(thanks to Elvis Costello for the title)

This weekend, I wish everyone peace. 

I want to remind myself (and anyone who reads this) that even if you don’t agree with someone, even if you don’t see eye to eye, even if your positions on a subject, or many subjects, are radically different, it doesn’t mean that you can’t care about them, that they don’t have the same right as you to be happy and have their thoughts and their friends and have good food to eat and a place to live and someone or (some bunny) who loves them. You can even smile at them and wish them well. And mean it. They’re someone’s mom or someone’s dad or somebody’s baby or somebody’s brother or sister or friend. They’re worthy of caring and kindness and compassion. And so are you. (So am I). Even if you/I get mad and frustrated. You’re not bad; they’re not bad. They’re not stupid because they don’t agree with me or see what I see. Just different. Just seeing things through a different lens. You/I can be frustrated with them and angry at them and still care about them. Care that they have what they need. 

And if I forget this in the heat of the moment, if I can take a deep breath into my heart, if I can allow myself to think of them as a member of my family (even if I don’t know them), I can remember to apologize for being rude or callous with them, and wish them well. (I’ve especially needed to remind myself of this lately). When I remember this, and respond to people with that sense that they are family, and that they are doing the best that they can, given the resources they have available to them at any given moment, often people respond with more kindness and compassion and willingness to hear my point of view. But definitely not always! And if they don’t, I don’t need to take it personally. (But I won’t let them take advantage of or abuse me. I don’t need, accept or deserve that! I can clearly set boundaries – always a good idea!) 

So I wish you (and myself) peace. 

Joyeuses Pâques, Chag Sameach (Happy Paseach/Passover), Happy Easter/Pascha, Felices Pasquas.  Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan), Happy Celebration of Eostre, the Goddess of Spring, or… whatever you celebrate. (Sorry If I missed something important to you. Please feel free to add yours). 

May you get to spend time communing with Nature and marvelling at the newness of life returning to the land, at the beautiful bird song filling the air, the scent and sight of new buds on the trees and blossoms and green appearing everywhere. May the increased light and warmth (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) lighten and warm your hearts. 

Wherever you live, whatever you think, whatever you do, I wish you peace. 

And Happy gardening, if you’re into that! 

         😀 🐣 ❤️ 🌷 ☀️ 🌱 🐇 😀 ❤️

P.S. Worms deserve peace, love and understanding too!