“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” – Melody Beattie
I am so grateful for YOU! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have written a blog article on kindness each month for these 13 years! Knowing that you are ‘out there’, receiving your feedback, personal comments and insights are a big part of my inspiration each month. And your sharing it with me and others warrant a big “THANK YOU!”
Life isn’t easy with its ups and downs, times of illness, anxiety, worry about our country, our world, concern about those we love and our own lives… but gratitude always helps to bring things into perspective.
I am blessed with a mom who has always taught me to see the best in people, to be quick to forgive, to be grateful, and when times are hard, to know that “this too shall pass.”
What I’ve learned, even during the most difficult of times – divorce, illness, loss – was that these events would become the motivation that I needed to discover what strengths and resilience I had, and to create a whole new life path for myself. And for that I am grateful.
There always seem to be teachers that show up when we need to learn a valuable life lesson. I once went to a presentation by a woman who shared with us “what it is like to live each day as if it were your last”. We may try to live our lives that way, but when our health hangs on a phone call to know if you will receive the organ that you need to survive, every moment is more precious. Carol had received a lung transplant years before and was now on a list for another, because hers was failing.
Four of us offered to be a support for her. I remember sitting with her one day in the hospital, watching an Oprah episode on ‘gratitude’ and I committed then to write 3 things that I am grateful for each day. Sadly, months later, Carol didn’t make it, but she left me with an appreciation for the preciousness of each day. And years later, I cherish these journals filled with gratitudes to remind me what a blessing life is.
It is especially hard to lose loved ones, but gratitude for the person and their love, the shared times and the lessons, live on in our hearts. It has helped me to be more present, to appreciate the moment with each person, and to be more comfortable knowing that someday it will be my time to leave.
But until then, I hope to live my best life each day, to express my gratitude for my health and well-being, the people whom I am sharing this planet with, and to leave a trail of kindness and love that can help to light a path for others.
Many blessings to you and your loved ones,
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