My Dear Friends,

One recent night, I was feeling positive and motivated and created an ambitious to-do list for the next day. In the morning I awoke tired and grumpy. I wanted to ignore the list but instead, I ignored the voice telling me to watch television all day and mechanically started plodding my way through the prioritized tasks. With each step, momentum increased and by evening much had been accomplished. It felt good.

Another recent morning, things started out well and I was energetic and happy. One thing after another went wrong until I just cancelled a major activity out of sheer frustration. I beat myself up about it for hours.

“Should I have just done it?” I asked again, and again.

Maybe that would have been best. Maybe not. I hope others affected will forgive me as I would forgive them. But first I forgive myself.

We all have bad moments. Sometimes days and weeks at a time. I named each emotion as it arose, taking deep breaths. Disappointment, frustration, embarrassment. Breathe.

Suffering is made bearable by the hope of joy. Joy is made meaningful by experiencing suffering.

Beauty, laughter, love. Breathe.

Each moment at a time.

Love,
Cristina