“Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.” ~ Wendy Wasserstein

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When I was at the airport the other day, I decided to reward myself.

What did I choose for this reward?

A Boston cream doughnut.

I know what you’re thinking. “That’s unhealthy, Melody.” You’re right. If I make a habit of it. In full disclosure, I admit that I like to nurture myself with this delicious feast every now and then, and on this day, I was even more delighted than usual.

It was in the shape of a heart.

Even though I need to lose a few pounds, I’m glad I did this. It’s not only soul food, but seeing this heart is just what my spirit needed.

What’s going on in America is enough to unravel the calmest personality. Because there is a spiritual side to me, I looked at this interesting visual as a message from the universe that I needed to keep my heart open even more than I usually do.

As I bit into its creamy deliciousness, an “aha” moment flashed through me. Could eating doughnuts with someone with whom we don’t agree bring the inner child out of each of us, encourage us to hear each other out, and even open our hearts toward common ground?

What if we access within ourselves a deeper way of listening to each other, hear each other’s life stories with full compassion and empathy, and work together to eventually heal our divisive and trembling relationships within a tattered democracy?

I admit that the last few weeks threw me for a loop. A quick attempt to destroy our democracy by the present administration makes me feel horrified, angry, scared, sad, hurt, disillusioned, and confused. It’s as if the ground is slipping out from under me. Yet, despite all this inner turmoil, I am more determined than ever to embody the vibration of kindness, love, gratitude, peace, compassion, empathy, hope, and faith.

No matter what.

After living on this earth for many years, I have gained the insight to know that we can hold many kinds of dark and light feelings and remain sane, strong, courageous, empowered, and passionate.

As Christopher Robin said in Winnie-the-Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

During these turbulent times, I’m here to encourage you to shine within and shine outward the healing power of love.

I’m a global citizen and I care about the whole world and everyone in it. Nothing is just about me or where I live. What we do, think, feel, and say affects the whole world, and I am determined to control what I can control and take actions that are positive, nonviolent, and make a difference. I call my senators and representatives, vocalize my intuitive truth and wisdom, and amid all the chaos, I am continuing to breathe long, slow, and deep breaths that contain an unlimited amount of love.

I am also using all my self-care and self-love tools, and just in case you might need a reminder, here are a few of the healing strategies I am using each day.

Self-Care and Self-Love Reminders:

>> Remember to breathe. Breathe in for the count of four through your nostrils; hold for four; exhale for six through your mouth. While you’re doing this, create one positive and powerful word. Breathe it into your own spirit and then exhale it out into the world.

>> Be willing to notice the simple things that give you joy, light, and happiness. Look for them as if you’re taking your inner child on a treasure hunt. Joy is there. Look around and look within.

>> Keep a gratitude list. There is so much for which to be grateful. Many of us have more abundance than others can imagine. Make that list and keep it going. Big things. Small things.

>> Read books that show how someone got through extremely hard things. The Holocaust. War. Abuse. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Most of all They Taught me Happiness by Robert Muller, and my book, Peace Dreamer: A Journey of Hope in Bad Times and Good.

>> Dance, sing, create, do yoga, integrate energy healing, sound healing, take walks amid the healing balm of nature, look up at the sky, meditate, join support networks, give yourself self-love rewards, nap, sleep, rest, journal write, and remember that the words you say to yourself become your reality.

Mindful words:

“I have the will and the strength to get through this.”

“I’m still here, no matter what.”

Let’s go back to my Boston cream doughnut idea. Can common ground start with this one small action step? I’d like to think so.

As both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible say: “Let us break bread (and doughnuts) together.”

There are many pathways toward nonviolent conflict resolution. Let’s think out of the box. Common ground is possible, inner peace is possible, and it is also possible to hold many emotions at the same time.

What are you feeling today and what are you doing for self-care and self-love to manage all that is stirring within you? How are you empowering yourself to feel your huge bucket of feelings and rise beyond all the chaos while still living within it?

It’s not easy, I know. Please share with me. I’d love to hear from you. And not to push my political agenda, but Boston cream doughnuts anyone?

“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful.” ~ Misty Copeland

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