I have been spending long hours (with lots of breaks) reorganizing and redesigning the rooms at O Museum — and cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. I am grateful to my mother who had me scrubbing linoleum floors when I was 4 years old.

My hands-on cleaning (and reorganizing of our spaces) these long weeks have helped settle my heart and mind. I have begun ... again .. to let go ... to think with my heart and feel with my mind.

I realize it's all good. It was — and is — time for all of us to step back and reconfigure who we want to become. We must all hold hands (figuratively for now). No one is alone.

As we begin to think and pray about coming out of "captivity," here are five things to consider:

1. Raise your expectations. Say yes to your dreams
2. Clean, dance, and exercise off your doubts — and fears
3. There is no more "normal". Accept this, and let it go
4. Pace yourself. Have more compassion for others for sure, but don't forget your Self
5. Smile more. If you smile before eating, your food always tastes better

If you have any thoughts about this, email me. I will personally answer every letter I get.

There is so much to be thankful for. Believe.

And don't forget to "scrub the floors."

H. H. Leonards, Founder
O Museum in the Mansion

It is during the periods of our worst suffering that cause us to fly in the same direction and be brought, together.

The bad times — and we've all had our share — are almost invariably the places where I've learned crucial lessons. In fact, I'd say that the bad parts (a setback professionally and/or personal) should be embraced more. Even though you really don't feel like that when you are suffering, or feel badly.

After a while, we begin to see how positive things can come out of the bad, which allows us to understand the pain that we've endured.

You learn to accept that one day you'll be famous, the next day infamous. One day you'll be rich, the next day poor. One day people will think you're great, the next day they'll think you're not so great. This is just the stuff of life.

Then one day, a light bulb goes on inside your soul, and you realize you are not alone, that life is ever changing, and not always in your control.

What makes you stronger and wiser are the lessons you learn along the way. This is how you learn to be grateful for what you have, and what is.

The way I see it, life is about growth, struggle, and trying to expand your love of self — and in this process, a deeper love of others.

I'm ready to fly again. Join me.

H. H. Leonards, Founder
O Museum in the Mansion