What you focus on you get more of. We know this to be true. Like every human being, I am saddened, and sickened by the senseless atrocities this weekend in Paris, not to mention the day before in Beirut, Lebanon, Baghdad, and anytime citizens of the world, normal people living their own vibrant lives are indiscriminately killed by terrorists.

Whilst this is beyond my control, I am in control over my energy, my focus, my heart space. In this time of endless loops and chatter around shock, trauma and sadness, I choose to focus my thoughts, my time and my energy on acts of love and kindness and the way the human spirit inspires and moves us.

So today in Monday Mindset and this week on our radio program we will celebrate stories of good. Stories of hope and honour. Stories of courage and selflessness. For me this is far more empowering and important to focus on. Honouring the people who have been taken away. By focussing on them, and their families and the humans that rise to help, who seek to console and connect.

I believe in the power of love over evil. Actor Mark Ruffalo summed it up beautifully:

Lets focus on random acts of kindness and solidarity, afterall did you know that the 13th of November is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Davide Martello, who performs under KlavierKunst, played the song on his piano which he had biked to the Bataclan concert hall.

Lets Celebrate the lives of victims. Lets talk about them, share their legacies.
Lets talk about the lovely Nohemi Gonzales 23, from the USA:

According to a university statement, Gonzalez, who is studying Industrial Design, had been spending a semester at the Strate College of Design in Paris

On Oct. 7, Gonzalez posted to her Facebook page that she and three other students had won second place in the Biochemistry Global Design Challenge. The team’s submission was a biodegradable snack container called Polli Snak

RIP Nohemi and all love and support to your grieving family and friends

I don’t know Nohemi, and now I wont get the chance, But I’m certain in my heart that she would have been having a ball in Paris,  I hope she laughed every day and was revelling in new friendships, amazing learning and enjoying studying abroad.

I recognise that this sentiment from many will be seen through cynical eyes, Its not a solution to terrorism nor is it trying to be, I just know in my heart that love is stronger and more powerful than ever.
With love and quietness
Andrea xxx

Source Credits: jean Julien for Peace symbol, 
Buzzfeed, You tube, cba.ca