New:
I have been working on some heartpins snce the beginning of the new year. Like the heartpasses every one is unique. I am now excited to offer them to people and will be selling them for $7 a pin. They each have a number so you can register them online. It is my dream to see them all over the world. Please contact me at nita@wheretheheartgoes.com to purchase the pins.
With heart and love,
Nita Lilamore Hart
The Strength of a Mother's Love Goes Beyond Distance
January 25th, 2012
"It has almost seven months since my stroke. Although it has been trying at times, I have come to see what a gift I have been given; a chance to start over with the intention to daily pass on heart and love. I am fortunate for this gift and look forward to the future. Everything that happens to us gives us the opportunity to grow into our best selves. I look forward to my growth of heart yet to come; one day at a time. To the future!" Nita Hart
Dec. 5th, 2011
I want to share a letter I received this past weekend from someone who has become a friend; someone whose family has touched my heart since last summer when I met them at the Pictou Crafter's Market. Her two daughters are passing the heartpasses to the children in their classrooms. The following is the letter she shared with the classroom teacher. My mother would be proud to know heartpasses are touching the lives of others; especially our children. Keep kindness travelling. Nita Hart
To Mrs. Gilliard’s grade 4 class,
Jordan has a gift she has handed out to her classmates in hopes that they will pay it forward. The small clay hearts are a gift to you as a way of showing kindness. Jordan’s close friend in Nova Scotia made these personally for you in the school colors blue and gold. If you look carefully on the back there is a # following the letters KES. These letters stand for Keewahdin Elementary School.
On the back is a description of how the hearts originated. The goal is that after you receive your heart from your classmate you will keep it in your desk or your pocket and when someone does something nice for you (for example a volunteer, teacher, classmate, bus driver) you will pass it to them with it’s card and bag and thank them for the kindness they showed toward you. You may have to explain to the person that you would like them to in turn pass it on when someone shows them an act of kindness.
If you have your parent’s permission you are able to register your heart on the kindness website at www.wheretheheartgoes.com . As the heart passes from person to person it may be registered and you and that person can see how far it has traveled. The map on the webpage shows that they have traveled to other continents. Your heart has already traveled quite a distance to get to you as it came from Nova Scotia last week.
We hope you can feel the joy it brings to share this with someone for just one simple reason….kindness. I know Jordan is excited to be sharing it with you.
Regards,
Jordan Dunn and Nita Hart
Kelly and Jordan - Michigan
Sometimes if we are truly fortunate we meet people who transform our lives. The following email is from two of those people in my life; a mother Kelli, and her daugher Jordan. Given the relationship my mom and I shared. it's no coincidence we experienced such a magical moment one afternoon in Pictou. The email you are going to read below tells the story better than I could ever write, so please take a moment and learn about these two special people. Then click over to the Stories Page and read how their entire family touched my heart one day last summer at the Pictou Weekend Market.
Email from Kelli and Jordan
It was an ordinarily extraordinary day on our family vacation to Nova Scotia and during that days adventure we wandered into a market and dispite all the attractions we took pause to watch a lady making some beautiful clay hearts. She spoke kindly to us as we watched her create her treasure. Though I thought we should move on before any of my four kids broke anything, Bonnie had a relaxed presence and encouraged us to stay. She told us the story behind her mother sharing the hearts and allowed my kids to shape a heart of their own. Bonnie gave each of the kids a heart and told them to pass it on to whoever their heart tells them to.....whenever their heart tells them to and she assured them that they would know. We continued to spend time with Bonnie and wander around and then we had to leave. Quite some time later as we were at the exit, my daughter Jordan had such a concerned look to her, her mind was tugging at her I guess and she said "mom, I know who I need to give my heart to". Her heart was telling her to give it to that nice lady who shared her story with us. Jordan tried to ignore it so as to not be difficult, but there was no need to concern ourselves with the challenge of turning around the family of 6 and heading back into the chaos and then not being able to find Bonnie easily, because it was clearly something more important to Jordan's heart than any of that. Once we did find her and Jordan told her "Remember how you told us to give this to someone special? I need to give it to you." Then Bonnie's eyes teared up and they hugged and shared a time of telling eachother how much that had meant to both of them.....and that is the story of the friendship of two amazing ladies who shared their hearts.\
Bonnie and Jordan.. friends forever!
And today as we write this, Jordan says "I love this story,,,,especially the end."
Peace and Love,
Kelli and Jordan
This is why the hearts are so special and priceless; for they connect people who meet as strangers and walk away as heart friends for a lifetime.
Addition: Jordan and her sister Jaden will be sharing heartpasses with their school classes this coming year. Their mother Kelli will help them pass on the story. I can see my mother smiling in heaven as these two little girls pass on the kindness in their hearts. Thank you!
Nita Lilamore Hart
November 26th, 2011
The Extension of Love Between Hearts
The end of November is almost upon us and the Christmas Season is fast approaching. I find myself trying to make sense of "what has been and what will be". After the stroke this past summer the "what has been" was unclear, all jumbled together. I was always someone who had big dreams for "what will be" and today as I write this, I find myself having difficulty dreaming about what is to come. SO ...I say to myself, what does this all mean in this moment and I realise that this moment is indeed the Gift!
