Monday 16 February 2015

2015 International Year of Light

What a wonderful resolution by the United Nations to declare 2015 as the International Year of Light.

They want to raise global awareness by focusing on the topic of light science and its applications and how light-based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health.

It is the year for thoughts and discussion around light to fill minds with bright opportunities and ‘light-bulb moments’.

Well that is quite a statement isn't it!

Light plays a very important role in my life.

My life hasn't always been as happy as it is now.  Many years ago I was caught in a very dark tunnel, all consumed with sadness and fearing I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel again.

I was struggling with a mental illness, my heart had been broken and I was ready to give up......it seemed like an endless state of despair.

Hitting rock bottom and surviving gave me the jolt I needed to ask for help from counsellors and anti-depressant drugs and also volunteering played a big role in my recovery.  Finally I had to find a way to remove myself from the people who upset me and take some control back.

Ever so slowly I regained my self-worth and that all important light returned to my life.

Light now fills my soul, as I hope it does yours, my dear blog friends.

"Mental illness is the last frontier.  The gay thing is part of everyday life now on a show like 'Modern Family', but mental illness is still full of stigma.  Maybe it it time for that to change"
~~ Eric McCormack


"Don't you know yet? It is your Light that lights the worlds" ~~ Rumi

12 comments:

Christine said...

Peggy I had no idea you had gone through all that, so glad to know you are okay now and in a good place in your life.

miruspeg said...

Thanks for your concern Christine.
My struggle with mental illness started around the age of 10, but 12 years ago when my marriage ended it really took hold.

Looking back, I know it sounds strange, but I feel fortunate to have been on that journey, as today I feel extraordinary blessed and now know whatever life throws at me I will be able to handle.

I have reached that level of understanding, that change is no longer my enemy but my teacher.

Bill Lisleman said...

thanks for sharing - mental illness is one of most difficult of illnesses for me to understand. No viruses or microbes to pin the blame on. I believe we tend to fall into the trap of thinking we can understand another person's thinking.
I like that saying you included about light.

miruspeg said...

Hey Bill
Yes mental illness is a very difficult illness to understand if you have never suffered from it. There are so many different types and degrees of severity.

I had lived with mine for so long I had resigned myself that I would never be cured. But that all changed from 2008 when I started blogging, studying philosophy, volunteering, travelling and then one day I woke up and realised I wasn't depressed anymore.

I now feel the most blessed person in the world!

Mike Smith said...

Thanks for sharing, Peggy. You have a gift with words - and you light up many people's lives, including mine. Keep well, my friend.

miruspeg said...

The feeling is mutual Mike. You are such a talented writer, as you often make me laugh out loud with your clever words.

Your light is shining very brightly now you have Marion by your side.

There is a lovely quote from Marianne Williamson that speaks volumes:
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

So keep shining....keep smiling dear friend.
Peggy xxxxx

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Shine on! And hey, I'm follower #100!

miruspeg said...

Hey Deb
Welcome to my world! And thanks so much for being my 100th follower.
Look forward to further banter on the blogosphere.
Cheers
Peggy

Beautiful Sky said...

How fantastic!!!! A year of Light!! And that is a beautiful Rumi quote. The dark storms come and they wash away what we no longer need. Sometimes it seems like they devastate, but when we rebuild (like after the Chch EQ) we rebuild stronger than before. And you - dear Peggy with your diamond heart - how beautiful you are!

As lightworkers - this must be our year, right?!

miruspeg said...

Dear Celia (Beautiful Sky)
Your uplifting comment came at a perfect time.
My light has been a bit dim this week and it is amazing how kind words can change our perspective.....bless you!

Yes lightworkers we are and lightworkers we always will be, so keep shining your brilliant light my dear friend.

Namaste
Peggy xxxxx

Marja said...

You won the battle..."It's a new dawn
It's a new day, It's a new life and I am feeling good" played in the background. To conquer the dark let in the light That's what you did
Big hug and lots of love and light so you can shine even more than you do.

miruspeg said...

Hey Marja
Thank you for your beautiful words.
That dark tunnel is now closed and never to be re-entered.
I have learned that to conquer my darkness I need to be bold and brave. The first step is to identify my fears and bring them into the daylight so they are not so powerful.

I love playing over on Pinterest, pinning quotes, songs, photos....as I know you do too.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said "You must do the things you think you cannot do". That is a wonderful challenge.

I send you waves of light and deep love and respect my friend.
Peggy xxxxx