Words from the Heart

  How often do you say the words, "I love you," "I am sorry," "I forgive you," or "Thank you?"  Short phrases that carry so much power. These are the phrases used in the Hawaiian prayer Ho'oponopono.  (Click the link to learn more about this healing practice.) The power of these words lies in the sincerity by which they are uttered. Too often, they become pat sayings used to fill gaps in conversation or used lightly to show sentiments for which English is lacking.  Let me give you an example. How often have you heard someone say, "Oh, I love my new car (or dress, or whatever.)"  Do they really "love" these things?  On the other hand, I know that I have said, "I'm sorry," upon hearing something for which I had not words to express the feelings I had about a situation.  Sorry wasn't the right word, but I have yet to find a word that adequately expresses my feelings when someone shares the horrors of their l...

Photo from Bing   Do you think you could ever get comfortable on a cactus couch?  I saw this on a post a friend put up talking about chronic pain.  The minute I read the caption, I knew this was a great analogy for sharing just what it is like to live with chronic pain. I have been blessed to be able to control the pain I have from arthritis and fibromyalgia for many years now without prescription medication. Unfortunately, the last thirteen months has increased my stress levels to the point that I am out of remission. This means, I hurt...all...day...long. I cannot take pain meds. I react badly to them. I take extra strength Tylenol and sleep.  Usually, that gives me the edge I need to keep going forward. The past two weeks, this isn't working well, so I have returned to what I did almost 15 years ago, now, and that is cut back, regroup, rest, and try to be gentle with myself.  A lot easier said than done! Thing that really causes people with chronic pain, or i...