I look at my world and believe in good. In kindness and compassion, forgiveness and love. In the midst of a world that’s full of sadness and hate, senseless violence and acts of brutality I have to believe in not just a beautiful world but a good one.
Where kindness and compassion can over ride violent acts. I don’t like to watch the world news, not because I want to be oblivious to what’s happening in other parts of the world, but because in many cases there’s nothing I can do.
But here in my own world there is something I can do. I can practice my own form of kindness. I can spread joy, even if it sometimes seems tiny. I can practice daily random acts of kindness by sharing, giving, caring and forgiving.
I can be grateful. And when things get hard I can be strong and resilient. These tree trunks seem to stretch to the sky finding light beyond and we can all be like that.
We can refuse to let the darkness overwhelm our light. Whether it’s on the road, out in the streets, in our work or in our home, let’s never give up on kindness.
That’s when we see the beauty of life, all around us. A beauty that I’ve always tried to instill in my children. And a respect and love for all living things and for all of nature.
I know I’ve posted this picture before but to me this picture of Harry looking out of the window epitomises hope. The way he’s enjoying the wind in his hair, the sunset and the moment really says it all. Dogs totally love life and live in the moment.
I hope we can all continue to look up in the world. To have a positive outlook. Even when we feel down and discouraged, when worries take hold, when we feel a heavy heart and a day seems to lack purpose, let’s keep looking for the brightness.
It might be the smallest thing that changes our perspective. Like seeing a flock of birds flying in the sky, flowers blooming, a kind smile given by a stranger, a door held open, an unexpected phone call brightening our day, a light moment shared.
Let’s look out for those light moments and find the joy in life.
After all, laughter and love is the soul’s best medicine. Just ask Merlin and my hubby. They both make me smile.
May we all continue to live a hopeful life. To love hard, laugh loud, live passionately and make the most of every moment with the ones we love.
Just as the sun always comes up, there’s always hope. So long as we look up.
This is in response to The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge – Look Up
Thank you for this inspiration Miriam.Like you, I found bliss everytime I looked up through the tall greens & trees towering above me,reminding myself to be grateful and just find happiness in simple things..Lovely posts..please write more such as these.
Sending you warm vibes 🙂
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I just read your Field of Dreams post and loved it. Seems you and I share the same love of nature. Thanks for your kind words here. xo
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You’re welcome Miriam!
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Thanks for posting. Keep your head to the sky!🔆
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I will. Thanks for dropping by Nat.
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What a beautiful post (scattered with such wonderful photos – each one brought a smile to my face) 🙂 yes – there is always hope and if we each spread our own loving kindness and light – the world reflects that back to us … Thank you for sharing such beautiful words and images Miriam xx
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You’re most welcome Hayley and you’re right about each of us spreading our own kindness. Hope you have a great week ahead. xo
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Thank you Miriam – you too! xx
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Yes, Miri, I think you are right! There is still so much more goodness than evil in the world. We must not forget that! xo
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Sounds like something Max would say in Get Smart! 🙂
But you’re right Diane, and we shouldn’t forget it. xo
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I don’t think I’ve ever been compared to Max Smart before lol
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Beautiful photographs and well- written essay on hope and kindness
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Thanks so much, appreciate you dropping by.
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I love where you took the theme of this photo challenge. The photographs were perfect, too. I especially loved the picture of you crouching at the bottom of the waterfall and the photo of your husband and Merlin. Hope and joy and laughter. Yes! We need those things. Without them, there is no peace, or forgiveness, or healing, or reconciliation, or growth, or learning, or progress. Hoping you have a blessed and beautiful week, my friend. ☀️
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So true Lulu. We need all of that and more in this crazy world today. Hope you’re well and you also have a lovely week ahead. Hugs to you. xo
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I love the photo of the dog hanging out the vehicle window. Dogs know about joy.
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Oh they do, especially Harry. He lives for car rides and cuddles.
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Excellent. Love the photos!
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Thanks Wendy.
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Hi Miriam, you often post the ‘look up’ photos in your blog. When I saw this WP-Challenge, your name came in my mind at first. So, l was waiting for your post. I don’t know will you believe or not. But, it’s true. This post is awesome. Very nicely you put your thoughts with these lovely photos. I liked every photos, especially the tree trunks and the flock of birds.
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Oh that’s such a nice thing to say, that you thought of me, thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the photos. 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo
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My pleasure.😃
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Beautifully said and wonderfully illustrated. I especially like the photo with the birds.
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Thanks Tina.
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I love, love, love this post! Thank you so much for sharing this. 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful day, Miriam! 🙂
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Thanks Brenda. My week has just begun here in Melbourne. Hope you have a great one. xo
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Same to you, Miriam. 🙂
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absolutely beautiful. I agree with you about limiting the tragedy as I can not bear it. I instead, as you practice, concentrate on what I can do. I enjoyed your post-lovely pictures.
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Thanks. Yes, I agree about limiting the bad news intake, it doesn’t do anyone any good. Have a great week ahead.
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A lot of fun, Miriam :))
By the way, my mother name is Hope 🙂
All the best ❤
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Really? How beautiful. xo
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Yes 🙂
Hugs ❤
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Refusing to let the darkness overwhelm our light is a great way to think. I love that. We must continue to look up and stay positive. One day at a time, one smile at a time. Great post, Miriam. ❤
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Yes, it’s too easy to let the gloomy days take over (at least sometimes it is for me) but I’m learning. As you said Karen, “one day at a time, one smile at a time”. Thank you my friend. xo
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❤
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This is absolutely perfect!!! Never stop seeing the beauty and goodness around 💛
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Thanks so much!
