It was a typical 4th of July weekend party that one could find in any number of backyards in the USA. The laughter was rich, the smiles were abundant, and the grill was hot. Good friends gathered to catch up on the latest news and to laugh at each other's stories. It was a moment in time that I will always cherish because in my own backyard I celebrated life with what some would call a very unlikely combination of people including my husband, my ex-husband and his wife, and my ex-husband's son and his girlfriend.

It thrilled me to experience a group of people who truly knows the meaning of the word "acceptance". What joy it was to watch my husband and ex-husband interact and laugh together. Even though they are quite different, they do realize they have a commonality. And because they are open and accepting, they're able to look "past the past" and enjoy the wonderful gift of the present. 

That weekend would have never happened if either one of them was hung up on jealousy or bitterness. To really love someone means that you want to encourage them to create joy in their own life -- with or without you. And when we all do this for each other, it is a win-win situation for everyone!

This microcosm of interaction in my backyard is what I believe each of us needs to practice within our own circle. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this concept and I'm aware of how difficult it is to accept someone who treats you badly or causes you pain. 

I think the choice is either to accept the person just as they are, or quietly remove yourself from their life. I currently have a couple of people in my life with whom I struggle. But my attitude is evolving into a knowledge that every person I come in contact with has a message for me, and I for them. But one must be aware and stay in the present moment to transmit and receive the message. I think so much is lost in today's fast-paced world because we don't take the time to sit down with someone, look into their eyes, and see that they are simply a reflection of ourselves helping us to learn the lessons we have come here to learn. God has created a giant schoolhouse for us and it is our choice whether or not we become a willing student.

We are all connected. We all live on this planet together and our energies are continually intertwining and interacting. What we do to another, we do to ourselves. We must accept and understand that truth in order to improve the interaction between ourselves. 

Maybe you find it difficult or even hopeless to believe that everyone could eventually learn to treat others with respect and goodwill. But don't worry about the final product; concentrate instead on the base component - YOU!  As Michael Jackson says, "start with the man in the mirror" by anchoring great joy, peace, and love in our own life. Then, and only then, will you be in a position to help others see that IT IS POSSIBLE.

Remember, we can lead a horse to water, but we can't make him drink. Concentrate on uplifting your own life first. Then the very essence of our interconnectedness will draw people together and give us the opportunity to share what we have come here to learn.

Carpe MOMENTO!
Diana