I guess it enables to me to “fight” more for what is right. My daughter was turned down for the 2nd phase of ss disability claim. She immediately put in the appeal and it will go before a judge with her ss disability attorney. It angers me that two of the ss disability review doctors made unnecessary comments. If the judge decides no that so be it but we are not giving up!
I don’t think I’m courageous at all . . .
I act on instinct
I act when duty calls
I do something
when something must be done.
I’ve done what I’ve done
when nothing else could be done.
At least
I pulled out of heavy traffic
when a murmuration of starlings in the sky
hypnotized me . . .
at least I pulled the curtains down
when they were on fire,
and grabbed the cat with the bottle brush tail
before he could go up in flames.
At least I left the room
when a gun was pointed at my heart . . .
at least
I dragged myself out of the sea
when it tried to suck me back.
these things
were all the smallest things I could do,
when it never occurred to me
that I had a choice,
because I really didn’t–
not in the moment,
I didn’t.
I’m not sure
what courage
really has to do with gratitude
at all
I hit a car in a snowbound parking lot the other day . . .
at least I didn’t run away;
at least I faced my husband and told him.
You see now,
I couldn’t really have done anything else–
the truth always outs
in the end.
I am grateful that I’ve done what I’ve done
in most circumstances,
but I can’t claim courage,
nor can I claim gratefulness . . .
I’ve survived,
and lived to tell the tale another day.
I’m also grateful to be here. ♥
Gratefulness can help me to be more courageous by shifting my perspective on life and on my life. Although I think I know better, I still care too much about what others think of me. But when feeling grateful, I don’t feel the need to have the approval of others. My cup is already overflowing. So success and failure and the opinions of others are not so near to my heart. I can try new things with curiosity, because my focus is on gratefulness rather than fear.
My beloved husband died a few weeks ago. Although I am glad he is no longer suffering, I miss his constant loving presence. He made my life so much better by loving me. I became a stronger person because of his love, and now I have to have the courage to keep going.
I am so grateful for the 37 years we had together.
Your heart is full of grief right now,
dear Linda,
but at some point
the Gift you had for 37 years
will hold you up
and give you courage
that your husband would wish for you
as you journey on.
My heart is with you
on this difficult and painful path
with love . . .♥
sparrow
Wishing you strength, dear friend, and may friends be around to just be with you when you need an ear or a warm hug to be consoled. May the Light of His Love guide you through this difficult time, dear Linda. Blessings be with you.
Dear Linda, sending you love & strength during this challenging time.
I know the struggle, I lost my husband 18 months ago. Give yourself grace & TLC.
I am sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻🩷
You have been through so much, Linda. I’m glad that you are feeling gratefulness for the life you had with your beloved husband. I’m sending you much love.
Gratefulness puts my head/mind in my heart. Courage comes from the heart. Our hearts beat in the present moment–always the place we should be. I share a meditation I wrote in 2022.
Morning Meds June 23 2022 Courage
How might I cultivate the courage to face the hard stuff in life?
I realized many years ago that the biggest battles are within. That has made hard times much easier to bear. I realized many years ago that when I thought my heart would break, it was just telling me to break open besides so many times it’s the ego that mimics a broken heart. To truly be alive, one must embrace the fact that we are all vulnerable and in our vulnerability we will find our strength. There is a part of us that has never been afraid but it can only be called forth in the present moment. The past is history and the future is mystery. Grace flows freely in the NOW–the precious present. I don’t know how to cultivate courage but when I’m shaking in my boots, I know I can claim it.
I didn’t think I had a response to this question until I read replies from others. The quotation Drea shared really struck me:
“When you get out of your comfort zone, it expands. When you stay inside of your comfort zone, it contracts.” — Pema Chödrön
I start tomorrow on a journey to France. I’m going alone. I’ve traveled quite a bit for work before, including a trip to Bern, Switzerland a couple of years ago. This feels bigger. I’m going to an international conference for the first week, then adding a week of vacation. When I land the first thing I have to do (in a notoriously crowded and chaotic airport, the busiest one in Europe) is find the train that will take me to the second train that will take me 3 hours away from Paris to the little town at the foot of the French Alps where the conference is being held. Then I come back and stay in Paris for a week. Both of these places I’m staying in an AirBnB, living in a neighborhood without the structure of a hotel and its staff.
