Most people have heard of ‘Happy Hour’ but how about the calm hour.
That hour, on sunrise or sunset, when light illuminates the beauty around us, when anything seems possible and everything feels right and balanced.
Now, more than ever, we need that calmness and balance in the world.
There are so many places where calmness seeps into the soul … where we feel connected to the earth and the light and beauty seems more pronounced.
Yet there’s also places where this isn’t the case.
I don’t want to bury my head in the sand or become oblivious to what’s happening in the world. We’re all connected and feel the pain and suffering of others.
Yet I prefer to focus on where peace and happiness is prevalent and help to spread that feeling.
Like here, on the pristine salt lake plains of Lake Hart in South Australia. This landscape felt surreal, in fact I’ve never felt such stillness and tranquility.
It was as though Mother Nature had taken a temporary nap.
Maybe we all need that, a bit of a wake up call to what’s important.
It’s easy in nature.
In the vast plains of outback Queensland the never ending horizon epitomised tranquility.
And on this pristine solitary beach in North Queensland the sands of time stood still and for a few blissful hours all was well with the world.
But you don’t need a vast salt lake or a remote beach to feel calm and it doesn’t have to be a certain hour of the day to slow down.
We can access peace and a state of calm anywhere, in our home, our office, in our busy lives. You can find your own calm in an hour … even if you only have five minutes.
Try it and see.
- Stop what you’re doing, right now, and take a deep breath.
- Close your eyes and count backwards from fifty, then …
- Let your body relax, loosen your jaw, soften your face, lower your shoulders, feel the tension drain away.
- Let it be. Don’t force anything, just know that all is well.
- And when you eventually open your eyes, smile. And breath.
Simple I know, but sometimes simple is best.
Just like water droplets on a leaf after rain, watching a river flow, losing yourself in music or patting your pet.
Maybe it’s a hug, savouring a steaming cup of coffee on a cold day or greeting the dawn sky that stirs your soul … the simple things in life are soothing and can lead us to our calm centre.
We just need to notice.
Be mindful, just breath.
Feel the calm that lies within you, it’s there.
After all, there’s nothing more natural than breathing
As I write this I’m into Day 32 of my 90 Day Change a Habit Challenge run by Wendy at Brilliance Within.
Slowly meditation has become part of my life, it’s no longer a chore and no longer something I wonder if I’m going to fit into my day.
It’s my calm hour, even though sometimes it’s only ten minutes in my day.
It’s become part of it. Just like every day that breaks, I can’t imagine it not being there.
Wishing you all a calm mind, a peaceful heart and the time to nourish it, whether it’s an hour or merely five minutes a day.
Breath deeply.
Be calm. Be well.
You deserve it.
In response to: Where’s my Backpack: Travel theme: Calm
and also sharing for Frank’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: Hour
The golden hour is my favourite time of day. Don’t know if I can call it the calm hour as with little ones in my life things are never calm!!
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Haha, fair enough Anne. I suppose we take what we can get hey?
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The only time I will see golden hour light in the next few months is on the weekend. It will be dark when I leave for work and dark when I leave for home.
Lovely photos.
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I remember those short days too well Khurt. Well, here’s to the weekend and finding our golden light when we can get it. 🙂
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That third shot is fantastic! The sky is so beautiful. 😊
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Aw, thanks. It really was. The salt on the lake floor reflected like colored glass and the sky was just amazing. 🙂✨
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Yep. It looks fantastic on film. Bet it was spectacular in person. 😃
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Oh, absolutely. If only I could have bottled it. 🙂✨
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You did. On film and in your mind. 😊
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True 🙂
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Lake Hart looks lovely. I really want to go there.
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It’s an amazing place Carol. If you ever get the chance to visit you’d love it. It was just one of those surreal places I’ll never forget. Even my son said the same.
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Great photos and a truly lovely post. Awesome 😊
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Thank you so much!
