Like many have said the list may be long for how fortunate I am. It hasn’t always been that way. For now, I am full of hope as life improves lately day by day. My son’s new girlfriend is delightful and my daughter hit 4 months sober recently. I am fortunate to have good health at age 64 and fortunate to have experienced my life time dreams to come true. I have always had a huge interest in travel to Europe and will be going on my 4th trip in September. I am blessed to belong to a wonderful church and to have very good support systems in place which includes this site. Have a peaceful Memorial day Holiday tomorrow All!
I am blessed to be here, alive. It could have been otherwise. I am blessed with good doctors/medical care – often needed. I am blessed with wonderful family, including daughters and their families who watch out for me, get me where I need to go. I have always managed to live near the water … since I was a child! At this point, Lake Michigan is a mile down the road. There is something about the water, the lakes that bring both joy and serenity. Home.
I am fortunate to be alive,
Fortunate to live on a beautiful island that most consider paradise,
Fortunate to have a loving, supportive family,
Fortunate to have a flexible, fulfilling job,
Fortunate to have good health,
Fortunate to have this site. 💕
I am fortunate in too many ways to list. I recognize some of my good fortunate as unearned privilege and work to make the world a better place in which more people can be as fortunate as I am.
Oh my I cannot even begin to state my Blessings…how fortunate (Blessed) I am. My early years were quite turbulent…but goodness…the life I have now I could never imagine. I have most of all a wonderful and loving husband, my two cats and my awesome dog, a wonderful home in the woods…I have decent health …I can always improve! and I have reaced 72 years…at one time…I thought I would not live beyond 21. I have outlived my parents- and I pray for some more years on this wonderful earth. I am truly grateful for each day. I am also very fortunate to have found this site and all the good and kind and wise folks that visit daily. Namaste and God Bless Each of you.
It’s a beautiful thing when someone’s reality goes beyond what they could’ve imagined at one time, Nanette. Your post exudes your gratitude and love of your life.
I am, and have been, very fortunate.
I am fortunate to be sitting here
drinking my coffee and writing this.
The dance of the cosmos, has allowed
me to experience so much. Somehow
sparing me from death. So far.
Sixty years is the blink of an eye, and
it has been a long chain of lucky situations.
I’m learning to hold on to this life,
but not too tight.
Timely question, indeed. I woke up this morning after a particularly tough conversation with my husband over dinner. It was a wonderful Saturday – long walk to start the day, sun shining, then to the farmers market where we filled our kitchen with beauty – including flowers, did our yearly backyard furniture deep cleaning, made a nice dinner … and then out of nowhere a conversation I started turned sideways (to say the least!). I’ve been married 27 years so looking back I should have seen it coming. But I was careless in my language and maybe a bit tired (still trying to figure out if it was truly a misunderstanding or whether I was provoking ????). Again, a bit tired. We did our best to patch things up but I still woke up this morning with a sad feeling that it happened. Especially because my husband is dealing with so many health challenges. And then … DIVINE INTERVENTION or FORTUNE came my way through an email blessing by one of my favorites – Kate Bowler. Here it is. And it says everything I needed to hear –
Blessed are we with eyes to see the person right in front of us. Not solely their faults or some future version of themselves or the way they always do that thing that drives you nuts. But as poetry incarnate, as treasures to be beheld. Blessed are you who notice the light in their eyes, or when the light dims. You who scoot up close to their suffering, though you might not have the right words to say.
You who bear witness to their life in its entirety. The joys, the sorrows, the unfinished-ness of it all.
You who cherish every story, even if you’ve heard it before. Listening without judgment and without haste.
May your careful attention be met with others who see you as the same bright light and wonder that you are.
As you practice seeing and being seen, loving and being loved, may you remember that you, too, are a blessing to all who have the great privilege to know you.
How well I know the story, Carly J. A couple and a half month more and Cheryl and I have managed to not split he sheets for 36 years. Thank you for your reflection and writing by Kate Bowler.
Carly, thanks for sharing this post. It’s humbling and inspiring. With Ngoc and I both having disabilities, we know all too well how health is everything.
This reminds me to appreciate my mom even more. During the toughest times, she was the one who brought Ngoc and me together. Last summer was a prime example that stood out. Ngoc needed to work on developing a more optimistic outlook on life. I needed to improve on assertive communication. Both of us need to learn to weather the storm. The life lesson we both learned is that it isn’t as simple as release because a couple no longer feels the love for each other. Needing each other is the other important aspect. When all said and done, both are intertwined.
4 years is still considered brand new. I’ve heard a lot of inspiring stories from members here about their marriages full of rollercoasters for 20-30yrs and how they’ve come out stronger each time. Now, that’s true love. Wishing you and your husband the best. Those health problems sound scary.
