“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Oh boy is this ever true. How many times do we think of ourselves and others as just the greatest thing ever when circumstances are hunky-dory? Pas problem… as the French say.

When everything is to our liking and is going our way, well, well, well, who doesn’t like that? It is easy to smile, be vibrant, be funny, sparkle and be generous. Of course, I can be charming when I have my health, when I have all the comforts I need, when I am successful and admired, and when Lady Luck shines down on me…

Until… I am ill, having to make ends meet, not finding any comfort, losing my sense of humor, feeling lonely and isolated. This is when (and we have all been there), that we must fuel our inner spirit to show who we are, in good times or bad. Our inner light might flicker but it cannot be diminished. The only way to keep that light from extinguishing is to never become a victim of your circumstances. And to keep your inner light shining brightly, even when the times are tough, we must do one simple thing: exude love.