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Awe inspiring post, Miriam! The stunning photos with the meditate encouraging was exactly what I needed. Thank you soo very much. Our world has gorgeous beautiful we need to bring into our lives. Hugs and thanks! ❤️
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You’re very welcome Deanna. Thank you and wishing you a wonderful Friday and weekend. Hugs back 💜
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The morning hour has always been my favorite time of the day. It’s peaceful and it’s ‘my’ time.
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Absolutely! It’s a beautiful time of the day isn’t it Bernice. xo
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Beautiful 🙂
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Thanks Arlene. x
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Beautiful and inspirational as always!! Isn’t it amazing how mediation, that seemed to be a chore in the beginning, turns into something that’s as much as part of us as breathing. And the days that follow, how they change for the better and more and more positive and wonderful things flow into our life! Yes there are unimaginable events that take place that are quite disturbing and sad, but we need to keep that light bright and not let the darkness take over. I do have one question what is a “per”…stroking your per. Lol…I now it’s supposed to be pet…it made me smile and wonder what’s a per? I thought at first it might be Aussie slang for something…just teasing! Keep the beauty flowing my sweet friend…big peaceful hugs xo
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Haha, well firstly, thanks for picking up my typo, it’s fixed now. 🙂 And yes you’re right, meditating has definitely changed the way I look at things. I feel this ever so slight shift in my mindset which I’m really welcoming. Thank you my lovely friend, teasing and all, you keep me on my toes! Big hugs xo
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Hehe…I kinda like per!! 😉
It really is true that meditating makes a difference…glad you are feeling it too! Big per hugs xo
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Oh, you make me laugh! Big per hugs back xo 😏
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Hehe hugs 🙂 xo
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Oohh Miriam..thank you for sharing this….so much and so many happened lately that i find it difficult to be calm…ohhh…thank you..
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Oh I’m sorry to hear that Mich. Take care okay . Sending you big hugs and love from across the ocean. xo 💜
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I love sunrise and sunset and always try to take a moment to take them in, wherever I am in the world. I often think that dawn is even more still and calming than sunset a lot of the time – before the day has ‘come to life’ 🙂
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Absolutely, Rachel. Couldn’t agree more, especially when we’re away camping and I’m the only one awake, it feels like I have the world to myself. 🙂
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It’s such a great outlook to have Miriam. Being in that calm state is so beneficial, mentally and physically. X
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Absolutely! Can’t always be sustained but it sure makes the stressful times easier. Have a great weekend Lorelle. x
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You too lovely. It’s back to school next week for us so holidays are over for another 10 weeks!!! Will be doing the Christmas shopping soon! 😆
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Oh yes I know, I can’t think about Christmas just yet though. The year’s flying by way too fast.
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Lovely photographs. Excellent philosophical focus
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Thanks Derrick.
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I am in total agreement and observe calm hours. Your pictures are stunning-I especially love the salt lake plains one. I do not feel a bit guilty in turning the news off-What good is there to hear horrible tragedies that we can not fix or sometimes even help? I pray for this world and every precious soul on it. I help everytime I can, but still it is depleting to hear of sorrows. So restore, as you do. We just must.
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Thank you Michelle, why am I not surprised that you don’t feel guilty about turning the news off, just like me. I pray for this world too but also choose to focus on the good and the positive. Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope you have a happy weekend. x
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The photos are fabulous! Glad you’re making space in your day for a little oasis of calm, Miriam. Feels like it’s working well. 🙂 🙂
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Hi Jo, yes, the meditating daily really is making a difference. Hope you have a great weekend. 🙂 xo
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Nice photos of calmness. I liked the windmill silhouette.
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Thanks Frank. That was my daughter up there.
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Timely post, and great advice – love the windmill photograph, and the salt lake is stunning! Have a good weekend!
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Thanks PC. That was my outdoor loving daughter up the windmill and that salt lake, well it was very special. Wishing you a great weekend too.
