Have you ever been here? Wondering if things will ever come together, if the once/then reality will ever be realized? Despite my own words to the contrary, I do still spin in the “if only’s.”
But truly, it takes just one small thing to completely change my perspective; to help me recognize the beauty and wealth of my current, present, and everyday life.
That small thing is gratitude.
Today I had the privilege of being interviewed by The Sisters of Sizzle on their internet radio show. We talked about provocative conversation, about faith, about feminism, and about telling the truth. We talked about A Conversational Space and what it means for women to have a safe, vulnerable, amazing place in which to think/ponder/reflect/speak. It was lovely. (You can download the podcast by clicking here…)
I thoroughly enjoyed that 30 minutes, but that wasn’t the best part.
The best part was when I got in my car and fought through nearly two hours of traffic to get home. No, I’m not crazy. I HATE traffic. But from time to time, when I can take some deep breaths and relax even a tiny bit, it affords me time and space to think.
Today’s thoughts? All about gratitude.
Here’s just the beginning of my list:
- Just months ago the opportunity would not have even been there for me to be on this radio program today.
- Just months ago I wouldn’t have been having conversations with women like Susan Piver, Dyana Valentine, Patti Digh, and Dani Shapiro.
- Just months ago I wouldn’t have been able to name Danielle LaPorte, Kelly Diels, Karen Maezen Miller, and so many others “friend.”
- Just months ago I wouldn’t have had the humbling and oh-so-incredible privilege of reading your comments on my blog – recognizing, in faltering and insecure ways, that I am saying something that matters, that I am being heard, that my words have resonance and meaning.
- Just months ago I would not have had the privilege of seeing women join A Conversational Space; merely a dream on my part – a place in which conversations about things that matter could take place and relationships could form (price reduced as of today…how can you resist?).
- Just months ago I would not have had the perspective with which to now actually see the pieces come together for my write-the-damn-book-already reality.
- Just months ago I would not have had the privilege of doing a collaborative series on online communities with Jen Louden and Rachelle Mee-Chapman, enabling some 80 new subscribers to my newsletter as of today…and that many more amazing people with whom to share fabulous conversation.
- Just months ago I would not have been writing this post.
When it rains it pours. I know this: I live in the Seattle area, after all! But that’s not what I mean.
When I begin to note and name the things for which I’m grateful the list gets longer and longer. It’s a veritable flood of gratitude. And that’s rain I really don’t mind.
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
(Meister Eckhardt)
For what are you grateful? I’d love to hear.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
A woman who is a lover and and a friend… Friends who delight in my faulty, stuttersteps to freedom… A encourager who is steady, constant voice of truth and grace… 356 days of sobriety today… A God who loves me in spite of my inability to receive it… One more day to figure it all out…
Congrats on the 365 days, Rebecca. And now, day 366. So fabulous. So grateful – for this and all these things, indeed.
357 and counting… 365 is July 30th. Thank You
Its on my calendar.
Ronna. Thank you. This is beautiful. (and I’m honoured to be included in the many)
Hugs and butterflies,
~T~
PicsieChick´s last [type] ..A Complex Circuitry- Let’s Build it Together
My pleasure, Teresa…
I always taught my children, and found to be true for myself is that any day you end with more “thank you, god’s” than “please, god” is a very good day. Your gratitudes are beautifully full of grace. Thank you as always for sharing them.
Julianne Fuchs-Musgrave´s last [type] ..If you register your site for free at
Love this, Julianne. Just last night, my last words to my daughters were, “thank you, god.” I would like to say that was planned – and constant; but somehow even more beautiful in its serendipitous timing. Indeed, grateful. Again.
So grateful for six healthy children (hard to call them children when the youngest turns 16 this weekend)…. for a friend who comes back time and again to push me to do more …. for you as your writing leads me down roads I need to be on but may try to ignore …… for life as it unfolds before me … for the training I am now doing for a marathon, something I would never have thought I could do two months ago if asked….
Nicki´s last [type] ..Giving and Receiving
So much good, Nicki. Thanks for sharing. And just, “thanks.”
I am grateful for you!
Thank you, Lindsey.
Likewise.
Gratitude is such a simple gesture that can make a world of difference in someone’s day. Just knowing that you’re appreciated is… magical.
Grateful for your continued friendship and everything you bring into my life. We make a helluva team.
Amanda Farough´s last [type] ..A Lesson of Roots
And you, my friend, ARE magical – for which (among many other things about you) I’m deeply grateful.
Ronna, I am grateful for *you!* I just listened again to the interview you honored me with, and I can’t wait to share it with other multi-passion mamas!
I am also grateful that my children’s book, Ravenna, arrived at my publisher’s in all its hard-bound glory today. I burst into tears when I saw it. Holding it in my hands after dreaming of the moment for over 5 years was incredible. I wondered so many times if I would ever get to see it – not really doubting, but not really confident either – just hoping beyond hope.
Thanks so much for asking the perfect question so I could savor this moment of gratitude and delight. Much love, Stacey
Oooh, Stacey, the book: how fabulous is that?!? I can only imagine the thrill of having it in your hands. I’m with you: not really doubting, not really confident, just hoping beyond hope (as I spent the entire day working on my book proposal). Thanks for being grateful, for expressing it here, and increasing my own!
Never would I turn down the opportunity for an exercise in gratitude! Again, I am grateful for these conversations to return to when I returned ‘home’. While difficult at times in what they stir up, they are always necessary. And always keep me on the path to my truth.
I am grateful for the help everyone I know has given me, especially my family, while I’ve struggled finding my place in my career. I am grateful for those who believe in me, all the while knowing sometimes that just isn’t enough for everything to fall into place perfectly. This belief keeps me going, because I, too, believe in myself. It’s cyclical, and for that I am grateful.
Keeping focus on gratitude is something that helps me through each day. Thank you for this.
Thank you! So beautiful…
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