I am taking a very interesting class and one of the recent assignments is to write in a ‘gratitude journal’.

Now I have made it a practice over the years, to keep various journals. I have several travel journals that bring back memories of wonderful trips with my sisters and those with my best friend; in another journal I have recorded thoughts and feelings of a difficult marriage and divorce – a time when I questioned myself and my parenting; there are the journal records of my younger sister’s final days before cancer took her from us; and the one that documents the pain of losing my dear father.

One journal dedicated to gratitude – that is something I had not created. As I read through my various journals, I do see that I have been very thankful and appreciative of the blessings I have been given. I was not sure the benefit of creating a journal solely dedicated to gratitude. Nevertheless, being the good student and curious about what might be discovered, I found an empty spiral notebook and began the mission of creating a gratitude journal.

The assignment is that every evening before closing my eyes, I am to record three things for which I am grateful for today. I was to date each entry and write the words: “Today I am grateful for…“ Sounds simple enough!

The first thing I wanted to do was to be clear about the word: gratitude. It means ‘appreciative of benefits received’. Okay – I am ready to begin. Day one – I have the date, the heading and – – – nothing! Well, not really, but if I have to write something down and it can only be three things, what do I choose? How do I write it so it doesn’t seem shallow or like an assignment for a class? You know, it took me over 20 minutes to write eight lines – not sentences – eight lines of three things for which I was grateful – of benefits received. This might be harder than I thought!

I am now several weeks into my gratitude journal and I have made a very interesting discovery. This gratitude thing has become a very conscious part of my day. As I move through my day, I am awake to notice the benefits and the people who surround me. It is as though I am making a mental note of gratitude – that perhaps this will be one of my three recordings for the day. I no longer have any difficulty bringing to mind my appreciation tribute. Yes, tribute! Writing, in more detail, my gratitude for the day is something I look forward to. I often go back a few pages and review the blessings I have been given and the people in my life who play such an important part in my joy.

The assignment is no longer that – not a task or chore or requirement for a class. Now, my gratitude journal is a beautiful tribute to those who cross my path each day and bestow upon me blessings to make my journey one of joy and peace and grace. Begin a gratitude journal…it may become one of your most prized possessions.

Last December, on my 60th birthday, I declared 2014 ‘my’ year. I wasn’t exactly certain what that meant – and frankly, I can say I am still not sure; however, I do know this is my year! I feel it in my bones. One could say that things are falling into place for me and that I am finding joy in doing and being 60. My dad always said ‘the decades are the best’ – he should know as he lived past 9 decades! I suppose I have always looked forward to these birthdays because I recall his words. Is it possible that because I am looking forward to these decade years that I tend to enjoy them more? Or, is it possible that because I am looking forward I see more clearly – see what could be – see what I can still achieve? Hmmm…interesting thought. I think I have come to that place in my life where I am more free to say ‘yes’ to the things I really want to experience. The voice of fear is quieter now – at least the voice that once held me in check and interrupted forward movement.

There is a quote that I have come to love – that really speaks to me as I delight in the decade of 60: “For everything that has been I say, ‘Thank you.’ To all that is yet to be, I say, ‘Yes!’” – Dag Hammarskjold, Second Secretary-General of the UN.

I don’t have a crystal ball or any special powers. What I do have is the capacity to say ‘yes’ and to take a step toward the future. It is a very exciting place, the unknown! There is nothing certain about it. It is unfamiliar and stimulating; interesting and inciting. How grateful I am for new experiences. What is right in front of me is something I have not yet come through. It is all new and exciting.

The only thing asked of me – at this moment – is to keep my eyes open, to keep moving forward, to say ‘yes’ to whatever and whomever crosses the path on which I walk.

What could be better than that?

Congratulations! You did it! You welcomed a New Year – and you are looking toward the future and all the wonder life has in store for you!

What are your plans and goals and dreams for 2014? Do you have a very clear picture of what December 31, 2014, looks like for you? What are you doing to make it so?

I am an expert at creating pictures of what will be…in my mind! However, I sometimes struggle with bringing those dreams to reality. Sound familiar? I recently put my dreams to paper. Yes, I actually sat at the computer, put on some of my favorite Yanni music, lit the candle and placed my fingers on the keyboard. And then…nothing! What would I say that wouldn’t sound silly? What would people think if they read my dreams? I don’t think it will be ‘good enough’. Oh the conversations I had with myself – all that self-limiting chatter that gets in the way when I am up to something big.

