I’m not convinced that any of us are “normal.”  As a friend says, “It’s a setting on a washing machine and nothing else.”  But I often feel “abby-normal” (as they say on a favorite old movie–abnormal).  That is, a part of me is convinced that when I feel insufficient, lonely, hurt or in fear that isolation is the best cure.

Sometimes it does work, when I’m in nature.  Under towering pines, walking on soft mossy ground, babbling brook and twittering hidden birds, there is no judgment.  I’m never alone, I am completely at peace and there is nothing to fear–not even death.

But walking through downtown in shoes that are not for walking, preparing for a new task, meeting new people, traversing renovated paths filled with unfamiliar animals, I have to practice peace.  I have to remind my body that I am safe and loved.  It is time to chant the Prayer for my Children.

With the help of Heaven, I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m safe.  Every day in every way I’m getting better and better and better.  I am, I can, I will be healthy, wealthy, wise and safe.