Today’s Poem: Dawn Song by George William A. E. Russell

Dawn Song

George William A. E. Russell

WHILE the earth is dark and grey
How I laugh within. I know
In my breast what ardours gay
From the morning overflow.

Though the cheek be white and wet        
In my heart no fear may fall:
There my chieftain leads and yet
Ancient battle trumpets call.

Bend on me no hasty frown
If my spirit slight your cares:        
Sunlike still my joy looks down
Changing tears to beamy airs.

Think me not of fickle heart
If with joy my bosom swells
Though your ways from mine depart,        
In the true are no farewells.

What I love in you I find
Everywhere. A friend I greet
In each flower and tree and wind—
Oh, but life is sweet, is sweet!        

What to you are bolts and bars
Are to me the arms that guide
To the freedom of the stars,
Where my golden kinsmen bide.

From my mountain top I view:        
Twilight’s purple flower is gone,
And I send my song to you
On the level light of dawn.

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Today’s Thought: It’s Why I Wear Earplugs

The voices they’re all around us. They tell us we can’t do it. They tell us we’re foolish. They demand we listen to them if we know what is good for us. That’s why I wear earplugs. I won’t listen to naysayers. I won’t listen to people who are doom and gloom. I look for sunrises and rainbows. So what if I fail. It won’t be the first time and it won’t be the last. I’ll keep on trying. I’ll wave to the voices as I pass on by. Let’s live with hope. Let’s live with optimism. Let’s live with a vigor and vitality that refuses to quit.

Today’s Poem: A Song of Hope by Felicia Dorothea Hemans

A Song of Hope

Felicia Dorothea Hemans

Droop not, my Brother! I hear a glad strain—
We shall burst forth like streams from the winter-night’s chain;
A flag is unfurl’d, a bright star of the sea,
A ransom approaches, we yet shall be free!

Where the pines wave, where the light chamois leaps,
Where the lone eagle hath built on the steeps,
Where the snows glisten, the mountain rills foam,
Free as the falcon’s wing, yet shall we roam.

Where the hearth shines, where the kind looks are met,
Where the smiles mingle, our place shall be yet!
Crossing the desert, o’ersweeping the sea,
Brother, brave Brother! we yet shall be free!

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Today’s Quote: Another Day is Coming, Don’t Quit

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope. ~ Bernard Williams

Today’s Thought: Attitude Matters

I’m an early riser. By 5:30 a.m. I’m doing pushups, stretching, and core exercises. I’ve always been an early riser. I get excited for the day. Each day is like a birthday present that I can’t wait to unwrap. Some days I’d like to take to the exchange counter, but they are the rare ones. Most days turn out to be exactly what I hoped for. Attitude makes a big differences in how one feels and how things seem to turn out.

Today’s Poem: Crosses and Troubles by William Ernest Henley

Crosses and Troubles

William Ernest Henley

Crosses and troubles a-many have proved me.
One or two women (God bless them) have loved me.
I have worked and dreamed, and I’ve talked at will.
Of art and drink I have had my fill.
I’ve comforted here, and I succoured there.
I’ve faced my foes, and I backed my friends.
I’ve blundered, and sometimes made amends.
I’ve prayed for light, and I’ve known despair.
Now I look before, as I look behind,
Come storm, come shine, whatever befall,
With a grateful heart and a constant mind,
For the end I know is the best of all.

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Today’s Poem: A Song of Hope by Felicia Dorothea Hemans

A Song of Hope

Felicia Dorothea Hemans

Droop not, my Brother! I hear a glad strain—
We shall burst forth like streams from the winter-night’s chain;
A flag is unfurl’d, a bright star of the sea,
A ransom approaches, we yet shall be free!

Where the pines wave, where the light chamois leaps,
Where the lone eagle hath built on the steeps,
Where the snows glisten, the mountain rills foam,
Free as the falcon’s wing, yet shall we roam.

Where the hearth shines, where the kind looks are met,
Where the smiles mingle, our place shall be yet!
Crossing the desert, o’ersweeping the sea,
Brother, brave Brother! we yet shall be free!

Source

Today’s Quote: It Will Get Better

There is something in the human spirit that will survive and prevail, there is a tiny and brilliant light burning in the heart of man that will not go out no matter how dark the world becomes. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Today’s Poem: Hope by Mary Baker Eddy

Hope

Mary Baker Eddy

Tis borne on the zephyr at eventide’s hour;
    It falls on the heart like the dew on the flower,–
    An infinite essence from tropic to pole,
    The promise, the home, and the heaven of Soul.

    Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower,
    And loosens the fetters of pride and of power;
    It comes through our tears, as the soft summer rain,
    To beautify, bless, and make joyful again.

    The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time;
    A rainbow of rapture, o’erarching, divine;
    The God-given mandate that speaks from above,–
    No place for earth’s idols, but hope thou, and love.

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Finding Light in the Darkness: Hope and Healing Through Grief – Episode 109

Welcome to Episode 109 of “Journey from Grief to Healing” with Dr. Ray Calabrese. In this episode, Dr. Ray delves into the profound feelings of loneliness and despair that accompany the loss of a loved one. Drawing inspiration from Walter D. Lamar’s poignant poem “Alone,” he explores the metaphorical ‘winter’ that engulfs those who grieve.

Dr. Ray discusses the importance of shifting focus from inward pain to outward connection, using analogies to illustrate the healing process. He emphasizes the role of patience and hope, quoting insightful thoughts from Daniel Goleman and Father Henri Nouwen .

Listeners are encouraged to embrace the light of hope and patience, guiding them from the darkness of grief to the light of healing. Join Dr. Ray as he offers comforting words and practical advice to help you navigate your journey of grief and find renewed joy in life.

If you find this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend and subscribe for future episodes. Visit Dr. Ray’s’ blog at dancingalone530.com for more positive and uplifting content. Have a story of hope and strength to share? Email Dr. Ray at ray.brese@gmail.com.

Stay strong, never quit, and remember: love always wins.

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