I’m new here—or at least new to participating! I’ve been reading Lizzy’s Letters since the very beginning, but now I’m excited to officially join the Lovelets Community. I can’t wait to dive into all the beautiful Voices of Love by reading your letters and sharing this journey together.
By the way, my 3-year-old daughter, Zahara, already recognizes Lizzy’s voice! Whenever she hears it, she she asks, “Mami, is that Lizzy?” I think she might just be your youngest Lovelet sister.
Thank you, Lizzy, for today’s Letter from Love. As usual, it means a lot to me…! I feel the Love in each of your letters and I feel inspired to leap into this shared space of vulnerability, connection and love by sharing a letter of my own. I wrote it last Friday, and it’s about asking Love for guidance through a painful experience. Here it is:
***
Dear Love,
I feel hurt and wounded today. Can you help me through this pain?
***
Darling-Love, what hurts you?
You feel hurt by how someone in your extended family—your brother-in-law—spoke about you. His words cut deep, belittling you as a person, dismissing your artistry as a poet, and ridiculing the way your relationship with your child’s father ended. He invalidated you in front of your sister, reducing your life to his perspective.
Darling, I know this hurts.
It hurts even though you understand that his words are a reflection of the battles he wages inside himself. They stem from his own anger and inner struggles. You know that and still it hurts. His judgments feel like sharp arrows being sent to you; like an attack on your worth. I understand. We get it.
But hear me now, Love:
You are not defined by his words or his wounds.
Come closer, my dear. Let us begin to take out the arrows of hurt lodged in your heart.
1. You are a poet—a beautiful one.
Your poetry is not an accident or a mistake. You were created with that gift of weaving light and meaning through words and more than that to see the world with the eyes of a poet. Trust your longing to express and share your poetry that has lived in you for so long. Love your poetry, my darling. Love your life as poetry.
2. Where you are in life is exactly where you need to be.
Sweetheart, you’ve always done your best, and that is more than enough. We could not ask more of you. In fact, my Love, we invite you to stop striving so hard and instead try softer. Your best is not something you must force; it’s already within you.
You can list so much in terms of your worldly accomplishments: academic excellence, scholarships, three simultaneous master’s programs in two countries, a stellar professional record, a diplomatic career,... It is tempting to concentrate on that. And yet, Sweet One, your Soul didn’t come to this earth just for the earth and its worldly success. You’ve felt this, haven’t you? That quiet longing to step back, to pause, to reconnect with the deeper calling of your soul that brought you into human form in the first place. You’ve done that, my Love. And that takes incredible courage.
3. You are guided, always.
Darling-Dear, Precious One, even when it’s hard to trust what cannot be seen, remember that the same divine flow that brought you here is carrying you forward. Life may seem to run contrary to your heart, but what if the world’s “mainstream” is not the true current of life?
Look closer, look deeper: so many people live out of sync with themselves, resisting the natural stream of their soul. That’s why they suffer needlessly, why joy feels so far away.
My dear, continue to be brave and follow the law of your own soul. Like Thoreau and the kindred spirits you’ve always loved, you are seeking out the beat of your own drums. As you continue to tune in, you will find that rhythm grows clearer and steadier, no matter the world’s noise.
Darling Love, follow your soul’s longing. It brought you here. It brought you to this life. Little One, always remember that within you, you carry The Great.
4. Your past relationship was not a failure—it was an act of growth.
Leaving it was an act of love: love for yourself, love for your child, and love for the truth, and even love for the person you left. Relationships are complex, and sometimes the greatest gift we can give is the freedom to walk away.
Remember, Love: you are not defined by a single relationship, nor is your life’s purpose tied to finding “the one.” Your Soul’s calling is far greater. Even those who hurt you—yes, even your brother-in-law—are unwittingly shaping your path, like breadcrumbs leading you closer to your own fulfillment.
Darling Love, how do you feel now?
Can you feel the weight lifting, the space opening in your heart? The sharp arrows of judgment and insult have been softened, transformed. In their place, we’ve poured Love, Courage, and Light.
The wounds have become openings—portals through which your Soul’s light can shine even brighter. So go on, Sweet One. Breathe deeply and live open-heartedly. Trust in this beautiful, mysterious journey called life.
Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Lizzy! I told Zahara that you said you love her and she responded with a big smile 😊 which I am happy to pass on to you. 💛
Rose, thank you! What a beautiful, beautiful letter 💙Welcome to your first shared letter with all of us!! I will read this several times. It is so universal- big love to you.💙💙💙
Welcome to the comments - biggest hugs to you both. You ARE a poet and Loves organized message to you & through you is so inspiring. My son is 4, and he recognizes Liz’s voice too! We listen every Sunday.
Hi Rose, thank you for sharing your sweet letter. I love hearing people proclaim that they’re a poet. Especially when they say they’re a beautiful one, that sounds like the voice of love. Nothing in the way (reminds me of the Nirvana lyric, “something in the way”…)
Wow, that speaks truth. Yes, I find the right direction is to become more of who we are. Tricky when it seems like we should become something (someone) else
Welcome, Rose! Zahara’s “Mami, is that Lizzy?” moment is such a delight—it already feels like she’s part of this loving circle. Your letter to Love shines with courage and truth, and I’m grateful you’ve shared it here. Pain is never easy to face, but the way you’ve opened your heart to Love and transformation is inspiring. Thank you for stepping into this space and adding your voice to this beautiful community!
Yes, Jay - I think you are right. Zahara is part of this loving circle ;-) She also insists watching Lizzy's videos with me. Hearing them is not enough... lol... Thank you also for your gentle words of encouragement 💛
Rose, it warms my heart to think of Zahara already embracing this circle with such curiosity and joy—what a beautiful connection! Her insistence on watching Lizzy’s videos alongside you feels like a sweet reminder of how love and community are things we instinctively seek. Thank you for sharing this light, and for your kind words—they mean so much. 💛✨
Thanks dear Jay! I guess the "circle of love" knows no age and geographic boundaries. No one too young, no one too old, no one too far away. Love as the great equalizer...
What a beautiful letter! So many points really spoke to me. And I am so happy you were able to receive it from Love and that you chose to share it with us 🩵
Thank you dear Catherine! Thinking that many points resonate with you traces an invisible connection between us. Thanks for telling me, and much love 💛
Hey there Rose, thank you for sharing this brutiful (thanks Glennon Doyle for giving me the best words to use!) letter. Such wise words came through you during this writing process, many of which resonated deeply with me. Thank you for being open to the process and for sharing this profound and vulnerable journey with us. Many blessings, love and light xo
Hey Lisa, so glad to hear this. It moves me to read your comment. And it is beautiful that you use the term "brutiful" - it is one of the terms that I also learnt from Glennon ;-)
How blessed you are to see your wounds as they are "portals through which your Soul's light can shine even brighter". I love reading this as I continue to clear the dust off my own portals. What important work you are doing 💛
Melissa what a wonderful image: "clearing the dust off my own portals"... I'll definately remember that expression from you. Dust always seems to find its way back. I suppose it becomes a kind of spiritual practice to regularly clear it away. But perhaps, if we don't let it settle for too long and get skilled in "dusting" it becomes a little easier - or so I hope. Sending my love and plenty of fresh wind to help clear the dust.
Welcome Rose and Zahara!! Your letter touched me deeply, I cried reading it, as I've gone through that pain. I've been repeatedly dismissed and ridiculized by my only sister for not following the "mainstream" and trying to live my truth, my art...for, as Love says to you, seeking out the beat of my own drums. And even if I know all this comes from her fears, her envy of my "freedom", because she didn't dare to chose her own path... I understand. But it hurts anyway. Dear Rose this is the right, sacred place to share this feelings and be hold by unconditional Love and heal in his embrace, calmly, softly. Lots of Love.
Oh Teresa - thank you so much for sharing a bit of your journey. It helps to see that other people go through similar challenges on their journey through life. Sending lots of love back to you. 💛
I am so sad and confused and weak and empowered and scared and hopeful and grieving and… mostly scared.
I’ve been diagnosed with “metastatic disease“ a.k.a. stage four cancer. I have not been feeling sick! this is very unexpected and very quick! This diagnosis has pulled the rug out from under me and it’s been a very very hard week or so. They want to do a full body scan tomorrow to hopefully see maybe where it started or maybe where it’s spread or maybe that it hasn’t spread. I just want to tell you guys because I got such love and support from you and I could use some! I could really use something comforting. I was supposed to be getting a puppy from my daughter in February. The puppies were just born the day after Thanksgiving, and she shared a lot of video with me of that, absolutely beautiful loving process. I was so overwhelmed and so scared that I won’t even be here in February or less have anything to give to a dog. I don’t know! And I’m trying to be helpful and I’m trying to just let be be meeting trying not to fight all of these thoughts. I’ve never considered myself a fearful or negative person, but the brains gonna do what it does.
Dear love, what can I do to bring beauty to a world that suffering? This. Spend time with me. Write what you think. You haven’t been able to write one word or even read and I understand and I’m not expecting you to be perfect and I’m not expecting you to understand everything , and I’m not expecting you to be happy about it. But you can come to me. And you can remember that you do have something to give! Thank you Lilli for reminding me of that! Even in your fear of weakness to come, you are still love! You are love. And you are light. Don’t hide the light love and take care of yourself except everything that feels right to accept from anyone who offers it. Keep believing in the future and keep living in the present. Diana I think that’s all you can take right now. And that’s OK, you don’t have to prove anything you don’t have to produce anything you really don’t. I sent that eagle in the tree right there for you. You can spread beauty by excepting love. I love you.
Dianna. Oh our love. (And you ARE our love.) I am devastated to hear this news, and at the same time I am so profoundly grateful that you are part of this community, and that we can put all of our arms around you, from all over the world. We are here for you and we love you. WRITE WHAT YOU THINK. Yes, friend of our shared heart. Yes. Just keep posting everything that comes to mind, and we will read every word of it.
Dianna- dearest Princess of Whales- you are so loved, you are held and we will carry you through this. I promise you we will. We will be beside you every step of the way. Loving you through all of it- the good, bad, scary, and beautiful.
I love you so so so so much, I wish I could hop on a plane to sit with you and hold you and cry it out and yell it out and be. Whatever you need please know you’re not alone.
I wish you were here too! I’ve had every thought from don’t even worry about it and your life is going to be great to I’m not gonna live a week and I don’t know where the truth is and I hate that I’m having so many scary thoughts because I’m afraid they’re creating, what I don’t want. I don’t think I’ve cried so much since my son died 11 years ago. this morning I am crying and that’s probably better than holding it in pretending to be positive. I just have so much I want to do I need a hell of a lot more than a few weeks or months! But of course I know that we’re all gonna die and I don’t know just so many thoughts and emotions I had no idea I had such a wide emotional range!
Excuse me while I scream into the sky….. remember when Charlie Brown would do when he was exasperated? I’m here for you in spirit and loving space. This cosmos of luminosity is singing you peace and harmony and grace. I love you so much especially your vibrant and funny, soulful and generous heart. You need anything, reach out if you feel that’s what you’d like. Hang in there, Wonder! Lean on your beloveds and all the animals. Hugs. ♥️💫🫶🌟😘🐾
I love this! Yes, I’m still a part of the beautiful world aren’t I? I really am not ready to go. This really sucks, but I don’t even have a prognosis yet. Just a diagnosis but shit!
Excuse my French but F*#@ cancer! Love you so much, Ocean Dreamer. My heart broken open with you. I’m here for you. We all are. Love you, Dianna. Goats 🐐 always.
I’m cracked open right along with you. The fear you’re feeling sounds about right, because yes, the unknown is a real place to be in. You have weathered so much and I fully believe in you- that whatever is needed we will help you fight. Take the time you need to feel and sort through the jumble. Write it out if needed. Let it out here , we’ll carry it.
I’m hoping today maybe I’ll be able to write in my journal. I bought that done morning pages for probably six or seven years and I haven’t been able to pick up the pen but I know that it will help. And I love you so much and I’m so grateful for your love of me!
You are held. Let the tears flow. They are the expression of pain and fear and hope and confusion, and yes, love. Feel whatever emerges for you, you can feel it all and still be loved
Dianna, your words touched my heart deeply. You are navigating something so overwhelming, yet you express it with such raw honesty and courage. Please know that just by sharing this, you’ve brought beauty into this space—you’ve reminded us of the power of connection and love, even in the face of fear. That puppy, those videos, and this community are already holding you in light. You are love, and we are here, sending strength and care to you. 💛
I’m thinking of you and just lit up a cinnamon candle for your entire being. Thank you for trusting our community enough to share this update here. Sending you so much LOVE. 🌹
This is a scary time Dianna. Thank you for sharing your letter of love. I hope by writing it out, the fear dissipates and you feel the power of the love coming to you. Your words were powerful and you are too. Much love to you.
Dianna, I am holding you with all my heart as you ride the waves of fear, grief, sadness, anger, determination, acceptance, and mostly I hope, curiosity. There is so much we don't know...about our living, our dying, our futures. May you rest in the letting go, trusting, and living - just one breath at a time. One sweet inhale and exhale at a time. I imagine it feels like such a lonely place to be - it is your journey and yours to hold ... and...Love and those who care for you are here to support you. To shore you up and to hear ALL that moves through you dear sister. Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep crying, screaming, hoping, and wondering. You are alive and there is beauty all around you may it cradle your heart and hold you in your fear. So much love to you.
I can’t possibly imagine what it feels like to have the story of life change so fast from puppy in February to will I be alive then? And I see you are offering me a HUGE gift, because I’m living my life from the assumption that I will not die. Not, not ever. Of course I know I’ll die one day. But that day… oh my death is far off. I think. So far off that I can allow myself to get lazy around life, and especially get lazy around love. I am so often complacent, so “whatever”, so non-commital, so unengaged with life. And unengaged with love. And dear sweet Diana, you just woke me up. Your words woke me up to the fact that I must start leaning into love, to lean into love like all the lovelets are doing here, how I see you are doing in your post. This leaning into love is a practice- and I need to practice. No longer do I want to be a passive bystander, a mere spectator of life. I want to love more, love louder. I don’t want to end my days going “whatever”. So cancer diagnosis or not. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your journey has touched me deeply. And woken me up. I have not written in these threads. Only one letter from love have I shared. For 1000 and 1 excuses. And now I must do this practice. My days as a spectator show me I’m not practicing. I see writing enlivens, connects and brings me and others love ❤️ 🙏
“I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.” Some of the love opportunities will pass you by if you don’t embrace them. For me so often, it’s a fear thing…that the love won’t be reciprocated, but the last few years I have thrown myself completely in and tried to live Byron, Katie‘s “loving what is“ I found so much love inside of me for so many things and people, and for the most part, I don’t hold back! I found that nearly without exception when I come in with my enthusiasm and genuine love it just spreads and makes everybody happy. I wish this for you!
Thank you for your letter, Kathy… it made me realise that I too have a tendency to “get lazy around life…” and feel that I have all this time! I also have only shared one letter… thank you for your encouragement to dive in!
Oh Dianna, I am so sorry to hear this news for you. I am holding space for the heaviness of heart that you are carrying. I am surrounding you in a bright loving light that will provide you with all you need one step at a time. You’ve got this because LOVE has got you. And so does your beloved son (I’m so sorry), and your precious daughter, and US! You are LOVE and LOVED!🥰 🕯️🙏🏼
Dianna, I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now with news of stage four cancer. I can feel your fear, however, and I pray you are able to feel our love and Love's Love. Lean into the knowledge that you are loved; that you will be carried through all the days ahead on the wings of love and as many have written, we will continue to hold you in love.
