Motivational Monday: What’s Permanent? Love.

Wow! It has been 498 days since my last post, and to say things have changed feels like a bit of an understatement. Let’s see. 498 days ago I was in my second year of graduate school, considering rekindling things with an old flame, and living and working in a place I love and surrounded by those who love me. Life was stressful and hectic for sure, but nothing compares to the hurdles we are currently facing. A quick catch up from me goes like this: I graduated, traveled to Europe, moved to Boston, and now work as a mental health clinician at a children’s hospital. The transition has been both rewarding and challenging, but I’ll share more about that at another time because there are more pressing matters at hand. We are currently living in the midst of overwhelming chaos and uncertainty. The pandemic and all that is unknown has resulted in mass hysteria and a sense of heaviness and hopelessness that, on some days, feels unbearable. Day in and day out, I try to remind myself of the good, the light, the bright, the joy, the laughter, the peace, the fun, the hope, and the love. I will admit, that sometimes it’s easier and sometimes it’s nearly impossible. And if I’m feeling the push and pull, confusion, hopelessness, and overall drain of each moment of the day, I can only imagine what you are feeling. That’s why I think that now is as good of a time as any for Kermit Says… to return. It’s been too long and there are far too many things going on in the world, in your own backyard, and within you that deserve support, encouragement, healing, and so much love. I hope you’ll join me again.

I’m currently sick at home and watching Frozen 2 (thanks, Disney+). I won’t spoil anything, but there is a scene where an emotional conversation between Anna and Olaf takes place. Olaf says, “Hey, Anna. I just thought of one thing that’s permanent. Love.” and I don’t think there is a more appropriate moment or a clearer sign for me to make this return. There is enough scary stuff going on right now, and that fear is so contagious, it spreads like wildfire. I believe what we need right now is to be reminded of kindness, joy, goodwill, community, and, of course, love. I’m not sure how many of you have seen Frozen 2, but Olaf is right (and whether or not you’re familiar with this little snowman, I can assure you that he pretty much always is): love is permanent, that’s why we should do all we can to protect it, nurture it, and spread it.

We are in trying, confusing, and overwhelming times for sure, so let’s continue to try to seek the beauty and light in the darkness, and I’m hoping that Kermit Says… can be a bit of a beacon. Sometimes trials and tribulations are blessings in disguise, opportunities for self-reflection, community building, healing, growth, and more. Sometimes life has a way of bringing us where we need to be. Perhaps this is the time for us to get back to ourselves and discover what has been undiscoverable for too long. I’m leaving you with a quote I’ve seen floating around on Instagram and a question I’ve written to follow (I am a former English teacher, after all).

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.- Kitty O’Meara

What new ways of being are you hoping to discover? How are you using this new time that you have? I’ll be spending my time right here where I left off nearly 500 days ago…and honestly, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. And when the dust settles, because it will, love will remain.