Tree Line, Vancouver BC
Gillian Cornwall, c. December 2009
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve to feel happy.
It is perfectly acceptable to do those things which bring you joy as long as they do not bring harm to another in the process.
If someone makes you feel "less than" because of who you are or how you go about things, that is not okay and it is perfectly acceptable to remove yourself from the situation that is affecting your well-being. That is self-care.
You deserve kindness.
You deserve respect.
We needn't try to raise ourselves up on the back of another as we will both eventually tumble.
No one is more valuable than another. You are equal among the creatures of the earth and deserving of well-being.
Haters are going to hate and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it but continue to love them and simply love, in general, in the face of anger, despair, sadness and fear. If you try to get through it and find you are met with vitriolic remarks and aggression, walk away rather than engage. Remove the air from the fire.
Be no man's punching bag.
You are deserving of love, respect and kindness. Surround yourself with these wonderful aspects of life, with a blanket of love - whether of your own design or that of others ...or both. Share the positive.
Believe in the ripple effects of love and kindness for they are impervious to their opposites and eternal.
May the sun and the moon continue to shine upon you and guide you along the river of life.
With love to each of you and an apology to those with whom I have failed to engage in my best, loving way.
Gillian Cornwall, c. November 13, 2016
Evening over the Olympic Range
Gillian Cornwall, c. 2012