Dianna, I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how hard it has been. I do feel like that puppy is meant to be for you. I have two friends who have had scary diagnoses this year, and they are both doing quite well. With treatment these days, it brings so much promise that it does not have to mean the end.. and I believe the same will be for you. Please, please keep us posted. And hope you can feel peace and love during this time! It will be coming to you from us on here for sure.
My brother died of cancer 8 years ago and I was his caregiver. My sister’s husband died from cancer about a year and a half ago. It’s so scary!!! I’m super glad your friends are ok! It’s encouraging. I don’t want to lose today because I’m scared for tomorrow. But I did. I spent the whole day, the whole week actually wrapped in fear… but also reaching out and accepting all the beauty and love heading back to me.
I understand, and I would be the same way. I want to say all of these things to you like soak in the love, day by day, etc… but I also just want to say that I know these may seem impossible to you in many moments. I will be thinking of you, my fellow Love Letter friend, and looking for updates from you. Sending you so much love, and good wishes. Warmly, Jessie
I’m so far from healthy, but I do feel like I love myself more, and I love life more than I ever have in the past. Hopefully that self-love will turn to self care that will make this a beautiful Path.
Oh Dianna. My friend and sister of my heart. I'm holding you right in the center of my soul right now, so close. You are not alone, you are so loved and treasured, and we are right here walking beside you. I'm so sorry. It's ok to be scared and raw.
I’m so scared!! I can’t get it out of my mind. And I can’t write. Yesterday I watched the Christmas Story on TV and Gremlins! I very rarely watch TV. I found myself thanking God for TV, which is something I would never have believed to be possible! I actually did have at least some reprieve. I can’t sleep and I guess it’s just gonna take some while before I can accept that this is happening to me.
I wish I could binge watch tv with you, or go and look for spouts on the horizon, or sit beside you while you try to sleep. Everything you are feeling is so understandable. acceptance of this deeply, deeply unacceptable thing may come, but today you get to rage and cry and distract and go numb.
Thank you!! I’ve spent nearly all day sitting in my studio looking out the window.
“There she blows!!”
The ONE THING I’m certain of, my life is already as great as any life possibly could be, because I’ve seen and heard and even smelled the great whales. Nothing else comes close!! Well good sex is better! And I e been lucky enough in the last 4or5 years to experience both!! ❤️❤️🐋🌊🦭🦈
Oh Dianna, princess of whales, I’m sending you a warm, big hug 🥺❤️ we are all here to support you, love you, and stay right with you in all of it. It’s okay if you’re not positive in this moment. It’s okay if you want to scream to the universe, or cry it out till your lungs burn. Every single thing you feel matters, because YOU matter. I know negative thoughts when sick can be so terrifying, especially for people with beautiful hearts like yours, but know this: no amount of negative thoughts can ever cast away Love. And if the mind tricks you in believing that, don’t you worry, we’re not going anywhere. We all got your back and we love you ❤️
Dianna, you are not alone. I hope you can feel our collective waves of love being sent through the ether right to your door and entering your body. I don't know if the doctors will see all those magnificent love waves circulating through your body during the scan but they'll be there. Xo
Princess of Whales, my beloved sea, the Mediterranean, takes you tenderly into its sapphire blue arms. You are infinitely loved. This is a dark time, and the mind is running wild, there are so many things going on, feelings, energy buzzing, uncertainty, fear… Let Love be with you when you find yourself believing in the dire scenarios your mind creates, stop for a moment, breathe and invite Love into the present moment.And I tell you: it’s okay if you can do it, it’s okay if you can’t. Just remember that you deserve the utmost kindness and we are all here supporting you, holding you up. Share what you need to share, we’ve got you sister. Te abrazo.
Oh Dianna Princess of Whales 🐳 🐋 What a shock. You’ve helped so many of us face our deepest fears here. We’re here for you now. Sending so much love and virtual hugs. You are not alone. Keep writing and sharing. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you for sharing this news, Dianna. I am holding you with all my heart. As someone who has dealt with a lot of health issues, I totally understand the fear of fear creating an wanted reality, but I like to think of those thoughts as allowed a voice at the table but not running the show. Love is in charge. And no matter what, we are here for you. ❤️❤️❤️
Ok, wow. That is beautiful. Thank you. Listening to it led me to my Letter from Love :
Dear Love, what can I I offer to a world that is in pain?
Dear little Margaret,
You can offer the world your most beautiful work of art- your smile. You can take those untethered feelings that you have and tether them to love. You can be gentle, every day, with others and with yourself. You can greet those feelings of sadness and anger, and then put them away in a heart-shaped box. And then you can take that heart-shaped box out into the world that is so full of people carrying those same feelings inside of them and offer them a smile and a wish that they, too, can put those feelings into a heart-shaped box and learn to smile at the world.
Your smile is your Picasso. You painted it with your heart. Share it.
And it’s so American, which is a good thing. I was listening to street interviews in Japan yesterday. Japanese people were saying Americans are free because they look at you and smile in public. The English call this “staring”, by the way, haha!
Also yesterday I was listening to a standup comedian talk about moving to NYC and it took him 3 weeks to learn that you don’t regard people on the street or smile at them because they might be crazy. So, obviously there’s a time and a place, but having this as a default feels like what we need so we can feel connected again and bring healing.
Funny enough, I better there’s a certain kind of smile women can develop in response to men saying “you should smile more”. The thing I think Jordan Peterson is right about, is that we have to learn to be a monster. A buddy of mine told me that bearing your teeth at someone can be very aggressive, like an animal. I’ve always remembered that :-)
Margaret, your letter radiates warmth and kindness. The image of your smile as your Picasso, painted with your heart, is so beautiful. Offering that to a world full of shared feelings is a profound act of love. Thank you for sharing this tender reflection—it’s a gift to all of us. 💛✨
I love this - a smile is a beautiful piece of art. In the words of Dionne Warwick, Keep Smiling.. because that's what friends are for... thank you for sharing.
Dear Lovelets, Dear Liz, Dear Margaret, and Hello Pepita,
I want to take a moment to thank each of you who has shared your thoughts and reflections on my posts and comments over these past weeks, but especially last week. I am deeply moved by the kindness, encouragement, and connection you’ve shown me. It’s a feeling I never expected, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
At 57, this is entirely new to me—feeling seen, appreciated, and valued simply for sharing my truth. It’s a profound experience, one I’ve longed for without fully realizing it. Through your words, you’ve reminded me of the beauty of community, the power of vulnerability, and the healing found in shared humanity.
What you’ve created here is nothing short of art. Together, you’ve woven a tapestry of connection, sprinkled with joy, gratitude, and kindness. It’s a gift I will carry with me and treasure deeply.
Thank you for your presence, your reflections, and your generous spirits. I am holding onto this gratitude with all my heart. 💛
With love and appreciation,
Jay
My today's Letter From Unconditional Love:
Sweetie,
As I sit with your question, I see the path you walked today. The European Bread Museum, with its tales of nourishment and tradition. The Wilhelm Busch Max & Moritz Mühle, steeped in whimsy and mischief. And the photographs you captured—fragments of beauty, humor, and history that you collected like precious stones along the way.
You wonder what you can offer to a world in pain. Let me gently remind you: You already offer so much.
When you lift your camera to frame a moment, you are offering your perspective. You take something fleeting and make it eternal, inviting others to see the world through your eyes. It doesn’t matter if you turn these photographs into digital art, share them in a gallery, or keep them for yourself. What matters is that you honor what you see.
Your art isn’t confined to the images you take. It’s in the stories you tell, the thoughts you share, and the food you lovingly prepare. It’s in how you nurture yourself and others. Every act of care, every connection you build, is a quiet gift to this world.
And yet, I sense there’s a whisper in you. A question. *What else? What more can I do?* That whisper carries the seed of courage—the courage to try something new, even if you don’t yet believe you’re “good” at it.
What have you been longing to create? What have you been hesitating to explore? A sketch, a dish, a melody? Or perhaps it’s less tangible—a heartfelt letter, a gesture of kindness, a moment of deep listening. These, too, are forms of art.
And if the world feels heavy, remember this: You don’t need to fix all its pain. You only need to offer what’s yours to give. A photograph that brings a smile. A meal that warms someone’s heart. A story that makes someone feel seen. These are small things, but they ripple outward.
The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be real. And in your realness—in your art, your kindness, your courage—you are already enough.
Elizabeth, your words feel like the warmest embrace. Thank you for seeing me as part of this beautiful tapestry—it’s an honor to share this space with you. Your kindness means more to me than I can express. 💛✨
Aww Jay, you are incredible! The honesty in your letter, in the acceptance that simply living in your truth is a gift to this world, a quiet gift. So good! "These are small things, but they ripple outward." I think this is one of the biggest lessons of creativity. We will never truly know how far our ripples will go and that is beautiful and perfect in its own way, isn't it? Thank you for sharing your light in this space, I know my life is better because of it. ❤️
Plata, your words mean so much to me. That you see the honesty in my letter and reflect it back as a gift truly touches my heart. The ripples of creativity are such a mystery, aren’t they? Knowing that something I’ve shared has added to the beauty in your life feels like one of those ripples reaching back to me. Thank you for your kindness and for the light you bring here. ❤️✨
Bonnie, thank you for your kind words—they mean so much to me. Knowing that my reflections resonate and contribute to this beautiful community is deeply humbling. I’m grateful for the connection we share here. ❤️✨
Priscilla, your words mean so much. Love has a way of weaving connections that feel both grounding and expansive, and it’s an honor to be part of that thread. Thank you for reminding me how deeply this dialogue resonates—it inspires me to keep sharing with openness and authenticity. ❤️✨
Cindy, thank you so much for your kind words—they truly mean the world to me. 💞 Knowing that my Letter from Love resonates with you fills me with gratitude. Your support and warmth are such a gift. ❤️
Ohhh Jay, I am always in awe with the brightness and sensitivity of the words you share with all of us, with the depth and generosity of your heart. You are such a precious diamond in the treasure of our beloved community.
Ooh, this line is really sticking with me: "And if the world feels heavy, remember this: You don’t need to fix all its pain. You only need to offer what’s yours to give."
Cristy, thank you for highlighting that line—it means so much to me that it resonates with you. Offering what’s uniquely ours feels like such a gentle and grounded way to navigate the heaviness. Sending appreciation your way! ✨
Andrew, thank you for reflecting that back to me—it truly means a lot. Stories have been for ages a way to create connection and understanding. Thank you for your kindness. 💛
Stories make up the fabric of our ego and our culture. We get to choose. Is it a narrative we believe or a tapestry we weave?
This links back to strength and positivity…and to Epictetus, in the case of the negative narrative: “Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the views which they take of things. Death is nothing terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates”.
Socrates was sentenced to death for “corrupting” the youth. That was the narrative.
Stories are how we create meaning. Highly successful people create stories that reinforce how they look back on their past. Stories are also how we use memory to our advantage. You can memorize a randomly shuffled deck of cards in 5 minutes by creating a story about it. Stories are powerful!
What a compelling definition, Andrew. I really appreciated how you tied it back to the “old” philosophers—though, to be honest, their legacy is a mixed one for me. While they offered profound insights into human nature and resilience, they also laid the groundwork for patriarchy as we experience it today—a system still rooted in feudalistic structures.
Your mention of weaving a tapestry resonates deeply. I often grapple with which narrative to choose about my own life—a life shaped by chronic trauma, at least 24 distinct, life-altering events. Until recently, it felt like there was no "post" in my story—no space between surviving and thriving. That began shifting in late May 2024, but the work of reframing remains challenging.
How do I tell a positive story about living with such immense challenges? About being in a position now with no financial reserves, surviving on under 400 euros, and feeling socially isolated in my hometown? These are realities, but they don’t define the whole tapestry.
Your reflection reminds me to ask: what am I weaving from these threads? How do I transform the raw, painful strands into something resilient and meaningful? Stories are indeed powerful tools—not just for memory or cultural legacy, but for reimagining ourselves and finding strength in our truth. Thank you for this thought-provoking lens.
It’s a tricky balance to tell a positive story and not to be Pollyanna about it.
I get your point about ancient philosophy. It’s probably where the trouble started. It’s when we shifted from right brain dominance to left brain dominance.
And here we are trying to correct it and come back into balance.
Andrew, thank you for your thoughtful reply. The shift from right brain to left brain dominance—and its ripple effects—offers such a compelling lens. Correcting that imbalance feels like an ongoing dance, doesn’t it? Finding a positive narrative that acknowledges complexity without glossing over the pain is a tricky, but vital, part of that process. Here's to staying curious and leaning into both sides of the story.
Jay, look at us middle agers getting so much out of this, and wanting it to so much. I resonate 100% with this. It's a gift, and it's a gift to be able to be real, and then heard and seen. I have a sense that you give so much wherever you are. I know on here you do. I love what you said about not having to fix the pain of the world, and I do believe the smallest acts or intentions ripple outward. Your words certainly do. I am very curious about the European Bread Museum!
Junebug, thank you for reflecting on my words and adding your own insight—it’s such a joy to feel this connection through our shared reflections. While I may not resonate entirely with "wanting it so much," I do hold a deep appreciation for the way this space allows for authenticity and being truly seen. Your thoughts about small acts rippling outward feel like a gentle echo of hope, and I’m grateful for how you’ve woven them into this conversation. The visit re-enforced my idea of writing a piece about bread—I learned quite a bit! 🌾✨
Thx for clarifying, Jay. You have a way of writing so eloquently, and that was awkward what I wrote. And when I read your response to me, it gave me a pit in my stomach. Everyone on here is so well-versed at speaking from the heart. I can feel a little bit out of place here bc that is harder for me. I tend to be someone who leads with humor and a light heart, and while I can have very deep and intense conversations, it takes trust for me to get there. So this feels like a dip dive, and I wonder sometimes "do I really fit in with this school of fish that seems so wise and evolved?"
What I meant by what I wrote is that I am in my 50’s too, and I appreciate at this age being able to go back and try to re-do what I did not get as a child. I very much want this healing for myself. I apologize for speaking for you too. Thank you for letting me know those words did not resonate with you. My usual action when I feel like I did something that feels "wrong" is to do an exit, but I am working on staying even when it feels uncomfortable. I know what you wrote is about you, and you are using your voice to make sure you are understood correctly and I honor that. I did look up the Bread Museum - sounds very interesting!!!
Junebug, your message is a gift—thank you for sharing your vulnerability so openly. I want you to know that nothing about what you wrote felt inadequate or awkward to me. It read as deeply human and heartfelt, and your willingness to name the discomfort and stay present is such a powerful act of courage.
I recognize the pull to exit when something feels “off.” It’s a familiar instinct, isn’t it? But what you’ve done here—staying, reflecting, clarifying—is such a testament to your commitment to yourself and your healing. You’re not alone in that journey of going back to tend to the places that were neglected or misunderstood. It’s never too late to give ourselves the care, trust, and kindness we didn’t receive as children, and the way you describe wanting that healing for yourself resonates deeply with me.
I also want to honor your humor and lightheartedness—those are strengths, too. Leading with humor can bring so much joy and connection, and it’s just as valuable as the deep dives. Trust and safety are the currents that carry us into those deeper waters, and you’re navigating them with such grace.
If you ever feel out of place, please know you’re not alone in that either. This isn’t about fitting into a school of fish but about finding your own rhythm within the flow. You belong here, Junebug, exactly as you are, whether you’re dipping a toe or diving all the way in.
Oh, and isn’t the Bread Museum fascinating? There’s something so comforting about how bread—such a simple, universal food—carries so much history and connection. I’d love to know your thoughts if you ever visit it!
Thank you, Jay! I really take to heart what you said, & it helps. Exiting is a very familiar path for me from growing up, and I had a lot of siblings, so it was easy to do.
In Nashville, we used to take field trips to the Wonder Bread Factory... I have a feeling the Bread Museum is much more interesting, but it sure did smell good!
And after my dad died in first grade, I used to rub ice cream all over my face to make my classmates laugh... talk about a mask. So yes, humor can be easier for me at times, and sometimes a belly laugh with a close friend is the best medicine.
Yes, your comments and the time that you take to truly see each of us and to respond are one of your expressions of art that you so generously offer each of us. Always my heartfelt gratitude, Jay. ❤️
Joanie, your words mean so much—thank you for reflecting back what feels so natural and joyful for me to offer here. Sharing these connections with you is a gift I truly treasure. ❤️
Your realness is your offering- I adore this, and mirror back to you what an absolute treasure you are in this community. Sending so, so much love to you!!
Kendall, Your words are a balm—thank you for reflecting such warmth and kindness. Your presence here feels like a gift in itself. Sending you so much gratitude and love right back! 💛✨
Jewel Jay, your sweetness is pouring through my computer :-) You are a sensitive human being in a harsh world, but here we are, finding each other, in this sacred space of deep respect, appreciation, Love. When Love tells you "You just have to offer what is yours to give. A photograph that brings a smile. A meal that warms someone's heart. A story that makes someone feel seen. These are small things, but they have a ripple effect." I can assure you that you made me feel seen many, many times... your dedication to reading our letters and leaving a heartfelt comment is no small thing, it makes a huge difference! It is a wonderful wave of Love coming from you, and by the ripple effect, I hope you feel the Love coming back to you. Te abrazo.
Teresa, your words are like a soft embrace wrapped in pure kindness. To know that my reflections have touched you in this way fills me with such gratitude. The ripple effect you describe feels so tangible here in this beautiful space of connection, where respect and Love flow so freely. Thank you for reflecting that back to me—it’s a gift I cherish deeply. Te abrazo con todo mi corazón. 💛✨
I love this Jay: ✨ "The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be real. And in your realness—in your art, your kindness, your courage—you are already enough." YES indeed! ❤️
Tamar, thank you for highlighting those words—they carry so much truth, don’t they? Realness is where connection and beauty live, and your reflection affirms that so powerfully. I’m grateful to share this space with you. ❤️✨
“You take something fleeting and make it eternal”.. The courage you have to create and share your heart with us is also nothing short of art. So much love for you dear, Jay. I’m so incredibly grateful to know you 🩵🩵
Mesa, your words feel like a hug for the soul. Thank you for seeing my heart in what I share—it means more than I can express. I’m equally grateful to know you and to share this beautiful space with you. So much love right back to you, dear one. 🩵✨
Is it possible that the world would be a better place if everyone stopped whatever they were doing and just made art? Absolutely.
That sounds like a fantastic idea. I’ve been churning on this idea that now I finally know where I got this panicked “work ethic” (fascism…”Arbeit macht frei” was written on the gates of Auschwitz, means "Work shall make you free"). What better way to respond to threats than with expressions of joy and freedom?
Something else I’ve always wondered about is, “who is my music for?” and I think the answer is me. Me and my cat. He loves being sung to. I don’t need to organize an open mic or justify the cost of instruments with gigging income. It’s ok to just make art. Yes it is.
It’s so not frivolous, to borrow a phrase. Thank you for sharing this insight.
As an artist you make art because you want too regardless if anyone else likes it. Boy we'd sure love to see a video of you singing to your cat though.
I'm with you 100% Andrew... The world would be a better place filled with people enjoying themselves, creating art in whatever form. I'm a musician and painter and I've struggled all my life to be "successful", to gain recognition. One day during a meditation I received a message from my soul, the Universe (?) saying: your gifts are for you to enjoy, you don't have to turn them into something that fits the market, the Universe couldn't care less about "success". It just wants you to be happy... I was amazed, somewhat shocked, but I'll never forget it.
I love that, thanks for the insight. It's still easy to say and harder to enact. I'm a professional artist, and even with schedules and commitments it's not always easy to let go and create for a project. But to practice the free time art, or the art for soul's sake, or whatever you want to call it, is a different challenge. The more we can take the pressure off, the better chance we have. The purpose of music is to "play" it. Nobody has any expectations (future, stress) when they are playing (now)
Andrew, your reflection is so powerful. Responding to the weight of oppressive work culture with joy and freedom through art feels like an act of quiet rebellion and profound healing. The thought of your music being for you—and your cat—is such a beautiful reminder that creating doesn’t need to be justified to anyone else. Art, in its purest form, is enough. Thank you for sharing this; it’s a gift to witness your perspective. 🎶✨
But not a conscious rebellion, just existence! Bob Marley‘s last public words were, “Everyone has a voice inside talking to them, listen to the voice and you will know what to do”.
I’m also thinking about extremism. Fascism is far right, but it was the far left in China that eliminated art. Art is considered “liberal” but when the scale tips too far the art falls away. They destroyed temples and pulled up public flower gardens. They carted away people with glasses because they were considered intellectual, the people in power.
I think we have to stay in the middle, and I think that means making art. The trick is you have to have your other basic needs met first, right? I was reading about South Pacific Islanders yesterday, and it’s always cultures like that where the children are free to dance spontaneously in the streets. And people are making beautiful every day things, like carving a beautiful bone handle for a knife, because they haven’t been told that they’re poor yet, and that they should buy a three dollar knife with a plastic candle from Target or Woolworths or wherever.
Andrew, your insights are profound. Art as existence, not rebellion, carries so much meaning, and Marley’s words beautifully remind us to trust that inner voice. Your reflection on extremism and its impact on creativity highlights the importance of balance. The image of children dancing freely and crafting beauty in everyday life is a powerful reminder of what creativity brings when untouched by outside judgment. Thank you for sharing this. 🎨✨
I feel the same way. There are so many people afraid about AI making art better than human, so that artists could not earn money anymore. But when we are on a craft, we are just feeling alive. I don’t give a f* about AI making art, that won’t stop me from writing, because writing and creating just bring me joy. And when I stop, that extinguish me. I feel something essential is missing. And there are so many bullshit jobs which don’t make any sense but pay well and people who are doing them look like walking dead. I hope that one day they will wake up and perform at them poorly 😊
Thank you Lise, I agree with you about AI "art". Unfortunately society is not ready to have that conversation because scientists haven't been able to agree on a definition for consciousness. I had a conversation with an AI guy who was adamant that AI is conscious (that's neither here nor there) but I found it interesting that he stated that he believes if you slap lipstick on a pig, to him, it's art.
I don't know when the definition of art will come into question with regard to AI, and so far, the laws have been on the side of real artists. And until then, we can continue making art, and not worrying that anyone is going to come and take that away from us, regardless of how much, if anything, we make on it. <3
Usually I’m too focused on singing and playing to notice which songs he likes but I’ve been playing g “For The Summer” by Ray LaMontagne a lot lately. When we sing him a song about him and dots on him, he purrs, though
haha, OMG I never should've said anything! Ha! My wife makes up silly songs, like cat specific lyrics over melodies like the Olympics anthem or the US graduation march and old traditionals,...maybe the odd contemporary song. Thanks for asking Joanie
Thank you, Lizzy, Margaret, Callie, Barb, and Lennnie for the something beautiful that we all so desperately need 🩵 A perfect song that encompasses everything and that I’ll be listening to on repeat often.
A perfect way to start my favorite month. So much love to and for all of you 🩵🩵
Dear Love- what would can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Sweet squishy penguin cheeks, you’re doing it, you proclaimed it yesterday and so it will be, your poetry - your words that flow from your heart and soul and mind. You were nudged (you’re welcome) to finish your poetry book and so you will. Your gift dear little bear is the love you pour into your sentences, even when they’re just one word.
Little love you get to create and breathe and love, the three balms to weariness and pain. When you do this, heal out loud, you unwittingly make this place better. You don’t have to believe us, but we know it’s true and therefore we will continue to remind you forever until you become Star stuff again.
Let poetry and music and words flow through you, sunshine. And surely the pain that lives in the dark will be driven out by the light.
We love you endlessly. Go write- now. Write yourself back to the light. We’re here always.
Mesa, your words are a song of love and truth. The way you speak of poetry as a balm for weariness and pain is deeply moving. Letting your words flow from heart and soul, you offer a light that pushes back the darkness, creating something beautiful in its place. Thank you for sharing your reflection and for the love you bring to this space. ✨🩵
As much as the darkness hovers at my edges, I only know to keep it at bay using the light that I find when I do digging through my words. Thank you for seeing me, Jay.
Mesa, your words resonate deeply. The light you uncover through your words is truly powerful, and it shines far beyond what you may realize. Thank you for allowing me to see you—it’s an honor to witness the beauty and strength in what you create. ✨🩵
thank you for your offering. Thank you Pepita for being such a comforting presence. Tears of joy and a heart full of love…I love you all!!
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that is in pain?
My sweetest dearest angel, give of your love like there is no tomorrow. Give of your heart like there are no boundaries. Give of your light that can brighten every corner of this world. There is nothing to hold back, nothing to save, nothing to keep for tomorrow. In giving, you will come alive. In sharing, you will know the joy of living. You are so much more than this flesh and blood. You are so much more than what you or others can see. You are the drop that makes the ocean, and just like that drop, you are the ocean. You are love, infinite love and today you can live love, breathe love, be love. And all along this beautiful journey, I get to witness you coming home, dearest. Coming home to where you truly, genuinely belong. With all my love, Love
Ansua, your words radiate such deep tenderness and truth. The reminder to give without reservation—to pour love, light, and heart into the world—is both moving and empowering. Your letter captures the essence of living fully, where giving and sharing become acts of becoming. Thank you for this beautiful offering; it’s a gift to witness your journey and feel the love you so freely share. 💛✨
Ansua, your words and warmth always feel like a hug in themselves. Thank you for your kindness and the love you so freely give—it's a light in this space. Big hugs and love right back to you! 🧡✨
LfL creators: Snow Angel will be on repeat this season- such a perfect gift, and I LOVE that it was conceived in July!
I listened this morning with a heart to receive & also wanted to take a moment to flood our beloved Mesa Fama in the softest, warmest blanket of your croons today.
Mesa has held so much space for me, and I know several others here in our community, and her heart was on my mind while I listened to Snow Angel today.
Thank you, K. I love you so very much and it means so much to me that you thought of me during the song. I’m crying buckets this morning, a lot of love leaking from my face.
You’re one of the greatest gifts I’ve received this year and I am forever grateful for you 🩵🩵
K. Alexandra, your words wrap this space in such tenderness. Mesa’s words are indeed a gift, and your thoughtfulness in dedicating Snow Angel to her feels like another layer of love added to this beautiful community. Thank you for bringing this moment of warmth and connection. You remind us how much light we hold for one another. 🤍
Thank you as well Jay! You have been the kindest, warmest, and most validating addition to our Sunday LfL community and over on my own substack too! I love you read your insights and am so very grateful you are in our lives. I hope today is kind to you! ✨
Ohmigoodness! What a soulful, healing song Lizzy, Callie, and Barb! When Lennnie started dropping hearts into the chimneys, my tears started flowing. Thank you for creating this. (Liz: You have a lovely voice!) And of course, the best part, was noticing Pepita’s presence during the creative process.
Here’s my letter that I wrote first. I expected it to be about my life as an artist and writer and decorator, but nope. Love had different words in store for me today.
Sending all you Lovelets tons of love and gratitude for this sacred space in which we tenderly gather and deeply share.
Dear Love,
What can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Dear Snowflake in the Bright Sun,
There is nothing you can offer a world that is in pain. Because here is the secret: The world isn’t in pain. People are in pain. All the time. Everywhere. Overseas. In this nation. In your neighborhood. The world? The world is a different thing altogether that is simply a construct of your social mind. While it is absolutely commendable to care about others and try to relieve suffering where you can, please keep in mind that the terrible suffering of others (and yes, it IS bad) is not something new. It’s been going on for millennium. The only difference now is that it’s televised 24/7 into your immediate lives through your devices. It’s an edited, magnified, and highly concentrated form of distress that is cascading forth relentlessly with no end in sight. And it is addictive. Unless you turn away from it and stop watching or “consuming” it, it will overwhelm your psyche and make your otherwise delightful life feel bad. While that sounds heartless, callous, and selfish, please know that when you feel pain and suffering over others’ pain and suffering, guess what? You don’t help them one iota and you simply add more pain into the Universe. Pain is a vibration. Just like joy is. So, if you really want to help this world that is in pain, please stop adding your pain into the mix. If you want to do something about it, then donate money to groups working on the frontlines of whatever issue you care about, or go volunteer for those groups, or just send compassionate and loving thoughts in the direction of all those who are suffering. Make it a blanket wish for all who are experiencing hardship on the planet, in whatever form, and for whatever reason. While taking action is the best way to change things, the healing vibrations of prayer are real, and at the very least, it’s a viable offering you can make from anywhere to anyone.
So how do you feel joy when the world is in pain? Start with yourself in your body. Is life good for you right now where you are physically extant? Then receive the good fortune and offer your gratitude. And if life isn’t good for you right now, then all you need to focus on is what you can do to alleviate your own suffering. That is your mission in life. You. Start with you. Live you. Be the CEO of you. And by transforming your own energy – by shedding the layers of pain and suffering that were flung upon you and/or (dare I say) brought about by you, then you are helping make the world a less painful place. One person at a time.
In the meanwhile, rejoice! Light candles at dinner. Play fetch with your pups. And yes, create beauty wherever you can, with whatever means possible. Beauty heals. And when you look at the natural world I have created, you can see that beauty everywhere. Let time in nature soothe your soul and inspire you.
You are the world. Shed your pain, embrace your joy, and realize that every time you amplify the positive energy within you, you are making the most sacred offering to a world in pain.
I love you so much. You have no idea. Now go have some fun, my love!
"Be the CEO of you." YES❣️I hear you too knowing what our limits are with all the news in the world. Sending Love Light and abundant Metta, rather than more angst and worry help. ❤️❤️❤️
Tamar, your letter offers such a profound shift in perspective. The distinction between the world and the people in it, and the call to transform our own energy as a sacred offering, feels both grounding and empowering. Your words remind us to amplify joy, create beauty, and take meaningful action while holding space for gratitude. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection—it’s a gift of clarity and love. 💛✨
Tamar, your response fills me with gratitude. It’s incredible how words can reflect and expand on one another, creating even more light and connection. Thank you for seeing the heart of what I shared and for continuing the conversation with such warmth and insight. 💛✨
“Snow Angel” gave me the best kind of chills. Thank you for that beautiful offering. My heart feels like it just got wrapped up in a cozy blanket of love and peace.
Dear Love: What can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Oh my love, this question lights you up, doesn’t it? This is your primary purpose – the reason you jump out of bed in the morning. To use your creativity, humor, and passion to uplift and inspire your fellow humans. In 2025, this is primarily going to come in two forms:
PEARLY GATES. I know you’re chomping at the bit to send out your novel. Patience, love, the editor is almost done. Let’s remember why you wrote it in the first place: 1) you wanted to offer a perspective on existence and who we are as souls that offered comfort, joy, and inspiration in these challenging times; 2) you wanted to uplift marginalized people and write a positive story embracing all genders and sexual orientations; 3) Pearly arrived to you fully formed in all her fabulous, glittering glory and you simply had to tell her story. In doing so, you learned so much about love, loss, healing, and belonging. Now you get to share what you learned.
