Sometimes letting go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on. -Eckhart Tolle

My mom is still alive, and I am grateful for that. However, the ideal image that I have of her is gone.

After searching my soul for over a year, I have discovered how to let go. It is as if I have grieved my mother’s passing even though she is still here.

Through the years, I realize I had tried everything to make her my best friend. I sought her approval in every way I could. …

“Having a dream is like having sunshine. Without it, you cannot see as clearly. With it, your world shines. Have a dream, and the light will fill your eyes with hope.”
― J.R. Rim

Lately, it seems I have not allowed myself to go for my dreams. Old feelings of not being safe have come up in my mind.

These emotions surface when I am on the cusp of trying new things.

I just started a strength training program with a personal trainer this month. …

Dear Readers and Writers,

I feel a deep appreciation for the time I recently spent on a family vacation in Las Vegas. When we spend time away from home, our focus is on rest, delicious food, and enjoying every moment together.

We spent three glorious hours focusing on a special dinner out.

Living simply at home has allowed us to save our money for once-in-a-lifetime meals like this one, an experience that is more valuable than diamonds for us.

In these moments, time slows down, flavors intensify, and our memory of each bite lasts forever.

Each morsel of food at…

“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

The message I received this morning from my inner being was this: You do not have to do anything to be loved.

As I walked outside in the cool morning air, I contemplated life, thoughts, and circumstances. My spirit bubbled to the surface.

We all seek love.

Sometimes we may feel love all around us, and at other times it is only a whisper in the wind.

We can choose to let our hearts fall apart, or…

“May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke

For seven glorious days, we floated on a lazy river at our hotel in Las Vegas. We found joy around every bend and love in every drop of water. I am so grateful for our time together.

I could completely relax and let go because of my loving friends here at Thank You Notes.

Thank you to Dr. Preeti Singh, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Bhavna Narula, Adelia Ritchie, and Fiza Ameen for their help editing, publishing…

“Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there anymore.”
― Robin Hobb

Dear Readers and Writers,

Early Saturday morning, my husband and I decided to go out to breakfast. We had been to this neighborhood restaurant before and felt the warmth of the people running it.

Their family took over the restaurant from the former owners and poured love into this space.

It all started when a dear friend and I had lunch here.

I loved how one of the employees came…