See our Privacy Policy
Δ
Gratefulness
Poetry is my passion, but reception is how I pay the bills and I don’t mind that combo one bit! I am continually touched l that my smile, my friendly manner, my offer to provide a cup of coffee or a glass of water is for the most part repaid with gratitude as if I had done much, much more.
I have learned that one can be lonelier when among people than when by oneself. I am alone a lot and sometimes I do get lonely, but for the most part, I consider solitude a gift during which I can practice three of my favorite activities: reading, writing and walking. Finally, I have learned that solitude is best observed with a cat.
My heart! I suffered a “spontaneous dissection” 12 years ago. A major artery broke and I waited 24 to go to the hospital because I did not believe I could possibly have had a heart attack. I exercised, did not smoke, was thin, had perfect blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But the artery split and I needed 5 stents. After all that, guess what? No damage to my heart muscle! Thank you, heart. You are the center where I feel love, pain, anger, tenderness. I put my hand o...
My heart! I suffered a “spontaneous dissection” 12 years ago. A major artery broke and I waited 24 to go to the hospital because I did not believe I could possibly have had a heart attack. I exercised, did not smoke, was thin, had perfect blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But the artery split and I needed 5 stents. After all that, guess what? No damage to my heart muscle! Thank you, heart. You are the center where I feel love, pain, anger, tenderness. I put my hand over you and I know what it is to be human.
I look back and realize that I made many difficulties much larger and more horrible than they truly were. I see how easily I can sink into panic mode, and how guilt is often my default – even when it is totally misplaced. Situations in which I felt helpless to find a solution – like a noisy, inconsiderate neighbor who had no intention of changing his behavior – were tough. They forced me out of my comfort zone and forced change. Anne Lemott says pain is the great motiva...
I look back and realize that I made many difficulties much larger and more horrible than they truly were. I see how easily I can sink into panic mode, and how guilt is often my default – even when it is totally misplaced. Situations in which I felt helpless to find a solution – like a noisy, inconsiderate neighbor who had no intention of changing his behavior – were tough. They forced me out of my comfort zone and forced change. Anne Lemott says pain is the great motivator for change – and I believe she is right.
The incident that comes to mind concerns the memoir that I wrote. I put my heart and soul into this book and tried so hard to be honest and to not make myself look better than anyone else (and I think I succeeded there!). I was honest about my family and the fighting that occurred after the death of my parents and older relatives. But there are a few sentences I wish I had not put in the book, one in particular that was very hurtful to one of my sisters. I wrote her a heartfelt apology an...
The incident that comes to mind concerns the memoir that I wrote. I put my heart and soul into this book and tried so hard to be honest and to not make myself look better than anyone else (and I think I succeeded there!). I was honest about my family and the fighting that occurred after the death of my parents and older relatives. But there are a few sentences I wish I had not put in the book, one in particular that was very hurtful to one of my sisters. I wrote her a heartfelt apology and said if I could take it back, I would. I really felt sick with remorse. She wrote me a lovely note of forgiveness. I know how sweet it feels to be completely forgiven. I hope I give that gift to others (and it will probably be only through God’s grace).
I just read all reflections to date. Thank you, all, for helping me to learn from your own words and wisdom.
Yes, I can honestly say that I am indeed cherishing the journey, more so than when I was young! I think I am more grateful for the little things which really are not little at all: flowers, breeze, smell of cut grass, my cat’s eyes in sun. Laughter, good books, good bread, red wine! I hope I am not tempting fate, but I kind of feel that now is “harvest time” for me. I had more than my fair share (I think) of misery-inducing jobs and family woe. All of that is over. My ...
Yes, I can honestly say that I am indeed cherishing the journey, more so than when I was young! I think I am more grateful for the little things which really are not little at all: flowers, breeze, smell of cut grass, my cat’s eyes in sun. Laughter, good books, good bread, red wine! I hope I am not tempting fate, but I kind of feel that now is “harvest time” for me. I had more than my fair share (I think) of misery-inducing jobs and family woe. All of that is over. My life is much more peaceful and bright. I wish I had sold more books, I wish my work were better known, but that is largely out of my control. I have my health and people who love me for who I am. I am rich.
A belated thank you, Anne.
Ursula, I have not seen the film, but now I will, thanks to you! Have a wonderful day.
Right you are, Aine!
I love the first two items on your list especially, Aine! Listening and fresh vegetables…..two lovely gifts.
Thank you for this thought-provoking post, Anna. When I was young, I was indignant on Martha’s behalf. I did not think she deserved any kind of rebuke – Mary was being lazy! Well, I’ve changed my view since then. Thank goodness we humans are capable of doing that.
Thank you Sieger!
Blessings to you, Antoinette!
Thank you so much, KC!
She can be such a delight! I’ve read and re-read her books.
Oh Deb, I cannot imagine the pain for both of you. I hope you do not continue to blame yourself. When I think of the burdens that others carry – that I usually know nothing about – it amazes me that people are so brave .
Sarah, your spirit may yet be filled to the brim again. Someone once said, “faith without doubt is either sentiment or dogma.” Doubt is part of the journey and it can feel like a desert. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for doing this important work, Barbara!
What a beautiful article, Kevin! Just wonderful to read. Thank you.
Stay connected to the community by adding people to your list.
This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.
© 2000 - 2024, A Network for Grateful Living
Website by Briteweb