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This is beautiful. The photos and the sentiment are gorgeous. I have always loved looking up. A lot of my photos are of treetops, clouds, sun streaking through pines… It IS different perspective and it’s wonderful. I wish I had as much hope as you do. I often let the darkness overwhelm the light. This is a difficult thing for me. So thank you for this beauty. ❤
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Hi Sarah, thanks for your kind words. I must admit sometimes the hope dims but I try and pick myself up, nothing good can come from staying in a bleak place … Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
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Very nice sentiments. I share your ideals of starting at home.
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Thanks!
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Beautiful Miriam photos and words of wisdom. I love the last one too! Practicing kindness is so important in today’s world.
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It sure is Nicole. Have a wonderful week ahead my friend. xo
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Loving both the photos and the sentiments, really needed this tonight. And you are right about Harry and dogs, it’s very windy over here tonight and I’ve just stood with Harvey in the garden and all he wanted to do was sit and look up a the starry sky and feel the wind in his fur ..
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Aren’t they just amazing. They pick up every sight and every sound …
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Loved this so much Miri!!! 😊
Very well-written, very inspiring and poetic! The photos gave the sense of hope & bliss, especially your dog, horse & hubby are living in ‘the moment.’
In such difficult times all we can do is spread the hope & love. I do believe that it reaches the people who need it the most.
Thanks for sharing your happiness!
Miri💋
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So glad you enjoyed it Miri. I agree that spreading hope and love is the least we can do in this difficult world.
Have a wonderful week ahead. xo 🙂
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As soon as I saw Harry I knew this would be good. 🙂
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Oh, I think you must be his number one fan! 🙂
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Oh I love the one with the trees! Amazing shot! And you are so right – we can try to be like that, looking up, looking Heavenward.
I love the one with your husband and the horse both grinning for the camera – too funny!
I agree with you about the news. I know it’s a broken world, and that there are broken people in it, and that bad things are happening. Watching the news sometimes feel like having my face rubbed in it. Too many people angry about too many things. A kind word softens anger. There is power in kindness.
*hugs* ❤
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I so agree. There’s bad news everywhere and you’re right, when we turn on the news it just feels like we’re getting our faces rubbed in it. It’s finding a balance between needing to know and when we can make a difference.
Stay well dear friend, hope things are happy in your world. xo
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You too, hon! *hugs* ❤
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Very inspirational and lovely images!!
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Thank you so much!
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I loved this, Miriam! Especially the sentence about not letting the darkness overwhelm our light. Although I have to admit that the photo of the horse made me laugh!
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Haha Thanks Ann, I couldn’t resist putting that one in, Merlin’s such a character. My daughter taught him to smile! 🙂
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Another great post Miriam…your photos and content had my full attention. Hope your week is going well.
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Thanks Kim. Today’s going to be a freezing day here in Melbourne but other than the weather, yes, my week’s going well. Hope yours is too. Cheers.
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We’ve got a warmer day here – expected temp of 25. Woohoo! Yes, mine is fine, thank you.
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Sounds lovely, enjoy. 🙂
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Stunning, Miriam. Thank you for this. ❤
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You’re most welcome Sandra! xo
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I think we all need to be reminded of this. Thank you Miriam. ❤
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My pleasure Nikki. xo
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I can’t tell you enough how much I love this post!
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Thank you so much!
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Really going to enjoy your work- thank you, needed that.
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I’m so glad, thank you!
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I love the photos especially the one with your hubby and Merlin. I can’t help but smile, and the whole post? Awesome!
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Aww, you’re so kind Amy, thanks. xo
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Miriam, a lovely and inspiring post. Your photos are fabulous, I especially like the one of Harry. “Dogs totally love life and live in the moment.” They do, so true. Wishing you a wonderful day. ~ Mia
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Thanks Mia, so happy you’re here. Have a lovely day yourself. xo
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You’re welcome Miriam. Thank you for the kind wishes. xo
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I love the positiveness of this post Miriam, you have a lovely way of putting things. Keep looking up!
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Thanks Debbie, I appreciate that a lot.
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Miriam , I’m reading this beautiful post of yours on July 14th after Nice (it’s actually July 15 by now) ; and I’m so glad I am because it is so full of hope and goodwill 🙂
Turtle Hugs
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Our world needs it right now. Hugs back to you Turtle. xo
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Hope we never lose the will to keep hoping.. A lovely post – thankyou! x
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I hope not too Wendy. Thanks for stopping by and for the follow, lovely to meet you. xo
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Loved this Miriam! Beautiful post!
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Thanks Lili.
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A perfect message for all of us, especially in these dark and sad days.
Thank you, and amazing photos ❤️
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Thank you Davide, I appreciate your kind words. xo
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Hey, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, excellent blog!
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Lovely post Miriam. The photo’s are beautiful and Merlin and your husband made me smile for ages. I too have abandoned news hour, not just because of the negative content but because I feel manipulated by the media.They show me what they want me to see, not what I want to see. It’s a choice. I so agree with you that above all else, “Kindness Matters,” we live in a world full of wonder. As human’s, we spoil so much of what is truly beautiful. My mission is to do what I can, which may not be much in the scheme of things, but it is what I can do, and it matters.
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What a wonderful comment Barbara. It all matters, all the little things and trickles of kindness that have a flow on affect. And we can all do that, just as you are. Have a great day.
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I liked the photo looking directly up into those tall trees.
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Thanks Frank. I like that one too.
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Fabulous post and photos …… 🙂
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Thanks Judith, appreciate that … 🙂
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