QUOTE FROM THE HEART
In each issue of Heartsong, I will open with a quote, poem or lyric, which I have found inspiring and uplifting. Today's quote comes from my favorite poet, and describes what friendship meant to him. I've always loved this one, and hope you will, too.

"Think where mans glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."
William Butler Yeats

A NOTE FROM KIM
Welcome to today's issue of Heartsong, September has arrived, and with it, a lot of rain! September is one of my favorite months, as it usually brings us cooler weather and the first touch of Fall. I hope you can find a special way to revel in the beauty of September, as well.

From the contents at the top of this issue, you may have noticed that there has been a change to Heartsong. I'm discovering that the length and depth of this newsletter is quite ambitious, especially given that it comes out twice monthly. Therefore, I've decided to keep all the Heartsong content, but divide it between the first and second issue of each month. So, in the first issue each month, after the Lighthouse article, the Hope and Healing section will be featured. In the second issue of each month, after the Lighthouse article, the Home and Hearth section will feature. I hope everyone will be pleased with the change... it shortens the newsletter a bit, while giving a bit of variety to the various issues. Enjoy the new format, and, as always, your questions and comments are welcomed and appreciated.

My revised schedule of teleclasses is now up on the site! I hope many of you will be able to attend, as these classes are informative, exciting, and lots of fun! They're also a great way for us to get to know one another. On Tuesday, September 5, at 8 PM ET, I'll be holding my class on intuition, which got a great response the last time. Then, on Wednesday, September 13, at 8 PM ET, I'll be holding my class on Extra Sensory Perception. This time around, both classes are free to attend, so come, tell your friends to come, and let's learn together and have some fun! For more information, and to register, please visit:
http://www.kimloftis.com 
and click on "Classes and Events." I look forward to seeing you in class!

Finally, if you're enjoying reading Heartsong, I'd be honored and grateful if you would please rate it at the Ezine Finder:
http://www.ezinefinder.com/vote.html?pub_code=hearts

More to announce in the next issue... stay tuned!

Until then,  enjoy the rest of today's issue!

Love,
Kim

FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE, WITH LOVE
A lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope in a violent storm. A lighthouse sheds light on our worries and troubles, and brings us joy and peace. Therefore, in each Heartsong issue, I will include an article, which will help to guide you through the dark and troubled times, or lighten and brighten your heart and life in a special way. In today's Lighthouse article, I'd like to address the need for solid support systems in our lives, and the blessings we receive from those support systems.

Where Two or More Are Gathered: The Inordinate Value of Support Systems In Our Lives

I saw a statistic recently that startled and saddened me. It stated that more than 25% of Americans feel lonely. When I saw this, I thought to myself, "No wonder there are so many feelings of sadness, hopelessness and depression in the world!"

When we don't have friends with whom to share our joys, our woes, our hopes and dreams, we tend to isolate ourselves in shells of deep oppression and withdrawal. We begin to feel useless, unworthy and unneeded. Having no friends to talk to makes us embittered, angry and often fills us with self-loathing or loathing for others.

But I don't want to dwell on the negative effects so often caused by loneliness and the resultant isolation. Rather, I'd like to address the positive effects... the joy and blessings, that are found when one is able to implement a strong and loving support system into his or her daily life.

When we have people around us who love and respect us, with whom we can share, vent, laugh and confide, this increases our confidence levels, raises our self-esteem, and helps us to love and appreciate ourselves and others more deeply. When we have a good support system, we have people around us who will listen deeply, love unconditionally, and "support" completely.

So how can we find this support system, or strengthen the one we already have in place? Why not get in touch with some old friends with whom you share common interests and deep bonds? "But," you may be thinking, "I haven't talked to Joe in five, ten, thirty years." Get in touch anyway. There's a good chance that your old friend will be delighted to hear from you and rekindle your friendship.

Talk to your colleagues. By having lunch or coffee with someone you work with, you may discover that you have far more in common than just work! If you're unsure whether you have any other common interests or personality traits, then work, the one thing you already have in common, is a good starting place. It's likely that other topics of conversation will spring up as you talk. And who knows? A wonderful friendship may result!

