I think today of what makes me feel better today, in a time of such horrific sadness and tragedy.

I think of the small things that lift me up, The curious face of a dog, clearly sensing a change in the people around him, trying t understand something a dog can never understand. He makes me smile.

He will do the same for you if you look into his eyes.

I think of small acts of great kindness that reconnect me to the best of the human spirit. I will avoid the politicians today, and their scripted compassion. I think I’ll walk in the woods, visit a friend, take some photos, bring a book to Bill at the Mansion,  go deep inside of myself, hug my wife, call my daughter, and maybe even buy a few cheese puffs.

For me, there is no peace or solace in the news, I’ll stay away from the arguments of people.

James Joyce wrote that “if you can put your five fingers through it, it is a gate, not a door.”

Today, a gate, not a door. I will go out and help Maria prepare for our Open House this weekend, hopefully a place of compassion and good feelings.

I can control little in this world, but I can control my own emotions and beliefs. Everything is an opportunity, even a tragedy that makes me numb. It asks me how I mean to be a human, how I can work to do good. I will not succumb to cynicism or dogma.

Another chance to be a better human. Another chance to think of others. Another chance to do good.