Questions & Conversations

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Hi Everyone,

As I was preparing for Irma’s impending arrival, I started to ask myself questions– What really matters to me? What do I cherish? What will I save if there’s a flood? Who is worried about me that I need to reassure? Who should I add to my prayer list?

Throughout the long, dark, scary night of the storm, and the challenging eight days without power, air conditioning, phones & internet which followed– these questions evolved into a conversation I’ve been having with myself.

It’s a conversation about soul-growth, resiliency and keeping hope in my heart. About Perspective & Positivity & looking for the blessing in every situation.

It’s a conversation about using my talents to make a difference in the world. About seeking connection to something greater than myself.

It’s a conversation about dedication, integrity and compassion. About reaching out in love and seeing a spark of holiness in every living thing.

It’s about community.

It’s about gratitude.

It’s about LOVE.

It’s a conversation I plan to continue– and I invite you to join me in digging deep to determine your core values, and then letting those values shine through your actions. Feel free to share your thoughts on this by leaving a comment.

For the hundreds of people who expressed concern, THANK YOU for your prayers and supportive messages; they mean a lot to me. If you have friends or relatives in Florida (or Houston), I encourage you to reach out and see how they are.

Statewide, Irma left 6.7 million Florida homes and businesses without power; although 6 million customers have power again, there are still hundreds of thousands who are suffering in the hot Florida weather. Even those with power long for a sense of ‘normalcy’ to return; for roads to be passable; gas to be available; internet and cell towers to be more accessible. My prayer is that we have time to rebuild without needing to worry about other hurricanes.

Stay Zenspired,

Joanne

PS We got power back on Sunday; I feel very blessed to be writing my blog from my computer at home…

17 thoughts on “Questions & Conversations”

  1. Hi Joanne!
    So glad you are with power again. We were only out about 2 days and many of my friends went longer, including my parents and that is here in South Carolina. We were blessed because if Irma had followed the original projected path, it could’ve been much worse. Nothing like what Florida got, but a hard blow for this area. So many trees down and the wind just howled. Got a bit scary for awhile.
    My prayer is that everyone is restored and can rebuild their lives.
    Thank you for sharing and giving us all some things to ponder.

    Love and hugs,

    Terri❤

  2. Hi Joanne. I have been thinking of you. Glad you are OK. I too have been introspective. We had to evacuate and I came home a little weary. I am happy things are returning to normal for many of us. I am praying for those less fortunate.

  3. So good to hear from you. So Thankful for your continued encouragement through the trials of life!! I love the hands reaching upward….. today! I know when I reach out to others the reward is both here and now as well as eternal. Thank you for the reminder!!!!

  4. I’m so happy to hear you are OK! I can’t imagine the terror you must have felt. Thank you for this inspirational post, encouraging us to evaluate how we can make a positive difference in the world. You set a very good example Joanne, you truly are a blessing.

  5. Dear Joanne, thanks for the wise wirds, the inspuration, the encouragement, the love. We’re so grateful tvat you are able to learn through each experience and turn that into a a way to inspire abd challenge us to learn and grow and make more of a difference in this world, as well. God bless you, Joanne!! We’ll continue to pray fir you and the people of FL and TX as you recover from the devastation and destruction of The hurricanes.

  6. Thank you, Joanne. Such warm and comforting words we all need to hear. Been a very stressful week for us in Florida, but many of us were blessed with out the damage that so many had. We need to think about those that did and still have problems, and do what we can to help them. As you say, letting others know you’re thinking about them and caring about them goes a very long way in giving people comfort and encouragement , And the strength to forge through situations.

  7. Joanne, I love your words and their Zenspiration. I’m so sorry for all who have suffered the wrath of hurricanes. Also, when I think of terrorists, I think if we could collect some together for a day and try to Zenspire them, it would be a more peaceful world. Just get them painting with Zenspired words and there would be peace.

  8. Praise Be to God that you are safe and again with power. What devastation. Have you posted the wall art you and your friend were working on while waiting out the stormy weather. I don’t recall seeing the finished piece. Would love to see it.

  9. Dear Joanne

    I’m touched on many levels by your blog today. First because I have family members and close friends in both Florida and Houston who were greatly affected by Harvey and Irma. I’m relieved everyone is safe although many lost personal belongings, power, etc.
    I’m also touch because it gave me a different perspective of a way to think of losses I’ve had including when I lost almost everything in a house fire.
    Another way I’m touched is during the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days starting tomorrow night I look inside myself to decide what is important to work on, what to let go of, what to change, what to ask forgiveness for…you’ve given me additional food for thought.
    Finally, the way you always see the positive in everything that happens, using it as a way to both grow and to help others is such a wonderful gift you have. I’d love to be able to use your example as a way to do that myself.

    Wishing you L’Shana Tova, peace and happiness in the new year.
    Toni

  10. Glad to hear you and your family are safe! The people I know that we’re affected by the hurricanes are safe thank God!

  11. So glad you and your family are safe. It had to be scary to go through this terrible storm. Bless ay safe.You! St

  12. Like everyone else say, so glad you are ok and safe. Thank God for power for everything. Your words are always so comforting for all to read. The art work as well is a pleasure to read too. My heart goes out to everyone affected by these powerful storms. It is a heart break for everyone whether we were affected or not. You are an inspiration for all of us. And I thank you!

  13. Hello Joanne!
    I’m with you in thought, prayer and creativity, regarding life, personal growth, and national disasters. I am getting on in years, have lived in other countries, experienced bad midwest lightening storms, tornados and Seattle, WA earthquakes, but no hurricanes yet. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the series of hurricanes this year!

    I am a “newby” to your website! I’ve been looking for ways to create beautiful letters & calligraphy but lack the mental “vision” tfor original design. I came across your blog & Pinterest today! How fantastic! Looking forward to reading your bio somewhere and learning more about you and curious who you design for.

    Best wishes,
    Diane Short
    Joliet, IL (SW suburb from Chicago)
    9/22/17

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