In this moment, I am surrounded by an incredible family who love me even when I am sometimes deceived by a false voice telling me me I am not worth loving. In this moment, I am proud to be part of a circle of friends who know the value of reaching out with a hug when words can't be found. And in this moment, I am humbled to be touched unknowingly by a stranger when a heartpass is held in their hands and kindness is passed from a small town woman in Nova Scotia into their lives.
I want to tell you of a family I met in the summer of 2010 who have profoudly changed my life. Although we only met for a short time, the path of our lives and others were shaped by their one trip on a Saturday afternoon to a crafters market in Pictou. Please read about Jordan and her family below.
This holiday Season, don't be worried about giving the best gift. Instead give the best from your Heart by sharing the Love inside.
Nita Lilamore Hart
November 10th, 2011
People say life can change in a flash. I never truly understood that until this past July 1st, when I experienced a stroke which for a brief time literally took the wind out of my sails. It changed the way I looked at my life! It has been a long road since July but I am grateful for the progress I have made. I now look forward to "Today". I am not centred on yesterday or what will come in the future. Although that may sound simplistic, I have come to know no matter how much we plan and organize our lives it can all change in a flash. I am not certain where the future will take me but I do know one thing for sure; "If I live and act from my heartfeltness in this moment, I will always be making a great contribution to humanity."
Nita Lilamore Hart
November 10th, 2011
Thank you for coming to this special website created out of the love I shared with my mother. Please take a moment and go to my Stories page and read some of the interesting mail I have received. While I love hearing the stories you share, I do know there are countless others who although they don't write me are touched by the small, clay hearts. Keep reaching and spreading your heart among the people you know and those you are yet to meet. Is it that simple to create a brighter tomorrow? I believe it is, for it is the simple acts of kindness that connect us and elevate humanity to a place of peacefulness. All we have to do is reach!
Peace and Love,
Nita Lilamore Hart
The Market (summer of 2011)
Sept.8thSometimes we have a plan for our lives; one that is full of the future and all its unique and wonderful possibilities! I had one of those but life suddenly threw me a curve ball.
In the middle of June, I was at the Pictou Crafter's weekend market with my jewellery and hearts excited to meet all the people who were destined to walk through our doors. On July 1st, I awoke to something I was not prepared for; a mind in the midst of the confusion of a stroke.
It has been over 2 months and now I only know one thing for sure. Life will take me where it is meant to and I have to be free in spirit to follow its lead. Come back and read from time to time to hear about my story. I hope it will help you with your own for we are not on this planet alone. We are here for each other and always our stories can affect others in a positive way if we choose to allow them.
If you want you can email me at nitahart77@hotmail.ca.
With love and heart,
Nita Lilamore Hart
June 2nd,
Where the Heart Goes is now a business. Who would have thought, something that started as a thank you to people who cared about my mother and I, would turn into a dream of sharing and then manifest into an official business where I get to be part of something I love? I am both honored and excited about the days to come.
Is there fear attached to this huge life decision I have made? I would be dishonest if I were to say no but in reality it is not the kind of fear you may think. It is not fear of failure because I have met failure and have walked away when it thought it had me in its clutches. I have come to know failure does not exist when you learn from each the experience for the success often is in the lesson you take away.
Most of my life, I have been the barrier that keeps success at arms length. Part of my fear is that I unconsciously will continue this pattern. In this moment, I do think there is a difference. I am fully aware of my vulnerablility as I embark on this new path, and make a conscious choice to not allow the old fear of unworthiness to become an obstacle. I will make sure to access my supports on a daily basis. They include reaching out to the many people in my life who love and support the path I am on as well as listening to meditations about self worlh and prosperity from http://cynthiaoccelli.com.
Sharing kindness is something I am very passionate about; especially with the many challenges facing our planet. I believe it is more important than ever for us to reach out to one another in love and kindness.
Can the simple act of kindness make a difference on our world? I know the answer to that question in my heart and leave it for you to decide in yours.
Peace and Heart,
Nita Hart
PS I will share my feelings here as my business continues to grow, in hopes it may be of help to you should you decide to reach for your dream!
May 2nd, 2011
Special thanks to Cynthia Occelli. A few weeks ago I ordered Meditations from her which have been key in keeping me focused and feeling positive. I then sent her some heartpasses to thank her for the wonderful positive energy and she loved them so much she posted them to her wall in Facebook. Because of her kindness, I received orders from Texas, Ohio, New York, Arizona and the UK today. There are special people around us and I for one am grateful for their presence in my life. Find out more about Cynthia and the special work she does by visiting her website: . http://cynthiaoccelli.com
April 26th,
Honoring a Special Love Story in Mexico
Today my thoughts are in Mexico where my nephew, Derek is marrying an amazing young woman by the name of Danielle. Many of my family are at the wedding and as much as I would have loved being there too, I am happy knowing my support is there in some special heartpasses I designed specifically for the joyous occasion. My wedding gift to them was the creation of kindness heartpasses celebrating their love. I know it is tradition for couples to give keepsakes for people to cherish, but I thought it would be even more powerful to inspire a journey of kindness. Can you imagine how liberating it would feel knowing your first extension as husband and wife, was passing on a gift destined to travel and connect other hearts around the world? Derek and Danielle were excited knowing the spirit of both my mother and I would be present with them on their special day. I will post a picture here after their wedding! Keep well and remember to pass on a little kindness everyday!
