This past week was filled with tears. First writing and reading a post about 9/11. Then, the opposing ideas about what we should focus on today. And finally, tears fall for the story behind the song "I Drive Your Truck" on the documentary, "It All Begins With a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter." Songs and books represent the ultimate freedom of speech. They leave legacies. Without one, there are no melodies to mark our sacred memories. Without the other, there are no words of wisdom to give us clarity, direction, or hope. I have been praying for peace on earth since I was a little kid, blowing out candles. I recognize the privilege inherent in that prayer. For me, peace means feeling safe and calm within my body, with an undeniable right to speak freely. Freedom of Speech was once something we took for granted. We felt safe to share our opinions. We knew a healthy debate would be honoured. Agree or disagree, humanity has evolved through the exchange of ideas. Listening. Learning. Speaking our truth, without fear of being silenced. Whether others believe us or not, it is an essential right to speak up and share our beliefs, opinions, and truths. And, ultimately, they are ours to hold up to the light to examine and choose to change our minds or not. That is our right. It is respectful to listen to opposing ideas and to engage in a healthy debate, exchanging viewpoints. What I feel humanity is at great risk of losing is compassion, unity, love, and prayer. We need prayer, not finger-pointing. Support, not arguing about what or who is right or wrong. Respect, not disrespecting another person's opinion on social media. I pray for unity, not separation. I pray for right thinking, not coercion. I pray for affirmative action taken on behalf of humanity. I pray for our Freedom of Speech. Most of all, I pray for the parents, siblings, spouses, friends, and families who didn't get to hug their loved one and say, "I love you," tonight, because their freedom, not only of speech, but of life, was taken away.

Are you ready to experience writing in Portal with me. We go live at 10:30 AM PDT today. (Please note there is not a session next week, on Sept 16, and will resume on Tuesday, September 23.)

What if the very thing you desire is already waiting for you? Today's affirmation calls you into the frequency of possibility. Breathe in the frequency of possibility and breathe out love. Get curious and journal into the life that's unfolding for you. Journaling Prompt: What feels possible for me right now if I open my heart to receive?

What's your favourite time to write? Why? You are invited to attend complimentary writing sessions and experience the potency of writing in The Language Portal. Click on my Calendar to receive the Zoom link.

What if your writing block isn't a block at all but a signal to shift your perspective? Sometimes the best strategy is to pause, move, and let the story percolate. Get out in nature, drink some water, or stand up and stretch (even if it's only for 33 seconds). What do you do to get back on track with your writing?