6-7-21 I recently re-read an article I’d saved. I can’t tell you what magazine I’d saved it from or how old it is but I’ve been doing that for years. I have multiple books filled to the brim with scraps of paper waiting to be re-discovered, that remind me of what’s important. Sometimes, if they’re short enough, I re-write them in gaily different colors. Other books are filled with my own thoughts that were profound and meaningful to me, also printed in different colors, of course (colors make me happy so I get 2 perks at once). I believe it’s important to have these inspiring words as easily available as the internet gloom and doom is. So, back to the article.

It was about Doris “Granny D” Haddock, who at 89 years young walked across our country to draw attention to campaign finance reform. Wow just for that alone!  But her words as the speaker at a college commencement really blew me away. She advised the young people to go forth and be free, whatever the cost. “A system is in place to steal your life from you, if you will let it. Don’t let it. This is the only warning you will receive,” she told them. And, further, “You will be surprised at what happens when you dare to be free [she was arrested for peacefully reading the Bill of Rights in a calm voice in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda]. But you will never be sorry you dared to do so.”

Your voice matters. Granny D said it was the way to our freedom and our happiness. It is your truth and a valuable piece you hold that is a vital part of the whole tapestry – there can be no parts left out if we are to have wholeness. That is a fact in living our individual lives with integrity and for living in our communities, as well. No one’s voice should be disregarded just because it’s different from the majority, or uncomfortable for others to hear. Our voices matter, because, undoubtedly, there is at least one other person who shares our belief and hasn’t yet found the courage to speak their own voice, and perhaps, in speaking out and sharing our own experience of things we can inspire others to do the same. In hearing just 1 voice speak out calmly, respectfully, lovingly, echoing my inner views, I always know I’m not alone.

I have been speaking out on the unpopular side of issues most of my life. In the last 25 years, I have also learned to do so with more respect, understanding and love. I will continue to speak out for each of us being able to live and thrive in this world as a birthright, regardless of whatever it is that seems to separate us as human beings. I will honor all beliefs, as long as they harm no one and allow everyone a freedom of choice. And, I am especially proud lately due to some of the messages I have been receiving. Some of them are from folks that Stew and I knew from the 30 years we worked in Safe Haven (Healing Chiropractic Center) thanking us for the inner strength they currently have in dealing with the current world situation because of the education and chiropractic loving they received from us. Others are recent birthday wishes, and gratitude for my mentoring of them over the years through which they developed inner strength and faith in themselves and learned how much they matter and how they are more than enough. I am very grateful to have been that instrument of healing for so many, and grateful as well for all that healed me to heal within myself. Regardless of where along the path of life we happen to be in this moment of time, we are still all on this path together…all on the path of remembering our inner exquisiteness and finding our beautiful voice...to live free and happy. Today is a good day...and I make it so!