I’ve had very similar experiences in my marriage of 17 years and empathize completely (including the “was I provoking?” self-questioning and sometimes the answer is yes). We have fulfilling days like yours most weekends including the farmers’ market trip, which is our long walk. Those good days sometimes go sideways very quickly.
I was out of town with a quick overnight trip so we’re having our long walk this morning. I’m going to keep the spirit of this quotation in mind. In fact, I may need to print it out and put it on my wall. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and Kate Bowler’s words.
Carly J, I am so sorry that your wonderful Saturday ended on a disturbing, upsetting note. But it seems that your Sunday has started in a grand way…and your day will be wonderful. Your love and understanding for your husband comes through your post. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing by Kate Bowler…whom I am going to look up. Sending you a ray of sunshine and love. to you. Bless you and your husband.
Thank you dearly for sharing this heartfelt homage in love to your beloved husband. Deeply touching and full of beauty and poetry. Blessings to both of you ✨
Sunnypatti, Having a loving spouse makes a huge difference. They’re the ones who have the strongest influence on our lives, especially during adulthood. I can say the same. Ngoc loves me a lot.
It would be a long list, as others already mentioned; to center it to the essentials, i am fortunate for my friends who always have an ear to listen and a heart to share whatever is to be shared then, wholeheartedly including both the ups and downs also; for you here being with me and all, for your heartfelt presence and willingness to share and be there; fortunate for being gifted with a life where caring for others was possible in a really useful way, a life in safe conditions, in beauty and with easy availability of all material essentials; fortunate to be healthy as a gift of sorts; fortunate for a community cultivating the Middle Way and for true guidance of some compassionate hearts along the Way even when it did not feel like at all, while still having been offered wholeheartedly. To you with a humble bow, may all blessings be with you.
This morning I chose to research the word fortunate, asking and double checking how is it defined? Happy, lucky, prosperous, are words mentioned. A synonym is providential; “Divine intervention.” I’ll choose a mix of these. This time around I was born in the USA, and have many freedoms because of those who have served and died in wars making the ultimate sacrifice. Shelter, food, medical support, education, physical and emotional support have always been provided. During periods of self centeredness I thought my needs weren’t provided for, but they were in abundance. I am truly Blessed and lucky, with much to be grateful for.
As Deann said, the list is long. So I am choosing two.
The first is my general outlook on life. I am an optimist. A problem solver. I do not bury my head in the sand, I am a realist as well. I believe strongly that we do choose our outlook, and this one has worked for me.
Secondly, I live with T1 Diabetes. I am an outlier, diagnosed at 45, with no family history that I am aware of. That means my pancreas produces zero insulin. My first endocrinologist was an amazing woman who I credit with saving my life. My good fortune lies in that I am highly motivated to care for myself in all the ways I need to so I can live my life fully and energetically. Along with that, I am able to have the « latest and the greatest » in insulin pump technology at a reasonable cost thanks to insurance, which I do not take for granted.
Okay, I lied. I am doing three! To have found this website and each of you, good fortune indeed.
Thank you for today’s question. It reminds me never to forget how fortunate I am. Similar to my husband, Loc, I am fortunate to have him by my side and, especially, to be a part of his family. Before marrying my husband, I had never thought I would be okay living with my in-laws. As a traditional Asian woman, I might be expected to be a housewife. Fortunately, my parents-in-law are incredibly kind and gentle. I am proud to have them in my life, too.
My Ngoc, your response about family reminds me of my time in Vietnam with you a couple weeks in January of 2023. Despite my incompatibilities regarding: food, weather, and especially the social aspects, I still had a good time with the people on your side of the family, especially your parents and sibblings. They’re also very friendly people as well. It reminds me that there are things to be grateful for even in an environment full of incompatibilities. This explains some of the responses here on how others have listed a lot of things to be fortunate for.
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Yesterday it was my 60th birthday. I’m fortunate. I am here. Many people wished me their best wishes
Happy Belated Birthday!
Happy belated 60th birthday Anna:)
Happy Belated Birthday, Ann!!! Best Wishes and Blessings for a wonderful year and many years ahead!!
Happy belated birthday, Anna.
Happy Birthday!
Belated birthday greetings Anna!
Like many have said the list may be long for how fortunate I am. It hasn’t always been that way. For now, I am full of hope as life improves lately day by day. My son’s new girlfriend is delightful and my daughter hit 4 months sober recently. I am fortunate to have good health at age 64 and fortunate to have experienced my life time dreams to come true. I have always had a huge interest in travel to Europe and will be going on my 4th trip in September. I am blessed to belong to a wonderful church and to have very good support systems in place which includes this site. Have a peaceful Memorial day Holiday tomorrow All!
Robin Ann, So very happy to hear of your daughters 4 months sobriety!! May this continue all of her days. Blessings!
Thank you very much Nannette!
Good to read Robin Ann.
Thank you Joseph!
I am fortunate to have my family, health, a job, close friends, a home, food, water, electric, and this website and good people who participate daily.
I am blessed to be here, alive. It could have been otherwise. I am blessed with good doctors/medical care – often needed. I am blessed with wonderful family, including daughters and their families who watch out for me, get me where I need to go. I have always managed to live near the water … since I was a child! At this point, Lake Michigan is a mile down the road. There is something about the water, the lakes that bring both joy and serenity. Home.
Water is one of your touchstones, Pilgrim. It’s a beautiful image.
I am fortunate to be alive,
Fortunate to live on a beautiful island that most consider paradise,
Fortunate to have a loving, supportive family,
Fortunate to have a flexible, fulfilling job,
Fortunate to have good health,
Fortunate to have this site. 💕
May I ask what Island? I always thought it would be special to live on an island.
Aloha Robin,
I live on Kaua’i 😁
Oh how nice!!
I am fortunate in too many ways to list. I recognize some of my good fortunate as unearned privilege and work to make the world a better place in which more people can be as fortunate as I am.
Oh my I cannot even begin to state my Blessings…how fortunate (Blessed) I am. My early years were quite turbulent…but goodness…the life I have now I could never imagine. I have most of all a wonderful and loving husband, my two cats and my awesome dog, a wonderful home in the woods…I have decent health …I can always improve! and I have reaced 72 years…at one time…I thought I would not live beyond 21. I have outlived my parents- and I pray for some more years on this wonderful earth. I am truly grateful for each day. I am also very fortunate to have found this site and all the good and kind and wise folks that visit daily. Namaste and God Bless Each of you.
It’s a beautiful thing when someone’s reality goes beyond what they could’ve imagined at one time, Nanette. Your post exudes your gratitude and love of your life.
Thank You so very much for your comment, Mary!! You are very kind.
I am, and have been, very fortunate.
I am fortunate to be sitting here
drinking my coffee and writing this.
The dance of the cosmos, has allowed
me to experience so much. Somehow
sparing me from death. So far.
Sixty years is the blink of an eye, and
it has been a long chain of lucky situations.
I’m learning to hold on to this life,
but not too tight.
Timely question, indeed. I woke up this morning after a particularly tough conversation with my husband over dinner. It was a wonderful Saturday – long walk to start the day, sun shining, then to the farmers market where we filled our kitchen with beauty – including flowers, did our yearly backyard furniture deep cleaning, made a nice dinner … and then out of nowhere a conversation I started turned sideways (to say the least!). I’ve been married 27 years so looking back I should have seen it coming. But I was careless in my language and maybe a bit tired (still trying to figure out if it was truly a misunderstanding or whether I was provoking ????). Again, a bit tired. We did our best to patch things up but I still woke up this morning with a sad feeling that it happened. Especially because my husband is dealing with so many health challenges. And then … DIVINE INTERVENTION or FORTUNE came my way through an email blessing by one of my favorites – Kate Bowler. Here it is. And it says everything I needed to hear –
Blessed are we with eyes to see the person right in front of us. Not solely their faults or some future version of themselves or the way they always do that thing that drives you nuts. But as poetry incarnate, as treasures to be beheld. Blessed are you who notice the light in their eyes, or when the light dims. You who scoot up close to their suffering, though you might not have the right words to say.
You who bear witness to their life in its entirety. The joys, the sorrows, the unfinished-ness of it all.
You who cherish every story, even if you’ve heard it before. Listening without judgment and without haste.
May your careful attention be met with others who see you as the same bright light and wonder that you are.
As you practice seeing and being seen, loving and being loved, may you remember that you, too, are a blessing to all who have the great privilege to know you.
How well I know the story, Carly J. A couple and a half month more and Cheryl and I have managed to not split he sheets for 36 years. Thank you for your reflection and writing by Kate Bowler.
I love Kate Bowler. Wise beyond her years. Thanks for sharing.
That’s beautiful Carly, thank you for sharing and so very true.
Carly, thanks for sharing this post. It’s humbling and inspiring. With Ngoc and I both having disabilities, we know all too well how health is everything.
This reminds me to appreciate my mom even more. During the toughest times, she was the one who brought Ngoc and me together. Last summer was a prime example that stood out. Ngoc needed to work on developing a more optimistic outlook on life. I needed to improve on assertive communication. Both of us need to learn to weather the storm. The life lesson we both learned is that it isn’t as simple as release because a couple no longer feels the love for each other. Needing each other is the other important aspect. When all said and done, both are intertwined.
4 years is still considered brand new. I’ve heard a lot of inspiring stories from members here about their marriages full of rollercoasters for 20-30yrs and how they’ve come out stronger each time. Now, that’s true love. Wishing you and your husband the best. Those health problems sound scary.
You have a beautiful love together Loc!
Thanks Carly.
I’ve had very similar experiences in my marriage of 17 years and empathize completely (including the “was I provoking?” self-questioning and sometimes the answer is yes). We have fulfilling days like yours most weekends including the farmers’ market trip, which is our long walk. Those good days sometimes go sideways very quickly.
I was out of town with a quick overnight trip so we’re having our long walk this morning. I’m going to keep the spirit of this quotation in mind. In fact, I may need to print it out and put it on my wall. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and Kate Bowler’s words.
Deeply appreciate being seen by you, Barb.
Carly J, I am so sorry that your wonderful Saturday ended on a disturbing, upsetting note. But it seems that your Sunday has started in a grand way…and your day will be wonderful. Your love and understanding for your husband comes through your post. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing by Kate Bowler…whom I am going to look up. Sending you a ray of sunshine and love. to you. Bless you and your husband.
Thanks for sharing your reflection back to me on my post. It feels good.
Thank you dearly for sharing this heartfelt homage in love to your beloved husband. Deeply touching and full of beauty and poetry. Blessings to both of you ✨
Appreciate the blessing and send it back to you.
I am fortunate:
To have today! Can ponder tomorrow and be grateful for yesterday.
I am alive and well. I have a husband who loves me and we have a great home, two great dogs, and our business is going well.
Sunnypatti, Having a loving spouse makes a huge difference. They’re the ones who have the strongest influence on our lives, especially during adulthood. I can say the same. Ngoc loves me a lot.
It would be a long list, as others already mentioned; to center it to the essentials, i am fortunate for my friends who always have an ear to listen and a heart to share whatever is to be shared then, wholeheartedly including both the ups and downs also; for you here being with me and all, for your heartfelt presence and willingness to share and be there; fortunate for being gifted with a life where caring for others was possible in a really useful way, a life in safe conditions, in beauty and with easy availability of all material essentials; fortunate to be healthy as a gift of sorts; fortunate for a community cultivating the Middle Way and for true guidance of some compassionate hearts along the Way even when it did not feel like at all, while still having been offered wholeheartedly. To you with a humble bow, may all blessings be with you.
This morning I chose to research the word fortunate, asking and double checking how is it defined? Happy, lucky, prosperous, are words mentioned. A synonym is providential; “Divine intervention.” I’ll choose a mix of these. This time around I was born in the USA, and have many freedoms because of those who have served and died in wars making the ultimate sacrifice. Shelter, food, medical support, education, physical and emotional support have always been provided. During periods of self centeredness I thought my needs weren’t provided for, but they were in abundance. I am truly Blessed and lucky, with much to be grateful for.
As Deann said, the list is long. So I am choosing two.
The first is my general outlook on life. I am an optimist. A problem solver. I do not bury my head in the sand, I am a realist as well. I believe strongly that we do choose our outlook, and this one has worked for me.
Secondly, I live with T1 Diabetes. I am an outlier, diagnosed at 45, with no family history that I am aware of. That means my pancreas produces zero insulin. My first endocrinologist was an amazing woman who I credit with saving my life. My good fortune lies in that I am highly motivated to care for myself in all the ways I need to so I can live my life fully and energetically. Along with that, I am able to have the « latest and the greatest » in insulin pump technology at a reasonable cost thanks to insurance, which I do not take for granted.
Okay, I lied. I am doing three! To have found this website and each of you, good fortune indeed.
Thank you for today’s question. It reminds me never to forget how fortunate I am. Similar to my husband, Loc, I am fortunate to have him by my side and, especially, to be a part of his family. Before marrying my husband, I had never thought I would be okay living with my in-laws. As a traditional Asian woman, I might be expected to be a housewife. Fortunately, my parents-in-law are incredibly kind and gentle. I am proud to have them in my life, too.
My Ngoc, your response about family reminds me of my time in Vietnam with you a couple weeks in January of 2023. Despite my incompatibilities regarding: food, weather, and especially the social aspects, I still had a good time with the people on your side of the family, especially your parents and sibblings. They’re also very friendly people as well. It reminds me that there are things to be grateful for even in an environment full of incompatibilities. This explains some of the responses here on how others have listed a lot of things to be fortunate for.