Deep Dance. This practice + community is what makes Los Angeles feel like home for you and so many others. It’s been humbling and gratifying to know that Saturdays are the highlight of the week for so many people. The dance is an opportunity to express through the body what words simply can’t, and the picnics in the park are a wonderful way to foster connection and belonging. Just yesterday, you laughed and cried and cuddled and felt so seen and supported. I know you’ve been facing some difficult challenges as a leader – navigating fear and pressure around the Israel-Palestine conflict and how people present themselves in the space – and there may not be simple solutions, but I trust that you and the council will address them from as loving a place as possible.
Finally, love, you can offer your presence. Remember the lighthouse from last week? Shine brightly in all your you-ness, and offer a warm smile and comforting hand to the cold and weary. ❤️
PS: Love mentioned you in my letter this week, reminding me how you encouraged me to bake buttercream Christmas cookies last year. It helped me get through a hard time, so thank you for that ♥️
Hello, Bonnie, the sparkly of you-ness is more glittery than ever and your steady writing practices have brought you hear to celebrate all the Pearly Wonder of your heart and vibrant characters. Super proud of you. 👏🏽 cheers! Can’t wait to read it. So many stories to tell. Let’s keep making art! ♥️
Bonnie, your reflections are as heartwarming as the cozy blanket of love you felt from Snow Angel. Your creativity and the passion you pour into both your novel and Deep Dance are such beautiful offerings to the world. Thank you for sharing how you embrace joy, connection, and belonging—it’s inspiring and uplifting to witness. ❤️✨
I can't wait to listen to the song! But my ADHD brain got sidetracked as I was listening to you and I started counting all the times you used "community" talking to us! I have been feeling a HUGE PUSH toward ART and COMMUNITY in the last three weeks. I have been creating art with a fevered frenzy and I go into a trance like state where I can remember my nighttime dreams. I come out of that place refreshed and HOPEFUL. And in that hopeful place all I can think about is building my community and keeping us strong. I wrote this to my friends yesterday:
I teach genius children in my YSA classes and when they talk math or computers I say “I can’t understand that. You are waaaay smarter than me in that area. My intelligence is in communication and relationship and that’s why I’m here.” I can see the love and respect grow every time I remind them of this. They know we each have strengths and challenges. And in being together we are strong. Let me tell you—these kids have my back if I need to buy a computer! But because I’m in their zoom room they have a chance at connecting with kids and making friends.
Another one of my hard-won super powers is building community. My late husband, Joe, was always looking for people to give to so it started early in my life. But I learned the receiving part after he died, leaving me a young widow with small children. Spirit told me to “accept anything” because it was good for me to receive but it was also good for others to give. In my mind I saw it as a circle—the Circle of Give and Receive. We take turns. And as we do this—we build community.
I get an A+ in building community. I feel in my gut that it is more important now than ever before. Please, let's prioritize our friendships and our connections and keep each other strong. I love you!
Kirsten, your words pulse with energy and clarity. The way you describe art and community as interconnected forces feels so alive, especially how they bring you back to hope. Your "Circle of Give and Receive" is such a powerful image—reminding us that both giving and receiving are essential for building something lasting and meaningful. Thank you for sharing your reflections, your story, and your A+ in community-building. It’s an inspiration to prioritize connection and keep each other strong. 💛
That was so beautiful! I don’t know how you kept it and didn’t give it early- I have such a hard time with that. What a wonderful song to keep me warm this winter. So calming it directed me to the peaceful part of myself.
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that’s in pain?
Oh lovelet. You’re beginning to see the path forward and now it’s lit with lanterns spilling golden light onto the road and the mossy banks beside it. This is Pluto finally arriving, your neck healing slowly but steadily, your nerves calming and finding a center and your “why not?” attitude getting the mic more often.
We don’t know exactly what you have to offer but we know that you’re about to give life to your project. This will be straight from Love and needs no tweaking, you’re just the conduit. It’s exciting so try not to be blocked with fear, yeah?! It’s all perfect. Enjoy.
Mary Frances, your words are filled with such warmth and hope. The image of lanterns spilling golden light on the path ahead is beautiful—what a gentle and encouraging vision for moving forward. Your reflection is a gift, a reminder to trust in the process and embrace what’s unfolding. Thank you for sharing this. 💛✨
Lanterns and conduits! Love this. Also, Love mentioned you in my letter this week, reminding me how you encouraged me to bake buttercream Christmas cookies last year. Thanks again for that boost - it lifted me through a hard holiday 🎄
My sweet snow Angel. You’ve been trying so hard for so long to please me. Oh my Angel, I am so so pleased with you. Don’t look away my love. Look me in the eye and know that I love you. I am so pleased and so happy you are here. Still here. Still fighting. Still struggling. Still wrestling with everyone you love. All their imperfections and yours muddled together. I’m not sad baby girl. You don’t have to take care of me. No my Angel. I take care of you. I take care of you. I hold you in your fear as you take another step toward desire and curiosity. As you unfold your story like a quilt before me and this boy you love. You are correct that he is just a reflection and a beautiful one yes. Temporary and beautiful. A teacher, a guide, a mentee. What can you offer this world my Angel? Your love is the easy answer. It comes in many forms. Your letters, your holding space, your being yourself, your creativity in all the ways you create. I want you to come to me everyday this week and ask me this question until we get to the bottom of what you want to do. How you want to serve. I know you aren’t satisfied and won’t be here, but I think we can find something more aligned - even if it’s a little bit crazier than what you’re used to. And maybe it won’t be that crazy at all.
Natalie, your words are full of warmth and self-reflection. The image of unfolding your story like a quilt is such a vivid reminder of the beauty in embracing every part of our journey. Your willingness to sit with questions and explore what feels truly aligned is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and honest moment—it’s a gift to witness. 💛
Ellie, your letter is pure magic. The playful dismissal of perfection’s gremlins and the gentle encouragement to create without pressure feel like the exact words any artist needs to hear. Your art as an "alchemical brew" of joy and presence is such a beautiful way to reframe its purpose—not to fix the world’s pain, but to be a healing elixir for both creator and witness. Thank you for sharing this empowering and light-filled reflection. 💛✨
Love this prompt Liz - thank you so much for this sweet sweet gift on this cold Sunday morning.
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Oh sweetie, you have a lot to offer a world in pain. You have been supporting individuals in pain almost your entire life. You evolved from a long line of helpers and teachers.
Remember the story of your maternal grandfather, the son of Sicilian immigrants. He returned from World War Two and used the GI bill to learn Spanish, became a public high school Spanish teacher and then an administrator. He connected with, supported and advocated for other immigrants, back in the 1950’s and 1960’s because he knew what it felt like to be the “other” and instead of transmitting his trauma to others he transformed it into love, care and empowerment for the marginalized in his community. He modeled this for his seven children and to you and you have metabolized it into your own offering to a world in pain.
You are a social worker, a listener, an advocate, but most powerfully, a witness. You see people fully. That’s why they trust you and come to you when they are in pain. You learned long ago that no one needs to be saved. But being an empathetic witness, that is your super power and it is what brings you the most joy in life. Keep it up sweets!
Suzanne, your letter beautifully honors your lineage of compassion and advocacy. The story of your grandfather transforming his experiences into love and empowerment is profoundly moving, and it’s clear that his legacy lives on in you. Your gift as a witness, seeing people fully and offering empathy, is a rare and powerful offering to a world in pain. Thank you for sharing this reflection—it’s inspiring and heartwarming. 💛✨
I'm sure I'm not the only one who will admit crying through that entire video. I felt it to my core.
Dear Love, what can I offer a world that is in pain?
Oh, my little snotty, wet, toddler babe....do you know how much I love you? Do you remember when your little ones were crying and sticky and crabby and you would just coo "Oooh....you precious beautiful thing?" and grab them up and squeeze with such glorious love? Well, that is how I feel about you. In all your states. You've been the one in excruciating pain so you remember how that feels.
And you are so right....the world is hurting now. The actual world-planet hurts....the trees and earth...the animals...and, yes, the people. And sometimes you feel like you feel it all and you want to scream and hold your head and beg it to go away. It's the kind of pain you remember from birthing those babies.....those hours of transition when you'd yell "get it out! Make it stop!" HA! Well, that's not how birth works. That's not how this works either.
Let's think about birth. It's a process. It starts gently and then gets more and more intense...the midwife calls it "pressure" but you know it's pain. You want to back out but there is no way to the other side except for through.
There you have it--the world is in pain and there is no way to the other side except through. How will you help them THROUGH.
How did your sweet husband and friends and midwives help you through?
PRESENCE. They offered presence. They held you all the way through. You were not alone.
HOPE. Joe would count through the contractions to give you hope that there was a number when they'd subside.
CREATURE COMFORTS. Those ice chips, that lavender cream, the melodious music, the art for focus.
ANSWERS and SOLUTIONS and EMERGENCY HELP: When the shoulder was stuck, the midwife knew how to manually move it. When the baby wasn't breathing, the midwife knew what to do. There she was knowing how to clamp and cut the umbilical cord.....something the rest of us would have had to google :-) (and it was pre-google days!).
As my community moves THROUGH the pain I won't ask them to bypass it. Instead I'll be there. I'll give my presence and I'll offer my help. I'll offer the creature comforts to myself and to everyone that comes near me because I can. How can I make my resources support the most? And because I have a direct line to love and I know how to listen, I'm going to have answers when those in pain can't hear through the fear. How many times did someone whisper an answer when you couldn't hear?
Kirsten, your words capture the raw beauty of holding space for pain and transformation. The way you reflect on birth as a process we must move through, not bypass, is so powerful. Offering presence, comfort, and hope in the face of the world’s pain is such a profound gift. Thank you for sharing this tender and deeply grounded reflection—it’s a reminder that being fully present can be the most healing act of all. 💛✨
Hello, Lovelets!
I’m new here—or at least new to participating! I’ve been reading Lizzy’s Letters since the very beginning, but now I’m excited to officially join the Lovelets Community. I can’t wait to dive into all the beautiful Voices of Love by reading your letters and sharing this journey together.
By the way, my 3-year-old daughter, Zahara, already recognizes Lizzy’s voice! Whenever she hears it, she she asks, “Mami, is that Lizzy?” I think she might just be your youngest Lovelet sister.
Thank you, Lizzy, for today’s Letter from Love. As usual, it means a lot to me…! I feel the Love in each of your letters and I feel inspired to leap into this shared space of vulnerability, connection and love by sharing a letter of my own. I wrote it last Friday, and it’s about asking Love for guidance through a painful experience. Here it is:
***
Dear Love,
I feel hurt and wounded today. Can you help me through this pain?
***
Darling-Love, what hurts you?
You feel hurt by how someone in your extended family—your brother-in-law—spoke about you. His words cut deep, belittling you as a person, dismissing your artistry as a poet, and ridiculing the way your relationship with your child’s father ended. He invalidated you in front of your sister, reducing your life to his perspective.
Darling, I know this hurts.
It hurts even though you understand that his words are a reflection of the battles he wages inside himself. They stem from his own anger and inner struggles. You know that and still it hurts. His judgments feel like sharp arrows being sent to you; like an attack on your worth. I understand. We get it.
But hear me now, Love:
You are not defined by his words or his wounds.
Come closer, my dear. Let us begin to take out the arrows of hurt lodged in your heart.
1. You are a poet—a beautiful one.
Your poetry is not an accident or a mistake. You were created with that gift of weaving light and meaning through words and more than that to see the world with the eyes of a poet. Trust your longing to express and share your poetry that has lived in you for so long. Love your poetry, my darling. Love your life as poetry.
2. Where you are in life is exactly where you need to be.
Sweetheart, you’ve always done your best, and that is more than enough. We could not ask more of you. In fact, my Love, we invite you to stop striving so hard and instead try softer. Your best is not something you must force; it’s already within you.
You can list so much in terms of your worldly accomplishments: academic excellence, scholarships, three simultaneous master’s programs in two countries, a stellar professional record, a diplomatic career,... It is tempting to concentrate on that. And yet, Sweet One, your Soul didn’t come to this earth just for the earth and its worldly success. You’ve felt this, haven’t you? That quiet longing to step back, to pause, to reconnect with the deeper calling of your soul that brought you into human form in the first place. You’ve done that, my Love. And that takes incredible courage.
3. You are guided, always.
Darling-Dear, Precious One, even when it’s hard to trust what cannot be seen, remember that the same divine flow that brought you here is carrying you forward. Life may seem to run contrary to your heart, but what if the world’s “mainstream” is not the true current of life?
Look closer, look deeper: so many people live out of sync with themselves, resisting the natural stream of their soul. That’s why they suffer needlessly, why joy feels so far away.
My dear, continue to be brave and follow the law of your own soul. Like Thoreau and the kindred spirits you’ve always loved, you are seeking out the beat of your own drums. As you continue to tune in, you will find that rhythm grows clearer and steadier, no matter the world’s noise.
Darling Love, follow your soul’s longing. It brought you here. It brought you to this life. Little One, always remember that within you, you carry The Great.
4. Your past relationship was not a failure—it was an act of growth.
Leaving it was an act of love: love for yourself, love for your child, and love for the truth, and even love for the person you left. Relationships are complex, and sometimes the greatest gift we can give is the freedom to walk away.
Remember, Love: you are not defined by a single relationship, nor is your life’s purpose tied to finding “the one.” Your Soul’s calling is far greater. Even those who hurt you—yes, even your brother-in-law—are unwittingly shaping your path, like breadcrumbs leading you closer to your own fulfillment.
Darling Love, how do you feel now?
Can you feel the weight lifting, the space opening in your heart? The sharp arrows of judgment and insult have been softened, transformed. In their place, we’ve poured Love, Courage, and Light.
The wounds have become openings—portals through which your Soul’s light can shine even brighter. So go on, Sweet One. Breathe deeply and live open-heartedly. Trust in this beautiful, mysterious journey called life.
With all Our Love
Welcome, Rose! I love you, Zahara! And your poetry and heart are ALWAYS welcome here! ❤️
Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Lizzy! I told Zahara that you said you love her and she responded with a big smile 😊 which I am happy to pass on to you. 💛
Welcome Rose! To happy to have you here and your little one too! Love that she recognizes Liz’s voice! It’s a beautiful voice indeed!❤️
Rose, thank you! What a beautiful, beautiful letter 💙Welcome to your first shared letter with all of us!! I will read this several times. It is so universal- big love to you.💙💙💙
Big love back to you Stacey! 💛 It means a lot to me to read your comment...!
Welcome Rose! What a stunning first letter 🩵 thank you so much for sharing with us all 🩵🩵
Oh thank you Mesa - I really appreciate your words of support and welcome. 💛
Hi beautiful Rose & Zahara!
Welcome to the comments - biggest hugs to you both. You ARE a poet and Loves organized message to you & through you is so inspiring. My son is 4, and he recognizes Liz’s voice too! We listen every Sunday.
Wishing you the most peaceful day ahead 🤍
Xx
Gosh - I think our kids are the new generation of Lovelets... Isn't that a beautiful perspective.... Imagine...! 💛
And thank you Alexandra for calling me a poet - I hope it is not vain to say, but I love that. Poetry means so much to me.
