November 4, 2017

Dona nobis pacem (Grant us peace)!

Blog 4 Peace Day is today! November 4th, 2017. Come Join Us!
 
 This year's theme is.: Finding Peace in Overwhelming Times. 

For me, finding peace is a daily struggle.  Some days are harder than others. It seems that the older I get the more emotional I become. I cry at least once a day The smallest things make me cry or depress me.  I do my best to smile through it.

In my lifetime, i have lost my son, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. The hardest loss was the loss of my son. His death pushed me to the edge.  Each day I find myself on the brink of "screw this".  And by that I mean, quitting my job, packing my dog and my bags, and going somewhere where no one can find me. Somewhere peaceful.

However, I do not there "some where peaceful" truly exists.  It is up to me to make a peaceful place. 
So, each day, I find something to help me be at peace.  

Knowing my daughter is happy and enjoying life, helps me find peace.  

Hugging my dog, helps me find peace.  

After a long day at work, coming home to see the wagging stubby tail of my dog and the smile on her face....her pure joy that I am home, helps me find peace. 

A friend offering me a hug when she knows I am having a rough day, helps me find peace.  

A friend I have never met in person, reaching out to me via text, Facebook or a phone call, helps me find peace.  

Hanging out with family or friends to celebrate a special occasion or just barbecue, helps me find peace.

Basically, I have learned to greatly appreciate the small things in life. 
Because in these overwhelming times, the small things are what helps me find peace.
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My 2017 Peace Globe....
“Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. 
Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; 
through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.” 
~ Dalai Lama XIV
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Do you have your Peace Globe? If not please visit:
to get a template for your own Peace Globe.

14 comments:

  1. Great quote, so true..
    Peace to you ☮

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  2. I so relate...after a lifetime of so many losses, especially losses as huge as yours, it is no wonder we cry more easily than we once did. I love that your dog is there to greet you on your return home. I am living without a dog for the first time in a long life and it is very hard. Where I rent wont allow me to have one. Dogs are Love Buddhas. Hug yours close.

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    1. I agree...dogs are love Buddhas. I hug Shelby as much as possible for I know one day I will lose her.

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  3. I think of you often, Shannon. I wonder how you're holding up under this..the greatest of losses. Parents are not supposed to outlive their children.
    Sending you all the positive strength and love I can muster. Your friends are here for you and love you. I know that doesn't fix it or bring him back, but know that we care for you and worry about you.

    I am AMAZED at your attitude and proud of your ability to be vulnerable and real in public. That is strength, not weakness.

    xxoo Mimi

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  4. I love that quote! Peace and blessings to you! 💜

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  5. Shannon, I lost my daughter 2 1/2 years ago suddenly to a pulmonary embolism. She was 30 years old with a five year old son. Not a day goes by that I don't cry, I miss her so much. Know that you are not alone. It takes time, but peace comes. I find comfort in prayer. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You son, like my daughter is an Angel now and they are watching over us. Much love.❤️
    Kim

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  6. You and I seem to have the same theme this year. (((hug)))

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  7. It is in the small things that the greatest gifts are most often discovered.

    Peace.

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