Discover the MIRACLE Within: What Makes You Extraordinary?

Thank you Justine & Michael 💚

No matter the kind, pain is as inevitable as life itself - we all go through it in some way or another. Be it emotional, mental or physical - it's going to happen.

Too often we shy away from admitting our pain to the world - too ashamed to allow ourselves to surrender. It’s OK to be hurt, to be angry and to feel helpless. It is OK to surrender.

When we hear the word 'surrender', we often think of giving up, waving the white flag, and throwing in the towel. We associate it with gracefully bowing out and retreating away from our problems. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.

Surrendering in this sense means acknowledging that the pain is real and allowing those feelings to come to the surface. Allowing time and holding counsel with the pain. When we soften. When our mind softens. When we let go. It is in that state of surrender that we somehow become more powerful. It's a paradox, and one that we can learn to embrace.

In the meantime, remember that you don't need to be in pain to engage in empathy, compassion and gratitude. For we never truly know what those around us are going through.

Filmed in Seattle, USA.

All of our films are made possible through the generous support of our patrons.

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Who is Reflections of Life? We are Justine and Michael (previously known as Green Renaissance). We use our passion for filmmaking and our love of storytelling, to remind our audience of one simple truth – that we are all human. The more that we understand and believe in this interconnectedness, the more we will treat ourselves, one another, and planet earth with a greater sense of compassion.

Filming - by Michael Raimondo
Editing - by Justine du Toit
Sound mix - by Tamryn Breakey

The following music tracks are used in this film:
Stumbling - by Sleeping Vines (via Epidemic Sound)
Hopefully - by Itai Argaman (via ArtList)
Jorja - by Sam Will (via Epidemic Sound)
Thoughts in Motion - by Tristan Barton (via ArtList)
Everywhere except Right Here - by Hanna Lindgren (via Epidemic Sound)
Lighthouse - by Michael FK (via ArtList)
A Place Beyond Belief - by SLPSTRM (via ArtList)
White Dream - by Yehezkel Raz (via ArtList)

A huge thank you to these guys, who gave so generously of their to time to help with translations, enabling us to provide subtitles in the following languages:
Albanian - by Denis Skendaj
Arabic - by Frihat Oussama
Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) - by Shun-Ying Lu
Croatian - by Davor Bobanac
Czech - by Katarína Borek
Dutch - by Karla Greven
English - by Justine du Toit
French - by Amélie Macoin
German - by Tanja Pütz
Greek - by Vicky Polychroni
Hindi - by Parul Sharma
Indonesian - by Ary Nuansa
Italian - by Grazia Gironella
Korean - by Hotae Devin Noh
Macedonian - by Lidija Pusevska Markovska
Polish - by Anna Konieczna
Portuguese - by Sibylle Steinpass and Lucivani Valvassori
Slovak - by Zuzana Beratsova
Spanish - by Paty Aguirre
Vietnamese - by Thi Le

[ReflectionsofLife]

A huge thank you to these guys, who gave so generously of their to time to help with translations, enabling us to provide subtitles in the following languages:
Albanian - by Denis Skendaj
Arabic - by Frihat Oussama
Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) - by Shun-Ying Lu
Croatian - by Davor Bobanac
Czech - by Katarína Borek
Dutch - by Karla Greven
English - by Justine du Toit
French - by Amélie Macoin
German - by Tanja Pütz
Greek - by Vicky Polychroni
Hindi - by Parul Sharma
Indonesian - by Ary Nuansa
Italian - by Grazia Gironella
Korean - by Hotae Devin Noh
Macedonian - by Lidija Pusevska Markovska
Polish - by Anna Konieczna
Portuguese - by Sibylle Steinpass and Lucivani Valvassori
Slovak - by Zuzana Beratsova
Spanish - by Paty Aguirre
Vietnamese - by Thi Le

[tfayegriffin]

“My footprint is valid. I will not tiptoe.” Brilliant!

[sbs_]

I don't know who will read this. I am a 22-year-old child development specialist who both works and studies, and I am also a young teacher. Every year of my life has been very difficult. I survived a very severe depression between the ages of 17 and 19, and I am still healing my inner child. Working with children helps with this, and at the same time I help them. I am healing my childhood, which I cannot remember having, with them. Unfortunately, I discovered the channel a little late, but I came across it at a time when I was struggling in the dark. I couldn't count how many stories I listened to, but people I may never have met in my life made me feel closer to many people I knew. Thank you for this, I'm glad to have you.

