Lost and Found – From darkness to light

Posted on by Miriam

It was the news that everything wanted and had prayed for and that we eventually woke up to on Wednesday 3rd November. Four year old Cleo had been found, alive and well, after 18 days of being missing in West Australia.

The Blowholes area where little Chloe went missing. We were there barely a week before.

It was a post by fellow blogger Ann from Muddling through my Middle Age called Lost and Found, that inspired me to write this post. In hers Ann describes losing and then mysteriously finding her wedding ring, when she’d thought all was lost. Here’s what I wrote in my response to her:

“Beautifully said Ann. And I’m so glad you found your wedding ring. I must admit that the first thing I thought of as I read your post was the news that police had finally found little Cleo Smith, more than two weeks after she’d been abducted here in West Australia. I’m not sure if you’d heard of her case … Was it a miracle or sheer persistence that enabled her to be found. We may never know but I’m forever grateful and I’m sure her family are too and it’s proof that when we do things together miracles happen. 🙏”

And indeed miracles DO happen. However what I’ve realised is that these outcomes involve hard work, determination, an unwavering willingness to sift through all the evidence and meticulously scouring every bit of the story. What I believe too is that there’s another factor at play, the sheer unity consciousness of every single person who held the same desire and hope. Her story was shared around Australia and I have no doubt that millions collectively prayed for an outcome where she was safely found. And she was.

The power of community spirit

Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” Jack Layton

So yes, miracles happen. But we need awareness too. We need to know and see the darkness first. How many children go missing throughout Australia and the world every year and sadly are never found? Most are never given the widespread media coverage that little Cleo received. Many just disappear mysteriously. I honestly believe that when there’s awareness and the collective consciousness combines with the same focus and intent, that’s when things manifest. That’s when changes occur and positive results are possible.

And so it is with our world. It’s become so very dark and uncertain with this slow but insidious coercion by government leaders, the division and fear that’s been perpetrated and the physiological mind games that’s kept us in the dark and pondering what freedom really is. Now slowly the veils are being lifted, truths are coming to light and we’re seeing the start of massive crumbling of systems as well as a change in the way of life as we knew it.

It’s not been an easy process watching all that’s unfolded over the past eighteen months. We’re living in evolving times and life can’t go back to how it was. Do we really want it to?

The world needs less heat and more light. It needs less of the heat of anger, revenge, retaliation, and more of the light of ideas, faith, courage, aspiration, joy, love and hope.” —Wilfred Peterson.

If the past eighteen months has taught us anything it’s that our priorities have shifted. It’s brought to light what’s important in our life, it’s taught us to value the simple things, each other, how important unity and community is, how kindness can create a ripple effect that can bring about miracles.

It’s taught us that love conquers fear.

My daughter Tash and her foal Poppy and mum Decky. New life, new purpose, new love

Fellow blogger and psychology professor Dr Andrea Dinardo describes it so well in her article on The Drive Magazine. She says;

“Small Gestures Energize

This year I am reminded how small gestures energize big time. Be it a high five. A wide smile. A kind word …. . Because beginnings have their own ticker parades. And endings take care of themselves.

It’s in the middle of a challenge where we need positive energy the most.”

We recently visited the Stockgully Caves on the Coral Coast, not far from Jurien Bay and Milligan Island where we camped for a few days. It was a cool, silent, awe inducing walk for 300 metres, deep into the ancient limestone cave. There we turned off our torch and were plunged into absolute darkness to experience the full effect. It was incredible but I have to admit that I was slightly unnerved.

But, as I wrote on my Insta reel recently, “ We have to face the darkness in order to move beyond the shadow. Hold the light. It’s time to be brave and it’s time to shine bright”.

With our torch we walked through the cave and came out the other end, into the light. .

Our four month journey around Australia has evolved into much more than simply a road trip. There have been detours, distractions, signs, synchronicities, opportunities and people we’ve met that have changed its course. We’re currently living in the coastal town of Kalbarri, which is still recovering from the cyclone earlier this year. We’re working at a caravan park on weekends, with five days free to travel locally. It’s like a reversal of the way we’ve been conditioned to live. It’s early days and a temporary situation but for now it feels right.

Suffice to say this trip has made both me and the hubby take stock of everything that’s important, it’s brought us back to basics and allowed us to live life even more fully in the moment.

What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.