Update: Picture of the happy couple. What an amazing place to begin your life together!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1702911536&aid=28404
Testimonials
Crystal Hill - LifeWorx Facilitator 2011
I work with a group of people aged 50 years and older in a program called “LifeWorx”. This program is designed to incorporate prior learning and the age advantage while utilizing the adult learning model in an effort to increase employability skills. We deliver the program and incorporate guest speakers whenever possible and appropriate.
Bonnie Cotter was asked to present on her entrepreneurial journey with her new business titled Ark Experience (Acts of Random Kindness). Bonnie was genuinely passionate in her delivery to our participants, she engaged in dialogue and people wanted to hear more as she began to talk. She spoke with kindness and shared her personal story behind the hearts and she brought a heart for each person present. Following her presentation the participants expressed much gratitude for her and spoke about how wonderful she made them feel.
I remember hearing a quote that said something like ‘you might not remember what someone said but you will remember how someone made you feel’, and now that a few weeks have passed since you were our LifeWorx guest speaker, I can assure you that the participants still remember how you made them feel. Thank you so much.
Fred H. MacKenzie
North Nova Education Centre - New Glasgow, NS
I teach high school and more specific to the intent of this letter, a course called Leadership Development 12. Our course is designed to not only bring leadership skills and ideas to our grade12’s but to help them develop unique strengths and qualities of caring and acceptance of others. Our class visits senior homes; volunteer in school and our community; does some charity work; and hosts special theme days like Free Hugs Day.
In the fall of 2009 I contacted Bonnie to inquire of her interest in volunteering some time to share her story and concept of Where the Heart Goes. Bonnie presented in two of our Leadership classes that year and followed it up with three more presentations in the following year. Each presentation had a dramatic effect on our kids as they began to explore the meaning and values Bonnie’s hearts represented. After the first four presentations, Bonnie gave each student a unique handcrafted heart with instructions to “pay it forward” and give it away when they felt the moment right.
In the last presentation, Bonnie actually made the hearts with our kids, giving them a sense of unique ownership as they not only made them with their hands but later gave them out with a greater sense of what each heart represented. I can say without hesitation that it made a positive and lasting impression on each of our kids.
The value this brings towards the moral education of our students cannot be underestimated. It comes as no surprise to anyone with a sense of awareness that we live in a time of great stress and seemingly waning human decency towards one another. Schools are struggling to find avenues to incorporate moral and ethical education to young people today. Whether it be the Virtues Project or Big Brothers / Sisters or Bonnie’s Where the Heart Goes the lessons taught in basic human decency is undervalued and greatly needed in today’s educational landscape.
When I heard Bonnie’s idea of starting Where the Heart Goes as a business aimed towards the education system I was excited and hopeful. A void exists within our educational system for the ideas and concepts that Bonnie’s project delivers. It is my hope that she will be able to launch her idea into a partnership with the established educational system and allow other students to benefit like mine have done over the past two years.
Places the Heartpasses Have Travelled
I have been amazed to see how far my little heartpasses have begun to travel. Some of the places are: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Toronto, Ottawa, Alberta, United Kingdom, Chili, New Zealand, Korea and various locations in the United States. Above is a picture of some of the places that have received hearts and have been to my website. These are just the places I know about. Thousands have left my hands and could be anywhere. How amazing is that?
Here is what has given me the most joy. I have heard from people who have passed the heartpasses on to others who are experiencing life altering challenges. The blessing is the heartpasses seem to be giving them strength. I have thought hard about why these little clay hearts are touching people who have received them. I have come to the conclusion it is about connection. The hearts are a reminder of the people in their lives who love and support them. Can it really be that simple? I believe so.
Never can we extend too much kindness and heart into this world. It is so easy to do when we think and act from the heart. I look forward to watching this journey unfold!
Nita Lil Hart
February 17, 2011
I just wanted to give you an update about Where the Heart Goes. I am in the process of transitioning into a small business that will both sell my hearts online as well as enable me to travel from community to community sharing my story and speading a message of kindness.
During the past year, I have had the good fortune of going into some schools to talk about the importance of kindness and its effect on both students and staff. I have heard and seen our young people doing wonderful things.
In November of 2010, the grade twelve leadership class at North Nova Educational Centre developed an Everybody Loves Everybody Day where they shared hugs with fellow students and passed out hearts to inspire more kindness in their hall ways. They also went to the mall and passed out tickets with fees that included such things as making time for a loved one or doing something nice for a stranger. This grade twelve class was truly inspiration.
This Valentine's Day past I went with two students from the Nova Scotia Community College to The Valley View Senior's Home to take part in a project for their communications class. The students sold the heartpasses I have been making in honor of the relationship I shared with my mom, to raise money to buy carnations to bring to the seniors. When I was contacted to take part how could I say no. The highlights were working with these women of heart and the seeing the smiles on the faces of the seniors.
I am so proud of all of these students because they get the importance of being of service to others and sharing their hearts.
These are the stories I wish to keep sharing with the intention of overcoming such things as bullying, low self esteem and disconnection between people. I have come to see the simple act of random kindness is the most powerful of all gifts we can share with one another.
In the future, I see Where the Heart Goes as a vehicle for spreading the message of kindness within the education community through seminars of heart. Please continue to watch the process as it takes place.
