beauty

Fireflies and the Fourth of July

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Happy July!

The Summer Solstice, on June 21 — the longest day of the year — is behind us. It’s now officially Summer. Aside from the calendar, I could still tell that it was summer in NY since I got to sit on my porch and watch the amazing fireflies!

During my work, I saw a family from Connecticut that had recently moved to Florida. The mother was expressing how since moving, she had forgotten how beautiful the fireflies were. That memory brought her back to her childhood in Connecticut. Once again, the amazement of nature.

Fireflies — one of the specialties that only happens for a month or so, and only in certain places. If any of you have never seen or experienced a firefly, you must put it on your summer bucket list!

In life, I am forever shown that the little things are actually the most significant and cherished moments in our lives. Given the importance of sunrises, sunsets, walking on the beach, and/or hiking with someone whom you love while having an amazing conversation . . . these are moments that I’m sure you will remember and cherish forever.

I believe that it’s important that we enjoy each season and its particular beauty. The 4th of July is coming up, if you are inclined to celebrate. And throughout the month of July, we’ll get to wear flip-flops, play a little hooky from work, and be a kid again. Maybe listen to the crickets and be amazed by the stars.

Even in NYC, things are calmer. So many things to do — attend concerts in the park, visit the botanical gardens, walk along the river, etc. And yes, there can be dancing in the street, and at Lincoln Center.

On another note, July does bring up some sadness for those who have connected to others who have passed while in military service, and/or for those who cannot be “at home” for the July 4th weekend. “Grin and bear it,” as they say.

Enjoy the special moments in the now, for we know anything can change on a dime. Yes, “Have some fun in the sun.”

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you again at the end of the month when I’ll be with Thomas John in Baltimore, Mansfield, MA, and Tarrytown. I’ll also be back on Blog Talk Radio and doing another Facebook Live video on Monday, July 8th!

Cherishing the Little Things

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I know it’s officially summer when I can sit on my porch and watch the lightning bugs (a.k.a. fireflies) do their magic trick. Each and every year I am still drawn to observing these magical beings as they light up the night, and bless us with their presence. It’s a little thing, I know, but in life, I am forever reminded that it’s the little things that are the most significant.

Additionally, we should cherish the positive aspects of our lives, for at any moment life can change. Appreciating a sunrise, a sunset, a walk on the beach, or a mountain hike, or simply sharing a moment of enriched conversation with someone we care about, and who cares about us, perhaps over good food and wine, is what it’s all about. These moments should (dare I say “must?”) be treasured. This is what each day should hold for every one of us.

Each season has its own beauty and meaning to experience. As we enter the month of July, we so-called adults can’t help but want to play hooky, skip a day of work, and maybe hang out with the kids and/or be kids once again ourselves.

July is the month to simply sit outside and listen to crickets, and be amazed by the stars. Even in NYC, it’s much calmer than usual, and there are so many things to do – from visiting the Botanical Gardens, attending concerts in Central Park, dancing tango in Central Park and on the piers, or simply conversing with friends on the rooftops where there may also be city gardens!

And I think I speak for most of us when I say that after wearing coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots all winter, it’s so very delightful to trade in all that winter gear for flip-flops and sandals. And then to do all those things one can’t do in the winter: play softball, garden, fly a kite, take a walk along the shore or around a lake, etc. Just about anything outdoors will do. No need to be bundled up. Let your hair be free and fly with the wind. For sure, it’s time to get over the winter time blues! So kids, get out there and smell the roses!

At the Afterlife Conference this year, I met two independent film-makers who happened to live in NY. They are doing a series of documentaries on {{{drum-roll}}} the important things in our lives. The pilot film is entitled “Mortal” and they are releasing a second film called “Hope” on July 6th. If you are interested in films that are truly, truly beautiful, and that very much touch the heart, I highly recommend that you take a look at this series. I promise that you won’t be disappointed. There is a wonderful and important message for all of us to witness and absorb in each film. Those who know me are aware that I DO NOT recommend something unless I feel very strongly about it. And here I am, recommending! Why? Well, I believe that we need to support films and other forms of art that do something wonderful and positive, especially if the art can filter down and keep us in touch with the Universe, via connections to our DPs, or otherwise. It’s akin to being touched by the sun, the stars, and yes . . . back down to the lightning bugs. When we support such important work, I believe that we can truly connect with others, and thereby understand ourselves.

When you do get a chance to watch these films, I believe that you will see what I mean about “the living,” because this is what we, at this point in time, all share together. I’d love to hear how you feel about this film series. Let me know!

Enjoy your July, and cherish and love that which is important to you.