Hello friends! Have spent much of the weekend reflecting on days gone by. At service yesterday we gave thanks for the service men and women who’ve given their lives for the freedom of our young and ever evolving country. It was amazing to hear the actual number of people who put their own lives on the line so that we may enjoy the many blessings we have today.

May is also the time for graduation. From high school to college and even in my own life. Lately I’ve experienced another graduation of sorts. I was just reading my wise friend Pam’s blog over at Make the Most of U, and she posed the question, “What purpose does hiding serve us?” Graduating and stepping up to the next level, can feel scary, as well as realizing our full potential. It can be intimidating when we come to the conclusion that we DO have a purpose to serve here on this planet.

Yet, every day we’re in service to our children, our partners, our families, our friends, our communities, our places of worship, our businesses, our schools, even our pets. But the one place where we need to begin is with OUR SELVES!

When we fill ourselves up first – with love, and joy and peace and respect – only then can we truly step out into the world and be of service to others. So many people (especially us women) were conditioned to be “helpers” and “good girls” and “strong young men”.

What we weren’t taught - was that in order to really be of service to others, our own wells must overflow, in order to flow out into others. If we just keep dipping from our own well and never filling ourselves back up, we’re constantly depriving ourselves. But if we take time out to recharge, re-energize, fuel-up, and fill-up – we’ll always have more than enough to give.

People often feel selfish putting themselves first. If you need permission, then I’ll give it to you! Chill out, eat till your belly is about to burst, laugh till you cry, cry till it hurts, sing at the top of your lungs, swim till your fingers crinkle, get a lil’ sunburned, lounge around in your comfy clothes, and enjoy this bonus day off.

My only request of you is to take a few moments and say THANK YOU. Thank you for the many blessings, gifts, opportunities, challenges, and wealth that we as Americans are so fortunate to enjoy everyday. While you’re at it, take time to reflect on the things you’ve graduated from in these first 5 months of 2006. Have you kicked a habit, started a new one, released some old fears or hurts, forgiven someone else or yourself? We are so lucky indeed. Life is good. God is great. Enjoy. Indulge. Give thanks. Be safe.

What are you indulging in today to be of better service tomorrow?

Peace, love & happiness,
Kam