Montego Bay, Jamaica, 2016

It was so peaceful atop the rock, which was perfectly positioned for one to take in such astonishing natural beauty. Wow, Jamaica – you’re gorgeous. There was such a strong sense of stillness as I sat there, taking a moment to be grateful for all I am, and all I have. I admit, again and again, “It’s the simple things that makes me happy.” It’s life’s purest and most innocent beauties that I admire so much. In those moments, I am reminded to show gratitude for good health. Not great or excellent health, because I believe we all suffer from some sense of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional imbalance. I’m grateful for loving and supportive family and friends, opportunities to travel, living dreams out loud as an author and artist, and working in an admirable field of education where everyone around me is helping to inspire and teach children (our future). I love this quote, “When you change the way you see things, the things you see will change.” I believe that to be true. It is all about perspective. So, when I think of the guardian angels that have been placed in my life over time as my very own spiritual guides, I am now viewing them from an angle of appreciation. Physical loss of near and dear loved ones may be the greatest form of pain that any human endures, but we get to a point where we are even grateful that their spirit carries on. As much as we miss sounds of their laughter, warm hugs, and kind words, it’s comforting to know that they are always in our hearts and guiding our steps. Over time, the light in which we see them shifts from darkness. It does not have to be sad forever…because we all know we’re going some day, and when that day comes we’ll become guardian angels ourselves. Losing their laughter, warm hugs and kind words, should only encourage us to laugh more, hug more and speak kindly to others, as often as we can. Our guardian angels feed our destiny. They are light. It is a struggle to always see them in this way, but it is the best way. So, I’m grateful for them, everyday, in every way. I try my best to keep an attitude of gratitude, because I’ve noticed that when I’m gracious and grateful, blessings that were never even imagined begins to surface, and my life experiences truly turn out to be just as beautiful as nature.