Finally, I would add that years ago I said to my psychologist, "I don't feel like I have a place in the world as I am. With who I am." That's why this video was important to me. I'm still fighting to prevent the light within me from being extinguished by storms. Yet, despite all the evil, I will continue to shine like a lighthouse. Thank you.

[nilepearl]

"Rebuiling after traumas is a solo journey that can't be done alone"!

[jana-zdbr]

I like the insight that a lighthouse does not control where people steer their boat. It is simply a light in the darkness.

[Kiwiwanderer]

Where do you find these wonderful humans? Why is the media / internet full of one dimensional celebrities / business motivational gurus rather than the multi-dimensional souls you give me.

This woman is creative, articulate, genuine, she is all of us If we are willing, to let the masks we hide behind fall away.

Im with her I don’t want to stop at the surface. She lives a deeply rich open, present life. Isn’t that what we all want? She inspires and encourages me to be my true self, as James Hollis says …our goal to have guts to be our truly eccentric selves…

Thank you reflections of life 💚

[vlouise]

So many of these beautiful portraits contain cherished dogs and cats. I think good people see the wisdom and love in animals.

[khalidhaniff]

Wow. I am truly touched by your words. When you said, "It’s one thing to be a chameleon, to alter one’s colors to each new environment. It’s another to live as the rainbow one already is. Who doesn’t pause to admire a rainbow?" it deeply moved me. Once again, Reflections of Life has done it again. Love this channel! 🌈

[FeelPsychology-usxi]

I felt her when she said, keep going...
I have survived two wars.
Hunger, brutality of war and injuries...
PTSD and extreme anxieties and panic attacks of losing your friends.
Keep going you, who read this, may the universe help you overcome whatever is pressing you down.
Keep going, keep moving forward... Everything will be alright at the end. Keep moving...

[debbietodd]

Emotional/mental pain is invisible like that too, leaves you immobilized, unable to function and put one foot in front of the other. Other humans just roll their collective eyes and judge you as weak. Love and light to this beautiful human and her Buddahfly, so full of words she is bubbling over💜

[dennishollinghurst]

As both a Buddhist and a retired Police Dog Handler (K9 Officer) this video touched me in so many ways and on so many levels and I thank you for it. The wonderful dog's name of Buddhafly delights me do much.

[fernsandthistle]

This lady is magical! I've been watching your videos all day today. Thank god I came accross your channel! God bless you for your videography, music and most importantly for these wonderful people! 🙏

[mzhavisham]

" My footprint is valid I will not tiptoe " Powerful Powerful words! to remember!

[Onthethlife]

That's an awesome onesie. Daily chronic ongoing pain is a horrendous thing to have to cope with, and everyone just expects you to pretend it's not there, and function as you did before.

[bahmdiggity]

I woke up through intense pain and am on my own journey of appreciating this life and this world. This film speaks volumes about how an individual can effect the world and the other souls in it. Simply be a light. One that helps others find their own way.
Thanks for sharing this.

[davidrodrigues]

I shyed away for my High Sensitivity (HSP) for 72 years using anti depression medication for 30+ years. Very slowly i deminished my medication and since 2 years i am completely clean. I was fed up with Pharma, was convinced anti vaccin, started swimming up to now (almost for 4 years), even in the winter, changed my diet and did mindfull meditation in the night. Through a stroke of insight i became aware that my HSP became my strenght. Since than I am enjoying life again, even though i sometimes fall back into sobriety moods for a short time. Its part of my HSP and excepting it as part of my life makes a big change. About 4 weeks ago i came acros your beautifull site and since than i listen to 1 story/video every morning. Many thumbs up for your excellent work 🙏

[grandmastermonk]

Sat down to watch this short film, didn't initially feel much connection.... until she mentioned her incredible journey of physical pain and eventual giving in. Very profound, and I'm glad she now lives with such freedom.
Greetings from Australia

[icare]

Such a heartfelt and well-spoken story. I loved this one. ❤

[wholovestrees]

The bubble wand story is beautiful. Such a kind soul with many facets of love and understanding.

[candyv]

Wow, thank you for sharing the story of this beautiful poet❤