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Gratefulness
Daily Journey by Grace to grow in Gratitude & pass it on
Regarding my work situation, I’m taking extra time to center myself before work meetings. I tend to take notes, which are helpful when I’m reviewing “what did I hear?” As the meeting starts, I write in capital letters & box the word L I S T E N! at the top of my note pad. This leads me to increasing the detachment of the toxicity & hostile environment that’s prevalent. .
I enjoy summer garage sales of elders caught in downsizing to move. It’s bittersweet to hear stories of a prized Turkey platter or fruit bowls now headed elsewhere to bring joy to new owners. I also enjoy flower gardening & watching star lit nights. The latter is harder for this city dweller.
I have a new supervisor at work. Recently we met, for him to familiarize himself with my work. I calmly informed him of offensive ageist language he’s been using. He got defensive leaning over the work table thrusting his arms about.. I called him on it—he not only apologized but withdraw his demonstrative pose. It felt like a victory for me-calmly challenging male dominance at work within the moment. At my brother’s funeral last week, I similarityI detached from non inclusive behavior...
I have a new supervisor at work. Recently we met, for him to familiarize himself with my work. I calmly informed him of offensive ageist language he’s been using. He got defensive leaning over the work table thrusting his arms about.. I called him on it—he not only apologized but withdraw his demonstrative pose. It felt like a victory for me-calmly challenging male dominance at work within the moment. At my brother’s funeral last week, I similarityI detached from non inclusive behavior by my two eldest brothers. I didn’t re-act like a 12 yr old younger sibling. A Woman Rose Up, voicing her needs in both instances.
My needs are met abundantly. I am routinely moved to give away or share the surplus or to ask “who’s not at the table?” and find ways to invite them in beginning with a chat.
I lost my only younger brother on 3/30. His Celebration of Life was just last week, 6/3 on his birthdate. I received an outpouring of supportive cards from my local parish community & friends. At his service I was overwhelmed with 3 out of state cousins who traveled to be with us along with many local childhood buddies & a cousin from my mother’s generation. I weep as I recall the array of faces & feel their love holding me up during this time of loss & grief. Many on this s...
I lost my only younger brother on 3/30. His Celebration of Life was just last week, 6/3 on his birthdate. I received an outpouring of supportive cards from my local parish community & friends. At his service I was overwhelmed with 3 out of state cousins who traveled to be with us along with many local childhood buddies & a cousin from my mother’s generation. I weep as I recall the array of faces & feel their love holding me up during this time of loss & grief. Many on this site have reached out with support too & I’m grateful. I have 3 remaining older brothers. I’ve been speaking daily to one of them. Being 1 year apart we were inseparable as children. This loss and grief will take time to walk and work through.
Within my being is the Eternal presence of the Divine; from that, flows connectivity. Peter Mayer sung it best, “Everything is Holy…”
A heart full of gratitude always trickles like ripples in moving water into an external smile, whether masked or unmasked. 🙂 it is boundless. Thus I cultivate a grateful heart, daily.
This Memorial Day weekend, I Thank you Veterans & remember the countless thousands who never returned home.
Im an occasional character performer. I’m known best for being St Frances Xavier Cabrini at my parish. I’ve also been St Brigid & Peonia Peterson-a delightful Minnesotan with a gutsy New Yorker dialect.
I’m led by the example of the Good Samaritan; finding those who’ve been abandoned, or metaphorically wounded by others or unjust systems. Sometimes all that is needed is a random act of kindness. With others it is a commitment that is timeless & with good boundaries, for we speak the language of the heart.
I know I have enough miscellaneous stuff & items become re-gifted when I meet up with friends, other items are getting recycled. As garage sale season begins, I’m avoiding that temptation! * * on another note~ thank you all for your support & condolences as I walk through the loss & grief of my younger brother.
My answer at this time of much uncertainty regarding employment & the recent loss of my brother is, “”My intention is to Trust.” Its a form of a prayer of deeper abandoning unto the God of Light.
I choose to be & celebrate me- all the way out to my edges!
When I am on the beam filled with a grateful heart, I am directed to initiate more spontaneous random acts of kindness be it while driving & letting cars into a lane or taking an extra moment to hold a door open regardless of the age of the one behind me. When I am centered & engage in these small activities, I’m aware that the other I help in whatever way, IS my sister, IS my brother, IS a person on this tiny planet during my lifetime; I do not have to help, I’ve been given the ...
When I am on the beam filled with a grateful heart, I am directed to initiate more spontaneous random acts of kindness be it while driving & letting cars into a lane or taking an extra moment to hold a door open regardless of the age of the one behind me. When I am centered & engage in these small activities, I’m aware that the other I help in whatever way, IS my sister, IS my brother, IS a person on this tiny planet during my lifetime; I do not have to help, I’ve been given the privilege to help & be of service. My eyes & heart consciously See the Divine in the other.
I have a broader view of how human kind voyeurs into egregious tragedy more than I knew before. Low flying planes & helicopters have hovered overhead for the past few days. I live in the heart of Minneapolis. Many walk with us in our pain while others just gawk. .
My first & immediate thought was my brother, who passed 3/30. He was 1 year younger than me. We were inseparable as youth, K-12 walking & city busing to school & many more activities. I have deeply loved him through years of mental illness, addiction & his final 13 yrs in recovery. Becoming an advocate for others was forged in that love. I’m reminded of Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, “I know I have a heart, for it feels broken,” as Dorothy turned to leave.
My life is a series of spiritual experiences, some more challenging than others. It is a daily walk of trusting Infinite God & not my finite self, striving to be an instrument of peace in a conflict torn world.
There have been many gifts, too numerous to name them all from my younger brother who passed 3/30: a unique sibling friendship; three beautiful adult sons; shared memories of childhood…love & much more.
My condolences to you. It sounds like a nurturing Hearth was built for you. Karel’s love is forever. May you be gentle with yourself as you walk through your grief & loss.. Namaste
Zenith, I’ve not been on these pages in a while too. I just lost my younger brother 3/30. We were 1 year apart. I send you my deepest condolences. I’m finding sibling loss & grief is like non other. May you be gentle with yourself & may there be others open to listen as you share the stories you have of your brother. A grateful heart can still feel wounded. Peace to you!
Thank you Michele, the support across the internet is very comforting. 💕
I just woke & a wave of tears begins again.
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