I am nearing the end of my first two months of keeping a gratitude journal. It is possible that it has changed my view of the world but I'm not certain. It has certainly let me to be more reflective on a daily basis. It is rare that I leave it out of my day but when I do, I always remember it the next morning because I have that weird feeling that something is missing.
During the first few days, I began to look for things to be grateful for as I went through my day but by the end of the second week that was unnecessary. I really don't know if I am basically a positive person or habits really do happen that fast. At any rate, I am a happier person to end my day in thankfulness.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Happy Birthday Grandpa
It is time to once again celebrate the most amazing man on the planet. My grandfather is turning 105! My annual gift is always a letter to share my love. The 2013 version follows.
February 26, 2013
Dear Grandpa,
In just a few short days, I will be winging my way home. I am coming home to Iowa, to that cute little house on West Graham and to your loving arms. Eppley Airport has become the threshold to all those warm feelings that symbolize the home of my childhood. As the plane touches down I know that I am only moments away from being swept away with that love of home. Grandpa, you are that home for me.
Home is a safe refuge from the world. You are warm and loving, always welcoming me in out of the cold or heat to leave behind whatever needless worries or concerns have occupied my mind. I step through the door and all that matters is that once again I am with you. I have been given one more chance to laugh and learn from you.
To be home is to know love. You are love personified. Our time together is filled with hugs and kisses, holding hands and just sitting together, side by side, as we talk. Nobody does that better than you. I never leave you without the knowledge that I am loved for who I am, for all that I have become and that you are proud of me.
Home is where we are safe and sound. I have the belief that nothing bad can ever happen as long as I am with you. You have always been there to protect me and get me through the rough stuff. Your simple words of advice is the light that leads me though the challenges that have made me stronger. The model you have created for me to live life simply and honestly has taught me how to endure as the world becomes more and more unrecognizable as a place that is loving and secure.
Home is the locus of the family. Grandpa, your house is filled with family, not only in human form but the pictures on the wall confirm it as well. It is there that I can see myself as I truly was and am. I see me as a daughter, a graduate, a wife and mother and now grandmother. The journey is there to behold for each of your descendents with just a simple glance around the living room. The message is clear, family is all that matters.
Home is where the heart is. I walk through your door and could cry just from the emotion of it all. I am loved. I am wanted. I am respected. Grandpa, I can't wait to see you again. I always know that when we are together something wonderful is about to happen. I know that I will leave better than I was when I came. I will be smarter, able to do something that I couldn't do before, more caring, and filled with wisdom that I will share with my own children and grandchildren in the years to come. To be in your presence is to know that wisdom wrapped in love is about to be dropped in my lap. And I will scoop it up like candy and devour it.
So as I prepare to celebrate the birthday of the most amazing man on the planet, my heart is filled with love and gratitude for all that you have been for me through the years. You are love. You are home. You are all that I hope to me for my own grandchildren: a safe harbor from the storms of life, a place to laugh at nothing and everything, a warm embrace that will be felt for all of eternity.
February 26, 2013
Dear Grandpa,
In just a few short days, I will be winging my way home. I am coming home to Iowa, to that cute little house on West Graham and to your loving arms. Eppley Airport has become the threshold to all those warm feelings that symbolize the home of my childhood. As the plane touches down I know that I am only moments away from being swept away with that love of home. Grandpa, you are that home for me.
Home is a safe refuge from the world. You are warm and loving, always welcoming me in out of the cold or heat to leave behind whatever needless worries or concerns have occupied my mind. I step through the door and all that matters is that once again I am with you. I have been given one more chance to laugh and learn from you.
To be home is to know love. You are love personified. Our time together is filled with hugs and kisses, holding hands and just sitting together, side by side, as we talk. Nobody does that better than you. I never leave you without the knowledge that I am loved for who I am, for all that I have become and that you are proud of me.
