Gratitude Lounge Welcome to our community space to support and celebrate Grateful Living. Please consider reflecting on questions such as these: What am I grateful for? How does gratefulness enrich my life, my community, the world? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? You are welcome to include images and videos to illustrate your reflections… Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Ursula5 days agoUrsulaDear friends, as I am busy lately, and when not busy, I need rest and struggle with the heat and winds we are having at the moment, I just want to tell you that I am thinking of you and yesterday, I lit a candle a St Anthony’s for all of us on our Common Prayer Day. Sunny was with me again – she already knows that we always make a pause there, sometimes sitting down on the steps of the Sanctuary and Sunny in the grass. Please forgive me if I have not answered to your...Dear friends, as I am busy lately, and when not busy, I need rest and struggle with the heat and winds we are having at the moment, I just want to tell you that I am thinking of you and yesterday, I lit a candle a St Anthony’s for all of us on our Common Prayer Day. Sunny was with me again – she already knows that we always make a pause there, sometimes sitting down on the steps of the Sanctuary and Sunny in the grass. Please forgive me if I have not answered to your individual posts you wrote to me … I thank you all for your good wishes, prayers and love you are sending, but at the moment I am not working with my computer very much …it is too tiring! So please know you are all in my thoughts and I love reading from you, sometimes without answering. I am happy for your joys and wish you all ease in your challenges! Enjoy life as best you can! Sending you my love! Read More5 Reply Anna4 days agoAnnaUrsula, dear friend, you are always in my thoughts, don’t worry if you can’t answer …I’m often tired as well, so tired that I am not able to answer. As you can see, I’m replying now, the day after your post …this is a very stressful week for me… sometimes I think that I am not so grateful because I don’t post words of gratitude or happiness, yet this is my life, sometimes down, sometimes up. But I am not in a black hole, for sure! the sun ...Ursula, dear friend, you are always in my thoughts, don’t worry if you can’t answer …I’m often tired as well, so tired that I am not able to answer. As you can see, I’m replying now, the day after your post …this is a very stressful week for me… sometimes I think that I am not so grateful because I don’t post words of gratitude or happiness, yet this is my life, sometimes down, sometimes up. But I am not in a black hole, for sure! the sun is always over me, oh over each of us! Read More1 Reply Michele5 days agoMicheleDear Ursula…not to fret, we know we are all in your heart as you are in ours! 💕 use your rest time to regain your strength and know I am praying mightily for you. My warmest thoughts and intentions are with you always! 3 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaThank you so much for your mighty prayers, dear Michele, and I wanted you to know that the recent Word for the Day , “Don’t be afraid of being disloyal to your pain by being joyous”, spoke mightily to me as well! Have a beautiful day! PS. You recently asked where I live … I live in Austria! 4 Reply Mary6 days agoMaryOn common prayer day my thoughts are with each of you. I wish each of you joy, ease, peace, gentleness, comfort, laughter, fun, energy, healing, light, and so much love. Mary 5 Reply Mary6 days agoMarySending extra prayers, healing energy, and love to Grateful Sea. May you heal and may your sadness transform into peace. I stand by you as do so many others on this site who love you. Mary 2 Reply Mary6 days agoMaryExtra prayers and dazzling healing light always to Ursula 1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaAnd much love, light and healing to you and your husband as well, dear Mary! ❤️❤️❤️ 1 Reply Mary5 days agoMary❤️❤️❤️ 1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaNamaste, dear Mary! 🙏 Happy to see you here again more often 🙂 2 Reply Mary6 days agoMaryMichele, I just saw your response to me from several days ago. I just LOVE it! A Labradoodle named Finnegan!!!! I am so excited for you! He is truly a little piece of heaven. Mary 3 Reply Michele5 days agoMicheleI’ll soon know! I pick him up on Saturday. He will be a tender eight weeks. I pray I can maintain a calm relationship him and not anxious as I was the last three years with Yoda. I will have to check myself frequently. Thank you for good wishes sent my way. Much love to you Mary🌸💖 1 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieDear Mary, thank you for your kind wishes on our common prayer day. I.d like to join you in these for you and all our lovely friends here and everbody in need. ❤🙏 3 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaHappy to see you, Sylvie! 😊 1 Reply Mary6 days agoMaryWishing you the best always Sylvie, and sending out love to your dear sister, Gabi. Are her test results in yet? Much love to you, Gabi, and as always little Awinchen. Mary 2 Reply Michele5 days agoMicheleYes Sylvie, I like Mary, hope Gabe’s tests were positive! 