I think people have a certain image of me, that I am always (or mostly) bubbling over with bliss, oozing love and light and sprinkling glitter everywhere. Yes, that is a part of my persona, but there are other aspects since we contain multitudes. Someone responded to one of my posts on Facebook about boycotting the inauguration as a way of speaking out loud and clear that it is not acceptable to endorse bigotry and policies that endanger freedom and lives. I am sharing this, knowing that there are people reading these words who may have supported the candidate, while not considering the long-term impact of what might seem like expedient choices. My belief is that if we run our decisions through the filter of how they will impact the next seven generations, we are in sustainability, rather than destruction mode. What we think and do matters.

His response was: “You interviewed The Dalai Lama. I know you from the love you radiate. I am surprised you posted this. Not one of you (meaning friends who commented) has talked about taking 100% personal responsibility for your lives, thinking the government has control. Our lives are created by our thoughts. When each of us comes from a place of love and light, all the outside crap disappears, and we actually make a positive impact on the world.”

How I answered: “Radiating love IS what this is about, Richard. It doesn’t always look warm and fuzzy. Sometimes it needs to be Mama Bear fierce and protective. I am taking responsibility for my values and walking the talk. Love and light alone is not enough. Sometimes saying a loud and clear NO, this is not acceptable is what it takes. And BTW, the Dalai Lama gets angry. He told me so. He is not passive even though he is peaceful.”

The response from others who read the original post, was heartening: