This past month has been a particularly difficult one. It seems that everyone I know including me, has had problems and major life issues to deal with. But in the midst of all the turmoil, there is still beauty and blessings abounding. The trick is to recognize those blessings. When things are so hard and the sky is so dark, we have to remember that the sun is still shining even though we may not be able to see it at the time. In times of our deepest dispair it’s hard to remember that we still have the choice to recognize what’s right with the world. And somehow, remembering to notice the good parts makes the worst parts a little easier to deal with. I don’t advocate that you should ignore the fear, the sadness, the confusion, or that you shouldn’t ask why this is happening. It’s important to honor these feelings and give yourself permission to feel them freely. It’s also important to reach out for help and to accept the hands that are offered. I do advocate, however, that you try to remember and be grateful for the good things life has to offer you. Be grateful for the time you’ve had with the person or special furry friend you’ve lost and the lessons you learned from knowing them. Be grateful for the changing of the weather from rain to sun or sun to rain, whichever it is that you’ve been needing. Be grateful the help and support you receive and the people who offer them. Even when your heart is breaking, be grateful that you can feel the emotion so intensely. Because you cannot recoginze true joy if you have nothing to compare it to. It’s all about learning to walk in balance and beauty. Sometimes it’s a difficult journey, but in the end we are blessed to have experienced it. It’s what life on this plane of existance is all about.