DRAGONFLY

The meaning of a dragonfly changes with each culture. The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general. Dragonflies can also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Also, as a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change.

There are many different representations of the dragonfly; it all comes down to which culture you happen to be in. For instance, if you are in Japan, the dragonfly symbolizes a new light and joy. Some animal symbolism has the dragonfly representing good luck, prosperity, swiftness, purity, harmony and strength. In many Native American tribes dragonflies symbolize whirlwind, swiftness and much activity. For the Navajo they symbolize pure water. It is said in some Native American beliefs that dragonflies are a symbol of renewal after a time of great hardship. There are also many cultures that believe that the meaning of a dragonfly is happiness, courage and subconscious thoughts. It is also believed that if you see two dragonflies paired together that they represent love and maturity.

The dragonfly has been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings and change for many centuries and even though the representation of the dragonfly seems to change throughout the cultures, there are still a few things that are similar; the dragonfly means hope, change and love. Since cultures vary, others may see the dragonfly as a symbol of financial wealth like savings. With the constant changing of the world, it is no wonder that more and more people are adopting the dragonfly as their totem and admiring this beautiful insect.

Robyn's comments:

Every morning, I send out a "good morning" greeting to family, and friends. A simple gesture to people that I care, and love; letting them know that as I begin my day they are in my thoughts.

One morning, I sent an email with a picture of a purple, dragonfly. A friend, Regina, shared the above information. I found the info. to be uplifting and also confirmed why I liked dragonflies so much. Did you know the life span of a dragonfly is a few months? Knowing that its life span is short, it must know that it must live its life to the fullest! Another interesting fact, their eyes contain up to 30,000 individual lenses. Human eyes only have one! They have a top flight speed of up to 100 km/h, it can fly like a helicopter, moving in all directions, forward, backward, up and down. They can also hover. They are facinating!

I realize that each of our journey is different in many ways. That, the reality of the world we live, it's impossible to be living in perfect harmony 24/7. If you have the secret to living in that world, please share your secret with this chica. A gentle reminder, like the dragonfly, we have the ability to change what is not working for us. We each possess inner strength to get us through those times of challenge and a hope for renewal. The ability to attract and deflect positive energy. We must embrace life each day to the best of our ability.

Take care,

Robyn

TWO FROGS

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

- Author Unknown


Robyn's two cents: What an inspiring story. Take heed: words can harm or heal.

What does Independence day mean to you?

To some it's a day where we gather with our families, and friends to bbq, As dusk sets, we either sit in front our homes, atop of our roofs or, head to a city park to view the fireworks display. Where as others, it's a day of reflection of their freedom of speech, government and religion.

I asked my 11 year old, "What does Independence Day mean to you?" His response, "fun, fireworks, and the day when we got our freedom. If we didn't have it, Mom, we wouldn't have the president that we do today." WOW, now the last statement in itself raised my eyebrows. Obvisiously my child is grasping the true meaning behind Independence Day other than the fun and fireworks. He realizes it is a day to recognize that we can live our life in the way we choose. A free life.

Today, as I spend and enjoy quality time with my family/friends; I will be thinking and praying for our active soldiers and their families. Afterall, their committment to protect and serve is the reason I can go about my life freely.

A special acknowledgement of gratitude to the brave men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom. To their families who had no choice but to say goodbye early to their loved ones by default of protecting our country.

A gentle reminder by Moshe Dayan - "Freedom is the oxygen to our soul". May we never forget by and how we all possess this precious gift -- the oxygen to our soul.

Today is a day to cherish independence of nation and independence of self.

Que Dios los bendiga todos hoy y siempre! (May God bless each and every one of us not only today but always!)

Happy 4th of July.

Robyn

Some individuals confuse their happiness by their "material possessions" or "economic status", and lose sight that happiness stems from within a person.

I know a few friends/family who don't have much materially, yet, they are the ones that I see wearing smiles every day despite their situation and trials. Society shouldn't allow their "state of happiness" to be defined by the wealth in this materialistic world.

Rather find happiness that comes to the surface from within

your being.

Robyn