much of what happens in the world is out of my control, there are things I do hold in my hands. I hold my thoughts, my intentions, my actions, my choices.
And I remember the vast power that I have.
Because I alone can not control the world but I can control my words.
I alone can not end a war but I can create a home that is safe for all who enter.
I alone can not change a stranger's life, but I can change their life for a moment.
Because I have the power to create peace, safety, and love by my words and choices today.
What kind of world do I dream of? Then that is the path I will take.
Today I promise be kind.
I promise to listen.
I promise to rise above judgement.
I promise to love without condition.
I promise to go forth with an open heart and an open mind.
I promise to be a giver, a helper, a healer.
I will breathe in peace and breathe out fear.
I will breathe in calm and breathe out anger.
I will breathe in love and breathe out hate.
I will be the change.
And I will trust that in some small way it will make a difference.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
I’m beginning to think that you are my guru 🙂 When I read your words, they sink right inside of me, right where they need to be. I have lived, let’s say, an adventurous 38 years. I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately, and you have been acting as a compass. “I alone can not change a stranger’s life, but I can change their life for a moment.” Indeed you can, and you do. I appreciate that. Just wanted you to know.
I am a true believer in controlling your inputs. I don’t allow those negative fonts of information into my head because I know it will bring me down with it. No mainstream tv, radio or internet. These sources are so controlled by big business, etc that I simply don’t allow them into my brain (as much as I can).
Honestly, at this point I find out about what’s going on in the world on Instagram. Probably not the best way, but at least the people I follow have nothing but sincere condolences and wishes of peace for those who have experienced loss. Just as I do. 🙁
I live in St. Louis, so we are right at the heart of social chaos going on right now. My family, one small drop in the bucket, is trying to “be the change” in our own neighborhood and culture!
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award because I love visiting your blog : ) You can check it out here: http://playguitar4him.blogspot.com/2014/08/liebster-award.html Thank you for writing from the heart!
Beautiful words as always. I wish some of the other blogs I subscribe to(I might add they are Christian blogs) were just as beautiful on these current topics in the news and they are not. I have had to unsubscribe from one because it does not encourage me at all but here in this space I feel rejuvenated, loved and encouraged! Thank you 🙂
Very beautiful.
Very inspiring .
Just had similar talk with the hubby .
I want to Keep Working Oh positive changes in myself to be a positive influence for my kids and others,
Rachel, once again thank you for your thoughtful post. You are an inspiring mama, woman and healer. I too am struggling with so much pain in the media right now. Hard, hard dis-ease, and your medicine as just about the best I’ve heard! Love and light to you sweet sister.
I love your pictures from the cabin! I know the feeling – even though home means chores and work and less relaxation, I miss my cats and my own bed at some point in a “vacation”. Who watches the livestock when you are away? I’ve always worried about that when thinking of my “future farm”.