🌸 1 Reply Diane6 days agoDianeGoodnight dear friends…on this our Common Prayer day. I will be sending up a prayer of gratefulness for each of you as I drift off to sleep. May you all sleep…or play…with the angels. 😇 5 Reply Michele5 days agoMicheleDear Diane, hoping you are recovering! 🙏🏻 1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaThank you, dear Diane! Hope you are recovering and feeling better! 😊 1 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieThank you, dearDiane for your prayers 🙏 It.s such a beautiful idea ” playing with the angels “, it brought a big smile to my face on this early morning. May you also be blessed , dear Diane 💖💖💖 1 Reply Debra1 week agoDebraSometimes I am so grateful for the little things I shared in my relationship. Just now without thinking I said, “Honey could you please zip up the rest of my blouse; I can’t reach it.” And then I realized he isn’t here. There are those tiny little things that touch me frequently, things that surprise me and that make me ever so grateful for the time we had. No, darn it, I still need help zipping up my blouse. 5 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaThank you for your loving posts telling us your love for your late husband, dear Debra! I especially enjoyed the song you shared some time ago, I wanted to mention this! Wishing you to be able to find joy in life as you move forward! 1 Reply Debra5 days agoDebraUrsula, bless you. That means so much to me that you enjoyed my late husband’s lyrics to a song called “Sunrise “. He was a prolific composer with abundant musicality pouring out of his soul. Thank you so much. 0 Reply Mary6 days agoMaryDear Debra, It sounds like you lost a loved one (your spouse perhaps) recently. I am so very sorry for your loss. It’s is so good to have you here. If you would like to say more about your loss I would be interested in hearing more about you and what you have experienced. There are so many kind and loving souls on this site Who will be here for you, to listen and to care. I hope to hear more from you, Debra. I send you my love.Dear Debra, It sounds like you lost a loved one (your spouse perhaps) recently. I am so very sorry for your loss. It’s is so good to have you here. If you would like to say more about your loss I would be interested in hearing more about you and what you have experienced. There are so many kind and loving souls on this site Who will be here for you, to listen and to care. I hope to hear more from you, Debra. I send you my love. Mary Read More2 Reply Debra5 days agoDebraThank you, Mary, for your loving support. I am very grateful for this community. 0 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDebra….thank you for sharing. Your grateful heart, in the midst of pain, is an inspiration to me. Sending you love and light as you continue on in this part of your journey. ~Blessings ♥ 3 Reply Debra1 week agoDebraBlessings to you, Diane. Sometimes gratefulness shows up in unexpected places. Thank you. 3 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaPics from my street … 7 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaFantastic! God bless your summer! 1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaGrazie mille, cara Amica! Altrettanto! 😊 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeUrsula…thank you for sharing these lovely pictures of nature’s abundance! It seems like it was a beautiful day in your part of the world my friend 🌳🌸🌼 ~With grateful love ♥ 2 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaYes, indeed, dear Diane! I hope you are enjoying your nice little house in the beautiful farmland as well, my friend! Thank you for your recent sharings as well, Diane! 0 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaToday in the morning, waking up early and walking Sunny, I was grateful for nature’s abundance. I will try to share pictures. Having worked quite much all day but also receiving a Reiki treatment by my dear friend Anna, my day was filled with activity. I am grateful for the beautiful posts on my behalf (especially to Michelle, , but not only – and so happy you take the puppy! Wishing you much joy! Many posts have touched me so much, I am thinking of Pilgrim and sorr...Today in the morning, waking up early and walking Sunny, I was grateful for nature’s abundance. I will try to share pictures. Having worked quite much all day but also receiving a Reiki treatment by my dear friend Anna, my day was filled with activity. I am grateful for the beautiful posts on my behalf (especially to Michelle, , but not only – and so happy you take the puppy! Wishing you much joy! Many posts have touched me so much, I am thinking of Pilgrim and sorry for your worries, dear Mary! I wish you to find some more clarity as you ponder options. I havesome worries about my children and feel helpless when they won’t accept any suggestions or support from me. Many of what Mary says is an issue I know from the ‘other’ side (as a parent), and I have no solutions either … Seems it’s difficult for me to accept that they have to find their own way … And that my husband and I will never find a common solution for some of my worries. Anyway – the day started beautifully, I am grateful for this weekend and that my energy levels are satisfying. Much love blessings to everyone! 