Cruelty and hatred outside make me stronger and better inside. That surprises me and sometimes confounds me: today, some more messages from good people with caring hearts.

It is the best way I’ve ever had to start the day. It’s fuel for my soul, medicine for the heart.

It reminds me every day that people are good. Every day, when those Amazon trucks arrive with food for the food pantry, or we send art supplies to high school kids, I am inspired by what humanity means and can be. Thanks for these messages. It truly reflects what social media could be and what is inside the hearts of so many human beings.  This is what we are and what we wish to be.

I think of Dracula fleeing wolfsbane in the story, when people do good, hatred retreats and diminishes every minute. Love and concern are contagious. We have the best kind of work to do. We are in good company, and there are more of us than you might think from watching what is called the news. Hatred rots away, love lives.

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The messages today:

D: Jon. Every word you write is a word I would write… if I had your talent to express so beautifully and succinctly. Thank you. It is a treasure to know I’m not the only one with these thoughts. Aging is a challenge, but each morning, I wake up thinking…I want to be a positive influence in someone’s life, just like you and Maria – love, caring, and concern. I hope that a straightforward smile may be contagious and will make someone else smile. Thanks.

A beautiful use of words and feelings, K , Thank you. You made me smile.

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K: I love starting my morning peacefully with your words and photos, Jon. It centers me and gets me excited to go outside (when the sun comes up) and enjoy our little slice of heaven. I loved your post on aging. It speaks of the effort and intention to stay connected as we age, to ebb and to flow with life rather than fighting it. I view retirement as an opportunity to explore all the things I didn’t have time for while working. I love my life, I’ve created connections with like-minded friends, I am making my art, I am physically active, and I am serving and loving my community. That feeling of connection is what literally warms my heart. Humans are meant to be pack animals – we need the pack to feel safe and loved, and to maintain a sense of purpose within it. Thank you for being part of my pack, Jon.

Back at cha, K.

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S: ooh……just lovely photos…….I don’t care what you call anything…..I want to savor them with my eyes and soul!

Beautiful, S, thank you.

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J: My wife’s hat says “Gulf of Mexico”—a small act of defiance here in NW Florida.

I love your spirit and your wife’s J, thanks. Small acts can make loud noises. There are many ways to fight back without resorting to fighting. I see it every day.

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Thanks to all of you. I start the day with a warm heart.