Reflections

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  1. Robin Ann

    One of my Mother’s friends who has been a huge support to me over the years. I have sent her many notes of thanks. My Mother died when I was 40 and my Dad remarried and moved away (had tremendous grief).

    1 year ago
  2. O.Christina

    There are so many dear people in my life also. Towards all of you who share here I am deeply grateful. It has helped enormously especially to be able to be in contact with people and with the world, which I am deeply grateful for this being on its way now. You here, my dear friends, my sister, and to a large extent my teacher and teachers of the past and dear ones connected have helped with all their heart to come out of a traumatic isolation I have been in almost all my life. You all deserve my deepest gratitude and gratefulness and my heart is really opening up. Where I may need to overcome some inner difficulties it may sometimes require much of others, as I do have to jump over/ have to let go of fear of repeating former hurt and I deeply do thank you who are concerned for your patience and trust. A deep thank you from my heart to all concerned.

    1 year ago
  3. John T

    I write a letter each morning to my deceased wife to thank her and let her know how grateful we are for everything she did and continues to do for all of us. Good idea to expand this practice to others including the challenging people who sometimes are out greatest teachers.

    1 year ago
  4. Charlie T

    There are so many people that come to mind.
    I’m really just so grateful that they are all in my life. These connections are what makes this life worth living.
    As I go through this list in my head, my heart feels full.
    This is a nice way to start the day. Thank you for this question.

    1 year ago
  5. Nannette

    There are many that I would write a Thank You letter to…and some I have, The first that always comes to my mind is my Mom. She died when I was 14 and that was one of the worst days of my life…but I am so very thankful that she was my Mom. At age 16, I ran away…a half brother raising four children of his own took me in. He was 30 years old at the time! I cannot imagine! He passed away a year ago- and I was sure that I had thanked him years before…for being my hero! A thank you to my ex…for helping me get out of a co-dependent relationship- it was with a woman friend..whom I had known since I was 3 years old…I always thought I was helping her- but at the cost of my own well being. I finally -but very slowly saw the light. As others have said…also a thank you letter to my younger self…WOW! when I think of my life and what I have been through and what I have accomplished…it does not seem possible. Neither of my parents finished grammar school…my father was an orphan and my Mom -one of 10 children – going to Catholic school…where as an Irish child- she was made to clean the convent instead of going to class. At the age of 53; I obtained a PhD! As I writet this- it is so apparent that I have so much to be thankful for. At age 52; I married a wonderful man….my first marriage. My ex was a long time partner…but no marriage. This is not to say that I don’t struggle with things…but the folks here and this site and Brother David help me to see all the good things to be grateful for…and I continue on that journey. Thank you, all.

    1 year ago
    1. Joseph McCann

      Thank you for the courage to share you story. You sound very resilient. Loving Kindness your way Nannette

      1 year ago
      1. Nannette

        Thank you, Joseph! I have had to be resilient..no other choice…but that is OK..it has made me who I am (that is sometimes good and sometimes not so good!)…It has been a good life…no complaints.
        Thank you for your kindness…..it is always a pleasure to read your thoughts and reflections.

        1 year ago
    2. Maeve

      An amazing and extraordinary life you’ve had. Thank you for sharing so much if it with us.

      1 year ago
      1. Nannette

        Thank you, Maeve!! After writing it…I thought..Oh My! People will think you are crazy…writing all of that! But sometimes, it just feels good to write and if people do not want to read it…then that is OK. Thank you so much for your kind comment.

        1 year ago
  6. Josie

    I am so grateful for today’s question which confirms something I’ve just completed. Being diagnosed with two cancers this past January changed the trajectory of my life dramatically. I am humbled by all of the people who’ve supported me with their prayers, cards, texts & calls. I just finished writing & mailing each a Thanksgiving card/ letter of gratitude. That act in itself has been a great gift to me. This feels like my best Thanksgiving ever!!

    1 year ago
    1. Michele

      Healing prayers to you.

      1 year ago
    2. lasvistasjeanne

      Sending you my best wishes for a fast and full recovery – and blessing-filled days ahead. Wherever the journey takes you, I hope it’s gentle. <3

      1 year ago
      1. Josie

        Thank you!

        1 year ago
    3. Maeve

      All the very best to you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

      1 year ago
      1. Josie

        Thanks, Maeve. Blessed Thanksgiving to you also.

        1 year ago
    4. Yram

      What an inspirational story. Thank you! May your healing and support continue.

      1 year ago
      1. Josie

        Thank YOU, Yram.

        1 year ago
  7. sunnypatti

    To my parents for their support and love and helping lift me up in the darkest times of my life. To my husband, my biggest cheerleader who encouraged me to pursue my YTT and who loves me like I never have been loved before. I seriously did not know how love felt until we found each other. To my sister for telling me to meditate more about 6 years ago. It helped me get thru those super dark days and helped me find the strength to leave my ex and take charge of my life. And to myself, for finding that courage and strength that was in me the whole time. For rising up instead of falling deeper into the darkness. For finally pushing thru the fear that held me back and doing right for me. My life has truly blossomed in so many ways and the freedom I found, the love I found for myself… I can’t imagine being anywhere but where I am right now because of it all. I’m so grateful for this journey I’ve been on and can’t wait to see what’s next!

    1 year ago
  8. Michele

    My kids. I would tell them how proud I am of each of them and how much I love them.

    1 year ago
  9. Laura

    Like Don, I might write a note to my younger self. I’d like to thank her for the perseverance and grit she showed in a marriage deeply impacted by addiction and alcohol. Her determination propelled me forward to where I am today.

    1 year ago
  10. Joseph McCann

    To all the dedicated and good people of Sandstone Care and NorthStar Transitions who introduced me to the practices of meditation, mindfulness and gratitude. With their kindness and non judgement they planted the seed in me that has sprouted and led me on my sober journey. It was from that process I was given a link to Brother David’s “Grateful Day”.

    1 year ago
  11. EJP

    I would write a thank you note to my dear grandmother who taught me the craft of making homemade bread especially on a cold winter’s day.

    1 year ago
  12. Kevin

    There’s an old chant that we sing at retreats with children before bedtime, which I also sing to myself at random times during the day. I learned it many years ago at a retreat for adults working in chaplaincy settings. Sorry that I do not know the source, but the words are:

    “Thank you for this day, Oh Lord, thank you for this day.
    Thank you for this day, Oh Lord, thank you for this day.
    This healing, this healing, this healing day.
    This healing, this healing, this healing day.” (Repeats)

    1 year ago
    1. Nannette

      Thank you, Kevin. I love this…I know it will keep repeating in my mind! It is a good song!

      1 year ago
  13. Don Jones

    Possibly to my younger self. Thanking him for his persistence in the tough times and being strong during times when I was full of fear and doubt. I would not have grown into who I am today if it was not for his courage.

    1 year ago

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