I’ve wanted to go to France for most of my life. I took two years of French in high school and a year in college and I’ve been practicing recently with an app. This is a big adventure. Remembering how incredibly fortunate I am to have this opportunity, and that I’m truly grateful just to be in France at all whether or not I rush around to all the sights and museums, can give me courage to make my way alone.
Bon Voyage,
dear Barb . . .
it sounds as if you are well armed for the journey.
I hope that your courage
takes you where you need to go
in all ways.
We’ll be thinking of you. ♥
Cultivating a grateful heart and mental attitude decreases the old threads of fear, those “what ifs” thoughts that at one time were paralyzing from speaking truths or calling for accountability of unjust systems. Todays that gratitude has led me to open new doors. It also led me to make internal peace with past incidents. Grateful to turn those doorknobs.! May we be led to be Peacemakers in these troubled times 🫶🏽☮️
Gratefulness helps me be more courageous by facing challenging moments with positivity. This morning, I woke up with grief. My pet dog in Vietnam is gone. To me, he’s not just a dog; he’s one of the bridges of my bond in Vietnam. We had him before I moved to the U.S. Last year, when I returned to my home, he was there. Now, I will no longer have him. Gratefulness helps me face this grief with the warmth of our memories instead of guilt and emotional pain. ♥ 🐶
Grief for a beloved animal companion
is great,
dear Ngoc,
and having experienced it many times,
I share in yours.
Blessings
for the gifts of love you shared
with each other. ♥
The absence and grief of losing a dear pet is great. They are a comfort and such wonderful company. You will miss him. May you be held in gratitude and courage as you face days without him.
Gratefulness gives me a sense of well being, peace and happiness. When I need to draw on courage -it helps to think of what I am grateful for and it gives me the strength and motivation to move forward.
Thank you for this insight,
dear Nanette . . .
I sometimes
have trouble
summoning up courage . . .
I often just forge ahead,
knowing what I have to do
whether I am afraid or not. ♥
Gratefulness motivates me to expand the good. I act because I want to carry openness , presence, and love into the world. So gratefulness becomes a form of fuel or motivation for courage. And a sustainable practice in courage. As Pema Chodron said, “When you get out of your comfort zone, it expands. When you stay inside of your comfort zone, it contracts.”
Thank you for this quote from Pema Chodron! I’m about to leave my comfort zone, on a two-week solo trip to France. I’m fortunate to get to go for a week in connection with my job (attending international conference) and I’m adding on a week of vacation. A growth opportunity indeed, along with a chance to use some of my high school French. A bit scary and exciting, all at once.
Gratefulness helps me be more courageous by recognizing that my autism is minimal and not detrimental to those around me along with bipolar mania under control. Having struggled before with navigating by-cultural and by-generational dynamics within my environment gives me credability to advocate for the people on my boat. I’m very happy to have a relevant grateful living question that helps me address my LT1192 foundation. Building my BosLoc umpire aligns with my core thesemes from the beginning of socialability and expanded interests. Believing in god keeps me protected, grounded, and helps my advocacy feel rooted in care rather than rebellion.
Barb, social activism and string pulling fall under the same roof. When rooted in care, it’s the former. In rebellion, it’s the ladder. Patience helps me align action with intention.
As I read each of the reflections thus far this morning, I am struck that gratefulness and courage are like muscles. The more we use each, the more readily available they are to us. Thank you.🩷
Gratefulness can make me more courageous because it helps me embrace the opportunities and helps me see the lessons in the mistakes. So in a sense- I can’t lose because there will always be something I am grateful for.
I love the idea that you can’t lose because you’ll always be grateful for something. Makes me rethink my affiliation to success/failure, winning/losing. Thank you Deann.
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I guess it enables to me to “fight” more for what is right. My daughter was turned down for the 2nd phase of ss disability claim. She immediately put in the appeal and it will go before a judge with her ss disability attorney. It angers me that two of the ss disability review doctors made unnecessary comments. If the judge decides no that so be it but we are not giving up!