Hi Rose, thank you for sharing your sweet letter. I love hearing people proclaim that they’re a poet. Especially when they say they’re a beautiful one, that sounds like the voice of love. Nothing in the way (reminds me of the Nirvana lyric, “something in the way”…)
Thank you Andrew, I think the voice of love can be quite brave and thereby encourages us to not shy away from who we truly are. 💛
Wow, that speaks truth. Yes, I find the right direction is to become more of who we are. Tricky when it seems like we should become something (someone) else
Agreed… it’s quite tricky but let’s keep trying 😉
Deal
What a lovely debut Letter from Love, Rose! ❤️ It offers gentle and deep reminders of what is true. ✨
Thank you, thank you, thank you - Tamar 💛
So glad you're here, Rose, with all your beautiful parts.
Thank you dear Bonnie 💛 - I am glad!
Welcome, Rose! Zahara’s “Mami, is that Lizzy?” moment is such a delight—it already feels like she’s part of this loving circle. Your letter to Love shines with courage and truth, and I’m grateful you’ve shared it here. Pain is never easy to face, but the way you’ve opened your heart to Love and transformation is inspiring. Thank you for stepping into this space and adding your voice to this beautiful community!
Yes, Jay - I think you are right. Zahara is part of this loving circle ;-) She also insists watching Lizzy's videos with me. Hearing them is not enough... lol... Thank you also for your gentle words of encouragement 💛
Rose, it warms my heart to think of Zahara already embracing this circle with such curiosity and joy—what a beautiful connection! Her insistence on watching Lizzy’s videos alongside you feels like a sweet reminder of how love and community are things we instinctively seek. Thank you for sharing this light, and for your kind words—they mean so much. 💛✨
Thanks dear Jay! I guess the "circle of love" knows no age and geographic boundaries. No one too young, no one too old, no one too far away. Love as the great equalizer...
What a beautiful letter! So many points really spoke to me. And I am so happy you were able to receive it from Love and that you chose to share it with us 🩵
Thank you dear Catherine! Thinking that many points resonate with you traces an invisible connection between us. Thanks for telling me, and much love 💛
Hey there Rose, thank you for sharing this brutiful (thanks Glennon Doyle for giving me the best words to use!) letter. Such wise words came through you during this writing process, many of which resonated deeply with me. Thank you for being open to the process and for sharing this profound and vulnerable journey with us. Many blessings, love and light xo
Hey Lisa, so glad to hear this. It moves me to read your comment. And it is beautiful that you use the term "brutiful" - it is one of the terms that I also learnt from Glennon ;-)
How blessed you are to see your wounds as they are "portals through which your Soul's light can shine even brighter". I love reading this as I continue to clear the dust off my own portals. What important work you are doing 💛
Melissa what a wonderful image: "clearing the dust off my own portals"... I'll definately remember that expression from you. Dust always seems to find its way back. I suppose it becomes a kind of spiritual practice to regularly clear it away. But perhaps, if we don't let it settle for too long and get skilled in "dusting" it becomes a little easier - or so I hope. Sending my love and plenty of fresh wind to help clear the dust.
A beautiful letter.
Thank you dear Smantha ! 💛🙏🏽
Welcome Rose and Zahara!! Your letter touched me deeply, I cried reading it, as I've gone through that pain. I've been repeatedly dismissed and ridiculized by my only sister for not following the "mainstream" and trying to live my truth, my art...for, as Love says to you, seeking out the beat of my own drums. And even if I know all this comes from her fears, her envy of my "freedom", because she didn't dare to chose her own path... I understand. But it hurts anyway. Dear Rose this is the right, sacred place to share this feelings and be hold by unconditional Love and heal in his embrace, calmly, softly. Lots of Love.
Oh Teresa - thank you so much for sharing a bit of your journey. It helps to see that other people go through similar challenges on their journey through life. Sending lots of love back to you. 💛
Welcome Rose. Thank you for joining us and sharing your poetry, your daughter and your light and love.
Thank you so much dear Rae for your warm welcome and kind words. 💛
Yes! Please allow yourself to be you!! We need you!! ❤️😇❤️
Thank you Dianna for the encouragement !!! 💛 So much appreciated.
Welcome, Rose! ❤️🥰 Thank you for your beautiful letter and thank you for being here. ✨
Oh - I appreciate the warm welcome and your kind words. Thanks so much Joanna 💛
Beautiful moving song and video!!
THANK YOU!!!
I am so sad and confused and weak and empowered and scared and hopeful and grieving and… mostly scared.
I’ve been diagnosed with “metastatic disease“ a.k.a. stage four cancer. I have not been feeling sick! this is very unexpected and very quick! This diagnosis has pulled the rug out from under me and it’s been a very very hard week or so. They want to do a full body scan tomorrow to hopefully see maybe where it started or maybe where it’s spread or maybe that it hasn’t spread. I just want to tell you guys because I got such love and support from you and I could use some! I could really use something comforting. I was supposed to be getting a puppy from my daughter in February. The puppies were just born the day after Thanksgiving, and she shared a lot of video with me of that, absolutely beautiful loving process. I was so overwhelmed and so scared that I won’t even be here in February or less have anything to give to a dog. I don’t know! And I’m trying to be helpful and I’m trying to just let be be meeting trying not to fight all of these thoughts. I’ve never considered myself a fearful or negative person, but the brains gonna do what it does.
Dear love, what can I do to bring beauty to a world that suffering? This. Spend time with me. Write what you think. You haven’t been able to write one word or even read and I understand and I’m not expecting you to be perfect and I’m not expecting you to understand everything , and I’m not expecting you to be happy about it. But you can come to me. And you can remember that you do have something to give! Thank you Lilli for reminding me of that! Even in your fear of weakness to come, you are still love! You are love. And you are light. Don’t hide the light love and take care of yourself except everything that feels right to accept from anyone who offers it. Keep believing in the future and keep living in the present. Diana I think that’s all you can take right now. And that’s OK, you don’t have to prove anything you don’t have to produce anything you really don’t. I sent that eagle in the tree right there for you. You can spread beauty by excepting love. I love you.
Dianna. Oh our love. (And you ARE our love.) I am devastated to hear this news, and at the same time I am so profoundly grateful that you are part of this community, and that we can put all of our arms around you, from all over the world. We are here for you and we love you. WRITE WHAT YOU THINK. Yes, friend of our shared heart. Yes. Just keep posting everything that comes to mind, and we will read every word of it.
I love you! We all love you!!
Dianna- dearest Princess of Whales- you are so loved, you are held and we will carry you through this. I promise you we will. We will be beside you every step of the way. Loving you through all of it- the good, bad, scary, and beautiful.
I love you so so so so much, I wish I could hop on a plane to sit with you and hold you and cry it out and yell it out and be. Whatever you need please know you’re not alone.
I wish you were here too! I’ve had every thought from don’t even worry about it and your life is going to be great to I’m not gonna live a week and I don’t know where the truth is and I hate that I’m having so many scary thoughts because I’m afraid they’re creating, what I don’t want. I don’t think I’ve cried so much since my son died 11 years ago. this morning I am crying and that’s probably better than holding it in pretending to be positive. I just have so much I want to do I need a hell of a lot more than a few weeks or months! But of course I know that we’re all gonna die and I don’t know just so many thoughts and emotions I had no idea I had such a wide emotional range!
Dearest Princess of Whales,
Excuse me while I scream into the sky….. remember when Charlie Brown would do when he was exasperated? I’m here for you in spirit and loving space. This cosmos of luminosity is singing you peace and harmony and grace. I love you so much especially your vibrant and funny, soulful and generous heart. You need anything, reach out if you feel that’s what you’d like. Hang in there, Wonder! Lean on your beloveds and all the animals. Hugs. ♥️💫🫶🌟😘🐾
I love this! Yes, I’m still a part of the beautiful world aren’t I? I really am not ready to go. This really sucks, but I don’t even have a prognosis yet. Just a diagnosis but shit!
Excuse my French but F*#@ cancer! Love you so much, Ocean Dreamer. My heart broken open with you. I’m here for you. We all are. Love you, Dianna. Goats 🐐 always.
Goats for EVERYONE!!!! 😇😁 my first genuine smile of the day!
I LOVE YOU!!!
I’m cracked open right along with you. The fear you’re feeling sounds about right, because yes, the unknown is a real place to be in. You have weathered so much and I fully believe in you- that whatever is needed we will help you fight. Take the time you need to feel and sort through the jumble. Write it out if needed. Let it out here , we’ll carry it.
I’m hoping today maybe I’ll be able to write in my journal. I bought that done morning pages for probably six or seven years and I haven’t been able to pick up the pen but I know that it will help. And I love you so much and I’m so grateful for your love of me!
You are held. Let the tears flow. They are the expression of pain and fear and hope and confusion, and yes, love. Feel whatever emerges for you, you can feel it all and still be loved
Dianna, your words touched my heart deeply. You are navigating something so overwhelming, yet you express it with such raw honesty and courage. Please know that just by sharing this, you’ve brought beauty into this space—you’ve reminded us of the power of connection and love, even in the face of fear. That puppy, those videos, and this community are already holding you in light. You are love, and we are here, sending strength and care to you. 💛
❤️❤️❤️
Dianna.
I’m thinking of you and just lit up a cinnamon candle for your entire being. Thank you for trusting our community enough to share this update here. Sending you so much LOVE. 🌹
Thank you so much. I’m so scared.
Of course you’re scared!! We are here to hold you in your fear too!! ❤️
This is a scary time Dianna. Thank you for sharing your letter of love. I hope by writing it out, the fear dissipates and you feel the power of the love coming to you. Your words were powerful and you are too. Much love to you.
Dianna, I am holding you with all my heart as you ride the waves of fear, grief, sadness, anger, determination, acceptance, and mostly I hope, curiosity. There is so much we don't know...about our living, our dying, our futures. May you rest in the letting go, trusting, and living - just one breath at a time. One sweet inhale and exhale at a time. I imagine it feels like such a lonely place to be - it is your journey and yours to hold ... and...Love and those who care for you are here to support you. To shore you up and to hear ALL that moves through you dear sister. Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep crying, screaming, hoping, and wondering. You are alive and there is beauty all around you may it cradle your heart and hold you in your fear. So much love to you.
Omg! YES! I am ALIVE!!!!
And yes. Like EVERYTHING else, THIS is… curious!!! Thanks! That makes me smile.
I can’t possibly imagine what it feels like to have the story of life change so fast from puppy in February to will I be alive then? And I see you are offering me a HUGE gift, because I’m living my life from the assumption that I will not die. Not, not ever. Of course I know I’ll die one day. But that day… oh my death is far off. I think. So far off that I can allow myself to get lazy around life, and especially get lazy around love. I am so often complacent, so “whatever”, so non-commital, so unengaged with life. And unengaged with love. And dear sweet Diana, you just woke me up. Your words woke me up to the fact that I must start leaning into love, to lean into love like all the lovelets are doing here, how I see you are doing in your post. This leaning into love is a practice- and I need to practice. No longer do I want to be a passive bystander, a mere spectator of life. I want to love more, love louder. I don’t want to end my days going “whatever”. So cancer diagnosis or not. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your journey has touched me deeply. And woken me up. I have not written in these threads. Only one letter from love have I shared. For 1000 and 1 excuses. And now I must do this practice. My days as a spectator show me I’m not practicing. I see writing enlivens, connects and brings me and others love ❤️ 🙏
“I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.” Some of the love opportunities will pass you by if you don’t embrace them. For me so often, it’s a fear thing…that the love won’t be reciprocated, but the last few years I have thrown myself completely in and tried to live Byron, Katie‘s “loving what is“ I found so much love inside of me for so many things and people, and for the most part, I don’t hold back! I found that nearly without exception when I come in with my enthusiasm and genuine love it just spreads and makes everybody happy. I wish this for you!
Thank you for your letter, Kathy… it made me realise that I too have a tendency to “get lazy around life…” and feel that I have all this time! I also have only shared one letter… thank you for your encouragement to dive in!
Oh Dianna, I am so sorry to hear this news for you. I am holding space for the heaviness of heart that you are carrying. I am surrounding you in a bright loving light that will provide you with all you need one step at a time. You’ve got this because LOVE has got you. And so does your beloved son (I’m so sorry), and your precious daughter, and US! You are LOVE and LOVED!🥰 🕯️🙏🏼
Thank you so much!!!
Dianna, I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now with news of stage four cancer. I can feel your fear, however, and I pray you are able to feel our love and Love's Love. Lean into the knowledge that you are loved; that you will be carried through all the days ahead on the wings of love and as many have written, we will continue to hold you in love.
That’s so true. I will not be abandoned and there’s beauty just in accepting that. ❤️❤️❤️
Dianna, I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how hard it has been. I do feel like that puppy is meant to be for you. I have two friends who have had scary diagnoses this year, and they are both doing quite well. With treatment these days, it brings so much promise that it does not have to mean the end.. and I believe the same will be for you. Please, please keep us posted. And hope you can feel peace and love during this time! It will be coming to you from us on here for sure.
My brother died of cancer 8 years ago and I was his caregiver. My sister’s husband died from cancer about a year and a half ago. It’s so scary!!! I’m super glad your friends are ok! It’s encouraging. I don’t want to lose today because I’m scared for tomorrow. But I did. I spent the whole day, the whole week actually wrapped in fear… but also reaching out and accepting all the beauty and love heading back to me.
I understand, and I would be the same way. I want to say all of these things to you like soak in the love, day by day, etc… but I also just want to say that I know these may seem impossible to you in many moments. I will be thinking of you, my fellow Love Letter friend, and looking for updates from you. Sending you so much love, and good wishes. Warmly, Jessie
Hi Dianna, just thinking of you on this Sunday. Please update when you feel up to it!
Dianna, thank you for trusting us by sharing in this most vulnerable time for you. It takes courage and self-love to do that. 🩵
I’m so far from healthy, but I do feel like I love myself more, and I love life more than I ever have in the past. Hopefully that self-love will turn to self care that will make this a beautiful Path.
Oh Dianna. My friend and sister of my heart. I'm holding you right in the center of my soul right now, so close. You are not alone, you are so loved and treasured, and we are right here walking beside you. I'm so sorry. It's ok to be scared and raw.
I’m so scared!! I can’t get it out of my mind. And I can’t write. Yesterday I watched the Christmas Story on TV and Gremlins! I very rarely watch TV. I found myself thanking God for TV, which is something I would never have believed to be possible! I actually did have at least some reprieve. I can’t sleep and I guess it’s just gonna take some while before I can accept that this is happening to me.
I wish I could binge watch tv with you, or go and look for spouts on the horizon, or sit beside you while you try to sleep. Everything you are feeling is so understandable. acceptance of this deeply, deeply unacceptable thing may come, but today you get to rage and cry and distract and go numb.
Thank you!! I’ve spent nearly all day sitting in my studio looking out the window.
“There she blows!!”
The ONE THING I’m certain of, my life is already as great as any life possibly could be, because I’ve seen and heard and even smelled the great whales. Nothing else comes close!! Well good sex is better! And I e been lucky enough in the last 4or5 years to experience both!! ❤️❤️🐋🌊🦭🦈
I love you so much!!
Omg I love this hahahaha
I think I would choose whales over sex right now! 😅 You are the most special, Dianna. Honestly, message me directly ANYTIME if you need to talk. ♥️
Oh Dianna, princess of whales, I’m sending you a warm, big hug 🥺❤️ we are all here to support you, love you, and stay right with you in all of it. It’s okay if you’re not positive in this moment. It’s okay if you want to scream to the universe, or cry it out till your lungs burn. Every single thing you feel matters, because YOU matter. I know negative thoughts when sick can be so terrifying, especially for people with beautiful hearts like yours, but know this: no amount of negative thoughts can ever cast away Love. And if the mind tricks you in believing that, don’t you worry, we’re not going anywhere. We all got your back and we love you ❤️
Thank you!!! Yes, I’m scared that my negative thoughts are going to ruin my future. Thank you for reminding me that love is so much more powerful!🐋🐋🐋
YES! And they’re just temporary messengers for what our circumstances are in the moment, they’re not a reflection of who you are ❤️
Dianna, you are not alone. I hope you can feel our collective waves of love being sent through the ether right to your door and entering your body. I don't know if the doctors will see all those magnificent love waves circulating through your body during the scan but they'll be there. Xo
Might have to be our dirty little secret!! I’m Sue that will pop into my brain tomorrow!! THANK YOU!!