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I love this Miri! I neeeeed this. We move in one week. ONE. Things are so hectic. I can’t wait to enjoy my new home and when I’m settled I will be practicing my calm hour….ok maybe 15 minutes but you get my drift. 😉 ❤
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So great to hear from you Nikki and to know that you’re back at A KinderWay. I’ve just left a couple of comments over there. Good luck with the move. Soooo excited for you. x 😊❤️
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Aaaaaah…
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Ommm …
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What a beautiful post, once again, Miriam. I love the way you write and describe things. Your post made me breathe deeper and look up, look at the fresh green of the bushes outside, the fresh yellow of the lemons. And it made me listen to the birds singing. Thank you 🙂
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What a lovely comment and beautiful reaction. Thank you so much Sandra. Hope you’ve enjoyed this glorious Saturday. 🙂
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Those are some breathtaking photos. If the camera lens could capture so much beauty, I can imagine how beautiful it must be to view all that in person. ❤ You’re right.. we need to let go and unwind before all of worries become too much for us to handle. A moment to take a deep breath and relax without anything weighing us down. I hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Shweta!
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Hi Shweta, thank you so much for your lovely comment. You’re right, all of that beauty in person was very special. How lucky we all are to live in this abundant world. Have a wonderful weekend yourself lovely lady. xo
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We’re all very fortunate, indeed. Take care, Miriam. ❤😊
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Lovely photos. We all need spaces of calm in our lives for sure!
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Yes. We do. Thanks for reading.
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Such a beautiful post, Miriam. The pictures, and the calming thoughts that come with them. Thanks, we needed this.
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Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed thIs. We all need it I think.
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Beatifual images. I have almost called refered to this moments as Gods stop signs , but I also love the term calmness hours may we all have more of them.
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Absolutely! Thank you.
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Love the idea of a Calm Hour Miriam, the world can be a noisy crazy place sometimes so any chance to slow it down is well worth the effort. We try and lead a calm life to be honest but doesn’t always work out.
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I know what you mean, it’s the same here. But as long as we try hey? Have a great Sunday. 🙂
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This is beautiful Miriam with gorgeous photos to match. ❤
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Thanks so much Maverick
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I definitely need to practice the calm hour more often. I tried your tips and realised I can’t count backwards! lol. The other tips worked beautifully. 🙂 Love your writing (so soothing) and your pictures make me want to go with you. Hope you’re having a wonderful, wonderful weekend my friend! Long holidays will finally come to an end tomorrow. xo
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Calm hour is great. Well done in mediating and bring it into your life. Super well done on day 35 of Wendy’s 90 day challenge.
Love the post and pictures and tips. Very calming.
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Thanks Bella. Must admit I’m really enjoying it now and it just feels so much a part of my day. Your meditations are part of it too so thank you. xo
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Excellant !
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beautiful shots sweetie. I really like the last one. 🙂
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Aw thanks Jim. Glad you liked them. 🙂
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Wow, some of those photos look like they could have been taken in heaven, as if you’re floating over the clouds. Such beauty! I felt calmer just looking at them. Thanks for the reminder to breathe.
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Aw Kim, I’m glad you enjoyed this, and that it gave you some calm, thank you. Hope you’re well. x
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This is just what I needed to read tonight. I’m going to work on being more mindful and peaceful this week. Last week was really hard (Vegas shooting) and I want/need to feel calm and at peace. So thank you for this Miriam! I actually stopped to do my deep breathing exercises while reading your post 🙂 Take care, and have a wonderful week!
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Aw Jenny, I’m so glad if this helped you in any way. Sometimes it’s really hard, with everything that’s going on in the world, to switch off and regain our inner calm. But I think it’s so important. Take care and I hope you have a good week too. xo
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Thank you Miriam! xo
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You’re welcome. xo
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Another beautiful calm post Miriam, your photo’s are wonderful. Thank you.