A.A. Milne

It’s something we can all do, wherever we are. So, here’s a question, are you living the life you want? Or are you living in fear? Because life is way too short to waste being afraid. The energy we expend is better used to imagine a world we want to create. So long as you harm no one and live in your integrity and morals, all of us are free to live any way we wish. Your choice is your freedom. So be free to love, to dream, to play, to give and to live fully.

May we never lose hope and always know that no matter how dark it gets the light, one way or another, always wins. Good conquers and God wins. But we need to keep our eyes and our heart wide open to allow the light to come through the cracks.

Keep shining your light. Connect and Shine. Shine and connect Together we’re powerful.

Miriam xx

You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.
Henry David Thoreau

52 thoughts on “Lost and Found – From darkness to light”

        1. It certainly is Brad. The msm has always focused largely on the gloom of the world, but there’s so much good out there. That’s what we need to focus on. 💙

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  4. That’s wonderful to hear about Cleo! After the sudden passing of two co-workers this week, your post certainly hits home with questions we should all ask ourselves. Thank you for your beautiful reminder, Miriam. Love the photos! xo

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  5. What a wonderful news Miriam..I am happy to read this.
    I really feel the warmth of your post. This is actually what we all need at this time more than anything else. Compassion is such a big thing.
    I´m glad I found your post in my feed today.
    Sending you warm wishes from Germany.

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  6. Australia certainly sighed a collective sigh when little Cleo was found! Thank goodness all those working on her disappearance never gave up hope of a positive outcome. Finding her reminds us all not to give up too soon and to remain hopeful when all seems lost.

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    1. Hi Frank, I totally agree with you. Like you, I believe that most people in this world have a good heart and good intentions. Efforts in finding Cleo were testament to that. Have a great weekend.

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  11. Wasn’t the news on Wednesday morning just mind blowingly amazing! And sad though the whole thing was, little Cleo actually looked like she’d been cared for quite well, in some crazy mixed up way. I suspect her captor has a very sad story too, not that I usually have any sympathy for the perpetrators of crime. This time though there’s just something that tells me he may be a lot crazy, in a sad, pathetic way. Im just so overjoyed that Cleo has come through this ordeal seemingly with no physical harm, and smiling. I’m so pleased her Captor didn’t panic, and do what others have done to hide their crime. I think it’s that, that’s giving me an element of sympathy for him.
    Loved your torch quote – it actually made me tear up a little.
    A 2/5 working week sounds ideal. Having now been retired for sometime I really sympathise with anyone working a 5/2 week. How do they fit anything else in.

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    1. I agree Chris. Waking up to the news that Cleo had been found unharmed and safe was absolutely amazing. I must admit I haven’t watched any interviews or seen any post news reports so I can’t really comment on his state of mind. But needless to say that anyone who takes a child has to have some serious problems with issues of their own. Yes, sad maybe and it’s good to have compassion but I’m just glad Cleo came through this unharmed.
      Just finished the first of our “two day working week” and I must say I love this new normal. It’s physically exhausting but makes the down time even more rewarding. 😊

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  12. First of all, thanks for mentioning my blog! But mostly, thanks for your inspiring words. As Cleo’s story proves, good things can indeed happen when many of us join forces to work together for good. We are indeed moving through different and challenging times, and trying to find our way back to some sort of normal. How good that normal will be really is up to us: we can stay frightened, waiting for the next disaster to strike, or we can use the past year or two to reassess how we’re living our lives and move toward the kind of life we actually want. Your travels and your attitude are a light to so many of us! Thanks for sharing….seriously, thanks!

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    1. Thank you Ann, it really is true. Now, more than ever, we have a chance to create our own reality. As you say, we can choose to stay frightened and forever waiting for outside influences to dictate what we can and can’t do, or we can trust our own intuition and decide to live life on our terms. We don’t have to stay locked in patterns of the past. I hope that more people come to realise that. Stay well. x

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  13. What a post, Miriam!! Lately you pack SO much into one I honestly don’t know where to start with my comment. I too am seeing a turn around and it just makes me feel great JOY. Yes when we UNITE and commit to a common goal that is where the real power is. When we use our Mind to create our lives yet letting go at the same time for Spirit (Universe) to step in to bring beyond our dreams reality, that is where the real magic begins. The beauty in people and the power we possess is little by little becoming known. Truth little by little is being dripped out to the world yet there too, so many are ignoring it. To experience true Source in all of our lives and to be able to reach out to others with only Compassion high in our hearts, is what being human is all about. When I bump into someone on the same wavelength as me my heart just cries for JOY. Your post is so encouraging, so uplifting, filled with such purity and Love. This is a mere reflection of you, dear friend. And when you spoke of those caves, I understood explicitly for I’ve traveled in those caves within. Yet when we face the darkness we become more of who we are when we understand we have the ability to change that darkness into Light. Wow. Your posts just keep on getting better. I’m so proud of you for not compromising who you are, no matter the resistance. Sending much Love to you!!! xoxoxoxo

