And the winner is...

Tonight many of us will watch a televised awards show called the Golden Globes. We will see famous actors and actresses walk down a red carpet and into the awards ceremony where they will hear what the rest of the world thinks of their efforts to portray everyone from famous historical figures in duress to those for whom interaction with others is a daily challenge. It’s too bad that awards are not given out to all of us for whom just getting out of bed, not to mention showing up for work, is a major feat all by itself.

Every day that we are able to “show up” for life and be present in our own lives is an award winning moment. Showing kindness and caring as well on a consistent basis is by itself a golden moment. There are quite a number of us who, despite the odds, have been able to rise above unfortunate childhoods and manage to show kindness and compassion to others. Any time someone is able to forget about themselves for a few moments and think about others, is an award moment.

Many of us don’t give ourselves enough credit for the amazing strength of character and caring we exhibit in our daily lives, just within our own families, much less out in the general populace. Every once in a while, though, someone will recognize these daily award-winning acts and speak of them with gratefulness and thanks.

To all you who will never walk a red carpet, accept a golden award, or hear words of praise or thanks for the countless acts of kindness and compassion you perform every day, we salute you. We are so thankful that you are among us. Keep on being just who you are.
There is a word from India which captures the essence of such as these. It is Namaste and means: "I honor the place within you where the entire Universe resides; I honor the place within you of love, of light, of truth, of peace; I honor the place within you, where, when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us."
Peace @--)--)---