This little light of mine

For all this talk about heaven, or reincarnation, or living in more than one dimension, my experience over the last sixty years, or so, seems to indicate that this one life here is pretty substantial.

Early in my life I wanted drama and excitement, but that was because I had no idea what life with, or even without, those things could be.

Now I prefer peace.

And I always find it -- sometimes in weeks, sometimes only in very small moments, but it is always here because I carry it inside me.

I didn't always understand this.  I grew up thinking people were victims of circumstance, martyrs to a situation, here to travel the dark and weary road hoping for the occasional glimpse of sunshine.

Now I understand that the light is also inside of me.  I need to turn it on and use it to my advantage, trusting that I am a good enough person so that my choices will also be in the best interests of those around me.

Finding peace or joy in life is not hedonistic. It is smart.  It is what is supposed to happen.  It is what I am here to teach those who come after me.  The darkness is the lie, the facade.  It blinds me to all the beauty in between the shadows.

And there is more than I ever imagined.