💗☀🌺 Read More5 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryI would like to share just a bit about myself. To continue where I left off in January, my husband has remained sober. He goes to an A.A. meeting each day. He has remained sober, but his healing is slow. He has trauma from childhood and depression. He is working on the trauma with a therapist. Progress is slow He tends to isolate from life and from me. This is difficult for me. I try to be supportive but I can’t fix any of this. School is out for the summer. I may be...I would like to share just a bit about myself. To continue where I left off in January, my husband has remained sober. He goes to an A.A. meeting each day. He has remained sober, but his healing is slow. He has trauma from childhood and depression. He is working on the trauma with a therapist. Progress is slow He tends to isolate from life and from me. This is difficult for me. I try to be supportive but I can’t fix any of this. School is out for the summer. I may be done with teaching or done with teaching at my school. I am however considering sharing my position with another art teacher, and going back to my school part time. I had mentioned in the past that lies had been told about me. What I didn’t mention was that the lies were told by children. All of this caused a tremendous mess for me. The children at my school are more challenging with each year. Better behaved children continue to leave and we continue to get more difficult children. Admin is extremely unsupportive. I frequently feel disrespected by them. I have found however, that avoiding them and not sending any children to them seems to keep them happy and more positive toward me. So why would I go back at all? That is the question. I do love the children, including those with behavioral issues. I just care about them, and don’t feel good about leaving them. I feel I have more to share with them and hope that I can make a difference in their lives. There is also the issue of money (Can I afford to retire?) And if I do (and even if I don’t) the need to create a new life for myself. I haven’t put much thought and investigation into creating a new life. I do plan on spending time today journaling and looking at what I want to do with my life. I seem to forget that I won’t live forever and I need to make plans. I don’t want to leave this world with lots of regrets. So I will be journalling today and looking deeply at some questions. What do I value most in life? How do I want to live my life? How can I summon the courage to change? Blessings to all. Love, light, and healing to all. Mary Read More2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDear Mary….well, you just brought back a lot of memories for me. As you may remember, I retired from teaching when we relocated after 15 years as a middle school science teacher. For me, it was perfect timing. Not to be overly dramatic but I found that my soul and spirit was just hurting from the trend that I was observing over the years. I was starting to seriously consider leaving the profession when my husband’s company moved and we moved along with them. I am grateful for ...Dear Mary….well, you just brought back a lot of memories for me. As you may remember, I retired from teaching when we relocated after 15 years as a middle school science teacher. For me, it was perfect timing. Not to be overly dramatic but I found that my soul and spirit was just hurting from the trend that I was observing over the years. I was starting to seriously consider leaving the profession when my husband’s company moved and we moved along with them. I am grateful for that timing. It was becoming increasingly discouraging to hang in there…both with my students and the administration politics. I always prided myself on having close, meaningful relationships with my students and their parents but as time went on the atmosphere changed and became more adversarial despite my best efforts. I wondered what difference I was making in their lives as they seemed more and more apathetic about learning….wanting to be constantly “entertained” and needing instant gratification. I think there are a lot of factors contributing to this, but the most depressing to me is the attitude and non-involvement of their parents. Social media, video games, less interaction among the family, My principal was a bully and I shed many tears over his treatment. It’s just so very sad and I recount all of this to let you know that I understand…but also that I admire you for your willingness and desire to hang in there. We each have to find our own way…for me, it was a gift to leave. For my own health and mental/spiritual well being. I was making more money than my husband (I was at Master’s plus 45) so our income was more than halved when I stopped. In addition, we lost our benefits and had to switch over to his company’s benefit plan…not as good as mine so that was a big hit to our finances. For us, it was totally worth it. I’m still working part time as