Home is where we are safe and sound. I have the belief that nothing bad can ever happen as long as I am with you. You have always been there to protect me and get me through the rough stuff. Your simple words of advice is the light that leads me though the challenges that have made me stronger. The model you have created for me to live life simply and honestly has taught me how to endure as the world becomes more and more unrecognizable as a place that is loving and secure.
Home is the locus of the family. Grandpa, your house is filled with family, not only in human form but the pictures on the wall confirm it as well. It is there that I can see myself as I truly was and am. I see me as a daughter, a graduate, a wife and mother and now grandmother. The journey is there to behold for each of your descendents with just a simple glance around the living room. The message is clear, family is all that matters.
Home is where the heart is. I walk through your door and could cry just from the emotion of it all. I am loved. I am wanted. I am respected. Grandpa, I can't wait to see you again. I always know that when we are together something wonderful is about to happen. I know that I will leave better than I was when I came. I will be smarter, able to do something that I couldn't do before, more caring, and filled with wisdom that I will share with my own children and grandchildren in the years to come. To be in your presence is to know that wisdom wrapped in love is about to be dropped in my lap. And I will scoop it up like candy and devour it.
So as I prepare to celebrate the birthday of the most amazing man on the planet, my heart is filled with love and gratitude for all that you have been for me through the years. You are love. You are home. You are all that I hope to me for my own grandchildren: a safe harbor from the storms of life, a place to laugh at nothing and everything, a warm embrace that will be felt for all of eternity.
Renewing Hope in Humanity
Saturday I made my way to the San Tomas Creek Trail for a nice morning run. I donned my running clothes, water bottle, iPhone and ID and away I went. My ID and phone were in the same pocket so I was careful each time that I checked the mileage on my phone that my license was safe. I got home and got organized for the rest of my day but my license was no where to be found. I looked everywhere that I could think of over and over again with no luck. Finally I went back to the trail to search. But once again, no luck. Two thoughts ran simultaneously through my mind. Some bad guy will find it and steal my identity. Some good guy will find it and return it. I started facing facts and set up an appointment at the dreaded DMV. Then out of the blue, 36 hours after it was lost, a man knocked on the door, symbolizing all that is good in the world, holding my license in his hand and bearing the sweetest smile on his face. I could have kissed him! My faith in humankind was immediately reborn. People are inherently good and when given the opportunity will do the right thing.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Rules to Live By
January seems to have been a death and funeral month for me. Ray is gone as is Jane Anderson and Lois Mallison. Although all of these deaths left me with sadness and loss I also learned some things along the way. At Lois's funeral two of her children started the readings off with words of wisdom that Lois had been recording in a journal for years. It made me start to think about the rules of life that I follow.
Life is a journey.
Stay in the moment.
The universe is in charge.
Breathe.
You can handle anything for a year.
Everything is as it should be.
No one can make you feel anything but you.
Think happy thoughts.
Challenge yourself.
Be who you were meant to be.
Give thanks.
There's no place like home.
Live life fully.
You are right where you are supposed to be.
Worrying is a waste of time.
Follow your dreams.
Be authentic.
Rain is the balance to sun. We cannot truly appreciate the good without the bad.
When you find yourself fighting against life let go and trust that it will all turn out the way it is meant to be.
You teach others how you want to be treated.
If you allow negativity, it will grow and overtake all that is good..
Whatever you put out in the world, will come back to you.
Life is a journey.
Stay in the moment.
The universe is in charge.
Breathe.
You can handle anything for a year.
Everything is as it should be.
No one can make you feel anything but you.
Think happy thoughts.
Challenge yourself.
Be who you were meant to be.
Give thanks.
There's no place like home.
Live life fully.
You are right where you are supposed to be.
Worrying is a waste of time.
Follow your dreams.
Be authentic.
Rain is the balance to sun. We cannot truly appreciate the good without the bad.
When you find yourself fighting against life let go and trust that it will all turn out the way it is meant to be.
You teach others how you want to be treated.
If you allow negativity, it will grow and overtake all that is good..
Whatever you put out in the world, will come back to you.
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