With Gratitude,
Nita Hart
January 20, 2011
The Future of Where the Heart Goes
This is a new year with new possibilities. I have been designing heartpasses for two years. I remember the exact time I started because I was watching Oprah's post-election show about President Barrack Obama's Inauguration. On that show Bon Jovi spoke about how everyone could contribute in their own way to making our world a better place to live. I knew at that moment Kindness in Your Pocket Heartpasses were my way.
It has been an amazing journey thus far and I have met incredible people along the way, sharing amazing connections with each and every one. I am so grateful for those experiences!
Now, two years later I am giving serious consideration to starting a small business with my hearts. In the past, this has always been a challenging thought for me because I believed it would diminish the meaning behind the hearts. With much encouragement I have come to realize the opposite. Putting them into the market would inspire a global spreading of kindness. I am sure my mother would be proud that something which started when we were together had the possibility of turning into a business of heart.
So please come back in the future and watch Where the Heart Goes in its transition. One day soon heartpasses will be available to you. See you then.
To the Power of Turning Dreams into Reality,
Nita Hart
Heartpasses With a New Look
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I have always envisoned the packaging I wanted my heartpasses to be displayed in but could never find what I had in mind until one day when I saw a speciality coin sitting on my dresser. Now thanks to the help of Dan Thompson who was able to order these pouches, my hearts are looking as professional as I had dreamed they would one day look. The pouch keeps them safe while also protecting the descriptive card telling their story. I think my mom would be pleased to see how far the little heartpasses have come. Nita
Just Blogging It!
The blogging name I use is not my given name. Nita is a shortened form of my proper first name. I mentioned that to a former student and they added a last name Hart, (Need a Heart). I loved it and have decided to use it as my Blog name. I think that is fun and life should be about having as much fun as we can admidst the challenges for it keeps our spirit young and our hearts authentic. In simplicity, it keeps us connected.
With love and heart,
Nita Hart
December 9th
"BE" the Magic
Christmas is upon us and once more we see people scurrying about preparing for the day. Children are writing their notes to Santa, Christmas lights are illuminating the houses, and decorations are transforming homes into a festive wonderlands where families will unite for the holidays.
I can not help but think of my mom at this time of year. Last year was our first Christmas without her. My son and I shared Christmas dinner with my younger brother and his family. Although mom was not there physically she was alive in our hearts and memories.
I woke up this morning thinking of Christmas’s gone by when Mom was still here. She would awake early to put the turkey in the oven, stand at the counter wearing an apron as she baked incredible Christmas pies, all in anticipation of our arrival. After we ate dinner we would all gather to watch her open her presents. I think that is what I miss the most now on Christmas day; watching her!
Even when we were younger we would all sit around the Christmas tree and watch mom open her Christmas presents after she had watched each of us open our own. We would wait for the smile on her face when she opened the one we had given to her. When she opened mine as a young child she always managed a fake look of surprise because I could never wait until Christmas morning to show her the gift I had so prouding bought or made for her. As soon as I had the gift I would take her aside and say Mom you have to see it now. Of course she would humor my impatience. Christmas gifts to me also had to be hidden because I was also known to snoop. I laugh about it when I think back and smile. The power of Christmas memories!
I realize it is a difficult time of year for many people and the giving can cause great stress for families who are frantically trying to scare up enough money to fulfill the wish list. Advertising is often relentless with its lure to get us to buy the perfect gifts.
When I was young my mother would often start to fret as Christmas grew near and she wondered where she would find money to buy gifts. Although I now understand that worry I am making a choice not to let it damper our Christmas this year.
If you are visiting Where the Heart Goes and stressed with financial burden then please know this. "You are not defined by the gifts you give. You are defined by the love you share! The magic of Christmas lives inside you."
Watch for people who are alone when you are out shopping, who seem sad. Each of them has a story. They may not have anough money to buy gifts. They may have lost someone close to them. They may not even have family. They are the ones who need our gifts and those gifts don’t involve money; only time and an extension of our hearts. Take a few extra moments to smile at people, to open doors, to offer to let someone go ahead of you in line, to say hello. The kindness you show to others is the real magic of Christmas. Find your way of creating and spreading that magic this season and then carry it along every day of the year. I have my own ideas of how to do just that and look forward to the moments to come.
Peace, harmony, laughter and love to each of you!
Merry Christmas!
Nita Hart
Pay It Forward
It is 3:30 am in the morning and I have just finished watching the movie, Pay It Forward. Although this is not the first time I have seen it, the feeling in my heart is always the same for it reminds me of the power of passing on random acts of kindness.
If you have never watched the movie then set aside some time to do so. A grade seven class is assigned the following social studies project. “Think of an idea you can do to change our world and put it into action.” Trevor, an eleven year old boy, comes up with an idea he calls Pay It Forward, a concept of helping three people by doing something big for them that they can’t do for themselves. He asks for nothing in return except for each person to pay it forward to three other people. I don’t want to say anymore without ruining the movie for those of you who have not seen it except to say that Trevor chooses three people to help. The irony is he even begins to think his idea has not worked. From his life in a single parent home with a mother who is battling alcoholism and a past life of physical abuse, Trevor is unaware his idea has inspired a phenomena that travels many miles away to a reporter who receives help because of the action of the seventh grader. The reporter then begins to trace the stories back to Trevor, his mother and the social studies class in which it began.
Why I am writing about this in the wee early hours of the morning? Because at this moment I get “it” and I don’t want to lose this feeling inside my heart. I am inspired to share the concept and to keeping asking the question. Passing it on and paying it forward is something we all now know about, including me but I sometimes get caught up in the daily challenges of life and thus need to be reminded.