Princess of Whales, my beloved sea, the Mediterranean, takes you tenderly into its sapphire blue arms. You are infinitely loved. This is a dark time, and the mind is running wild, there are so many things going on, feelings, energy buzzing, uncertainty, fear… Let Love be with you when you find yourself believing in the dire scenarios your mind creates, stop for a moment, breathe and invite Love into the present moment.And I tell you: it’s okay if you can do it, it’s okay if you can’t. Just remember that you deserve the utmost kindness and we are all here supporting you, holding you up. Share what you need to share, we’ve got you sister. Te abrazo.
The support is making this bearable!! Thank you, blue ocean and all!!
We are with you 🙏🏼🩵
Oh Dianna Princess of Whales 🐳 🐋 What a shock. You’ve helped so many of us face our deepest fears here. We’re here for you now. Sending so much love and virtual hugs. You are not alone. Keep writing and sharing. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️ I’ll be “fine.” I have to be! I always am!! Right?? I’m sure only beauty awaits no matter what happens. 🥲
💛 💛 💛
Thank you for sharing this news, Dianna. I am holding you with all my heart. As someone who has dealt with a lot of health issues, I totally understand the fear of fear creating an wanted reality, but I like to think of those thoughts as allowed a voice at the table but not running the show. Love is in charge. And no matter what, we are here for you. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! Great idea to not let the fear run the show!! Thanks for that! ❤️😇😇 I’m so scared and hurt and confused and pissed really and r
Trying hard not to ask “why” but instead “what now?”
Ok, wow. That is beautiful. Thank you. Listening to it led me to my Letter from Love :
Dear Love, what can I I offer to a world that is in pain?
Dear little Margaret,
You can offer the world your most beautiful work of art- your smile. You can take those untethered feelings that you have and tether them to love. You can be gentle, every day, with others and with yourself. You can greet those feelings of sadness and anger, and then put them away in a heart-shaped box. And then you can take that heart-shaped box out into the world that is so full of people carrying those same feelings inside of them and offer them a smile and a wish that they, too, can put those feelings into a heart-shaped box and learn to smile at the world.
Your smile is your Picasso. You painted it with your heart. Share it.
Love, Love xxoo
Your smile is your Picasso — why did this bring tears to my eyes? It just did!
❤️
me too! ♥️♥️♥️
Margaret, I love that - your smile.
And it’s so American, which is a good thing. I was listening to street interviews in Japan yesterday. Japanese people were saying Americans are free because they look at you and smile in public. The English call this “staring”, by the way, haha!
Also yesterday I was listening to a standup comedian talk about moving to NYC and it took him 3 weeks to learn that you don’t regard people on the street or smile at them because they might be crazy. So, obviously there’s a time and a place, but having this as a default feels like what we need so we can feel connected again and bring healing.
Funny enough, I better there’s a certain kind of smile women can develop in response to men saying “you should smile more”. The thing I think Jordan Peterson is right about, is that we have to learn to be a monster. A buddy of mine told me that bearing your teeth at someone can be very aggressive, like an animal. I’ve always remembered that :-)
You painted your smile with your heart… oh joy oh joy 💜
Lovely Margaret, in a heart-shaped box. 💚
Margaret, your letter radiates warmth and kindness. The image of your smile as your Picasso, painted with your heart, is so beautiful. Offering that to a world full of shared feelings is a profound act of love. Thank you for sharing this tender reflection—it’s a gift to all of us. 💛✨
So lovely - thank you for sharing!
Beautiful words and pictures, Margaret! I had never thought of one’s smile as such an act of creation. Thank you! 🙏🏻
I love this - a smile is a beautiful piece of art. In the words of Dionne Warwick, Keep Smiling.. because that's what friends are for... thank you for sharing.
“You painted it with your heart!”
I am imagining your heart shaped box. I too had some big feelings reading, "Your smile is your Picasso." Your heart was your paint brush. Wowzo❤️❤️❤️
Dear Lovelets, Dear Liz, Dear Margaret, and Hello Pepita,
I want to take a moment to thank each of you who has shared your thoughts and reflections on my posts and comments over these past weeks, but especially last week. I am deeply moved by the kindness, encouragement, and connection you’ve shown me. It’s a feeling I never expected, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
At 57, this is entirely new to me—feeling seen, appreciated, and valued simply for sharing my truth. It’s a profound experience, one I’ve longed for without fully realizing it. Through your words, you’ve reminded me of the beauty of community, the power of vulnerability, and the healing found in shared humanity.
What you’ve created here is nothing short of art. Together, you’ve woven a tapestry of connection, sprinkled with joy, gratitude, and kindness. It’s a gift I will carry with me and treasure deeply.
Thank you for your presence, your reflections, and your generous spirits. I am holding onto this gratitude with all my heart. 💛
With love and appreciation,
Jay
My today's Letter From Unconditional Love:
Sweetie,
As I sit with your question, I see the path you walked today. The European Bread Museum, with its tales of nourishment and tradition. The Wilhelm Busch Max & Moritz Mühle, steeped in whimsy and mischief. And the photographs you captured—fragments of beauty, humor, and history that you collected like precious stones along the way.
You wonder what you can offer to a world in pain. Let me gently remind you: You already offer so much.
When you lift your camera to frame a moment, you are offering your perspective. You take something fleeting and make it eternal, inviting others to see the world through your eyes. It doesn’t matter if you turn these photographs into digital art, share them in a gallery, or keep them for yourself. What matters is that you honor what you see.
Your art isn’t confined to the images you take. It’s in the stories you tell, the thoughts you share, and the food you lovingly prepare. It’s in how you nurture yourself and others. Every act of care, every connection you build, is a quiet gift to this world.
And yet, I sense there’s a whisper in you. A question. *What else? What more can I do?* That whisper carries the seed of courage—the courage to try something new, even if you don’t yet believe you’re “good” at it.
What have you been longing to create? What have you been hesitating to explore? A sketch, a dish, a melody? Or perhaps it’s less tangible—a heartfelt letter, a gesture of kindness, a moment of deep listening. These, too, are forms of art.
And if the world feels heavy, remember this: You don’t need to fix all its pain. You only need to offer what’s yours to give. A photograph that brings a smile. A meal that warms someone’s heart. A story that makes someone feel seen. These are small things, but they ripple outward.
The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be real. And in your realness—in your art, your kindness, your courage—you are already enough.
With endless love,
Unconditional Love
Jay, you are a golden thread in this tapestry, and we all love you and appreciate you so much! You are the work of art that the world needs.
Elizabeth, your words feel like the warmest embrace. Thank you for seeing me as part of this beautiful tapestry—it’s an honor to share this space with you. Your kindness means more to me than I can express. 💛✨
Aww Jay, you are incredible! The honesty in your letter, in the acceptance that simply living in your truth is a gift to this world, a quiet gift. So good! "These are small things, but they ripple outward." I think this is one of the biggest lessons of creativity. We will never truly know how far our ripples will go and that is beautiful and perfect in its own way, isn't it? Thank you for sharing your light in this space, I know my life is better because of it. ❤️
Plata, your words mean so much to me. That you see the honesty in my letter and reflect it back as a gift truly touches my heart. The ripples of creativity are such a mystery, aren’t they? Knowing that something I’ve shared has added to the beauty in your life feels like one of those ripples reaching back to me. Thank you for your kindness and for the light you bring here. ❤️✨
I love this - and I want to add that your heartfelt and thoughtful reflections/comments offer so much to me and others in this community ❤️
Bonnie, thank you for your kind words—they mean so much to me. Knowing that my reflections resonate and contribute to this beautiful community is deeply humbling. I’m grateful for the connection we share here. ❤️✨
Jay, You are such a light. Love keeps speaking to me through you. Thank you for being so very real. ❤️
Priscilla, your words mean so much. Love has a way of weaving connections that feel both grounding and expansive, and it’s an honor to be part of that thread. Thank you for reminding me how deeply this dialogue resonates—it inspires me to keep sharing with openness and authenticity. ❤️✨
Jay. this is so beautiful 💞 Every word ❤️
Cindy, thank you so much for your kind words—they truly mean the world to me. 💞 Knowing that my Letter from Love resonates with you fills me with gratitude. Your support and warmth are such a gift. ❤️
Ohhh Jay, I am always in awe with the brightness and sensitivity of the words you share with all of us, with the depth and generosity of your heart. You are such a precious diamond in the treasure of our beloved community.
I am sending you lots of love, darling friend!
Lise, your words fill me with gratitude and warmth—thank you for this beautiful reflection. Sending love right back to you, dear friend! 💛✨
Ooh, this line is really sticking with me: "And if the world feels heavy, remember this: You don’t need to fix all its pain. You only need to offer what’s yours to give."
Thank you for this. It feels like deep wisdom. ✨
Cristy, thank you for highlighting that line—it means so much to me that it resonates with you. Offering what’s uniquely ours feels like such a gentle and grounded way to navigate the heaviness. Sending appreciation your way! ✨
That’s right, your art is in the stories you tell
Andrew, thank you for reflecting that back to me—it truly means a lot. Stories have been for ages a way to create connection and understanding. Thank you for your kindness. 💛
Stories make up the fabric of our ego and our culture. We get to choose. Is it a narrative we believe or a tapestry we weave?
This links back to strength and positivity…and to Epictetus, in the case of the negative narrative: “Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the views which they take of things. Death is nothing terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates”.
Socrates was sentenced to death for “corrupting” the youth. That was the narrative.
Stories are how we create meaning. Highly successful people create stories that reinforce how they look back on their past. Stories are also how we use memory to our advantage. You can memorize a randomly shuffled deck of cards in 5 minutes by creating a story about it. Stories are powerful!
What a compelling definition, Andrew. I really appreciated how you tied it back to the “old” philosophers—though, to be honest, their legacy is a mixed one for me. While they offered profound insights into human nature and resilience, they also laid the groundwork for patriarchy as we experience it today—a system still rooted in feudalistic structures.
Your mention of weaving a tapestry resonates deeply. I often grapple with which narrative to choose about my own life—a life shaped by chronic trauma, at least 24 distinct, life-altering events. Until recently, it felt like there was no "post" in my story—no space between surviving and thriving. That began shifting in late May 2024, but the work of reframing remains challenging.
How do I tell a positive story about living with such immense challenges? About being in a position now with no financial reserves, surviving on under 400 euros, and feeling socially isolated in my hometown? These are realities, but they don’t define the whole tapestry.
Your reflection reminds me to ask: what am I weaving from these threads? How do I transform the raw, painful strands into something resilient and meaningful? Stories are indeed powerful tools—not just for memory or cultural legacy, but for reimagining ourselves and finding strength in our truth. Thank you for this thought-provoking lens.
It’s a tricky balance to tell a positive story and not to be Pollyanna about it.
I get your point about ancient philosophy. It’s probably where the trouble started. It’s when we shifted from right brain dominance to left brain dominance.
And here we are trying to correct it and come back into balance.
Andrew, thank you for your thoughtful reply. The shift from right brain to left brain dominance—and its ripple effects—offers such a compelling lens. Correcting that imbalance feels like an ongoing dance, doesn’t it? Finding a positive narrative that acknowledges complexity without glossing over the pain is a tricky, but vital, part of that process. Here's to staying curious and leaning into both sides of the story.
Jay, look at us middle agers getting so much out of this, and wanting it to so much. I resonate 100% with this. It's a gift, and it's a gift to be able to be real, and then heard and seen. I have a sense that you give so much wherever you are. I know on here you do. I love what you said about not having to fix the pain of the world, and I do believe the smallest acts or intentions ripple outward. Your words certainly do. I am very curious about the European Bread Museum!
Junebug, thank you for reflecting on my words and adding your own insight—it’s such a joy to feel this connection through our shared reflections. While I may not resonate entirely with "wanting it so much," I do hold a deep appreciation for the way this space allows for authenticity and being truly seen. Your thoughts about small acts rippling outward feel like a gentle echo of hope, and I’m grateful for how you’ve woven them into this conversation. The visit re-enforced my idea of writing a piece about bread—I learned quite a bit! 🌾✨
Thx for clarifying, Jay. You have a way of writing so eloquently, and that was awkward what I wrote. And when I read your response to me, it gave me a pit in my stomach. Everyone on here is so well-versed at speaking from the heart. I can feel a little bit out of place here bc that is harder for me. I tend to be someone who leads with humor and a light heart, and while I can have very deep and intense conversations, it takes trust for me to get there. So this feels like a dip dive, and I wonder sometimes "do I really fit in with this school of fish that seems so wise and evolved?"
What I meant by what I wrote is that I am in my 50’s too, and I appreciate at this age being able to go back and try to re-do what I did not get as a child. I very much want this healing for myself. I apologize for speaking for you too. Thank you for letting me know those words did not resonate with you. My usual action when I feel like I did something that feels "wrong" is to do an exit, but I am working on staying even when it feels uncomfortable. I know what you wrote is about you, and you are using your voice to make sure you are understood correctly and I honor that. I did look up the Bread Museum - sounds very interesting!!!
Junebug, your message is a gift—thank you for sharing your vulnerability so openly. I want you to know that nothing about what you wrote felt inadequate or awkward to me. It read as deeply human and heartfelt, and your willingness to name the discomfort and stay present is such a powerful act of courage.
I recognize the pull to exit when something feels “off.” It’s a familiar instinct, isn’t it? But what you’ve done here—staying, reflecting, clarifying—is such a testament to your commitment to yourself and your healing. You’re not alone in that journey of going back to tend to the places that were neglected or misunderstood. It’s never too late to give ourselves the care, trust, and kindness we didn’t receive as children, and the way you describe wanting that healing for yourself resonates deeply with me.
I also want to honor your humor and lightheartedness—those are strengths, too. Leading with humor can bring so much joy and connection, and it’s just as valuable as the deep dives. Trust and safety are the currents that carry us into those deeper waters, and you’re navigating them with such grace.
If you ever feel out of place, please know you’re not alone in that either. This isn’t about fitting into a school of fish but about finding your own rhythm within the flow. You belong here, Junebug, exactly as you are, whether you’re dipping a toe or diving all the way in.
Oh, and isn’t the Bread Museum fascinating? There’s something so comforting about how bread—such a simple, universal food—carries so much history and connection. I’d love to know your thoughts if you ever visit it!
Thank you, Jay! I really take to heart what you said, & it helps. Exiting is a very familiar path for me from growing up, and I had a lot of siblings, so it was easy to do.
In Nashville, we used to take field trips to the Wonder Bread Factory... I have a feeling the Bread Museum is much more interesting, but it sure did smell good!
And after my dad died in first grade, I used to rub ice cream all over my face to make my classmates laugh... talk about a mask. So yes, humor can be easier for me at times, and sometimes a belly laugh with a close friend is the best medicine.
I can’t wait to see where your seed of courage lands, Jay!