That sounds really hard. Wishing you fortitude and strength standing up for what is right.
I don’t think I’m courageous at all . . .
I act on instinct
I act when duty calls
I do something
when something must be done.
I’ve done what I’ve done
when nothing else could be done.
At least
I pulled out of heavy traffic
when a murmuration of starlings in the sky
hypnotized me . . .
at least I pulled the curtains down
when they were on fire,
and grabbed the cat with the bottle brush tail
before he could go up in flames.
At least I left the room
when a gun was pointed at my heart . . .
at least
I dragged myself out of the sea
when it tried to suck me back.
these things
were all the smallest things I could do,
when it never occurred to me
that I had a choice,
because I really didn’t–
not in the moment,
I didn’t.
I’m not sure
what courage
really has to do with gratitude
at all
I hit a car in a snowbound parking lot the other day . . .
at least I didn’t run away;
at least I faced my husband and told him.
You see now,
I couldn’t really have done anything else–
the truth always outs
in the end.
I am grateful that I’ve done what I’ve done
in most circumstances,
but I can’t claim courage,
nor can I claim gratefulness . . .
I’ve survived,
and lived to tell the tale another day.
I’m also grateful to be here. ♥
“I’ve Survived, . . . ” so far me too, dear Sparrow.
I’m happy for that,
dear Joseph. 🙂
For me it takes a sense of gratitude in order to act courageously with integrity.
Gratefulness can help me to be more courageous by shifting my perspective on life and on my life. Although I think I know better, I still care too much about what others think of me. But when feeling grateful, I don’t feel the need to have the approval of others. My cup is already overflowing. So success and failure and the opinions of others are not so near to my heart. I can try new things with curiosity, because my focus is on gratefulness rather than fear.
Just beautiful, Mary.
My beloved husband died a few weeks ago. Although I am glad he is no longer suffering, I miss his constant loving presence. He made my life so much better by loving me. I became a stronger person because of his love, and now I have to have the courage to keep going.
I am so grateful for the 37 years we had together.
My J transitioned in Sept of last year. The word I would give you is gentle. Blessings to you on this journey. We are companions.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda.
Blessings on your journey, Linda.🩷
Sending you loving kindness Linda. 💗
Much love to you, Linda 🙏🏼
❤️
Your heart is full of grief right now,
dear Linda,
but at some point
the Gift you had for 37 years
will hold you up
and give you courage
that your husband would wish for you
as you journey on.
My heart is with you
on this difficult and painful path
with love . . .♥
sparrow
Wishing you strength, dear friend, and may friends be around to just be with you when you need an ear or a warm hug to be consoled. May the Light of His Love guide you through this difficult time, dear Linda. Blessings be with you.
I am so sorry, Linda. I’m sure your love will continue to sustain you.
Dear Linda, sending you love & strength during this challenging time.
I know the struggle, I lost my husband 18 months ago. Give yourself grace & TLC.
I am sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻🩷
May you be blessed in your gratitude, mourning, courage and cherishing of memories.
You have been through so much, Linda. I’m glad that you are feeling gratefulness for the life you had with your beloved husband. I’m sending you much love.
Gratefulness puts my head/mind in my heart. Courage comes from the heart. Our hearts beat in the present moment–always the place we should be. I share a meditation I wrote in 2022.
Morning Meds June 23 2022 Courage
How might I cultivate the courage to face the hard stuff in life?
I realized many years ago that the biggest battles are within. That has made hard times much easier to bear. I realized many years ago that when I thought my heart would break, it was just telling me to break open besides so many times it’s the ego that mimics a broken heart. To truly be alive, one must embrace the fact that we are all vulnerable and in our vulnerability we will find our strength. There is a part of us that has never been afraid but it can only be called forth in the present moment. The past is history and the future is mystery. Grace flows freely in the NOW–the precious present. I don’t know how to cultivate courage but when I’m shaking in my boots, I know I can claim it.