We live in a time where there is so much violence and it is easy to become complacent. I listen to people and often hear the disconnection and sadness in their voices. Yet in the midst of the world challenges there are wonderful people doing incredible things all around us. I have come to know it is in the simple gestures made from the heart that a beautiful canvas of hope is painted.
I ask the question above again to myself and whoever is reading this message at this moment. If you are anything like me sometimes I just need a reminder and a gentle nudge. “Think of an idea you can do to change our world and put it into action.” Be it big or small know it has the power to raise the spirit of our humanity for every action made out of love heals the heart of our planet. Each of us, no matter our financial situation has a voice. Each of us has something unique we can share with the world. I can think of nothing more amazing. Pay it Forward!
With love and kindness,
Nita Hart
November 21, 2010
A few weeks ago I met with a class of grade twelve students at North Nova to do a kindness class and to pass on heartpasses. This is the fourth class I have been fortunate to deliver for Fred MacKenzie`s leadership class. He is truly an inspiration as are the young people I have met in his classes. I have heard people say our young generation does not get it, that they are too self focused. I disagree as that has not been my experience. I think they have wonderful ideas when we take time to listen.
I am heading back again this week to work with them on a project that is going to inspire kindness in their school during the next few weeks. I feel honored to be asked to help out with this project. I will write more about it at a later date so you will hear the good things our young people are doing. When you read about it I think you will be inpsired to extend yourself as it plays a huge part in making our schools more compassionate and caring.
During the past year and a half I have watched kindness spread its magic person to person. It is alive and growing even in the midst of challenging times. The key to its survival is an open heart and a conscious choice to be part of its daily inspiration.
It begins with You and Me. Together we can nurture the gifts of the heart!
Now isn’t that a true gift of spirit to give this Christmas Season?
Nita Hart
November 8th, 2010
Random Acts of Kindness
This is the beginning of World Kindness Week (Nov 8 - 14). I found this out on a special website I have been following www.randomactsofkindness.org, created by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. It has been launched today with an exciting new facelift. Please visit often. You will be inspired.
I have been given the opportunity to blog on the Random Acts of Kindness website and consider it a privilege to be part of a foundation dedicated to uniting and connecting people all over the world.
On this site you will find many Champions of Heart who dedicate their daily life to enriching our communities through the extension of their heart and time.
Over the years, I have learned that kindness like water, is a life force. Its action cleanses us; transforming the seeds of our humanity into beautiful flowers of hope! The act of kindness connects us by reminding us we are never alone as long as we keep reaching out to one another. We have Heart Power.
Thank you Random Acts of Kindness for allowing me to lend my heart and words to your site.
With Gratitude,
Nita Hart
On a mission to inspire a kinder world,
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at a time!
August 27th, 2010
This website exists because of the love I shared with my mom. It has been a year and a half since we said goodbye to her and it always amazes me how much I feel her around.
Today I was at the grocery store and I watched a mother and daughter as they entered the store. The mom was a little feeble and slow to move and I remembered them offering apologies as I went to go around them. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered doing the grocery store thing with my mom when she lived with me. I wasn't always as patient with her as this woman was with her mother. I started to feel a little guilt and then I could feel the love mom and I shared. It was as if she were saying she knew how much I loved her. I did!
Moments later I was paying for my grocery items at the check out and in front of me were two other women; one in a wheel chair cart. I remember trying to manage Mom's wheelchair and a cart at the same time; not pretty when one is menopausal. We would laugh about it later in the day as I tucked her into bed for the night and we said our "I love yous". When Superstore brought in the wheel chair carts it made shopping so much easier for me and for my mom in many ways.
Leaving the grocery store there were tears in my eyes as I made my way home. The page is looking a little blurry even now but they are tears of joy honoring the love we came to share. Even though they still hurt I am grateful for the memories for they keep our love alive; in this moment!
Thank you Mom for inspiring the little clay hearts that have led me on this journey. You are leading and for the first time in my life I am following that lead.
I love you!
Bonita
Message for you: Remember this one thing the next time you lose patience with a loved one. They are with you a short time so embrace the moments. You will cherish them down the road.
Quote to Inspire Our Hearts
Namaste
I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one! Unsure of quote`s origin
Namaste," with your two hands pressed together & held near the heart with your head gently bowed is both a spoken greeting and a gesture of respect, friendship & kindness!
Just Blogging It!
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
One year ago I started making the small clay hearts that came to be called heartpasses as a way to thank people for the kindness I have been shown. Today I had a chance to share the story of Where the Heart Goes with two classes at North Nova Education Centre in New Glasgow. Thanks to Heather, a student who attends North Nova, I was granted an invite to talk to her leadership class. Heather brought a heartpass into her instructor, Fred Mackenzie, and he asked me to speak to her class as well as his other leadership class about the story of the small travelling heartpasses originally inspired by the time I spent with my mother in her final days with us.
What a gift I received to be given a chance to talk about something so personal and healing. Because my passion is spreading the message of kindness it was rewarding to be in the presence of young minds who value the importance of being kind to one another. I often listen to people who say our young people don't get it. I disagree and think they do.
Thank you Heather for passing on the story of the hearts to your teacher. Thank you Fred for inviting me into your classroom this afternoon. You all gave me a gift I will cherish forever.
