When you look into my eyes, I know just what you'll see.
There is only love and trust, where fear once used to be.
For I was an abandoned pet - a cold and hungry stray.
But you reached out your gentle hands, and took me home to stay.
I've eagerly accepted the compassion you have shown.
I soon forgot the times when I was frightened and alone.
You opened up your heart to me and taught me how to trust.
You've given me a loving home where kindness is a must.
So, when you gaze into my face, I hope you'll realize,
That love without condition is reflected in my eyes.
Jim Willis 2001
If you worry that you have not made a difference, you have,
for only those who do not worry about it have not.
If you feel overwhelmed, if the weight of problems is too
heavy to bear, remember it is a shared burden and the
strength of numbers can accomplish much.
If you think society and government are blind, it only
serves to remind that we need to change one mind at a
time, one law after another. We effect change by
cooperation, not by isolation.
If you consider that we cannot save them all, and what
difference does one make?, you ought to know the joy of
the one who is saved. Mourn those we
cannot save. It is a eulogy to their being. Do not let their
loss be in vain.
Be kind to yourself, remember your needs and those of
your family and friends of every species. If you give
everything, what will you have left for yourself, or for
them? Strive to be happy and healthy. You are needed.
Achieving balance in life is a lifelong struggle.
We who help those who do not have all that they need
should be among the most grateful for what we have.
Be proud of your accomplishments, not your opinions. The
quality of your efforts is more important than the quantity.
Forgive your own deficiencies - sometimes your caring is
sufficient. Everyone can do something, it is up to you to do
the thing you can. A kind word and a
gentle touch can change a life.
If a seething anger wells up within you, because people are
the problem, remember your humanity and that people are
also the solution.
Concentrate on specific needs, pay attention to the
individual - they make up the whole. See beyond the
unlovable, the unattractive, the impure and the wounded -
see that their spirit is as deserving as the rest. Help them
heal. Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror
of your sincerity.
All species, all beings, share this Earth in a chain of life.
Care more about what makes us alike than what separates
us.
Policies, rules and regulations are not infallible. Apply
them judiciously, interpret them wisely.
No decision based purely on money is ever the right one.
Listen to your heart. Sometimes we have to do that which
we are most afraid of. Be true to yourself
and your beliefs.
Family may abandon you, friends may disappoint you,
strangers will ridicule you. People shun what they do not
understand. Help them to understand -
kindly, softly, gently.
Those who do not respect all life are to be pitied. Often
the wrongdoer is as in need of help as his victims. Forgive,
then teach by example. Educate yourself or you cannot
hope to teach others.
No action based in hatred is ever right and anger drowns
out wisdom.
Yours may be a voice crying in the wilderness, make it a
voice to be respected. Listen more than you talk, be
courteous and reliable. Learn to ask for help.
Never waiver from the truth.
Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry and with every
defeat, we learn.
All Creation celebrates that which is in its own best
interest. The Children are our hope - nurture them.
Nature is our legacy - protect it. The Animals are
our brethren - learn from them.
Your rewards will not be material, but they will be
meaningful, and the courage of your convictions can
survive anything. We are small boats cast adrift on a
cruel sea, but someday the tide will turn toward a safe
harbor. No matter how dark the storm clouds, or deep the
pain of heartbreak - never forget:
We are their heroes.
When is it time to say goodbye,
To all the love I've known,
When is it time to end your pain,
And leave me all alone?
I've watched you on your good days when
I feel your strength renewed;
But shortly after little ups,
The down days then ensue.
We ride this roller-coaster of
Emotions as we try,?
To make it through another day,
And yet, I can't deny...
That as I look into your face
On days that have been bad,
I see a look that beckons me
It's tired, and hurt, and sad.
The little spark I used to see
Behind those loving eyes,
Is growing ever clouded
By life's cruel inhumane side.
I try to see beyond the pain
You feel with every step;
And softly whisper to myself
This may get better yet.
If I can bear to watch you
Just another day or two;
I justify my reason to
Ensure I cling to you.
For letting go is harder for
The person left behind;
It means that if I let you go,
I cannot turn back time.
Back to the days I long for now,
When you were full of life;
And every day held promise,
And our futures, clear and bright.
But now the lights are darkening...
We take it daily now;
I cannot see our futures clear
Or think beyond this cloud.
I think the hardest part is in this
Is never knowing why,
I have to be courageous
And I have to say goodbye.
For if I let myself admit
It's time to let you go;
I'd have to face reality
Without you...but I know...
That soon I have to face the
Final outcome that I dread,
And holding on will only serve
To hurt you in the end.
You've given such unselfish love
For all our time in life,
But if I hold too tightly,
You'll not move t'ward the light...
On to a better life, where you
Can once again be free,
Of all the pain and discomfort
That holds you here to me.
So I find the courage just to say
This last farewell,
I hope you will forgive me for
The time it took me; still...
I'll hold with me, the memories
That in my heart remain,
Pray one day, down the road a'ways
...They'll lesson my own pain.