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    1. Oh my, thank you so much Amy, for seeing what’s in my heart and reading deeply into my post, for that’s what I intended. But you’re right, many aren’t willing to see or to go deeper, but that’s ok for each has their own journey. Like you when I meet someone in person on the same wavelength I’m ecstatic. Our numbers are rising and people’s eyes, minds and hearts are slowly being opened. Truly it’s an extraordinary time to be here and for that I’m so grateful.
      Thank you again dear friend, for your kind words, your resonance and your love. Feeling it all from afar and sending a heap of warm hugs and love back your way. xxxx

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  14. “. I honestly believe that when there’s awareness and the collective consciousness combines with the same focus and intent, that’s when things manifest.”

    I believe this, too. Such an uplifting post, Miriam. Your courage to live a life of freedom during these oppressive times is such an inspiration. It is possible to break free. And once the decision is made it’s really not that difficult.

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  15. Beautifully said Miriam, you are an example of living the life you want and just going for it. Love catching up with your travels this way. We were all so happy to know Cleo was safe and to think you’d been to those blowholes just beforehand too!

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  18. Miriam, you, VJ, and Dr. Garland are the three authors that continue to draw me back to word press. And Brad too! I have been wavering in my commitment to writing on word press over the past few months and then I reach in and find this gem. YOU AND YOUR LOVE knows no bounds. 1) thank you for sharing my words 2) thank you for sharing the journey of the pain, suffering, and joy of finding Cleo. “Lost and Found – From darkness to light” is how I feel every time I visit your site. I am so incredibly GRATEFUL FOR YOU xoxo

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    1. I have tears in my eyes as I read your words Andrea, but they’re tears of appreciation, love and gratitude. I’m so glad you found my post and that you continue to return to WordPress because it wouldn’t be the same without you, your contagious smile and your positivity. Thank you for your beautiful words here and for being you. I’m grateful for you as well. xxx

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  19. congrats on finding a good work/life balance, you two would bring so many skills to a van park, ideal!

    So many profound insights in this post Miriam, I can feel the joy bubbling from you! Great quotes and pics 🙂

    Finding young Cleo was a remarkable miracle and motivated police to take a reinvigorated relook into young William, spider man boy. Police looked very closely at his family of origin with good reason but completely ignored that families warning that the foster family were more likely to have done this. Finally they are reviewing that and at least there maybe closure … now for all our first nation missing children …

    But you are so right, we must choose how we live and living in fear gets us nowhere!

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    1. Oh, I do hope they have a breakthrough in finding William. So many children, so much heartache and lack of closure, it must be heartbreaking for the families. We can only pray …
      As for us, yes we’re happy Kate, life can be extraordinary if you date to step out of the mainstream. Thanks so much for your kind words, always appreciate it. Sending lots of love your way. xx 😊

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    1. You’re very welcome Zeenat. Thanks for your kind words and yes indeed, it was miraculous news about Cleo, such a happy ending. Have a wonderful weekend. xx

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  21. Indeed dear Miriam… Miracles DO happen… and so grateful that we see them when they do… Beautiful post and images dear Miriam… I have thought of you alot and what Australia is experiencing at the present moment… But I do believe in Miracles… And I am holding your Nation, your people and the indigenous tribes people in my heart along with many more in seeing that Miracle take form… In its transformation..

    My first day back in the blogging community since July …. So good to see your smiling face dear Miriam…. Sending you a huge huge from a snowy UK…

    Keep smiling on your travels my friend…
    Love and Blessings sent from my heart to yours..
    Sue ❤ x

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    1. Hello dear Sue, how wonderful to receive your message. My phone was damaged and lost last week and d so I’ve been off the grid myself, losing all my contacts, photos and many apps so it’s nice to reconnect. Thank you for keeping my nation in your prayers. I do believe we’re on the tipping point of a transformation and our new earth is looming. Staying strong and keeping the faith over here. Sending you so much love and big hugs in return dear friend. Take care and welcome back to WP. xx ❤️

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