Bonita Cotter
Just Blogging It!
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
I was sitting here watching a movie when I watched a daughter hug a mother who she had been estranged from for years. As she hugged her my memories were instantly taken back to hugs I shared with my mother. If you were to ask me what I miss most about her not being here I would have to say the hugs and I love yous.
Everynight I would help her get ready for bed. That would usually involve a backrub with 535 Rub, sometimes reading from a book to her and a hug shared as she embraced me with her thin frail arms. She used to look in my eyes and say she didn't know what she would do without me.
How I long for those arms to encompass me once more. Usually my mom would listen to music as she drifted off to sleep but in the last while of her life she would knit. Afer an hour of knitting I would go in and tell her I thought it was time for sleep. It was as though we had switched places and she was the little girl while I played the role of mother. Of course she still being in that role would shoot a glance letting me know she was not yet ready for sleep and I would chuckle and leave the room only to return later to find the knitting needles resting on the bed in the middle of the row she had been knitting as she had drifted of to sleep. I would step quietly in and take the knitting needles from her hands. She would open her eyes and we would exchange I love yous.
It is those moments I shall carry for a lifetime. If you are reading now take a moment and think about the things in life that bring you to most joy. Reach out and create more of those with the people you love. Share the time while you have the time.
With love and heart,
Nita Hart
St. FX Review
Bonnie created a special ‘X’ heart for our residence staff training session. The students loved the concept and Bonnie's presentation. We're waiting to see how far her "X" hearts will travel! Her presentation was personal and heartwarming and everyone was touched.
Noreen Nunn
What's New?
On August 31st, I did a workshop for Residence Services of St. Francis Xavier University at the Scotian Glen Camp just outside New Glasgow introducing St FX Heartpasses to the 100 resident student leaders. Residence Services was introducing their Respect campaign and the heartpasses are playing a role in spreading kindness throughout the campus.
I was touched by the respect and heart I received from the committee and students. It is a moment I will cherish forever. As a former graduate I was proud to be part of the training. St FX Heartpasses were given to the committee and to each of the students. They will be tracked through a St FX Facebook group called My X Heart.
Although my Mom has passed, I have never felt her presence more strongly than during that presention. For me personally this was a mother/ daughter moment I will carry forever, proving to me once again the spirit of love does not die when you lose someone close to your heart.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Noreen Nunn, the committee of Residence Services and to all of the students. You have truly given me a gift of heart !
Nita Lil Hart
Side Note: I have been told that many of the people who have recieved the heartpasses have wanted to keep them and not pass them on. I think that is because they are a reminder that someone is reaching out to them. Letting go of something that represents an act that has touched our lives has an amazing power of freedom. That being said we all have to do that when the time is right for us to do so.
There is a wonderful friend of my mom who had been given one of the original heartpasses. She knew it was probably one of the ones my mom had softened the clay to help me. How could she let that go? I told her to keep it as long as she needed it and if she could not pass it on that was ok too.
One day she called me to tell me she was passing it on to someone who was in need of a lift. I could hear the excitement in her voice. I told her how proud I was of her that she could let it go... and know my mom would have been proud as well. I understand how hard it was for her to pass that small heart on because I know how hard it was for me to let those first hearts leave my hands after my mom was no longer with me. I also know she would have been proud of me for being able to see beyond myself and letting them go to touch the hearts of others. That is the miracle of the travelling hearts! That is their gift!
Poetry Over the Years!
From time to time I will share some words I've been inspired to write over the years. I have come to know the power of words and believe they are meant to be shared.
This poem is something new I have written during the past few weeks (November 2010).
Peace
Peace lies in the mirror
It is there for you and me
It is what you see inside
What you feel, what you breathe
Peace is something found within
Not something you can can do
You can not force it, nor demand it
To thine own self just be true
Peace is a choice made one to one
Yet together still the same
For our hearts are all connected
To the reflection not the dream
Look into the mirror
Look deep into your eyes
Peace will meet you there
In every mirror it will shine
Peace
Let it change you
Let it in
No more fight to end the war
For in the fight you can not win
Peace stands daily in the mirror
It is there for you and me
Look deep into your eyes
Embrace it… set it free
This next poem was a birthday present for my Mom many years ago. At the time I did not have money to buy a gift so I searched my heart for words to share with her.
Soul to Soul
I chose you long ago
As I stood among the Angels
Searching for a special soul
One who would guide me along life's journey
And help free me to forever live with God
I saw you and sensed you were the one
Your heart cried out to mine
Your arms ached to hold me
And your eyes longed to gaze upon my face
I felt your presence long before you knew me.
God's whisper reassured me I had chosen well
So I flew from the heavens to be with you
For many months I floated in the warmth of your body
Listening, sheltered by the echo of your heartbeat
I felt your pride when they first lay me on your breast
Memorized the tears flowing down your cheeks
As you drew me close to your heart
Light brought us together
Illuminating the journey we were to travel
Many times the road was narrow
Yet you always held my hand
Sometimes carrying me when I was afraid to walk
You taught me the value of friendship
The meaning of perseverance
And the importance of touching the life of another
You taught me to listen and to see with my heart
Every birth is a miracle, a hope for the future
Brought to life by the Breath of God
There are many who believe the soul doesn't exist
Until conceived in the body
Yet our souls met in the heavens above
I am proud to call you my Mother
Thankful God led me home to you
And honored to pass on this legacy of love
To the soul who had chosen me
To guide him along life's journey.
