It’s no secret that Beauty saved me. In her quiet, unassuming way, she walked me, dazzling, into Light.

Once Beauty taught me how to see, I rose above despondency. Birds and animals called out to me. Every leaf fluttered a blessing, every flower knew my name.

Mesmerized, eyes wide with wonder, my heart (once dark and gloomy), grew radiant and transparent. My senses, robust yet full of tenderness, became a safe haven to happiness (and sorrow has lost its resting place. Oh, it still returns, looking to roost, but never stays long enough to sink its talons into my heart.)

Beauty invites Joy with her disarming charm, and Hope cannot resist her. As we walk in silence, they are always beside me, and sooner or later, we always meet up with Peace. My trusted companions, my unwavering friends, I introduce them to you through words and images, so you may share in their delight.

This Peaceful Beauty, this Beautiful Peace, is my wish for the world. I cannot destroy the world’s ugliness, but I can welcome loveliness. Each day, I can shine a little brighter. I can laugh a little louder. I can love a little better. I can rise a little higher. Each and every moment I can remember to choose Peace.

LBM 10/5/2013