Wisdom from Paulo Coelho

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It was 2012, when a dream came true as I attended Oprah’s Master Life Class Tour live in Toronto, Canada! It this extraordinary event I heard renowned speakers such as: Anthony Robbins, Deepak Choopra and Ilayna Vanzant. Oprah Winfrey is a woman of grace who has made such an impact with the OWN Network. Her desire is to bring knowledge and help individuals rise to there utmost potential. Oprah is instrumental for bringing together a new wave of authors and she truly in captures the light of everyone she encounters. There is an author I have wanted to meet my entire life, I have read many of his novels and he goes by the name of Paulo Coelho.

The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams. –Oprah Winfrey

I’m truly a seeker and will always be intrigued by serendipitous signs, omens and more! I delve into books, Ted-Talks and Podcasts and anything that makes my soul awaken. In my early 20’s is when I first read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho and it transformed my life and has resonated with my spirit for years. It illustrated the values and ideologies I have practiced my entire adult life. I recommend The Alchemist to anyone who is on the spiritual path or open to it. It was the cornerstone to uncovering myself.

The main character Santiago is from Andalusia Spain – A Shepherds son lives a comfortable life with his parents and starts to question is there more to his existence. In the beginning of the novel Santiago while sleeping under a sycamore tree has a recurring dream that he needs to travel to Egypt to find his treasure. He can not shake this prophecy and feels inclined to pursue this path. Dreams hold particular messages if we are open to receive them. The protagonist is tested with challenges that encouraged him to pursue his own path “personal legend” to understand his soul. He was an Alchemist all along, and obstacles where placed in his life as to keep him faithful. This was all done for a divine reason, to uncover parts of himself in order to evolve. Omens, signs and people were sent along his journey, I believe many of us can relate to Santiago when we are trying to figure out which direction to pursue. Follow your heart!

Now back to Oprah! During the latter part of 2017 I stumbled upon an interview with Oprah and Paulo Coelho. It was called Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. She has interviewed many new age authors such as: Micheal Beckweth, Gary Zukav and Caroline Myss all incredible authors who offer spiritual insight in today’s world . This was a sign I felt, to reacquaint myself with The Alchemist. Messages come into your life at particular times and this was one of them.

Paulo Coelho was born in Brazil to devout Catholic parents. During the conversations with Oprah the author illustrates that was an artist at an early age and knew he wanted to be a writer. His parents did not favor his chosen path and begged him to follow an alternative career. His own parents even insisted he go into a facility for his mental health! They were so afraid he was going against the grain and not following the life they intended for him. He later attended law school and dropped out to travel the world. On a chance encounter with an individual in Amsterdam he received a message to travel to Spain and walk the holy pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. Here is where he received the intuitive messages to become a writer. I felt so inspired when listening to Oprah’s Soul Conversations that I had to write about this!

The author offered such insight to life and I feel that I was meant to share is wisdom! Here are a five segments that may help you LIVE YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE:

You may get off track in life however you will always be drawn and guided to the right course. Every person, experience or obstacle you encounter is for your highest growth and healing. You may feel life is shattering underneath you, this is when you are being reborn.
“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey”

Know what you want, the universe will conspire to make it happen –TRUST! Do not let anyone sway your decisions. You have all the answers within, the universe wants to help you.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
The universe will always direct you to your path, follow your heart it will never lead you astray. Your heart center is sacred, within lies all the wisdom you are seeking. Your heart holds all treasure.
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense .”
The language of the divine is the language of the world. Be still and present to what you need to hear.
“There was a language in the world that everyone understood, a language the boy had used throughout the time that he was trying to improve things at the shop. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired.”
Dreams are when you reconnect the symbols and signs. Never stop dreaming, visualizing everything you desire. Its a request that you are transmuting to the universe. YOUR dreams will happen, stay focused on all the blessings each day of your life.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

After all the lessons and experiences Santiago faces he eventually makes it to Egypt. However, there is no treasure. As he goes back home to the sycamore tree where he had the recurring dreams – his treasure is found. The author and main character Santiago understand that love is the cornerstone to spiritual awakening. You will encounter signs along your journey that will direct you towards what is meant for you – please pursue them. It could be a dream, epiphanies or your intuition steering the ship of your life. You must tune in and allow your spirit to carry you.

Paulo Coelho never abandoned his dream – it was within him all along. What is your dream? Work towards it on your own terms. Don’t be hard on yourself and know it will happen. For myself writing is a form of freedom and expression. I have often questioned whether I will write a book or an editorial one day. All I know is that writing connects me to my heart. Hearing Paulo Coelho’s life story again ascertained that we all have a calling and its our mission to honor it in this lifetime. Have no regrets, be brave, make a decision and know its all working out for you!