a substitute secretary for 6 schools in the district where we now live and I do online scoring for a standardized testing company. I work sporadically at temporary jobs and of course thankfully there is my pension, which covers our mortgage. But it’s nowhere near what I was making before. Again, for me totally worth it. Mary…I love that you are journaling about this. I am confident that as you work through this and turn it over to your higher power (I am an adult child of 2 alcoholic parents so I am with you there as well) that all will be made clear and unfold for your highest good. I would encourage you to sit in silence and solitude whenever possible so that you can hear that small still voice inside of you that is our gracious guide in this life. Thank you for sharing so openly and with such vulnerability….it is a blessing to all of us here in the gratitude lounge and I so admire your courage. I could share more about my journey through living with the disease of alcoholism but will end now as I’ve probably gone on far too long. Except to share these words from A. A. Milne….Christopher Robin to his beloved Winnie the Pooh: “Just remember you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think” And I would add “more LOVED than you know” ~With grateful love dear friend ♥ Read More2 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryThank you dear Diane for sharing so generously with me. You did not go on too long. I could read about your experiences and your thoughts for hours and it wouldn’t be too much. Have you ever thought about writing a book. You have experienced so much and your reflections are so interesting and wise. I would definitely read your book. And thank you for the Winnie the Pooh reference. I love It! I identify with your experiences with your students and the admin. It has ...Thank you dear Diane for sharing so generously with me. You did not go on too long. I could read about your experiences and your thoughts for hours and it wouldn’t be too much. Have you ever thought about writing a book. You have experienced so much and your reflections are so interesting and wise. I would definitely read your book. And thank you for the Winnie the Pooh reference. I love It! I identify with your experiences with your students and the admin. It has been very difficult physically and emotionally. But I would never ever teach middle school. Those are the hardest years. So many of my 5th graders are over aged by a year, and many by two years. So actually I do teach many middle school aged children, children who are angry and frustrated with school. Many of the 4th graders are middle school aged too. I have never really thought about that before. The children have so many needs. Some come from very difficult homes. I just always feel like I could do it better. Like next year I will reach them better, and next year I will teach them things they really need to know. But truly I do not think I can do it for another year. I don’t have it in me. So maybe part time. I will continue to reflect on how I want to live my life. Just what is it that I want to do. Thanks, Diane for your your reassurance and for your kind words. Sending you my love, Mary Read More1 Reply Debra1 week agoDebraMary: I most certainly identify with you living with your husband, who has been sober since January. I give immense support and love for understanding that you can’t fix him. I was very slow in accepting that. My husband in the first year barely spoke a word. Each person takes their own path to recovery. May yours be an awakening in your own self…. a freeing of sorts on one level and still a natural concern on the other. Blessings and much love to you for sharing this. 2 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryDear Debra, thank you for your response. I am hoping healing will take place within him. Your words helped me to see that while I can’t fix him, that I can use this time for self growth. I could use some healing within myself. That is where I will focus my energy. I’ve spent too much time being disappointed about my husband. I do know from ALANON that the only person I can change is me. Thanks again Debra for responding to me. 💕 Mary 3 Reply Mica1 week agoMicaDear Mary, There’s a wise book a friend recommended, “You are the one you’ve been waiting for. Bringing courageous love to intimate relationships” by Richard C. Schwartz. That’s my 2 cents worth for your huge challenges – and give yourself a big hug! 