Then, I began to write my ‘story’ – to write my picture of what the end of this year looks like for me. I didn’t edit it; I didn’t care if anyone else ever read my story, because, after all, it is my story! I just began to write. I imagined it was New Year’s Eve, 2014, and I was reflecting on my year. How great to ‘begin with the end in mind’, as Stephen Covey taught us! What are the luscious moments I reflect upon at year’s end? What would it be like to look back on my year, with no regrets – to be able to say: Wow! That was the best year ever!

It took me several hours over the course of a long weekend to put the pictures of my mind on paper. Ahhh! Finished – or so I thought!

So, now that I have this amazing picture recorded in words on paper – and it is very clear – now what? Well, it’s not just going to happen because I wrote it down; however, it is going to be in front of me…constantly reminding me of my dream. The answer to ‘now what?’ is take a step – a small sweet step. I shared my story with someone I know will not only support me in achieving my dream, but will also hold me accountable to doing what I said I would do! I have already begun my 2014 journey – – – on my way to living the life I’ll love to live!!

How about you? Are you willing to create your ‘story’ for 2014? The pages are blank…what will your tomorrow hold?

I just want to check in with you tonight…….how are you? Are you doing okay? Has someone told you today, just how special you are?

So many people, particularly at this time of year, are spending a good deal of energy on others and perhaps, not taking such good care of themselves. Maybe you are shopping or baking or wrapping or cleaning. Perhaps everyone is planning to come to your house this holiday and you are working on repairs or sprucing up the house a bit. Maybe you are working extra shifts to make a bit more money to buy that special gift. Are you in school and preparing for mid-term finals? Is this the time when you and your ‘ex’ find yourselves arguing about who gets the kids…or who is going to get them that special gift? Has it been a challenging year with a loss of a job or perhaps an incapacitating injury and there is no money for the holiday this year? Are you alone for the first holiday – maybe a difficult break-up; maybe a death of a loved one…

What is before you tonight?

I know – I hear you – I care – Breathe………

Would you just sit with me for a minute – just for a little bit?
Would you allow me to care for you?
You are a wonderful person. You are all you need to be, right here and right now.
Take a moment, please.

Close your eyes; see the incredible person you are; see the hero – how courageous you are; embrace this moment and allow yourself just a moment – this moment – to know that you do matter.
Breathe in this moment – my gift to you – accept and welcome the amazing, special you! All is well.

I am an optimist, by nature. I normally see the lighter and brighter version of life’s adventures. Take the moment I am experiencing right now – — It is 12:13 on a Thursday afternoon. My calendar notes have a reservation for a seminar I am to present from 12-1. I am here, in the room, ready for sharing and learning and growing. Prepared to support people who are willing to be supported, willing to learn something new or uncover a nugget of wisdom they may have buried.
Yes, here I sit, all prepared, all alone!
Laughing a bit – what comes to mind is this question: What if you gave a party and no one came?
You know – this is not the first time I planned a presentation and no one came – actually, it is the third time in my recent life.
The first – one would think would be traumatic, devastating, horrifying – ok – a bit much? Here is what happened.
I created a wonderful presentation, practiced it until I was smooth as silk, reserved a room, sent invitations, followed up for commitment, made a reminder call, showed up early, set-up my room and waited for the crowd. And waited, and waited.
Now, it happens that my Client Relations Director was with me on this particular day. And when enough time passed that we knew no one was coming – she asked in a very quiet voice: what do you want to do now? I looked at her and said: Let’s eat pie!
As it happens, my seminar was to take place in a private room at a restaurant famous for pie.
So, there you have it. The answer to the question: What if you gave a party (seminar) and no one comes? You eat pie!
Well, today, I am in an office building and there is no pie. So – making good use of my time and staying “coach”, I am sharing these thoughts with you.
You see what really matters is doing what I love to do – and I find pure joy in gearing up for seminars and workshops of learning. Yes, the best is the actual seminar; nevertheless, I am ready. At a moment’s notice someone may call out for support, or inquire about what I do, or share an experience that had meaning for where they are today.
So, rather than being disappointed or angry or frustrated that my hour was “wasted”, I choose to look on the lighter side – share this story that I have been intending to write for some time. I feel accomplished right now – and complete. What could be better than that?!