But he was able to understand one thing: making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The Pursuit of Happiness

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Still a dreamer, yet more of a realist than ever before, I knew this was my time to sail. On the horizon I saw the shining future, as before. The difference now was that I felt the wind at my back. I was ready.
—Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness

In the moment of conception, we enter into this world alone unaware of what is happening around us. We are oblivious to our surroundings, and of all the newness that is about to occur. The five senses—taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing become a journey of discovery throughout the aging process as children. We are at complete peace, oneness with the experience of life.

There is such an innocence and pureness when we are young. Happiness, confidence and self-worth are etched into our core. We are fearless, speak our mind and have no concern to what others think about us. There is a sense of resilience and creativity is what makes the soul blossom. We see at a young age how children are painters, chefs, writers and teachers. As one develops from being a toddler to adolescence and finally an adult there are many twists and turns. We sometimes forget who we once were and what truly made us content.

Let us liberate ourselves from any form of control. Let us focus at the inner drum, where the rhythm aligns with that of our heart. The measure of responsibility, equals to the need for evolution. Just listen, the inner child, let it whisper in your ear.
—Grigoris Deoudis

Are we born happy or do we have to work at it? Is it a conscious choice we make? These are the questions that have been pondering over the past few months. I believe happiness is an internal process and there are times we have to work towards creating it. There are numerous times when I would mask emotions of fear, anger or envy in order to keep that happy momentum. I was not being authentic whatsoever, and felt like I was avoiding parts of myself. I do believe happiness comes naturally when we are in alignment and we follow our hearts desires. When those moments happen, I bask in them and remind myself of the simple pleasures of life.

Our we a product of our environment and does epigenetics play a role in our development? I’m in no way a physician, however believe we absorb characteristics from our family relationships that determine some of our innate behaviours. Becoming an emotionally intelligent adult is clearing those blockages and experiences we endured as children. We are cleansing our spirits as we gain self awareness and personal power. We may blame our parents however there will be a time that you will see them as your teachers who gave you unconditional love. As they say the spiritual journey is coming home to yourself.

As we get older finish our education and follow a certain path, we live a certain way even though internally we have a deeper longing. We get caught up in the routine, work-life balance and forget about the importance of connecting to others. Is happiness in a job, car, relationship, or material status? Is that what makes life meaningful or is there something more?

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
—Albert Camus

There is something more! I attended a Buddhist Monk Meditation in February and it gave me the direction I have been seeking, along with inspiration for the remainder of this article. What I learned from that significant meditation is that INNER PEACE = HAPPINESS! Meditation brings you back to your core of who you are and that stillness is the key to your happiness. I’m in the process of applying the principle of non-attachment to situations and outcomes . By just being still is the source to happiness.

Here is insight from the meditation session that has ignited clarity into my life:

We all have attachments, fears unfilled desires and this creates inner turmoil. Breathe into your discomfort and surrender. Inhale white light and exhale black particles that do not serve you

When you are wavering into anxiety or stress learn to get touch with your feelings

You have all the wisdom and knowledge within, when you meditate answers appear

Stop going outside yourself and trust your divinity

Stay close to the centre of your heart, the mind is like a diamond, nurture it, feed it and water it with love

Let go of expectations to the way you think life should be and be so engrossed in the presence

Appreciate silence, it is connected to your soul

Love and self-love is the antidote you are seeking

I leave you with the story of Gautama Buddha. He was born into a wealthy upper class family in India surrounded by prestige and influence. Buddha was inquisitive spirit and knew there was a deeper meaning to life and would ultimately forge his own path. One day, he decided to leave and became a humble man who lived the life of ascetic. As Buddha detached from everything, is when he felt truly rich. Meditation, prayer and living a simple life is what transformed his soul. Remember its your internal happiness that makes your soul light up just like the stars in the galaxy.

Is there a simple remedy for happiness? Why are we always searching? The concept of searching finally made sense – I had an epiphany! Happiness is not a destination, its a choice we make daily. It truly is the little things which add up to making us smile. Come back to your inner child, remember who you once were at that young age. Embrace that care-free, radiant soul who lived in pure joy. Make time and space for mediation, the more you practice you will settle into peace.

The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

–Atisa

Life of an Empath Soul

You are a being of immense depth, wisdom, and compassion. You are a pioneer and trailblazer of humanity, a model for others on how to be sensitive and powerful. All the strength and love you need is already within you, waiting to be discovered. —Mateo Sol

This article is dedicated for anyone who is known as an “Empath Soul”. Since childhood and for most of my adult life, I have always been an sensitive individual. Always feeling highly emotional in particular situations in and unaware of why this occurs. I can be watching movies, commercials and sometimes particular songs can evoke emotions to surface.

