GRATITUDE.....

When you think of the word, "gratitude", many ideas can be conjured up in one's head......feeling happy about something that has happened to you.......joyous that things seem to going your way.....lucky to be home sleeping in your own bed after being gone for a long time......All of those ring true for me as for a few others that beg to be addressed......My husband and I had the opportunity, through his consulting work, to go to London and then Israel....home for a few days, and then on to Costa Rica where two of our sons live, along with their wives and three gorgeous girls..........Let me dwell on Costa Rica a bit......being the mother of two sons, I could have certainly run into a mother-in-law problem.....or maybe I should say, I could have been the cause of mother-in-law problems........but I have been so very blessed, and I am always welcome to come see them. Sure, there have been a few patches along the way, but on this past journey, I had another "aha" moment. Whenever I feel a bit removed from a conversation or the girls decide it's not time to play with "Abby", that's me, I have sometimes felt sad and have wished for more. When I travelled this time, I hoped to be bringing a new attitude with me......"Stay in the moment......put yourself out a little; know that you will not get these precious moments back again".....and when a situation came up which could have been stressful, I meditated for a moment......be grateful for what you have, not for what you don't.........and it was like a magic wand had been swept across the room and serenity and acceptance were at my feet......It made my visit all the more joyful. Then on to see my other son, his wife and daughter.....and it was pure unfiltered joy, gratitude on their part about life and all that they had been given....and I sat back and smiled at what I was observing. I am so grateful to have watched my two sons mature into dads of the best kind......when did they learn this behavior or should I say how.....my pride of watching them with their families is a gift.....and for that I am forever grateful. I have a wonderful daughter who is an attorney in Atlanta who is feeling secure in her own shoes, realizing her own worth and thriving. We have a wonderful relationship, this family of mine...and for that I am grateful.....
Now back to my trip with Gary to London and Israel. I had a little trepidation about this trip when the opportunity first presented itself, but I had an attitude change. Be grateful that you are being afforded this wonderful travel adventure. Details about the trip will follow in another blog, but the best part of the trip was my time with Gary....sharing so many things, nothing too monumental...but that was why it was great...it was the small things that we laughed at.....it was gratitude that I have this man in my life......and of course, I am sure he is extremely grateful that he has me....but that's up to him to write in his own blog.....our relationship continues to flourish...this trip, that I had doubts about......pulled us even closer together.....as we plan to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in August, that is certainly something to be incredibly grateful for.....I have a pretty blessed life.....be overjoyed with the things that you have, not with the things that you don't......I like that.

ANGELS APPEAR AT THE STRANGEST TIME

An angel appeared to me today as I cancelled my lunch plans.....we were having a discussion on acceptance of one's self at "61".....necessary losses that we have to acknowledge, realization of how privileged we are to be where we are......so many choices are at our feet....realization of what I am really unhappy with in my life, and how simple it will be to take steps to make it better. Words of wisdom from a dear friend who knows me well, worts and all.....a new beginning this afternoon. Thank you, my friend.......

AWARENESS

Was going to take Lola to doggy daycare, but on the way there, I changed my mind. She was being good.....not gotten into trouble yet today......and I only have one thing planned for the day. I went downstairs with her, and as she played, I did my first weight workout in two and a half years. Amazing how strong I used to be.....but it's about today. I appreciated what I could do....made sure I didn't overdo it and had a smile on my face when I was through.......enjoy what I can do today, whatever, it is..........wow, that didn't take too much effort......aaaaaaah...

NEW BEGINNINGS

As my journey to peace begins, I have had a great start to a new day. My dog Lola kept her crate clean last night (if you know what I mean).....What a difference that made. Worked out early in our little gym downstairs with Gary at 6:00 a.m., read the paper leisurely, washed my hair...had some breakfast, and now I am off to take Lola to her intensive day care. I have a few things I would like to get done today. My goal is to stay off "overload".......I create my own chaos.......I must silence some of the chaos one day at a time....I feel a sense of peace......wow.....
I did my breathing exercises this morning. I am sensing today will be a better day......

THE CHAOS MUST BE SILENCED BEFORE A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS

one step at a time.......one hour at a time.......one day at a time. recognition of every mundane achievement....and realizing for me, that is a giant step......deep breaths at this new "awareness" in my life. Shhhhhhhh......the quiet is wonderful.

THIS ORGANIZATION STUFF SEEMS TO BE GOOD

I have to tell you that this is the first time that I have ever really been organized for a trip more than twenty-four hours before we leave. All I have left is my shampoo, etc....no jewelry.....no what ifs? How freeing.....I must say watching Gary's face this morning as he saw that not only was I packed, all of the cold gear for "outdoor play" was packed, and a lot of his suitcase was packed......he then started grilling me (in a kind way)...okay, we need to go to the bank, we need to stop the paper and the mail......I very smugly (I admit it...) said.....Calm down...calm down...it's all taken care of.....and then at the same time we both started laughing knowing that this is not necessarily going to be the pattern of the future, but it sure felt good this morning. I talked with all the kids this morning and the excitement is in the air. It is certainly not a bad thing that it looks like it is warmer in Colorado than here in Birmingham.......we'll see how long that lasts, but starting out positively is always a good thing......
Oops. I didn't put the trash out this morning. I knew there was something I forgot..............Talk to you from the mountains......

24 HOURS HOURS TO GO.....

And I am already packed. This must be a world record for me. I packed one duffel for ski stuff, and a lot of things I bought for my three g-babies.......my suitcase is packed (minus toiletries) and I even packed l/2 of Gary's. Frightening. The ski duffel is already closed up. Give me 30 more minutes and I should be able to pack up the other suitcase. I guess I must confess this ski trip was much easier to pack for. Number one......the key word here is "stay warm".....Anything I saw that would add to that cause was packed. We will certainly go out to dinner a few times, but that is jeans and a sweater and boots.....No vanity needed for this trip. This is all about survival of the fittest or the warmest.....my only problem could be Gary going through the bags just to look at stuff....I might just put them in the entry hall with the luggage tags on. He has permission to do whatever he wants with his......but I'm done....If I need something, there are a million stores around. No skis or ski gear needed for this girl......My second goal for the trip besides staying warm is to not get hurt......I am very anxious to see my family, despite the cold and look upon it as the beginning of another "Griswold Family Adventure".....Stay tuned for pictures and great sagas.......