Joanne's Personal Letter

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do". - Helen Keller

Dear Friends,

To say that we are living in very troubling times is an understatement. Who, throughout the world, has not been touched by the horror of the war in Iraq or by the horrific events of September 11, 2001? Everyone, I believe, is hurting and wants to personally do something to make our world a better place-- especially for our children-because they are our future. We simply must stop the madness and find a better way to live individually and collectively. If not, what kind of future are we creating? My love for and professional work with children and adolescents is why I developed My Button-Eyed Spiritual Flock®. I believe we desperately need to restore kind into humankind so children everywhere will have positive role models to emulate. That is what the Circle of Positive Tendencies and the lambs making that circle tangible are meant to do. Everyone knows that children are very skilled observers and learn "how to be" by watching "us grownups".

When I learned the terrorists had taken flying lessons in Florida to wreak havoc on our country and ultimately onto the world while I was developing this concept (in Florida), it caused me to give deeper thought to the legacy we choose for our children, ourselves and our Earth. What we choose affects everyone around us. With that thought in mind, are we going to choose kindness or unkindness? Wellness or illness? Peace or discord? Whether we like it or not, whether we are young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, famous or obscure, known to them or total strangers, we are always role models for our children. Through our behaviors we teach them how to be or how not to be. Their little eyes and ears are constantly on us and great imitators they are!!

Circle of Positive TendenciesMore than ever, at any time in the history of our world, it is essential for each of us to be accountable and to be diligent regarding the tendencies of our own thoughts, attitudes, emotions, behaviors and relationships. We must be willing to take that daily eighteen inch walk from our head to our heart and be sure head and heart are connected. Why? Because this connection is vital to the outcome of how we interact with ourselves, with others and with all forms of life. Kindness is required to live in the Circle of Positive Tendencies. Can we expect to have peace without kindness? One at a time or two by two, with head and heart connected, we must create a better way, a better life; a better society; a better legacy. Let us pray that our children live to grow up and reap the benefits of our positive efforts and positive actions. Imagine, with me, what type of society Iraq could build if the Circle of Positive Tendencies were the model used as their blueprint for reconstruction. Our world would be a better, kinder place and the men, women and children lost and maimed because of this war would not have died or suffered in vain. Just imagine…if you will.

Kind, personal regards,

Joanne
"And I will give you a new heart
with new and right desires, and
I will put a new spirit in you."
-- Ezekiel 36:26