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDearest Mary What you described with your husband is very common amongst recovering alcoholics. My heart felt happy when I read that you realize you are powerless to help him, other than love and support. This is a journey of recovery that only he can make. I have much experience with this disease and can assure you that you are on the right path by keeping your own serenity. Concerning your dilemma regarding your teaching position. I want to say that I have also heard these same ...Dearest Mary What you described with your husband is very common amongst recovering alcoholics. My heart felt happy when I read that you realize you are powerless to help him, other than love and support. This is a journey of recovery that only he can make. I have much experience with this disease and can assure you that you are on the right path by keeping your own serenity. Concerning your dilemma regarding your teaching position. I want to say that I have also heard these same issues from many teachers in my family. It’s so unfortunate that teachers are in this position these days. I hear teachers say many times that they love the children but the children are becoming more unmanageable each year and the supervisors do not support the teachers. Perhaps it’s time to look into other areas where you could put your talent to work to your advantage? The arts are such a gift to all. Maybe a private studio for lessons? Perhaps working at a store as a designer? You are correct in saying we do not have forever! If you can somehow see your way to be away from such stress, find your bliss. ❤️🌸 I’ll pray for divine inspiration. Much love. Read More1 Reply Mica1 week agoMicaMichele, Mary, Diane – My granddaughters, 3rd and 6th grades in an excellent school system, have the same sad comments about problems with their classmates. They have friends, so I [of course!] don’t see them being at fault… 1 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryThank you Michelle. I really don’t know what I will do. I have done some journalling but it is just a start. I will see our financial person on Thurs. and am interested to see how he thinks we are situated money wise. That has been a big concern of mine. But I also feel a bit like a deer in the headlights. It’s time to decide and I feel like I am having a bit of brain freeze. I think I need to journal and doodle in a light hearted way to help me relax with this proce...Thank you Michelle. I really don’t know what I will do. I have done some journalling but it is just a start. I will see our financial person on Thurs. and am interested to see how he thinks we are situated money wise. That has been a big concern of mine. But I also feel a bit like a deer in the headlights. It’s time to decide and I feel like I am having a bit of brain freeze. I think I need to journal and doodle in a light hearted way to help me relax with this process. Much love to you, Michele Mary Read More2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleMary I find it very helpful to me these days, when trying to make a decision, remembering I am not being forced into a decision. I try to wait things out and take my time. I know that “ brain freeze” feeling and I think it comes with age and stress. Breathe……..much love to you. 🙏🏻🌈 1 Reply Mica6 days agoMicaYes! I do better, too, when I wait and don’t rush to make a decision. 1 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryThank you, Michele. 💕 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeIt is night and I am ready for sleep. Grateful to be able to spend some time here this day with you all. I am thinking of our dear friend Pilgrim…..I hope you are well and know that you are missed. I will say a special prayer for you as I drift off to sleep .~Blessings and sweet dreams all 🙏😴 6 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryI am also thinking about Pilgrim and my thoughts are also with Grateful Sea. I send you both my love and my prayers for your healing. Mary 2 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieDear Pilgrim and dear grateful sea, I.m also sending blessings to you 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤ Sylvie and Awinchen 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleMine as well. 1 Reply Ose1 week agoOseMay I join you, dear friends. Just to let you know, dear Pilgrim, that my prayers are also with you every day, like the ones of you all, dear friends here in the Lounge. Wishing a peaceful Whitsun weekend to all who visit and share here! ❤️ Ose 4 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaPilgrim, I join Diane and Palm, I often think of you and I truly hope to see you soon. I wish you all the best, I miss you. And also you Grateful Sea, how are you, dear sweet friend? 5 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear Pilgrim, I have been thinking of you too, including on Common Prayer Day and I am also offering a prayer today, for full recovery, I hope you can soon be back sharing with us 💐 4 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear friends, I am grateful for the most beautiful cradle shaped moon tonight, the best company I could have at the moment… husband and daughter have gone to the mountains and I am having a much needed weekend of solitude, grateful that they have already arrived safe at that beautiful place… So good to be here and read your beautiful sharings. I had an episode of homesickness recently. I received a photo of two old friends I hadn’t communicated with for a long ...Dear friends, I am grateful for the most beautiful cradle shaped moon tonight, the best company I could have at the moment… husband and daughter have gone to the mountains and I am having a much needed weekend of solitude, grateful that they have already arrived safe at that beautiful place… So good to be here and read your beautiful