Valentine’s Day. I am pretty sure I will find an excuse to indulge in some sweet pastry today.

I had breakfast with a good friend last weekend. We see each other maybe once a month. Our conversations are always a delight and getting to know this person is a blessing.

I may have spoken of her in a previous post. She used to be my supervisor at a time when I was quite unhappy and easily found fault with the world at large. In short, my last words to her were not the kindest. Nevertheless, I received a card weeks later, simply asking how I was doing. I was stunned. Talk about an act of forgiveness! Now, we are becoming friends and I honestly believe this will be a deeply cherished friendship. In fact, this is my opportunity to learn friendship.

When I was about to leave from our breakfast and chat, she offered to share her collection of CDs titled The Power, from the author of The Secret, Rhonda Byrne. I have read The Secret and struggled a bit with it. The premise is interesting and true, so perhaps I was just not ready to absorb the message. This, however, is different.

The collection contains 5 CDs, read by the author. To hear her voice, speaking passionately about her personal understanding of basic, yet powerful life principles and choices, is utterly different from just reading the words. I am more open this time.

I speak of this because the essence of the message is love and how to apply the principle of love in all areas of life. As I listen, it amazes me that one spiritual master after another has shared the same message, for thousands of years, and we just don’t get it. I just don’t get it. It is so simple. It is just a choice. In each instant, choosing a perspective of love. This means all negative talk must cease.

The only way to do this is cold turkey, moment by moment. Any other course of action or thought is exhausting. The thought of choosing peace (love) first makes so much sense and feels so liberating. Perhaps I would not get it this time had I not first stumbled as much as I have.

This changes everything. It also changes how I work. I can see a direct link between this renewed interest in being a more loving person and an increase in my productivity, both with art work and writing. It just flows better.

Marley jumped on the couch as I set up to take photos of the Beech Leaf Brooch Pouches I recently finished. She reminds me of the importance of spontaneity. I suspect spontaneity is deeply linked with love. We stop being spontaneous every time we put a judgement in the way… and we judge ourselves as much as we judge others.

Slàinte!