Monika, thank you for your encouragement—it's wonderful to feel supported as this journey unfolds. Your kindness is truly appreciated. 💛
Yes, your comments and the time that you take to truly see each of us and to respond are one of your expressions of art that you so generously offer each of us. Always my heartfelt gratitude, Jay. ❤️
Joanie, your words mean so much—thank you for reflecting back what feels so natural and joyful for me to offer here. Sharing these connections with you is a gift I truly treasure. ❤️
Your realness is your offering- I adore this, and mirror back to you what an absolute treasure you are in this community. Sending so, so much love to you!!
Kendall, Your words are a balm—thank you for reflecting such warmth and kindness. Your presence here feels like a gift in itself. Sending you so much gratitude and love right back! 💛✨
Jewel Jay, your sweetness is pouring through my computer :-) You are a sensitive human being in a harsh world, but here we are, finding each other, in this sacred space of deep respect, appreciation, Love. When Love tells you "You just have to offer what is yours to give. A photograph that brings a smile. A meal that warms someone's heart. A story that makes someone feel seen. These are small things, but they have a ripple effect." I can assure you that you made me feel seen many, many times... your dedication to reading our letters and leaving a heartfelt comment is no small thing, it makes a huge difference! It is a wonderful wave of Love coming from you, and by the ripple effect, I hope you feel the Love coming back to you. Te abrazo.
Teresa, your words are like a soft embrace wrapped in pure kindness. To know that my reflections have touched you in this way fills me with such gratitude. The ripple effect you describe feels so tangible here in this beautiful space of connection, where respect and Love flow so freely. Thank you for reflecting that back to me—it’s a gift I cherish deeply. Te abrazo con todo mi corazón. 💛✨
I love this Jay: ✨ "The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be real. And in your realness—in your art, your kindness, your courage—you are already enough." YES indeed! ❤️
Tamar, thank you for highlighting those words—they carry so much truth, don’t they? Realness is where connection and beauty live, and your reflection affirms that so powerfully. I’m grateful to share this space with you. ❤️✨
Likewise, Jay! ❤️
Beautiful Jay.
A wholehearted Thank You to you, Mary Beth.
“You take something fleeting and make it eternal”.. The courage you have to create and share your heart with us is also nothing short of art. So much love for you dear, Jay. I’m so incredibly grateful to know you 🩵🩵
Mesa, your words feel like a hug for the soul. Thank you for seeing my heart in what I share—it means more than I can express. I’m equally grateful to know you and to share this beautiful space with you. So much love right back to you, dear one. 🩵✨
Dear Liz,
Is it possible that the world would be a better place if everyone stopped whatever they were doing and just made art? Absolutely.
That sounds like a fantastic idea. I’ve been churning on this idea that now I finally know where I got this panicked “work ethic” (fascism…”Arbeit macht frei” was written on the gates of Auschwitz, means "Work shall make you free"). What better way to respond to threats than with expressions of joy and freedom?
Something else I’ve always wondered about is, “who is my music for?” and I think the answer is me. Me and my cat. He loves being sung to. I don’t need to organize an open mic or justify the cost of instruments with gigging income. It’s ok to just make art. Yes it is.
It’s so not frivolous, to borrow a phrase. Thank you for sharing this insight.
Andrew
Thank you, Andrew!!
Joy and freedom as acts of rebellion!! I’m here for it!!
Yes, not just truth. Isn’t it funny the things we get to do in response to life. And what is art, but a response to art?
As an artist you make art because you want too regardless if anyone else likes it. Boy we'd sure love to see a video of you singing to your cat though.
I'm with you 100% Andrew... The world would be a better place filled with people enjoying themselves, creating art in whatever form. I'm a musician and painter and I've struggled all my life to be "successful", to gain recognition. One day during a meditation I received a message from my soul, the Universe (?) saying: your gifts are for you to enjoy, you don't have to turn them into something that fits the market, the Universe couldn't care less about "success". It just wants you to be happy... I was amazed, somewhat shocked, but I'll never forget it.
I love that, thanks for the insight. It's still easy to say and harder to enact. I'm a professional artist, and even with schedules and commitments it's not always easy to let go and create for a project. But to practice the free time art, or the art for soul's sake, or whatever you want to call it, is a different challenge. The more we can take the pressure off, the better chance we have. The purpose of music is to "play" it. Nobody has any expectations (future, stress) when they are playing (now)
Let’s play!!! 🌟
"me and my cat" I so loved this!
The sillier the song, the better. I can’t remember precisely what Brené Brown says about being silly, but she places a high importance on it
Silly is as silly does and silly Cat 🐈 moments are magical! Thank you, Andrew. ♥️
Sing Andrew. Yes.
I love that you're making music for your cat! My cat would totally appreciate this. ❤️
Andrew, your reflection is so powerful. Responding to the weight of oppressive work culture with joy and freedom through art feels like an act of quiet rebellion and profound healing. The thought of your music being for you—and your cat—is such a beautiful reminder that creating doesn’t need to be justified to anyone else. Art, in its purest form, is enough. Thank you for sharing this; it’s a gift to witness your perspective. 🎶✨
Quiet rebellion, yes!
But not a conscious rebellion, just existence! Bob Marley‘s last public words were, “Everyone has a voice inside talking to them, listen to the voice and you will know what to do”.
I’m also thinking about extremism. Fascism is far right, but it was the far left in China that eliminated art. Art is considered “liberal” but when the scale tips too far the art falls away. They destroyed temples and pulled up public flower gardens. They carted away people with glasses because they were considered intellectual, the people in power.
I think we have to stay in the middle, and I think that means making art. The trick is you have to have your other basic needs met first, right? I was reading about South Pacific Islanders yesterday, and it’s always cultures like that where the children are free to dance spontaneously in the streets. And people are making beautiful every day things, like carving a beautiful bone handle for a knife, because they haven’t been told that they’re poor yet, and that they should buy a three dollar knife with a plastic candle from Target or Woolworths or wherever.
Andrew, your insights are profound. Art as existence, not rebellion, carries so much meaning, and Marley’s words beautifully remind us to trust that inner voice. Your reflection on extremism and its impact on creativity highlights the importance of balance. The image of children dancing freely and crafting beauty in everyday life is a powerful reminder of what creativity brings when untouched by outside judgment. Thank you for sharing this. 🎨✨
I feel the same way. There are so many people afraid about AI making art better than human, so that artists could not earn money anymore. But when we are on a craft, we are just feeling alive. I don’t give a f* about AI making art, that won’t stop me from writing, because writing and creating just bring me joy. And when I stop, that extinguish me. I feel something essential is missing. And there are so many bullshit jobs which don’t make any sense but pay well and people who are doing them look like walking dead. I hope that one day they will wake up and perform at them poorly 😊
Sending you lots of Love 💕
Thank you Lise, I agree with you about AI "art". Unfortunately society is not ready to have that conversation because scientists haven't been able to agree on a definition for consciousness. I had a conversation with an AI guy who was adamant that AI is conscious (that's neither here nor there) but I found it interesting that he stated that he believes if you slap lipstick on a pig, to him, it's art.
I don't know when the definition of art will come into question with regard to AI, and so far, the laws have been on the side of real artists. And until then, we can continue making art, and not worrying that anyone is going to come and take that away from us, regardless of how much, if anything, we make on it. <3
What songs does your cat especially like, Andrew? Such a great visual! 🐱🎤
Usually I’m too focused on singing and playing to notice which songs he likes but I’ve been playing g “For The Summer” by Ray LaMontagne a lot lately. When we sing him a song about him and dots on him, he purrs, though
haha, OMG I never should've said anything! Ha! My wife makes up silly songs, like cat specific lyrics over melodies like the Olympics anthem or the US graduation march and old traditionals,...maybe the odd contemporary song. Thanks for asking Joanie
Thank you, Lizzy, Margaret, Callie, Barb, and Lennnie for the something beautiful that we all so desperately need 🩵 A perfect song that encompasses everything and that I’ll be listening to on repeat often.
A perfect way to start my favorite month. So much love to and for all of you 🩵🩵
Dear Love- what would can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Sweet squishy penguin cheeks, you’re doing it, you proclaimed it yesterday and so it will be, your poetry - your words that flow from your heart and soul and mind. You were nudged (you’re welcome) to finish your poetry book and so you will. Your gift dear little bear is the love you pour into your sentences, even when they’re just one word.
Little love you get to create and breathe and love, the three balms to weariness and pain. When you do this, heal out loud, you unwittingly make this place better. You don’t have to believe us, but we know it’s true and therefore we will continue to remind you forever until you become Star stuff again.
Let poetry and music and words flow through you, sunshine. And surely the pain that lives in the dark will be driven out by the light.
We love you endlessly. Go write- now. Write yourself back to the light. We’re here always.
Xoxo,
Love
Create, Breathe, Love: the three balms. Oh, Mesa — how we love you.
This book of poetry is going to be 🔥! Love you.
Hell yeah it is!!! Love you 😍😍😍
Hell to the Yeah, Sister Penguin Cheeks!!! ♥️♥️♥️
Ripples are magical! Love is what remains. Thank you for your brave heart, 🦁!
Yesss!!!! Keep pouring that love into words and we will all be here patiently waiting to read them! 💕
🩵🩵🩵🩵 thank you for your patience 😍 and your support!! Lots of love to you!!
I can’t wait to read your book of poetry, Mesa ❤️
Thank you, Ashley 😍😍😍
So Gorgeous Mesa 💛
✨Write yourself back to the light ✨
Yes! I can't wait to get my hands on that poetry book. ❤️
I can’t wait to give it to you!!!! 😍😍😍😍
Mesa, your words are a song of love and truth. The way you speak of poetry as a balm for weariness and pain is deeply moving. Letting your words flow from heart and soul, you offer a light that pushes back the darkness, creating something beautiful in its place. Thank you for sharing your reflection and for the love you bring to this space. ✨🩵
As much as the darkness hovers at my edges, I only know to keep it at bay using the light that I find when I do digging through my words. Thank you for seeing me, Jay.
Mesa, your words resonate deeply. The light you uncover through your words is truly powerful, and it shines far beyond what you may realize. Thank you for allowing me to see you—it’s an honor to witness the beauty and strength in what you create. ✨🩵
Star stuff YOU already are dearest Mesa. Keep writing back to the light. Oh, that is beautiful, little penguin cheeks. 💜💫
Your book will be beautiful Mesa, can't wait ❤
We need your poetry! your very life is poetry, and all the ways you share it. we love you so, so much. Go write! ✨️
Poetry - I hope you will wish to share your words with this community.
Dearest Liz, and beautiful snow angels,
thank you for your offering. Thank you Pepita for being such a comforting presence. Tears of joy and a heart full of love…I love you all!!
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that is in pain?
My sweetest dearest angel, give of your love like there is no tomorrow. Give of your heart like there are no boundaries. Give of your light that can brighten every corner of this world. There is nothing to hold back, nothing to save, nothing to keep for tomorrow. In giving, you will come alive. In sharing, you will know the joy of living. You are so much more than this flesh and blood. You are so much more than what you or others can see. You are the drop that makes the ocean, and just like that drop, you are the ocean. You are love, infinite love and today you can live love, breathe love, be love. And all along this beautiful journey, I get to witness you coming home, dearest. Coming home to where you truly, genuinely belong. With all my love, Love
Give of your love like there is no tomorrow. I am on your team for this! Yes!
Thank you dearest Liz 💜
✨. In giving, you will come alive.✨
Thank you Lise 🥰
Ocean drops!
To give fully and withhold nothing. Such a beautiful and life affirming reminder, Ansua. My thanks. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you dear Joanie 🧡
What a beautiful message🩵
Poetry, Wonder! Thank you, Ansua. ♥️
Sending you lovelet hugs 🥰
Thank you. Lovelet hug back. 🥰
Thank you Ansua for this, "There is nothing to hold back, nothing to save, nothing to keep for tomorrow." , my ocean drop.
From one ocean drop to another… sending you so much love 💕
Thank you Ansua!
No tomorrow and no boundaries!!! I love every bit of this Ansua 🩵🩵🩵
Thank you Mesa 💜sending you hugs and love 💕
Ansua, your words radiate such deep tenderness and truth. The reminder to give without reservation—to pour love, light, and heart into the world—is both moving and empowering. Your letter captures the essence of living fully, where giving and sharing become acts of becoming. Thank you for this beautiful offering; it’s a gift to witness your journey and feel the love you so freely share. 💛✨
Dear Jay, as always you are so very kind and generous. I am sending you big big hugs and love 🧡
Ansua, your words and warmth always feel like a hug in themselves. Thank you for your kindness and the love you so freely give—it's a light in this space. Big hugs and love right back to you! 🧡✨
LfL creators: Snow Angel will be on repeat this season- such a perfect gift, and I LOVE that it was conceived in July!
I listened this morning with a heart to receive & also wanted to take a moment to flood our beloved Mesa Fama in the softest, warmest blanket of your croons today.
Mesa has held so much space for me, and I know several others here in our community, and her heart was on my mind while I listened to Snow Angel today.
Thank you for this gift.
Thank you for our community.
I love you sm 🤍
I love you K., and your heart seems to just get bigger by the week. Where do you put all that love that you are? Thank you for bringing it here ❤️
I second Liz! Where do you put allllll that love, dear K? You are such a gift (and Mesa too!). Love, love, love your soul, sweet friend. ♥️✨️♥️✨️
🥹🥰🤍✨🙏
Thank you, K. I love you so very much and it means so much to me that you thought of me during the song. I’m crying buckets this morning, a lot of love leaking from my face.
You’re one of the greatest gifts I’ve received this year and I am forever grateful for you 🩵🩵
I love you bigger than the sky 🩵🩵
100% likewise- my life is better with Magical Mesa in it!!
I love you dearly and am holding on to long distance hugs with you w all my might! 🫂
K. Alexandra, your words wrap this space in such tenderness. Mesa’s words are indeed a gift, and your thoughtfulness in dedicating Snow Angel to her feels like another layer of love added to this beautiful community. Thank you for bringing this moment of warmth and connection. You remind us how much light we hold for one another. 🤍
Thank you as well Jay! You have been the kindest, warmest, and most validating addition to our Sunday LfL community and over on my own substack too! I love you read your insights and am so very grateful you are in our lives. I hope today is kind to you! ✨
Beautiful K. and SO LOVE filled! A shout out to our dear Mesa, and one boomeranging right back to YOU. ❤️❤️
K., your gentle and playful loving presence is her own galaxy 🌌! So proud of you, 💭 Wonder! Super thankful for your be-ing! Love ya. ♥️
Ohmigoodness! What a soulful, healing song Lizzy, Callie, and Barb! When Lennnie started dropping hearts into the chimneys, my tears started flowing. Thank you for creating this. (Liz: You have a lovely voice!) And of course, the best part, was noticing Pepita’s presence during the creative process.
Here’s my letter that I wrote first. I expected it to be about my life as an artist and writer and decorator, but nope. Love had different words in store for me today.
Sending all you Lovelets tons of love and gratitude for this sacred space in which we tenderly gather and deeply share.
Dear Love,
What can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Dear Snowflake in the Bright Sun,
There is nothing you can offer a world that is in pain. Because here is the secret: The world isn’t in pain. People are in pain. All the time. Everywhere. Overseas. In this nation. In your neighborhood. The world? The world is a different thing altogether that is simply a construct of your social mind. While it is absolutely commendable to care about others and try to relieve suffering where you can, please keep in mind that the terrible suffering of others (and yes, it IS bad) is not something new. It’s been going on for millennium. The only difference now is that it’s televised 24/7 into your immediate lives through your devices. It’s an edited, magnified, and highly concentrated form of distress that is cascading forth relentlessly with no end in sight. And it is addictive. Unless you turn away from it and stop watching or “consuming” it, it will overwhelm your psyche and make your otherwise delightful life feel bad. While that sounds heartless, callous, and selfish, please know that when you feel pain and suffering over others’ pain and suffering, guess what? You don’t help them one iota and you simply add more pain into the Universe. Pain is a vibration. Just like joy is. So, if you really want to help this world that is in pain, please stop adding your pain into the mix. If you want to do something about it, then donate money to groups working on the frontlines of whatever issue you care about, or go volunteer for those groups, or just send compassionate and loving thoughts in the direction of all those who are suffering. Make it a blanket wish for all who are experiencing hardship on the planet, in whatever form, and for whatever reason. While taking action is the best way to change things, the healing vibrations of prayer are real, and at the very least, it’s a viable offering you can make from anywhere to anyone.