sharings. I had an episode of homesickness recently. I received a photo of two old friends I hadn’t communicated with for a long time and my heart was pierced with an intense feeling of longing. Also, this year I decided to delay my family visit till Christmas, and I think my soul was throwing a tantrum. I feared depression again, but kept listening to what the longing was trying to tell me, eager to respond. So, I have been in contact with my old friends and have been having deeper connection with family, This has filled my heart with joy… Love and blessings ❤️🙏🏻 Read More8 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaDear Palm, happy to read that you were able to reconnect with your old friends and family, so that eventually you felt joyful! Thank you for describing your feelings … I think we have all been there. It was beautiful to read your words, … Hoping that after the much needed “me time” (you time 😉 you are gladly reunited with your loved ones, and that they enjoyed their time together as well! Much love to you! 1 Reply Palm5 days agoPalmYes Ursula, it was good for us all, and good to have them back, thank you! With love from Palm 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDear Palm….your sharing has touched me in a way that is hard to articulate. Homesickness and longing are two feelings that wash over me as well sometimes and I think that our friend Anna may be right…for me at least I believe it is wrapped up in my aging. Melancholy can overwhelm at times. Thank you for sharing….it helps so much to know that we are not alone with these musings. ~Blessings dear friend ♥ 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear Diane, I think we are here at the same time… you don’t know how much it means to me too, knowing that I am not alone with these musings, and I am so grateful. We must not think they are not important… Blessings to you dear friend <3 0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnadear Palm, I’m sorry for your homesickness. From time to time I feel this special mood, but I never understood the real root, since I have my family close to me and also to my friends. Sometimes I think it’s the thought of aging, I can’t deny … sometimes I think there’s a subtle connection to my hormonal imbalance. Today I saw some children celebrating an event in their kindergarten. I remembered when my children were at the same school … I looked at ...dear Palm, I’m sorry for your homesickness. From time to time I feel this special mood, but I never understood the real root, since I have my family close to me and also to my friends. Sometimes I think it’s the thought of aging, I can’t deny … sometimes I think there’s a subtle connection to my hormonal imbalance. Today I saw some children celebrating an event in their kindergarten. I remembered when my children were at the same school … I looked at a child in the arms of his father, his father kissed him, he let himself be cuddled … I was deeply moved and I was about to cry. My mother was close to me and I was meditating that she is just getting old, she often forgets, she doesn’t connect some thoughts, for example the degree of kinship, sometimes she seems like a child … all this brings me nostalgia … But, dear Palm, let’s keep in touch with each other, as far as possible, we give each other joy, don’t we?🤗🏵🌻🌺 Read More3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmAnna ! yes, that’s what it is for me dear friend… a nostalgia for the past, as I get older… I too feel this as I see my parents getting frailer … I think for me it is sometimes a sense of not having treasured enough those people, those moments … and as time has passed, I have kind of sieved my experiences, and the most meaningful ones now stand out … I will confess that even the memory of an old love that was relegated to the “back of house” has now come back to remind...Anna ! yes, that’s what it is for me dear friend… a nostalgia for the past, as I get older… I too feel this as I see my parents getting frailer … I think for me it is sometimes a sense of not having treasured enough those people, those moments … and as time has passed, I have kind of sieved my experiences, and the most meaningful ones now stand out … I will confess that even the memory of an old love that was relegated to the “back of house” has now come back to remind me of freedom, adventure and passion… I see it as learning, as messages coming from the past, telling me “don’t get too busy with duties and forget about what’s important… treasure the moments…”, at least that is how I am making sense of all of this… and yes, we must keep in touch because it does bring us joy… thank you my friend 🤗❤️🌻🌈 Read More1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaI can so relate to what you say, dear Palm! ❤️ 1 Reply Palm5 days agoPalmDear Ursula, I got your message in real time, we may be here the same time! Thank you, as Diane says it’s so good not to be alone with these feelings… I am always thinking of you dear friend ❤️ 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelePalm, Anna, Diane. I too think it has to do with aging. Just yesterday I rode my bike again after maybe 20 yrs. A friend