Wisdom of Time
Celebrate today
The joy, the hope, the sorrow
Remember to be thankful
As it bridges the eve of morrow
Tomorrow will hold the memory
Of the journey travelled today
Nurture every step you take
Irreplaceable along life's way
Every word you voice
Every action you will make
Shape the one that's next to follow
Change the path you choose to take
Learn from those you came before you
How they struggled to light your way
Teach the children born tomorrow
Wisdom inherited from yesterday
The past, the present and the future
Never stand in isolation
All are crucial to each other
All are food for inspiration!
A woman called me to do a card for a family who had given birth to twins but one had passed. These are the words that came to me that day. None of us know why some are taken early and others left behind. For me, I take solace in knowing there is a larger picture than I can ever understand and I work everyday to do the best I can do even in the midst of challenges.
My Brother’s Wings
I was sent to nurture my brother’s spirit while in you, our mother’s womb
Sent to surround him with the healing power of my tiny angel wings.
We were sent together to love one another;
to draw upon the strength of each other
Through our journey destined for birth into your world
It was my path to bring my brother into the arms of you, our mother;
Then to look into your eyes so you might know
an angel, tiny and full of wonder
had been sent to you for this very moment
Each of us has a gift to give the world
My gift was the delivery of my brother’s life
for he wasn’t strong enough to make the journey alone.
Our connection will remain forever strong between this physical world
And my heavenly place where I am forever free to fly
Someday I hope instead of sadness you will carry
a smile in your heart when remembering me
for I completed my sacred journey early and retuned Home.
Always carry the Light I left behind
until once again we are all reunited
Until then, know I remain near watching and protecting you all from harm.
True Love
Love that is true knows no limitations.
It recognizes itself immediately,
soaring swiftly to unite hearts
without condition.
It sings throughout the Heavens and
flies amidst the Universe sprinkling magic to all
fortunate to grace Its presence.
Only the spirit of true love gives birth to a Circle of Light more radiant
than the brightest sunrise of the morning
and more brilliant than the most
magnificent star in the charcoal sky.
Those fortunate to be part of true love’s circle are
showered with abundance;
grateful to be part of a gift so priceless,
Angels themselves share tears
of joy in honor of its birth.
Voices of the Angels join in
celebration when true love finds
a home uniting two souls.
God beams with pride as His children
begin a new journey together;
Knowing their love will touch
and heal many lives along
the path they have chosen to walk.
Eternal is the life of true love for
nothing on this earth can sever the
bond that has brought it together.
Its compassion, its truth, its courage
and its purity create a connection
and form a circle so complete
“ Nothing Dare Try.”
Two children drowned in our community many years ago. I remember sitting one afternoon writing this. I had no choice. Something came over me and I had to put it on paper. I remember finishing, rereading and crying for what seemed like hours. I still to this day do not know why I felt the need to write this. I had never met these children or anyone in there family.
Two More Angels
Two more Angels
Were given birth today
Two young souls received their wings
Forever Angels they became
Two children ventured forth
Where danger lay in wait
A sister and a brother
Knowing nothing of their fate
The afternoon was hot and humid
As the sun rose in the sky
They only meant to cool themselves
They never meant to die
A grandparent went out to call
The precious angels in to eat
But it was only "silence" answered
With the sound of each heartbeat
Immediately help was summoned
To find the children held so dear
Yet no one could bring them home again
From every eye sprang forth a tear
No one will ever understand
Why they went near the pond that day
Or learn the truth about what happened
To end their lives this way
Did a boy reach out to save a girl
Or did she to save her brother?
Of one thing we can be quite sure
They were heroes to each other
To the family of these children
We will never know your pain
May there come a day tomorrow
When in your hearts they'll rise again
Know that angels held their hands
As these two began their flight
Past the trees and past the clouds
Past the day and past the night
Now they frolic among the clouds
Guiding moonbeams to our lands
Painting rainbows in the skies
Holding starlight in their hands
God surrounds them with His Light
In His Home beyond the sky
Now they carry others to the stars
Forever Angels they will fly
Two more Angels
Were given birth today
Two tiny souls received their wings
Forever Angels they will stay
Invisible Wings
A child is born
With wings at its side
Invisible for us to see
Yet they shimmer with light
Are surrounded by hope
For a flight that
might one day be
All they need to take flight
Is the strength of one soul
Who will love them whatever they do
One to hold them ... to guide them
Stand always beside them ... Be their rock
Midst the storms they go through
Every child has a talent
Unique to themselves
When unearthed they alone understand
Know that you hold their spirit...
Their future... their heart
Guide them forth by extending your hand
Sometimes poetry is about pain. We all have pain hiding deep inside us. When I wrote this one next one I was thinking about some of the teens I have worked with over the years.
Look Into My Soul
Look into my soul
When you meet me face to face.
Judge not my outer shell
See the heart you can embrace.
Look past the fire in my eyes
And the hatred behind my word.
Don't sentence me for past mistakes
And the things that you have heard.
My tears they come from hurting
In a home where no one shares.
My anger from the hate I feel
In a place where no one cares.
I know I've made it difficult
To approach me as a friend
But to ignore my presence in this world
Might only bring about my end!
I need you to keep reaching
With your heart and with your hand.
