This month, seventeen years ago this month, I lost my father. February 14th, 1997. While most celebrate love on this day, I experience a range of emotions. Each year, I feel the pain in my heart, the pain of loss and a love for my Dad that is so deep. Yet I also feel the abundance of love, the presence of my father in my life and the gratitude for the gifts that I have received through the pain.

Whether we have experienced the loss of a loved one, a challenge in our career, finances, or health, in the darkness is a light that outshines the dark. In that light, is the abundance of love and strength that is within us, guiding us to live the most fulfilling life possible. Through watching my father transition to the other side, I witnessed his experience of the light. It was a moment that will always be with me. I spent many years struggling to find that light in my life, but once I uncovered it, it was enough to motivate my entire being to discover more.

The first experience I remember was a time that I set my alarm for 3am, a time in many spiritual traditions that is said to be a gateway to the heavens. Within minutes, I began to see a cross in front of me with the brightest white light ever bursting through the center. I was in such a state of awe and gratitude. I knew that this was just the beginning of my journey and that there was so much more to come. As the light grew larger and larger, I felt an immediate sense of peace fill my body and I had no doubt whatsoever that this light would always be there–guiding my way.

Once I was back in the physical world, I struggled to experience that light again; the peace and clarity that I had felt in that moment was like a distant dream. I called on my mind, heart and spirit to recall the image of the light, even if it was only a glimpse of it. As I held that intention in my mind and felt the yearning in my heart, I allowed the divine light to enter my life.

Although it feels like yesterday, I have experienced a rollercoaster of a journey that has been incredibly amazing and a ride that I continue on–there is no going back! Through the light is an infinite amount of love, beauty, wisdom, healing and abundance that fills your entire life. Through finding the light within, we can live our fullest potential and reach new heights that often feel too challenging to create. May you find the light in your life and let the light guide you to your greatest hopes and dreams.