encouraged me to get it serviced and take it out to a trail for a ride. I can’t exactly explain this feeling that came over me m, as I started out in the cool morning air m, under a canopy of trees beside the river, but it occurred to me that I felt 10 again with that wind blowing in my hair. I longed for the days when all I needed was a bike ride to free my spir...Palm, Anna, Diane. I too think it has to do with aging. Just yesterday I rode my bike again after maybe 20 yrs. A friend encouraged me to get it serviced and take it out to a trail for a ride. I can’t exactly explain this feeling that came over me m, as I started out in the cool morning air m, under a canopy of trees beside the river, but it occurred to me that I felt 10 again with that wind blowing in my hair. I longed for the days when all I needed was a bike ride to free my spirit! Much love to all! 🚴♀️ Read More1 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaWow, that sounds great, dear Michele! Congrats that you did it! ❤️🚴 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmMichele, that is wonderful !! Isn’t it great that we can do small things that can make a big difference ? I am grateful your friend made that suggestion to you. Much love from Palm 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeYes dear Palm and dear Anna…..being in touch and sharing our thoughts and feelings does bring great joy. I am so grateful for this gift. ~Blessings ♥ 3 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeFor all my gratefulness friends….with love ♥ 6 Reply Anna1 week agoAnna❤ 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeGood morning lovely friends What a blessing to catch up and read all that you have so generously shared over the last few days. I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis….given 3 different medications and am finally starting to feel somewhat better and stronger. This was a long and exhausting sickness and, because I live with chronic illness, was even more debilitating. I am so very grateful to have figured out what was wrong and for the medicines...Good morning lovely friends What a blessing to catch up and read all that you have so generously shared over the last few days. I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis….given 3 different medications and am finally starting to feel somewhat better and stronger. This was a long and exhausting sickness and, because I live with chronic illness, was even more debilitating. I am so very grateful to have figured out what was wrong and for the medicines that are helping me. Grateful that the depression and lethargy have lifted and grateful for the opportunity to practice peace-filled acceptance of what is….even though I must admit to stumbling at times. I am learning so much about joy…..that deep within us, joy can be found and nurtured despite outside circumstances. Trust has always been a challenge for me, perhaps because of my unpredictable and tumultuous childhood, but I am learning this too. My sister-in-law struggles with fear and recently she sent me a lovely gift. It is a beautiful wall-hanging with a quote from the Psalms: “When I am afraid I will trust in you” Psalm 56:3 I have it hanging by my desk. I am looking at it now and am so grateful for the love and companionship this gift represents…and for the truth it reminds me of. I don’t have to give in to fear…I can choose to turn it over to our Creator and believe that all will be well. All is unfolding in my life with love. Unconditional and eternal. This has become my mantra when fear tries to take hold. I say it aloud. I say it in Spanish as well because somehow it is so beautiful to me in that language: “Cuando tengo miedo, confio en ti” I have been given multiple opportunities to practice this lately …not only with my health issues, but with some anxieties and fears that have cropped up as a mother. And with some decisions that my husband and I are making regarding our future as we are getting older….what and where will be the next chapter in our lives. I am grateful for this sacred space and for all of you. Thank you for being my long-distance companions on this journey. It is a truth, as Ram Dass has said, we are all just walking each other home. ~With grateful love ♥ Read More5 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleSending you love and light. I hope you are feeling much better soon. Please take gentle care. 