Hi Everyone,
As a lifelong spiritual seeker, I try to begin each day with a prayer in my heart and a pen in my hand doing my ‘Morning Journaling’. I feel connected when I put pen to paper, and find it’s easier to stay grounded in gratitude when I begin my days this way. One of the recurring themes in my journals is L.I.G.H.T., which is my acronym for Love, Inspire, Give, Heal, Transform.
I frequently write the acronym accompanied by journaling what’s in my heart. This week I wrote, “I believe that by setting the Sacred Intention to be a LIGHT in the world, you can help heal others and transform yourself.”
I often journal about my desire to grow closer to God’s light.
The Light of Love, the Light of Connection, and the Light of Memory are three on-going themes in my journals. In August, which is the month my husband died, I tend to focus on the Light of Memory:
Since Andy died I’ve realized that love is a force so powerful that it transcends death…
Every August I create a piece of art in Andy’s memory. This year I did two different designs:
In addition to making commemorative art for my loved ones, I also create personalized commemorations for other people. I wrote the piece below in 2014, after my friend Mary Ann David died.
This is one of the morning journaling entries I wrote about my friend Barbi Disraelly, who died in 2016.
Creating commemorative art helps me remember the people who made a difference in my life. And, having created hundreds of personalized remembrances, I know that receiving a piece of commemorative art is deeply appreciated. If you like to draw and letter, I’d encourage you to create your own heart-felt designs. I’d also recommend including photographs, something I’ve just started doing. This is a Photo Memorial I made for my friend Gail Beck, whose uncle died on Thursday.
I made this one for my friend Mary Ogden Ellis, whose husband Al would have turned 81 yesterday.
If you would like to see some of my other commemorative art, check out the Shop and Inspiration for Tough Days sections of my new website, www.WhenYouLoseSomeone.com. There are free resources for people who are grieving, as well as for those supporting them. If you have lost someone you love– or if you know someone who has– I hope you’ll visit (and share!) the website.
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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Thank you, Joanne, for posting the L.I.G.H.T. from your heart!
You inspire me in a multitude of ways and I appreciate you!
❤️
Joanne your “LIGHT’ shines brightly in all the people whose lives you have touched through your art and through your many acts of kindness you do
I am always moved by your journal entries that you share and I would like to be able to create my own, but I have not been able to get my thoughts and prayers on paper. Can you recommend some of your books that i might use as prompts to help me gather my thoughts? I have used your book “when you lose someone you love” to help cope with the loss of my own husband and have given copies to friend who have also lost their husbands.
Hi Jeanne,
I’m thinking of doing a book about creating your own prayer journal… and will try to do a blog post that will give you a jump start sometime soon. 🙂 I am so sorry for your loss… thank you for being a comfort to other grieving souls.
How beautiful and hopeful! I always love looking at your work!
Oh Joanne thank you again so much for making the beautiful and meaningful memorial of my uncle Ron and then including him in your blog this week. It really does mean so much to us all who loved him so dearly. Ironically Tues and Weds were his viewings and service.
My heart goes out to you, Sam and Jonathan too as you remember Andy in the many ways he touched your lives and continues to do so through your art and by you helping others cope with their losses.
Love you and HUGS
Gail
You were first a comfort for me when I lost a dear friend. Now you are an inspiration to me as I try to support others who have lost someone they love And though we have never met, I often read your posts as if they were sent to me. Thank you so much for reminding me of God’s eternal love.
Hi Dianne,
Thank you for helping support others who have lost someone they love! I really appreciate your nice note, and look forward to hopefully getting to meet you someday. 🙂
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community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!