I have often felt that something is wrong with me and emotions are running my life! I cannot hear personal stories or accounts of others without being emotionally invested. Its my heart that displays compassion for what anyone is experiencing. I tend to have tears forming in my eyes when seeing anyone struggle or in pain. I viewed being a sensitive soul was a weakness until I started reading and understanding with an empath soul truly is, it is my greatest quality!

What is an Empath Soul?

An empath soul is a highly intuitive individual that feels absolutely everything from being individually or collectively. You are highly evolved spiritual being, who is affected by energy of other people including there thoughts or behaviours. The term collectively means that you and many others absorb energy that may not be of your experience. For example, in the month of August 2017 there was a full moon and a solar ellipse occurred. If you are an empath soul, you were feeling this intensity all around you. You are sensitive to these energies, however with the right healing modalities can find balance.

You can walk into a room and sense the energy of people and surroundings. You are highly in tune to the energy or vibrations that are the closest to you. It’s almost like you are a radio and sense frequencies that come off from others around you. It is integral to take care of yourself daily and be grounded at all times. What does grounding mean? Grounding is coming back to your source energy, breathing into what is occurring and allowing yourself to remain calm in any situation. When things are happening politically or on a global scale I can sense a shift in the air. Fear, negativity and uncertainty is felt right away. I know there are many of us who had similar experiences. I want to let you know this your greatest “gift”.

One of the greatest advantages of being an empath is that experiencing a spiritual awakening is virtually inevitable. In other words, spiritually awakening seems to be written into our DNA. — Aletheia Luna

You are the one, people turn to for love, guidance and reassurance. You my dear are special to humanity and your light is needed. That heart of yours if full of compassion and if you are like me you just want to see everyone happy and fulfilled. The higher power has placed you on earth for a purpose . You are a miracle worker who people flock to in times of need, as many just want to be heard. You allow others to see that vulnerability is being human and that it creates a gateway to heal.

Your compassionate heart is unlike anyone else, by just being you, it lifts others. Like that old saying goes “you would take the skin off your back to help someone else in need”. YOU do this countless times because of your heart! There are times when burn out may occur – make sure you are are taking care of yourself and your soul. What does that exactly mean? Be good to your spirit! Light a candle, say a prayer, or meditate if someone is in need of guidance. Get yourself centred first before sharing your sacred space with others.

When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you. –Susan Sarandon

How to protect your energy:

Give to yourself in any way or form! That means treat yourself to something daily. Self-care is integral when being an empath soul. Pick yourself flowers, take a walk in nature or treat yourself to a cup of tea. Surround yourself with protective white light to shield yourself from any type of unwanted energies. On a side note there is not day I don’t drink a cup of tea. I have afternoon tea everyday it’s almost like a ritual and it honestly is like have a cup of positivity! It does not have to be a material item however just invest in yourself.

You are a miracle to humanity, embrace being an empath soul! Your gifts are needed in this world. Being a highly emotional and sensitive spirit is your way of sharing your divine nature! If everyone was the same life would be a bore, by you being a empath it allows others to seek your guidance and wisdom. Contrast is here to serve the higher good. Honor your ability and get ready to shine, you have a quest to fulfill!

Jim Carrey: Do What You Love

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“I wondered who I’d be without my fame. Who would I be if I said things that people didn’t want to hear, or if I defied their expectations of me? What if I showed up to the party without my Mardi Gras bat mask and refused to flash my breasts for a hand full of beads? I’ll give you a moment to wipe that image out your mind. When I was about 28, after a decade as a professional comedian, I realized one night in L.A. that the purpose of my life had always been to free people from concern just like my dad. When I realized this, I dubbed my new devotion the Church of Freedom From Concern, the Church of FFC. I dedicated myself to that ministry. What’s yours? How will you serve the world? What did they need that your talent can provide? That’s all you have to figure out. As somebody who’s done what you’re about to go and do, I can tell you from experience the affect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.

Everything you gain in life will rock and fall apart, and all that will be left of you is what was in your heart. My choosing to free people from concern got me to the top of a mountain. Look where I am. Look what I get to do. Everywhere I go … I’m going to get emotional because when I tap into this it really is extraordinary to me. I did something that made people present their best selves to me wherever I go. I am at the top of the mountain, and I was. The only one I hadn’t freed was myself. That’s when my search for identity depend. You can join the game, fight the wars, play with form all you want. To find real peace, you have to let the armor go. Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Now, fear is going to be a player in your life but you get to decide how much. You can spend your whole life imagining ghosts, worrying about the pathway to the future.

