Like most of the world, I will never forget September 11th for as long as I live. The world forever changed that day, just as the world forever changed the day we were all told that we had to shelter in place just a few short years ago.

I think there is a lot of depth to the words here …

A TIME TO REMEMBER
THOSE WE’VE LOST,
THOSE WHO’VE SERVED,
AND THOSE WHO CARRY ON.

We must always remember that which has forever changed our lives so that we can use the loss and uncertainty and fear and the deeply held grief to heal and to become better versions of ourselves.

We must remember those we’ve lost to ensure we continue living our best lives so the loss of their lives weren’t for nothing.

Those who serve somehow find a way to set aside the emotion and rise up to give to others; to be pillars in the community and to do what they can to be of service to all those suffering and/or in need of support.

Those who carry on are the ones who keep going after the storm and that’s all of us who are fortunate enough to survive these horrific tragedies. We can’t just live in fear and we can’t continue to self-medicate or run or hide from the hard truths that will ultimately set us free.

We must commit to living our best lives. To do the work to heal; to grow, to make peace with our past, to believe in a future rich with possibility and potential, and to love more deeply. Let’s all reach into the depths of what’s possible and envision a new and better life where we can thrive and no longer just survive.

It's May and it's beautiful and I encourage you to take time out of each day to be fully present. We live in a stressful world full of loss, distractions and responsibilities and we're overwhelmed and charged with anxiety. 

We are dysregulated and addicted to our screens and it's affecting our health. Emails, text messages, social media, world news, and people's opinions are coming at us at light speed and our brains are not equipped to process such an overload of sensory input.
 
That's hard for me to say while typing (yet) another post to send out into the world, but I think it's important to connect in this space every once in a while; to reach out to my people and check in and let them know I care for them and to share information I think worth sharing. 

I just had dinner with my daughter and there was a guy; presumably a dad with two children whom I assume to be his own. They were young and both focused on their screens while the dad spoke to someone on the phone. He cursed a lot and was loud and not paying attention to the children and a few times they tried to get his attention and he shushed them.
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I'm seeing this more and more and it has to stop. We are addicted to our devices and they are compromising our health and our relationships.  If we are not intentional with our time and not engaged and mindful of those around us, we become more and more disconnected from the things that matter most. 

We have to be more conscious about our time because our future generation is watching (closely). Take time to be present with someone today. Make eye contact. Be mindful. Smile. Be real and intentional with your time. Engage in more meaningful ways and do something that does not involve a screen. Capture the moment with your heart instead. Offline IS the new luxury.

It’s that time of year when life is renewed and I’m feeling it. I just returned from an absolutely incredible week in Hilton Head with my daughter for spring break. One of the things that made it so amazing was the people and I don’t just mean “my people” because of course they’re amazing. I chose to be on vacation with them (lol). I’m referring to all the other humans we encountered during our stay.  

People are everything. Our humanity is what enables us to connect deeply … emotionally … spiritually. People have the ability to make or break an experience. Wherever we are in the world, if the people suck, the vibe will suck too. It’s just how it goes. 

The vibe in Hilton Head was high. The people were amazing. Heartfelt, warm, and welcoming. There was nothing pretentious going on or people to impress. Everyone was just out having a good time … living their best life. Smiling … happy … content. There were people of all ages and all walks of life out riding bikes, swimming, running, laughing, talking, eating, listening, observing, reading, and connecting with others. 

I’m here to remind you that life is hard and there is some pretty heavy shit going on in the world and you can choose to focus on the lower vibrational stuff that raises your anxiety and causes you to act out of fear OR you can put your mind at ease and focus on the stuff that matters. You … me … our families … friends. That’s where the good stuff happens. 

And I’m not talking to those who are presently grieving or experiencing deep loss or hardship. That’s where you need to be. Feel your stuff. Be with your grief. Let yourself be held. 

To everyone else … look up and out … smile … breathe in a big gulp of gratitude … savor the sweetness … the positive … the good. Do better … be kinder … smile at the world around you … be present for every call, every conversation, and every digital message you send out into the world.
 
Be the vibe you wish to feel in the world and enjoy your damn life. We only get one shot at this!
 
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust,
BeAnne 

If you care to know me a little deeper …

​“If you love an empath, love them honestly, and with all your heart. Empaths don't take love lightly, and they don't pretend.  When they choose to open their hearts, expect to be blown away.

Their love is intense, powerful, messy and sometimes difficult, but it is real. Empaths don't know how to love any other way.

Empaths are different than most people and very sensitive to people's energy, moods, emotions, situations and their environment. They feel everything and ′′know′′ things without proof.  A little mysterious and complex, their emotions are deep, but what lies below the surface is a world that is unique to her.

She is sensitive, creative, vulnerable, honest, intuitive, and easily overcome. They see beauty and happiness everywhere. They cry, they feel the pain of others, and they aren’t afraid to show their own pain.   

She feels all the dishonesty in the world, and needs the person she loves to be honest. Dishonesty does not work for an empath. Even if she is never meant to discover the deception, she will feel it and it’s torture for her to know that you’re doing something behind her back. Be honest and sincere the first time.

She is like a bird, she must be able to fly freely. Caging her is cutting her wings. She will lose the light if you try to control or change her and she will stop opening up and showing her love. Damage is not easily fixed, as the empath you love has probably been heartbroken and needs to be treated with respect. Don't rush it. She will come from herself when she is ready.

Empaths need time alone. Give her space. It will calm her mind and renew her energy. The emotions of an empath are incredibly complex that they struggle to express how they feel. They are intense, passionate, and enthusiastic. Be understanding. Take her seriously. Believe in her.

Empaths have the ability to change the world. They feel everything so deeply that wisdom comes naturally. Their intuition is strong so trust it when they have a good feeling. When they think someone is lying, trust them. When they tell you a situation is not right, believe them.”

- Author Unknown