So how do you feel joy when the world is in pain? Start with yourself in your body. Is life good for you right now where you are physically extant? Then receive the good fortune and offer your gratitude. And if life isn’t good for you right now, then all you need to focus on is what you can do to alleviate your own suffering. That is your mission in life. You. Start with you. Live you. Be the CEO of you. And by transforming your own energy – by shedding the layers of pain and suffering that were flung upon you and/or (dare I say) brought about by you, then you are helping make the world a less painful place. One person at a time.
In the meanwhile, rejoice! Light candles at dinner. Play fetch with your pups. And yes, create beauty wherever you can, with whatever means possible. Beauty heals. And when you look at the natural world I have created, you can see that beauty everywhere. Let time in nature soothe your soul and inspire you.
You are the world. Shed your pain, embrace your joy, and realize that every time you amplify the positive energy within you, you are making the most sacred offering to a world in pain.
I love you so much. You have no idea. Now go have some fun, my love!
Thank you for this distinction, between a world and pain and people in pain! And thank you for the love!
"Be the CEO of you." YES❣️I hear you too knowing what our limits are with all the news in the world. Sending Love Light and abundant Metta, rather than more angst and worry help. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sending the Love Light and abundant Metta, Joanie. ✨ I am soaking it all up! ❤️
Thank you for the reminder to not unnecessarily add my pain to the world!
In some ways Kendall, it’s a strange concept to “not add pain to the universe” but it does make good sense when you stop to think about it. ✨
I loved every word of your letter. They resonate so much!
Thank you for this, Productive Happiness! ✨ I am so glad my Letter from Love resonated with you. ❤️
Tamar, your letter offers such a profound shift in perspective. The distinction between the world and the people in it, and the call to transform our own energy as a sacred offering, feels both grounding and empowering. Your words remind us to amplify joy, create beauty, and take meaningful action while holding space for gratitude. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection—it’s a gift of clarity and love. 💛✨
I love the way you synthesized this, Jay: "amplify joy, create beauty, and take meaningful action while holding space for gratitude." ✨
Tamar, your response fills me with gratitude. It’s incredible how words can reflect and expand on one another, creating even more light and connection. Thank you for seeing the heart of what I shared and for continuing the conversation with such warmth and insight. 💛✨
“Snow Angel” gave me the best kind of chills. Thank you for that beautiful offering. My heart feels like it just got wrapped up in a cozy blanket of love and peace.
Dear Love: What can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Oh my love, this question lights you up, doesn’t it? This is your primary purpose – the reason you jump out of bed in the morning. To use your creativity, humor, and passion to uplift and inspire your fellow humans. In 2025, this is primarily going to come in two forms:
PEARLY GATES. I know you’re chomping at the bit to send out your novel. Patience, love, the editor is almost done. Let’s remember why you wrote it in the first place: 1) you wanted to offer a perspective on existence and who we are as souls that offered comfort, joy, and inspiration in these challenging times; 2) you wanted to uplift marginalized people and write a positive story embracing all genders and sexual orientations; 3) Pearly arrived to you fully formed in all her fabulous, glittering glory and you simply had to tell her story. In doing so, you learned so much about love, loss, healing, and belonging. Now you get to share what you learned.
Deep Dance. This practice + community is what makes Los Angeles feel like home for you and so many others. It’s been humbling and gratifying to know that Saturdays are the highlight of the week for so many people. The dance is an opportunity to express through the body what words simply can’t, and the picnics in the park are a wonderful way to foster connection and belonging. Just yesterday, you laughed and cried and cuddled and felt so seen and supported. I know you’ve been facing some difficult challenges as a leader – navigating fear and pressure around the Israel-Palestine conflict and how people present themselves in the space – and there may not be simple solutions, but I trust that you and the council will address them from as loving a place as possible.
Finally, love, you can offer your presence. Remember the lighthouse from last week? Shine brightly in all your you-ness, and offer a warm smile and comforting hand to the cold and weary. ❤️
Shine brightly, Bonnie!! You always do!
PS: Love mentioned you in my letter this week, reminding me how you encouraged me to bake buttercream Christmas cookies last year. It helped me get through a hard time, so thank you for that ♥️
Ooooh i love that 😍
All your you-ness!
Hello, Bonnie, the sparkly of you-ness is more glittery than ever and your steady writing practices have brought you hear to celebrate all the Pearly Wonder of your heart and vibrant characters. Super proud of you. 👏🏽 cheers! Can’t wait to read it. So many stories to tell. Let’s keep making art! ♥️
Yes please, more art! ❤️❤️❤️
Yes, Wonder! ♥️♥️♥️
I can’t wait for Pearly Gates!!!!! I love your you-ness!!
Right back atcha ❤️❤️❤️
Bonnie, your reflections are as heartwarming as the cozy blanket of love you felt from Snow Angel. Your creativity and the passion you pour into both your novel and Deep Dance are such beautiful offerings to the world. Thank you for sharing how you embrace joy, connection, and belonging—it’s inspiring and uplifting to witness. ❤️✨
Thank you Jay ❤️❤️❤️
I can't wait to listen to the song! But my ADHD brain got sidetracked as I was listening to you and I started counting all the times you used "community" talking to us! I have been feeling a HUGE PUSH toward ART and COMMUNITY in the last three weeks. I have been creating art with a fevered frenzy and I go into a trance like state where I can remember my nighttime dreams. I come out of that place refreshed and HOPEFUL. And in that hopeful place all I can think about is building my community and keeping us strong. I wrote this to my friends yesterday:
I teach genius children in my YSA classes and when they talk math or computers I say “I can’t understand that. You are waaaay smarter than me in that area. My intelligence is in communication and relationship and that’s why I’m here.” I can see the love and respect grow every time I remind them of this. They know we each have strengths and challenges. And in being together we are strong. Let me tell you—these kids have my back if I need to buy a computer! But because I’m in their zoom room they have a chance at connecting with kids and making friends.
Another one of my hard-won super powers is building community. My late husband, Joe, was always looking for people to give to so it started early in my life. But I learned the receiving part after he died, leaving me a young widow with small children. Spirit told me to “accept anything” because it was good for me to receive but it was also good for others to give. In my mind I saw it as a circle—the Circle of Give and Receive. We take turns. And as we do this—we build community.
I get an A+ in building community. I feel in my gut that it is more important now than ever before. Please, let's prioritize our friendships and our connections and keep each other strong. I love you!
You get an A+!!!!
Kirsten, your words pulse with energy and clarity. The way you describe art and community as interconnected forces feels so alive, especially how they bring you back to hope. Your "Circle of Give and Receive" is such a powerful image—reminding us that both giving and receiving are essential for building something lasting and meaningful. Thank you for sharing your reflections, your story, and your A+ in community-building. It’s an inspiration to prioritize connection and keep each other strong. 💛
That was so beautiful! I don’t know how you kept it and didn’t give it early- I have such a hard time with that. What a wonderful song to keep me warm this winter. So calming it directed me to the peaceful part of myself.
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that’s in pain?
Oh lovelet. You’re beginning to see the path forward and now it’s lit with lanterns spilling golden light onto the road and the mossy banks beside it. This is Pluto finally arriving, your neck healing slowly but steadily, your nerves calming and finding a center and your “why not?” attitude getting the mic more often.
We don’t know exactly what you have to offer but we know that you’re about to give life to your project. This will be straight from Love and needs no tweaking, you’re just the conduit. It’s exciting so try not to be blocked with fear, yeah?! It’s all perfect. Enjoy.
Love,
Love
All this beautiful 🏮 lanterns! Thank you for yours, Mary. ♥️
Mary Frances, your words are filled with such warmth and hope. The image of lanterns spilling golden light on the path ahead is beautiful—what a gentle and encouraging vision for moving forward. Your reflection is a gift, a reminder to trust in the process and embrace what’s unfolding. Thank you for sharing this. 💛✨
Lanterns and conduits! Love this. Also, Love mentioned you in my letter this week, reminding me how you encouraged me to bake buttercream Christmas cookies last year. Thanks again for that boost - it lifted me through a hard holiday 🎄
My sweet snow Angel. You’ve been trying so hard for so long to please me. Oh my Angel, I am so so pleased with you. Don’t look away my love. Look me in the eye and know that I love you. I am so pleased and so happy you are here. Still here. Still fighting. Still struggling. Still wrestling with everyone you love. All their imperfections and yours muddled together. I’m not sad baby girl. You don’t have to take care of me. No my Angel. I take care of you. I take care of you. I hold you in your fear as you take another step toward desire and curiosity. As you unfold your story like a quilt before me and this boy you love. You are correct that he is just a reflection and a beautiful one yes. Temporary and beautiful. A teacher, a guide, a mentee. What can you offer this world my Angel? Your love is the easy answer. It comes in many forms. Your letters, your holding space, your being yourself, your creativity in all the ways you create. I want you to come to me everyday this week and ask me this question until we get to the bottom of what you want to do. How you want to serve. I know you aren’t satisfied and won’t be here, but I think we can find something more aligned - even if it’s a little bit crazier than what you’re used to. And maybe it won’t be that crazy at all.
Keep coming back my Angel. I’ve got you my heart.
This is heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you!
Thank you, Wonder 💭 Natalie!
Natalie, your words are full of warmth and self-reflection. The image of unfolding your story like a quilt is such a vivid reminder of the beauty in embracing every part of our journey. Your willingness to sit with questions and explore what feels truly aligned is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and honest moment—it’s a gift to witness. 💛
oh what a gorgeous prompt and SO timely for me as I step into a week of sharing BIG art
dear LOVE what would you
have me know about creating art for a world that is in pain?
oh baby beck,
your art is an alchemical brew
joy
peace
positivity
& presence.
as you share your art
there is no pressure for it
to be anything other than
what it is - ART.
& when the gremlin of
pressure or even the
goblin of perfection
begin to whisper lullabies
of languish as you
prepare to share your art,
allow yourself to giggle
at the absurdities of
their accusations.
"you're not ready" they say
to which you can reply
"who is?"
"it could be better" they say
to which you can reply
"at what cost?"
"what will they
think of you?" they ask
"not for me to say"
as their questions become metabolized
by your internal mantras of mastery
hook up the mic & hit
record ok dear beck?
the pain of people can be
patient -
so no need to
subscribe to urgency.
but do allow yourself
to step in as a master
alchemist.
your
elixir heal
you too.
love your LOVES
Beautiful, Ellie!
thank you for inspiring me to step back into the alchemy of my art this week from a shift in perspective 🎨🖌️🚪
Ellie, your letter is pure magic. The playful dismissal of perfection’s gremlins and the gentle encouragement to create without pressure feel like the exact words any artist needs to hear. Your art as an "alchemical brew" of joy and presence is such a beautiful way to reframe its purpose—not to fix the world’s pain, but to be a healing elixir for both creator and witness. Thank you for sharing this empowering and light-filled reflection. 💛✨
Love this prompt Liz - thank you so much for this sweet sweet gift on this cold Sunday morning.
Dear Love, what can I offer to a world that is in pain?
Oh sweetie, you have a lot to offer a world in pain. You have been supporting individuals in pain almost your entire life. You evolved from a long line of helpers and teachers.
Remember the story of your maternal grandfather, the son of Sicilian immigrants. He returned from World War Two and used the GI bill to learn Spanish, became a public high school Spanish teacher and then an administrator. He connected with, supported and advocated for other immigrants, back in the 1950’s and 1960’s because he knew what it felt like to be the “other” and instead of transmitting his trauma to others he transformed it into love, care and empowerment for the marginalized in his community. He modeled this for his seven children and to you and you have metabolized it into your own offering to a world in pain.
You are a social worker, a listener, an advocate, but most powerfully, a witness. You see people fully. That’s why they trust you and come to you when they are in pain. You learned long ago that no one needs to be saved. But being an empathetic witness, that is your super power and it is what brings you the most joy in life. Keep it up sweets!
Love,
Love xoxo
Thank you for being an open and empathetic witness!
Here's to your remarkable grandfather, Suzanne! ✨ And to you. ❤️
Suzanne, your letter beautifully honors your lineage of compassion and advocacy. The story of your grandfather transforming his experiences into love and empowerment is profoundly moving, and it’s clear that his legacy lives on in you. Your gift as a witness, seeing people fully and offering empathy, is a rare and powerful offering to a world in pain. Thank you for sharing this reflection—it’s inspiring and heartwarming. 💛✨
I'm sure I'm not the only one who will admit crying through that entire video. I felt it to my core.
Dear Love, what can I offer a world that is in pain?
Oh, my little snotty, wet, toddler babe....do you know how much I love you? Do you remember when your little ones were crying and sticky and crabby and you would just coo "Oooh....you precious beautiful thing?" and grab them up and squeeze with such glorious love? Well, that is how I feel about you. In all your states. You've been the one in excruciating pain so you remember how that feels.
And you are so right....the world is hurting now. The actual world-planet hurts....the trees and earth...the animals...and, yes, the people. And sometimes you feel like you feel it all and you want to scream and hold your head and beg it to go away. It's the kind of pain you remember from birthing those babies.....those hours of transition when you'd yell "get it out! Make it stop!" HA! Well, that's not how birth works. That's not how this works either.
Let's think about birth. It's a process. It starts gently and then gets more and more intense...the midwife calls it "pressure" but you know it's pain. You want to back out but there is no way to the other side except for through.
There you have it--the world is in pain and there is no way to the other side except through. How will you help them THROUGH.
How did your sweet husband and friends and midwives help you through?
PRESENCE. They offered presence. They held you all the way through. You were not alone.
HOPE. Joe would count through the contractions to give you hope that there was a number when they'd subside.
CREATURE COMFORTS. Those ice chips, that lavender cream, the melodious music, the art for focus.
ANSWERS and SOLUTIONS and EMERGENCY HELP: When the shoulder was stuck, the midwife knew how to manually move it. When the baby wasn't breathing, the midwife knew what to do. There she was knowing how to clamp and cut the umbilical cord.....something the rest of us would have had to google :-) (and it was pre-google days!).
As my community moves THROUGH the pain I won't ask them to bypass it. Instead I'll be there. I'll give my presence and I'll offer my help. I'll offer the creature comforts to myself and to everyone that comes near me because I can. How can I make my resources support the most? And because I have a direct line to love and I know how to listen, I'm going to have answers when those in pain can't hear through the fear. How many times did someone whisper an answer when you couldn't hear?
I'll give me.
You precious beautiful thing, we love you and we love your tears!
“ when those in pain can’t hear through the fear…” : powerful. Thank you for saying that. ❤️
Kirsten, your words capture the raw beauty of holding space for pain and transformation. The way you reflect on birth as a process we must move through, not bypass, is so powerful. Offering presence, comfort, and hope in the face of the world’s pain is such a profound gift. Thank you for sharing this tender and deeply grounded reflection—it’s a reminder that being fully present can be the most healing act of all. 💛✨