postcards from nowhere

Greetings!

I so appreciate the outpouring of support that followed my last two postcards.
Many of you sent your offerings of comfort, and shared with me your own responses 
to the tragedy.  When my website is launched next month, I hope to have permission 
to post these offerings for the benefit of all of you.  I am touched, but not at 
all surprised, by the deep wisdom and compassion found within the community of 
postcard readers.

Although my readers express philosophically divergent viewpoints, there is at 
least one common thread throughout.  This thread is ACTION.  I've been attending 
teleclasses taught by professionals who are involved in crisis counseling and 
post-traumatic stress.  Across the board they recommend taking personal action 
as a way to rebuild the shattered sense of control that follows acts of terrorism.

However, since we are all unique, the actions that we take will be different.  
An adult may make a donation to the Red Cross, purchase a stock, or enlist in 
the armed forces.  A child may be immensely comforted by writing a note or 
sending a toy to New York.  My son, like so many children,was afraid to go to 
sleep that night.  We could hear the F-16's circling the skies above our home.
I was popping in and out of his room, alternating between watching the news and 
comforting him.  
When I heard that Colorado was flying 300 units of blood to New York, I shared 
this with him.  A shy smile broke over his face, and he said, "Those terrorists 
weren't counting on that, were they mom."  Then he closed his eyes and fell 
right to sleep.

Some of us will be called to arms.  Some of us will be called to sign peace petitions.  
Some of us will be called to purchase gas masks.  Some of us will be called to gather 
our families close and offer comfort.  My friend Julia has been called to create and 
distribute a world flag, symbolizing peace for all people.   Every single action is a 
necessary and appropriate piece of the big picture.
A thread in the tapestry.  A note in the symphony.  Standing alone that thread or note 
may seem discordant, but it does indeed belong as part of the whole.

We must find some way to honor all who are called to action in so many ways.  This 
country was built on the idea that each of us is free to believe, write, and speak as 
we will, so long as we do no harm and allow others the same right.  Each of us must 
determine what we stand for, and what actions we must take, and then allow others to 
do the same.  Those of us advocating a military response must respect those who don't.  
Those of us intent on a peaceful resolution must not judge harshly those who support 
military action. Condemnation of the beliefs and convictions of others only places us 
firmly among the ranks of the terrorists.  I make my plea to each of you to find 
within you tolerance, compassion and understanding, for these are the keys that can 
unlock the best strategies and strengths that we as a people have to offer.

Blessings,

Karen

p.s.  If there can be any benefit from such a tragedy, let it be that each of us 
become aware of whether we are living our fragile lives to the fullest.  Time and 
energy are too precious to be wasted away chasing goals or ideals of success that 
we have never questioned. Coaching can help you to orient your life around the things 
that really matter to you.   I maintain open office hours for free coaching on 
Tuesdays from noon until two mountain time.  Call me and let's talk about the life 
you would like to be living.  (303) 661-9204 

p.p.s.  I was just made aware that due to a Compuserve glitch, not all of you have 
been receiving all the postcards.  They have been sent consistently every 2 weeks.  
If you missed one, let me know and I'll resend.  I hope that I have taken care of 
the problem now.  I apologize for the interruptions in delivery.