The sun must be rising, somewhere behind me. The tops of the trees outside my window are blushing ever deeper shades of pink. Their stark, winter bare branches provide a perfect canvas on which to reflect the colors of dawn.

Losing myself in them brings a quiet joy to my heart. Or maybe the joy has been there all along, and just needed an awakening. Either way, I feel peaceful. Happy.

Often, of late, my hurt and anger have found their way to the page. I am sure this is simply a case of circumstance. This – this action, this creation, this ‘writing thing’ – is a medium in which I am comfortable and that lends itself well to allowing the dark places in my life to blacken the page.

I am not sure if it is because of the morning dawn in the trees, or because of the coffee steaming by my side, or simply because I have been inspired again… but suddenly, I want to write about all the wonderful things.

I believe that we, as human beings, are gifted with a tremendous power – to decide our state of mind, to literally choose the energy we wish to share with the world. Days like these, moments like these, I am reminded how very powerful we are… how far our influence reaches. I am also reminded how important it is to share the good, focus on the happy, and celebrate our deep connection to one another.

Today, I want to tell you about one of the many wonderful connections in my life. A gift that helps me to shine my light; bright, and positive, and happy, even in the face of darkness.

I have the most amazing family. Have I told you that? They – Mother, Father, Sister – have stood by my side unfailingly for the past 36 years. No matter my actions or decisions, and believe me – I have made some horrible ones – they have never wavered in their love for me.

When I was young and took their love for granted, they smiled, and loved me more. When I was lost and wandering around the world, often choosing the worst possible path, they told me they understood, and they would be there when I came home. When my life hung by a thread, they gathered around me, held hands and prayed – for days on end – until I was alive again.

These are the most incredible people in the world.

I am so grateful for them.

I am grateful for you too, my incredibly supportive friends. But I will have to tell you more about that later.

The sun has crested the horizon, the snow is ablaze, and the time has come for me to begin my day.

I hope you carry your light high above you, for all to see. You are important to the world. You are important to me.