Today’s forgiving journal is about seeing the good right in front of me.
I am not even sure how to start this blog. It was such a profound few weeks in Los Angeles and Japan, and I have grown so much.
Best I can do is say that I am learning how to REALLY see the good right in front of me. Japan showed me this. My time in NYC taught me more about this (it’s a real strengthener to go away from a community and job I knew to something where I knew little). And my stay in Los Angeles – where my spiritual HQ is located – reinforced this new practice, of seeing the good.
When I was in Japan, we went to a temple with a gorgeous bamboo forest. Leading up to that forest was a garden, trees, grass, and oh so much green. I was walking along, and all of a sudden I saw a man weeding near one of the trees. He caught my attention. Funny, because I almost kept going then something inside made me pause.
I took his picture. The first one he was intent, focused on what he was doing. Then he noticed I was photographing me, and he gave me the most beautiful smile. I am so touched and grateful to connect with this man.
Time for forgiving:
1 – Self-forgiveness: I forgive myself for judging myself for feeling scared to capture the good that I see. I forgive myself for judging myself for thinking I just didn’t have time, when maybe I was just nervous to express and stand with what I see.
2 – Letting God: I am aware of a golden Light … like a shining blessing for me to let go of my judgments. Boy do I let them go into the Light and walk free.
3 – Gratitude: I am grateful for this man who smiled at me in Japan. I am grateful for learning more about how I see and express the good. I am grateful for compassion – it moves my heart in opening, loving, and thankfulness.
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I am glad to anchor this learning and use it going forward. It is important to me to see the good, inside of me and right in front of me. I am committing to this practice, for the adventure ahead.
I love you.
Love,
Debbie
ps – it’s so great to be back blogging again!! Yes for #forgiveness!!
forgivingconnects.com 
Thank you for writing about self-forgiveness. This is an important message.
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You got it, it’s from my heart.💜 Thank you for being here! Blessings
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Hi Debbie, lovely post. I’m so glad to hear that you had such a wonderful and enlightening time in Japan and NYC. Lovely to have you back with us. ❤️
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Oh thank you Miriam! It’s lovely to be back. You put a smile on my face. Blessings☺💚
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I’m glad I put a smile on your face. Stay happy Debbie. xo
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It’s always a pleasure and learning experience to read your posts, Debbie. I’m so glad you had a wonderful journey!
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Thank you so much, Robin! It’s lovely to reconnect with you. Many blessings your way – and lots of smiles too. Have a wonderful weekend, so glad that you are here.
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Welcome back, Debbie! 😊
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Thank you ever so much Hang! It’s lovely to get your comment. You put a smile on my face! 🙂
Many blessings.
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What an adventure that was! The good in front of me is a storm raging outside, high winds and rains. The good? I am warm and sheltered from the storm as I observe it.
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Fantastic, Anne! What a practical way to use and demonstrate seeing the good. So important to have these tools, isn’t it? You continue to inspire and bless my life. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Hi Debbie welcome back. So nice you had good experiences in japan . I think appreciating small things makes us whole
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Thank you for sharing! It’s quite a blessing to be back … and I’m really appreciating YOU.
Much loving to you, Bella. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤
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Wishing you a good weekend
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It is SO good to have you back, Debbie! I certainly missed you. I am so glad that Japan and NYC brought such a profound experience. You are radiating that through your writing. Thank you for sharing with us- and once again, so glad you are back here!
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Thank you so much, Mack. Your comments touched my heart! It’s lovely to reconnect with you, your presence is a blessing on my blog. Have a fantastic weekend. Smiles 🙂
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❤
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Its so lovely to see you back blogging. You were missed! Looking forward to reading more on Japan. x
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Thanks so much! Lovely to be back. 🙂 Looking forward to sharing more.
About to visit your blog to see the latest. Have a wonderful weekend, and many blessings, Debbie
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WELCOME BACK!!! Glad you have returned, renewed!
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Oh thanks K E! It was a profound trip to Japan … so many blessings. I’m still integrating the learnings of beauty, kindness, receiving and giving. Hope you are fantastic. ❤
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What a terrific smile from a seemingly total stranger! But then, they say that people are put in our paths for a reason. I guess you were meant to cross paths with him to enjoy a shared moment of happiness. It’s moments like those which most of us might miss out on entirely, if we don’t take that momentary pause to really stop and see what is right in front of us.
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This is so well-put, God thank you! I was touched deep in my heart by this man and his smile was radiant. Glad that I stopped and for your mirroring to me how much this meant to me (including being able to share it on this blog with all of you). So many blessings, Debbie
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So glad you’re back Debbie! It sounds like the trip was everything you wanted it to be! So thankful with you.
take care blog-friend. xox
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Oh Rhonda, thanks. I feel your gratitude with me. It’s so good to be back blogging again, and really good to connect with you. Your presence on my blog is a gift. Blessings my friend xo
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I’m sure a lot of readers are glad to have you back… hugs from here!
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Hi Debbie, I’m so touched by your awareness of God’s presence. your total surrender to him and just let Him make you be. your lessons learned are also my lessons to learn. Thank you for sharing. We could have met when you were at LA, even though I am in Orange County.
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Oh I would love to get together! I come back to LA periodically, as my spiritual HQ are there (called the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens). Let’s be in touch. Email: weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.
Many blessings, and have a wonderful weekend.
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I added your email in my contact. One of your blog follower is my Bible study hostess.
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Completely cool! 🙂
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Very beautiful and insightful.
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Thank you, Zee. Many blessings … hope you are doing wonderfully!
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I’m soso glad to read you had a wonderful time in Japan! I actually missed your posts and this is just perfect for me right now! Thank you Debbie for sharing this and for being you ❤️
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Oh Lisa, you are so welcome! I’m happy to hear that. I appreciate you very much and love your presence on my blog. Many blessings to you, and hugs ❤
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Welcome back! So good to read you had a wonderful experience in Japan. A big 🤗
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Oh thank you! A big smile and hug your way too. So lovely to reconnect with you. ❤ Japan was wonderful.
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Sounds like you had a wonderful time in Japan. I’ve had similar experiences with a stranger smiling when I have been travelling. It’s a brief and fleeting connection but amazing how it can uplift the spirits. Welcome back 🙂 Blessings
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Thank you, Judith! It truly opened my heart.
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