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You’re very welcome Barbara, thanks so much. Hope you’re having a lovely week. xo
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As I read through your post I could see myself in the places that you described. By the end of this post I actually felt relaxed. Great writing!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Thank you for a wonderful comment.
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Very calming. Thanks for sharing a few minutes of peace and stillness. We all need time with nature in these troubled times.
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We certainly do Ruth. Hope you’re well.
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What a wonderful idea ! And so many practical ways of doing so. Your writing and photo epitomize peace & calm. Thankful for your blog. And you! 🍃💚
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What a lovely comment, thank you so much Andrea. Wishing you a wonderful week. 🌷💕
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😊😊😘
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Oh what a beautiful post. I actually do feel calmer for reading it. Thanks again for the shout out to the challenge!! I took my deep breaths and smiled… As for those photographs of the salt lake – they really are mesmorising…. it really looks like heaven on earth!
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Thanks Wendy, glad my post made you smile and feel a bit calmer. Mission accomplished! As for that salt lake, it really was the most amazing place. I’ve never experienced anything like that sunset on the lake floor. Heaven on earth is just what it felt like. Big hugs xo
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Thanks so much Miriam.. a truly inspired post! Many hugs xxx
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Love the first photo Miriam 🙂 A good all round read as well
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Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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Everyone one should have a ‘Calm Hour’ at least once a day! Would love to see the salt flats in SA, looks amazing!
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Lake Hart was surreal Lexa. You’d so love it!
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I have to get a 4WD, Bugsy just won’t take me to some places! haha
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Go for it!!
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I did ‘go for it’ and had to be towed out by friendly travellers several times!!! haha Hence the need for a 4WD! haha
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Yep, definitely sounds to me that you need your own 4WD!!!
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Beautiful, the morning sky reflected in water.
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Thanks so much!
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These are fantastic shots with a beautiful post that simply exudes calm and peace. We all deserve happiness and working towards it is not a wasted effort.
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It definitely isn’t. Thanks Jacque!
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I never knew Australia had a salt lake!! I visited Utah a few years ago and had a wonderful time walking around inside the salt lake in Salt Lake City.
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Hi Khurt, we’ve actually got a number of salt lakes here in Australia. This one, which was fairly large, was tiny in comparison to Lake Eyre.
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My wife and I plan to visit one day.
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You’ll love it.
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Lake Hart is definitely a place I want to see one day, it looks so magical and peaceful. Fabulous photos!! This post was just what I needed, Miriam. I am going to work at making time for a ‘calm hour’ daily as well, and just breathe. You are lovely! 😘
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Aww, thanks Tanya. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Wishing you a calm and peaceful day ahead. Big hugs my lovely friend xo 🙂
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Oh Miriam, I feel we are somewhat connected. I too have been focusing on stillness lately, taking opportunities to just savour the simple and honour my heart and soul with timeless experiences. Thank you for sharing this magical post full of beauty and wisdom. I did the meditation too – so simple yet powerful! Have a wonderful Sunday Miriam – much love to you my friend ❤ xx
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Hello beautiful woman, I’ve literally just finished my evening meditation now so how lovely to find all your comments here. Yes, stillness and time to just “be” is making such a difference in my days lately. So glad that you’re also experiencing this. Thank you lovely. Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend. Big hugs xo ❤️
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Beautiful Miriam, that warms my heart 🙏🏻💗 thank you ☺️ I have just finished listening to a Ho’oponono meditation (you can find them on YouTube) – it’s a beautiful, simple yet profound Hawaiian prayer for forgiveness! Sending you much peace and joy gorgeous lady 😍❤️😘 love and hugs xx
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That sounds beautiful Hayley. I’ll have to look it up next time I’m on YouTube. Thanks for that. Big hugs xo 💕
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Beautiful pictures. Thanks.
Happy New Year!
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Thank you. Happy new year to you as well. 🙂
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