Join groups of like-minded individuals with similar interests. If you like to cook, find a group of others who like to cook as well. If you like to garden, find a horticulture society to join. If you're a bookworm like me, join a book club. It's extremely likely that cooking, gardening and reading won't be the only interests you share in common with other group members.

I'd like to add that these groups can be via the internet, or telephone bridge lines, as well as face to face. Obviously, when meeting people online, use caution and good common sense, but I know from first-hand experience that wonderful friendships and support systems can be forged in these ways.

Of course, it's unlikely that every single individual you meet will become part of your support system. Rarely are support systems huge. I probably have no more than a dozen dear ones who I would readily include as part of my close-knit support system. But by following even one of the methods I listed above, you may very well connect with someone who becomes dear to you, who may become invaluable as a loving friend and ally.

As for those of you who want to strengthen your existing support system, three things that might prove helpful are: stay in touch, reconnect, and do both the previous with love and respect. Showing gratitude to members of your support system, along with love and respect, is also exceedingly important.

Finally, remember that it is a support "system", and therefore, you must be supportive while being supported. It isn't a one-way street. In order for a support system to stay strong, all of its members must be active participants.

It is my great hope that you find the loving support system that you are seeking. Also remember, I'd be proud to act as a part of your support system, if you feel that my coaching, counseling, or other services may be of assistance to you. Feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have. I send you all my love.

HOPE AND HEALING
All of us need to take the time to be gentle with ourselves. Therefore, in the first issue of each month, Heartsong will include tips with which you can nurture, pamper and transform all aspects of your life. Enjoy!

To Everything There Is a Season

As Summer is nearing her transition to Fall here in the northern hemisphere, I like to take some time to reflect on what I've accomplished during the Summer months. There are certainly some things I wanted to do that haven't gotten done yet, and some things I wish I could change, but, overall, I'm very pleased with the fruits of my Summer's harvest.

Take a little time to reflect on your own season. What are you most proud of that you've said or done? What haven't you said or done that you'd like to before the transition into the next season? How can you continue your growth and evolvement into the next season?

Spend a moment or two in gratitude for your accomplishments, and for all with which you have been blessed during this season.

You may choose to record your thoughts and reflections in a journal or notebook, so you can look back at them at a later time.

Enjoy your reflections.

PRAYER FROM THE HEART
Each issue of Heartsong will feature a prayer, either from my own heart, one which I hold dear in my own life, or one suggested to me by others. I hope they will speak to your spirit, as well.
Prayer for Friendship

You have blessed us, O God,
with the gift of friendship,
the bonding of persons
in a circle of love.
We thank you for such a blessing:
for friends who love us,
who share our sorrows,
who laugh with us in celebration,
who bear our pain,
who need us as we need them,
who weep as we weep,
who hold us when words fail,
and who give us the freedom
to be ourselves.
Bless our friends with health,
wholeness, life, and love.
Amen.

Vienna Cobb Anderson | Source: Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts" © 1991 Vienna Cobb Anderson.

HEARTSONG REFLECTION
Until our next issue, reflect on your friends, family members, and your loving support systems. Remember, too, that God is always with you, loving and gently supporting you throughout your daily life. Spend some time in grateful contemplation for your dear ones, and remember, as always, to show them your love and gratitude.

Love, Light and Blessings,

Kim

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Heartsong is a biweekly publication, and is published on the first and third Sunday of each month. All content is copyright Kim Loftis, unless otherwise indicated.
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http://www.kimloftis.com/news/news.htm 
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Feel free to pass this newsletter on to others, as long as nothing is altered and all notices are kept in tact. If you would like to reprint any individual articles from Heartsong, please email me. Thanks!
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Have any questions or comments about this issue, or about Heartsong in general? If so, please don't hesitate to email me.   Kim@KimLoftis.com 
And who knows? Your questions may inspire an article for an upcoming issue! Your questions and comments help me to make Heartsong as engaging, fun and inspiring as possible, and I thank you in advance!
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For compassionate, personalized spiritual healing and coaching services straight from my heart, please visit my website: http://www.kimloftis.com   I would be honored to serve you today!
Until the next issue of Heartsong, let your heart sing, and I send you all my love!