Light Shines Through
From within or from behind, a light shines through us upon things,
and makes us aware that we are nothing,
but the light is all! Ralph Waldo Emerson
Paul X Newton Photography
On the 21st day of the countdown to Christmas, we are given the winter solstice gift. We celebrate the winter solstice because it is the darkest and the shortest day of the year. This is when we can surrender to the darkness as we open our hearts to the light and the longer days beyond the 21st. Winter solstice allows us to focus on winter and formulate a self-care intention. This time of year, an example of an intention might be to release into the darkness that no longer serves you and create a light space within you.
Yesterday, I was on the third floor of South Shore Regional Hospital. This is the oncology floor where I receive infusions and meet with the local cancer team. I wait for my sessions in the Journey Room. This room is significant to me for two particular reasons. Jody LeFave, a close friend who died of breast cancer at 39, assisted in the development of and named the Journey Room. As a wife, mother, daughter and friend, she was full of strength, passion, and light. Jody left this earth too early, but she gave us the example of loving and living each day to the fullest. This is Jody celebrating her wedding with us to the love of her life.
The second reason is that my neighbour and friend, Dr. Paul Newton, donated a photo he had taken for the Journey Room. It's called "Light Shines Through" and was taken at one of our local beaches. I first saw this photo in 2019 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I was nervous before my first chemo session, but this photo brought me peace and calm. Later, as a survivor, I purchased the photo and hung it in my dining area. Every day, I look at it, and I'm reminded that light is everything. For me, light is my spirit, soul, and reason for being.
Now, five years later, I'm back in the Journey Room, where I'm once again waiting for a treatment that will allow me to survive. I remember Jodi's example of living each day to the fullest and embracing the light. Let’s all surrender to this winter darkness and let the light within us shine. Together, we can contribute to peace on earth.
Happy Winter Solstice!
Such a beautiful message. Hugs 🤗