Thankful

2018 has been a year of challenges.

One of the things I'm grateful for in this year of challenges is the pressure and need to hone, harness and cultivate the internal toolkit to keep my values front and center. Cultivating patience and compassionate understanding, for myself as well as others. Accepting limitations without judgment while still investigating if another strategy would work instead. The difficult balance of self accountability / reliance vs being aware of external forces that I have no influence / control over.

Through it all friends and family buoyed me, keeping me afloat when I felt I was drowning or lost, unable to see clearly and grasping for truth and perspective. I am so deeply grateful for the network of love and support I have in my life.

And that is what I'm here to say today.

While my physical practice has not been what I know is what I need to be healthy and well I was given the opportunity, in its lack, to truly appreciate the impact that a practice of gratitude can have on my mind and heart. Even just three minutes of focusing on what I'm grateful for can re-write the rest of the day. Does it erase the challenges? No. But it can, for me, re-set the system, steady the breath and keep the fight-or-flight situational reaction at bay.

There are a million things to be grateful for every day. Health, house, food, clothes, breathable air, having loved ones at your finger tips (phones), the present moment, the moon, the experiences that have brought you to today...

But above and beyond for me, every waking moment, I am so grateful for the wealth of love in my life. I am so grateful for the inspiring friends and family that remind me how to be my best self, that enrich my life by inviting me in to help, that are my constant sounding board, defenders, and accountants of my deeds reminding me when to rest and supporting me when I have no time to rest.

I am so grateful for you.

I love you to the moon and back.

Thank you for being in my life and thank you for allowing me so deeply in yours.