I need you to see beyond my walls
To begin to understand.
Look into my soul
When you meet me face to face.
Judge not my outer shell
See the heart you can embrace !
The Seed as you will read below was written when I was up north teaching in a native community. There I saw so much fetal alcohol syndrome. It broke my heart seeing the impact of drugs and alcohol on the children. One day I saw a mother nursing her newborn baby by breast. Most would see this as a beautiful sight. Yet while this tiny, innocent baby drank life from his mother's breast, her mother drank beer. What kind of future was this child to have?
The Seed
A seed was planted today.
I wonder will it grow?
Will it feel the sunlight upon its leaves?
Will it dance in the gentle breeze of the wind?
A child was born today.
I wonder will she grow?
Will she feel the sunlight warm her face,
or the warmth of alcohol
from Mother's breast to her groping mouth?
Will she be moved by the gentle motion of the wind,
or the threatening motion of Father's hand?
A seed was planted today.
A seed vulnerable to the forces of nature !
A child was born today.
A child vulnerable to the forces of nurture !
I AM (everyone)
I am father, I am mother,
I am woman, I am man
I am lover and I am friend
I am beginning without end
A circle strong that shall defend
I am short and I am tall
I am the problem and yet the cure
A magic key to every door
I am joy, I am sadness
I am darkness and I am light
I am searching for the answers
From within I gain insight
Growing wings to conquer flight
I am love, I am war
I am ignorance and I am pain
Understanding without shame
Proclaiming proud my "I Am" name
I am all colors in between
I am the reflection in your mirror
I am the face you have never seen
Set me free to live your dream
I am a miracle born from loving
I am a light to show the way
Take my hand lets join today
And free all pain from yesterday
I am a soul from Father God
I am a child from Mother Earth
I am Hope, I am Faith
I am Freedom given Birth
Love’s Embrace
of the velvet blood flowing through out veins
to the many hidden and sacred passages within our bodies
Where we shall discover all that is pure,
all that is magic and all that is passion
Yellow is the colour of this friendship we have come to share
knowing forever we have chosen to be each other's mirror
Where we shall always see the truth that lies behind our eyes
Into our souls and the very depths of our being,
truth to caress this unconditional love we have been blessed to find
White is the colour of our spirits
Intertwined in a universal embrace
soaring free throughout the land and over the sea,
til at last the heavens and the stars embrace us
and honour us by revealing the silent music of an angel’s lullaby
Forever may these colours of our love
Soften the hearts of those close to us and those yet to meet.
May Illumination emanate through your heart and mine
As God weeps tears of joy in heavenly rain
to heal the Soul of this planet we call Home.
For is it love that heals the world and lifts the Human Spirit.
It is love’s passion that transforms our hearts into beacons of Light,
calling forth others stranded in the darkness,
to the shores where miracles are given new birth.
Here Souls are given the tranquility of peace
And Hope given its voice to live yet another day!
Times Three!
Showing Up, Owning Up & Growing Up
Showing Up
I remember when I was working as a computer trainer in 2008 making a wish to have time in my life to write. I put a thought out into the universe that there was something I needed to put on paper but needed the time to sit and pull it all together.
Well it is 2011 and I realized my wish was granted; only I never showed up in my life to see it. I was too busy wishing and wanting that my eyes were blind to what I was receiving in the moment. I was so caught up in the turmoil of what was happening everyday (or not happening) that I overlooked the blessing I had been given...TIME!
Now what do I do? Do I feel sorry for myself and live in a place of condemnation for not seeing that clearly or move forward and make up for that time lost? Well it is 2011 and I am choosing to do the latter. I have decided to show up in my life and take some ownership in what I have created.
Owning Up
I am 51 years old and not in the place financially I would have predicted when I was in my twenties. I sit here and wonder how did I get here? I have two degrees, one being Education and yet I work from contract to contract not knowing if there will be work next month. Up until last year I carried a major debt load. I am proud to say I am in a better place this year after taking along hard look at some of the decisions I made in the past. I still have along way to go but I am present on the path. I got rid of the credit cards which in itself was incredibly liberating. As Dr Phil says, “You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.” I am currently in the process of beginning a business I am completely passionate about; one I know will have an impact on others.
Growing Up
I am going to remain positive and realize that by my showing up and owning up I will one step closer to growing up. Deepak Chopra quotes that within every failure there exists the seed of success. It is only a failure if you never grow and learn or if you turn the blame to someone outside yourself. So while this may be a time of stressful anticiaption, I have made a promise to myself not to allow negative emotions to shape my growth process.
The Past
If you had asked me at the age of 20 where I thought I would be at 50 it would have been in a far cry from where I was sitting this time last year. I would have probably said I would be married with two children and working in a career that I loved. I would have seen myself vacationing with my family once a year and escaping every few months on romantic weekend dates with my husband. I never would have imagined my financial life would be stressedl and my intimate life non existant.
Never would I have thought I would be single, unemployed and unhappy with my financial sitution. At the same time I ask myself, Is this really a bad place to be? Could it be worse? And the answer to that final question is yes. I could be in a worse place. I could still be in the land of denial where it is even harder to get a ticket out.
For the first time in a very long time I am excited about the future. I still have some kinks to work out when it comes to self worth and deservability but I am taking steps to conquer those barriers; most of which have been self generated.
To the future,
Nita Hart