CJ's World

Although of British heritage, and despite visiting the Isles, I never paid much attention until last year with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Now, marking the first anniversary I am drawn to people sharing her legacy.

It is a little mind boggling to think what she lived through during seventy years on the throne, all the political and cultural revolutions, and family drama. Navigating through it all, she kept a smile, twinkle in those blue eyes, an air of calm tranquility, and an air of mystique.

Today, I am drawn to the family situations she lived through, publicly played out in the media for the whole world to see; her children’s and grandchildren’s antics, divorces, public misdeeds, family squabbles, media picking sides, attempting to denigrate her legacy.

I’ve been listening to tributes of the Queen’s characteristics, which have touched me and I share here with you (these from Royal Rouge youtube).
-Living through many challenges helps a person learn how to love life. [this made me pause and give thanks for all the challenges I have lived through and continue to live through, because, yes, I still love life]
– We are here at this time and space because we have to learn how to love. [that is quite succinct and profound at the same time]
– Pain in this life is inevitable, nobody escapes, everybody just experiences in different ways.
– Be flexible and understanding with others.
– Living through the challenges of life gives us hope; love is possible.
– Enjoy life, don’t take life too seriously, remembering the Queen’s vignettes with James Bond and Paddington [this is good medicine for me, as a person who tends to want things to make sense, even when they don’t]
– Enjoyable moments in life give us hope for the future. [yes, remember the good times and know there is hope]

And of course, the classics, of which I have mugs and shirts:
– Keep calm and carry on
– Recollections may vary

Join me in giving thanks for life, as you enjoy your weekend!