All there will ever be is what’s happening here and the decisions we make in this moment which are based in either love or fear. So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect so we never dare to ask the universe for it. I’m saying I’m the proof that you can ask the universe for it. Please. I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don’t want so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love”.

Jim Carrey’s inspiring speech of following your dreams, living your truth & being authentic! Let’s make 2018 a year of transformation, full of miracles & more!! Stay inspired xo

All You Need Is Love, The Beatles

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Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love

There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy

Nothing you can make that can’t be made
No one you can save that can’t be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It’s easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Nothing you can know that isn’t known
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be
It’s easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

All you need is love (All together, now!)
All you need is love (Everybody!)
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Yee-hai! (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)

Yesterday (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Oh yeah! (Love is all you need)
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah (Love is all you need)
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah (Love is all you need)

A beautiful reminder during the Holiday Season to reflect on LOVE! Its simple and clear, love is healing, provides miracles, blessings and joy! Be a messenger of love to everyone you encounter, this is your divine purpose! Like the Beatles say – Love is all you need!

Sitting with Vulnerability

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Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. – Brene Brown

In the past, when I would hear the word vulnerability I automatically would have thought of imperfection or a loss of power, a sign of weakness . I was told to watch a Ted Talk by Bene Browne regarding vulnerability, shame and guilt. For many of us its hard to admit we have these emotions and to come to terms with these feelings. The video really had a lasting impact on me and after having a conversation with family and friends felt propelled to write on this topic.

For the longest time I thought being vulnerable was something to be ashamed of. It had negative connotations and no room in my life. If I was in a vulnerable state than I was not being spiritual and I could not let that happen now—Was I ever wrong!

Vulnerability is being authentic, really honoring how and why you feel a certain way. If I admitted to being vulnerable, it meant that everyone would know I get insecure and a not miss positive pants. It was as if I was masking my true-self and was too afraid to explore what was really going on internally. I was more concerned about what would people say and think. The most important lesson I have learned is that its perfectly normal to feel these deep rooted emotions. Its a healing to allow them to surface, understand them and move forward one step at a time.

I now know that there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable. Its acceptance of what is happening in our present circumstances. Being vulnerable is a gateway to more. It means you are human. There will be times of fear, anguish and challenges however, once we admit to those feelings is when the dust settles. It will be scary and sometimes you will have to face the darkness you so want to avoid. Once we are open to being vulnerable balance is restored. A gleaming light will be exposed, your soul is lighter and you are ready to transcend.

It is empowering to to move forward after one understands what they are experiencing. Vulnerability is not a setback but a triumph the you are growing, sowing the seeds you have planted and searching for all that you deserve. My dear souls be vulnerable, and know that it is a process. You are evolving into the person you are meant to be. You are a masterpiece, Osho’s quote exemplify this so well, “Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it. “ . You are unfolding into the grandest version of you!

What I have learned is that even though I have vulnerable points in life, its about seeing this a time of inner reflection and rebirth. It always comes back to self-love and self-care! Are you giving yourself enough time and attention? Loving oneself is the necessary ingredient to changing your circumstances and creating a chain reaction of blessings that are right at your doorstop!

You haven’t yet opened your heart fully, to life, to each moment. The peaceful warrior’s way is not about invulnerability, but absolute vulnerability–to the world, to life, and to the Presence you felt. All along I’ve shown you by example that a warrior’s life is not about imagined perfection or victory; it is about love. Love is a warrior’s sword; wherever it cuts, it gives life, not death. –Dan Millman

Angels

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An Angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision. — St Thomas Aquinas

The moment we arrive into the physical realm they walk among us throughout our existence, guiding, whispering, and showing us miracles of each day. These enlightened beings are known as our “Guardian Angels”. What is a guardian angel one may ask? Angels are messengers from the divine who illuminate our life path the day we are born. Our guardian angels want each and every one of us to honor our spirits and live an abundant life. They see our potential and know that we can achieve anything we desire through prayer, affirmation and faith.

I have a profound connection to Angels and feel each individual we encounter is an angel in disguise who has a message to share. We are placed on the earth realm to learn valuable life lessons by experiences that shape our soul. Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael and Archangel Gabriel are three Archangels significant in religious texts who provide comfort and peace. You can call upon Angels at any time for guidance and reassurance. Essential oils and crystals are also two channels that can assist with contact. Always know the Angels are listening and want the utmost best for you!