🌈🌹🦋 0 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeThank you Michelle…..I am embracing the love and light you have sent me. ~Blessings ♥ 0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaI agree with Palm, dear Diane, your words always inspire a sense of calm. I’m glad you feel better. May you enjoy this incoming summer, with its clear light and its warm days. 2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeThank you cara Anna….I replied to you and Palm together above. I am so touched and grateful for what you have shared. We are on this journey together mia amica. ♥ 2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDiane, thank you for your sharing, your words give me a sense of calm, and the psalm does sound beautiful in spanish… the image of the gift given to you is beautiful too… I am happy to hear that you are getting better. Yes, let’s trust and walk each other home, love and blessings dear friend ❤️ 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeBlessings to you as well my friend 🙏💜 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleOnce again I am overwhelmed by this beautiful space and all that make it so. You all know my inner battles since losing Yoda, and my reluctance to open my heart to a new companion. One of the reasons being I felt disloyal. Well wouldn’t you know the word of the day spoke directly to that hurt, and I have found great peace in deciding to bring that puppy home. My gratefulness to all of you that have walked me through this most tumultuous decision, will be forever in my heart. S...Once again I am overwhelmed by this beautiful space and all that make it so. You all know my inner battles since losing Yoda, and my reluctance to open my heart to a new companion. One of the reasons being I felt disloyal. Well wouldn’t you know the word of the day spoke directly to that hurt, and I have found great peace in deciding to bring that puppy home. My gratefulness to all of you that have walked me through this most tumultuous decision, will be forever in my heart. So as my new adventure begins, I pray I can open my heart to this little fellow, as you have all opened your hearts to me. May an eternal light of love and protection surround you each day. 🐾🐾 Word of the Day Don’t be concerned about being disloyal to your pain by being joyous! 💕 Read More8 Reply Sylvie1 week agoSylvieDear Michele, what a happy news you shared ! ☀☀☀☀ I send you a picture I painted with Gabi , in the middle of it is a Citroen ( exactly the same I had as my first car )with me, Gabi and Awinchen travelling through Paris. We wish you and your new friend a joyous journey togehter . 💖💖💖💖🌈🌈🌈🌈 With love. from Sylvie and Awinchen 3 Reply Ursula5 days agoUrsulaDear Sylvie, you are artists! Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️ 0 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmI love this dear Sylvie, thank you for sharing ❤️ 0 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieThank you, dear Palm ❤ 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleOh Sylvie I love your painting. Big hugs for you, Gabi and Awinchen! Thank you my dear friend 🌹 1 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieThank you, dear Michele ! Its only a few days to the arrival of your new companion 💖 It must be very exciting….. lots of fun, you so deserve it ! Love from Sylvie and Awinchen 0 Reply Ose1 week agoOseSuch a beautiful painting! It must have been a wonderful journey. Thanks for sharing! Warm greetings to you, Gabi and Awinchen. 1 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieThank you, dear Ose 🌈 Warm greetings back to you. 0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaSylvie, you are an artist! What a wonderful picture of such an amazing city! Blessing to you, Gabi and Awinchen. 1 Reply Sylvie6 days agoSylvieDear Anna, thank you for lovely answer ! Blessings back to you and your dad 🙏 Sylvie and Awinchen 1 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaOh dear Michele, I am so happy for you. Your decision is the right one, of course, I have no doubts. Please, if you want to attach a photo, as other dear friends are saying, I would be happier, I’m curious too! 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Anna thank you. I went to choose him today and he comes home June 15. Here is his photo as you requested. Much love. 3 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryDear Michelle, I am overjoyed and tears come to my eyes as I read your post today. You have just opened your home to a tiny loving soul and you have given yourself permission to love again. I wish you much joy, dear Michelle. Mary 3 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleMary yes he is in a different city. He is a Labradoodle and he is over by Pittsburgh , PA. I will drive back over on the 15th to bring him home. I have decided to name him Finnegan in honor of my Irish heritage. Thank you Mary for feeling such joy for me. I pray all is more than well for you. 🌈🌹 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Mary I’ve decided I do not have to take room from the love I have in my heart for Yoda, rather open my heart larger to make more space for my new boy? 💖💕🌸🐾🐾 4 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryYes, I agree!💕 3 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryI just read, June 15 is the day, a week from tomorrow. How very exciting! Do you pick him up? Is he in a different city? I agree with Serafina. This news has made my day! 2 Reply Ose1 week agoOseSuch a joy to see you decided to take the puppy home! May all joy and love unfold between you. As palm already mentioned, I am curious too to hear about your next adventures, and may be you will share some photos? He is such a cute one! Blessings to both of you. 3 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleOse. Thank you for your support and blessings. I will keep you all updated. He comes home on June 15 th. ❤️🐾🐾