Archangel Michael – Call upon Archangel Michael for spiritual protection, life purpose and to clear your energy field , cutting cords with experiences or people that do not serve you

Archangel Raphael– Provides healing light to earth. Invoke Archangel Raphael for healing any ailments, finding a health care provider and traveling

Archangel Gabriel– Shines light on our career path, assists with pregnancy and birth, Connects us to our inner guidance system

Angels gently relay messages to us that already are embedded within our soul, messages such as: change is inevitable, life is what we make of it, follow your own path, honour your heart, love one another and be of service to mankind. They come to us in our intuition or dreams and provide reassurance on a daily basis. We are surrounded by angels always and just need to ask for guidance when we require a little push in the right direction. I have always felt that angels are disguised as family, friends, coworkers, pets and even strangers.

There is a bond, something that has existed beyond time and space. These messengers are sent to us to help us facilitate our life plan and foster our growth. Author, Doreen Virtue in many of her books discusses the concept of earth angels. These individuals are placed on earth to help inspire, motivate and encourage people. Earth angels are essentially people who walk on earth as miracle workers who desire to make others dreams come true.

When the road is steep, or you find yourself at a crossroads, Angels are always there to guide you
–Florence Akinremi

Angels are the voice of reason the light at the end of the tunnel. Remember when you hear a bell, an angel has received its wings. Music on the radio is your angel talking to you, the number 11:11 appearing is a sign that your angels are by your side. Serendipitous coincidences or seeing butterflies are your angels showing you miracles. We are all angels in disguise it’s a matter of awakening to our full potential. It is our soul’s that reach out to each other when we have angel contact with another human being. We all have a mission to fulfill on earth, what is yours? Are you ready to use your wings and fly?

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. -Luciano de Crescenzo

You Learn

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Alanis Morissette

I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone
I recommend walking around naked in your living room
Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)
It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)
Wait until the dust settles

You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn

I recommend biting off more then you can chew to anyone
I certainly do
I recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at any time
Feel free
Throw it down (the caution blocks you from the wind)
Hold it up (to the rays)
You wait and see when the smoke clears

You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn

Wear it out (the way a three-year-old would do)
Melt it down (you’re gonna have to eventually anyway)
The fire trucks are coming up around the bend

You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn

You grieve you learn
You choke you learn
You laugh you learn
You choose you learn
You pray you learn
You ask you learn
You live you learn

A truly awe inspiring song to reflect on life by Alanis Morissette! We truly live and learn through every experience we go through. Stay inspired friends xo

One – U2

Is it getting better?
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you now?
You got someone to blame

You say, one love, one life
When it’s one need in the night
One love, we get to share it
Leaves you baby if you don’t care for it

Did I disappoint you?
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without

Well it’s too late tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We’re one but we’re not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One!

Have you come here for forgiveness?
Have you come to raise the dead?
Have you come here to play Jesus?
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much? More than a lot
You gave me nothin’ now it’s all I got
We’re one but we’re not the same
Well we hurt each other then we do it again

You say love is a temple, love a higher law
Love is a temple, love the higher law
You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl
And I can’t be holdin’ on to what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love, one blood
One life, you got to do what you should
One life, with each other
Sisters, brothers

One life but we’re not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
One

One of my favorite songs of all time.

A beautiful reminder that we are all connected together as One.

What is Your Life’s Blueprint?

I want to ask you a question, and that is: What is your life’s blueprint? Whenever a building is constructed, you usually have an architect who draws a blueprint, and that blueprint serves as the pattern, as the guide, and a building is not well erected without a good, solid blueprint.
Now each of you is in the process of building the structure of your lives, and the question is whether you have a proper, a solid and a sound blueprint.

I want to suggest some of the things that should begin your life’s blueprint. Number one in your life’s blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you fell that you’re nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.

Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life — what your life’s work will be. Set out to do it well.

And I say to you, my young friends, doors are opening to you–doors of opportunities that were not open to your mothers and your fathers — and the great challenge facing you is to be ready to face these doors as they open.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great essayist, said in a lecture in 1871, “If a man can write a better book or preach a better sermon or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, even if he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.”

This hasn’t always been true — but it will become increasingly true, and so I would urge you to study hard, to burn the midnight oil; I would say to you, don’t drop out of school. I understand all the sociological reasons, but I urge you that in spite of your economic plight, in spite of the situation that you’re forced to live in — stay in school.

And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. don’t just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn’t do it any better.

If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If you can’t be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. Be be the best little shrub on the side of the hill.

Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.
— From the estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A beautiful piece written by Martin Luther King, Jr. to provide you with motivation. Always know you can achieve anything you set your mind too! Every little step matters in life, all things are connected. With fierce determination, faith and trust you are creating your legacy!