I didn’t think I had a response to this question until I read replies from others. The quotation Drea shared really struck me:
“When you get out of your comfort zone, it expands. When you stay inside of your comfort zone, it contracts.” — Pema Chödrön
I start tomorrow on a journey to France. I’m going alone. I’ve traveled quite a bit for work before, including a trip to Bern, Switzerland a couple of years ago. This feels bigger. I’m going to an international conference for the first week, then adding a week of vacation. When I land the first thing I have to do (in a notoriously crowded and chaotic airport, the busiest one in Europe) is find the train that will take me to the second train that will take me 3 hours away from Paris to the little town at the foot of the French Alps where the conference is being held. Then I come back and stay in Paris for a week. Both of these places I’m staying in an AirBnB, living in a neighborhood without the structure of a hotel and its staff.
I’ve wanted to go to France for most of my life. I took two years of French in high school and a year in college and I’ve been practicing recently with an app. This is a big adventure. Remembering how incredibly fortunate I am to have this opportunity, and that I’m truly grateful just to be in France at all whether or not I rush around to all the sights and museums, can give me courage to make my way alone.
Bon voyage, Barb!
Very exciting – have a great time! Be safe and of course safe travels to you
May the skies be calm for travel, Barb.
Bon Voyage,
dear Barb . . .
it sounds as if you are well armed for the journey.
I hope that your courage
takes you where you need to go
in all ways.
We’ll be thinking of you. ♥
Good for you, Barb.!
You go, girl!
Cultivating a grateful heart and mental attitude decreases the old threads of fear, those “what ifs” thoughts that at one time were paralyzing from speaking truths or calling for accountability of unjust systems. Todays that gratitude has led me to open new doors. It also led me to make internal peace with past incidents. Grateful to turn those doorknobs.! May we be led to be Peacemakers in these troubled times 🫶🏽☮️
Gratefulness helps me be more courageous by facing challenging moments with positivity. This morning, I woke up with grief. My pet dog in Vietnam is gone. To me, he’s not just a dog; he’s one of the bridges of my bond in Vietnam. We had him before I moved to the U.S. Last year, when I returned to my home, he was there. Now, I will no longer have him. Gratefulness helps me face this grief with the warmth of our memories instead of guilt and emotional pain. ♥ 🐶
I’m so sorry, Ngoc. Sending love.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I share your grief – loosing pets is always so hard – they are family.
Grief for a beloved animal companion
is great,
dear Ngoc,
and having experienced it many times,
I share in yours.
Blessings
for the gifts of love you shared
with each other. ♥
The absence and grief of losing a dear pet is great. They are a comfort and such wonderful company. You will miss him. May you be held in gratitude and courage as you face days without him.
I’m so sorry for your loss, dear Ngoc. I send my love to you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Ngoc. Your pet will hold a special place in your heart forever.
NGOC NGUYEN, May you feel and heal. I often dwell in the memories of my beloved cat.
My Ngoc, you did have 3 years with him. The other 2 dogs came into your family after you came to the US.
Gratefulness gives me a sense of well being, peace and happiness. When I need to draw on courage -it helps to think of what I am grateful for and it gives me the strength and motivation to move forward.
Thank you for this insight,
dear Nanette . . .
I sometimes
have trouble
summoning up courage . . .
I often just forge ahead,
knowing what I have to do
whether I am afraid or not. ♥
Nannette! How absolutely wonderful to hear from you!!!
Hi Nannette. It’s great to see you here!
Gratefulness motivates me to expand the good. I act because I want to carry openness , presence, and love into the world. So gratefulness becomes a form of fuel or motivation for courage. And a sustainable practice in courage. As Pema Chodron said, “When you get out of your comfort zone, it expands. When you stay inside of your comfort zone, it contracts.”
Gratefulness as fuel for the journey … thank you for this viewpoint, Drea, I love it.
Glad it resonated, Mary.
The Pema Chodron quote is very helpful. Thanks.
It’s one of my favorite quotes, Carol, happy it landed for you too.
Thank you for this quote from Pema Chodron! I’m about to leave my comfort zone, on a two-week solo trip to France. I’m fortunate to get to go for a week in connection with my job (attending international conference) and I’m adding on a week of vacation. A growth opportunity indeed, along with a chance to use some of my high school French. A bit scary and exciting, all at once.
Barb, have a blast! Please enjoy a cafe au lait and pain au chocolat for me … heaven!
safe travels Barb and enjoy your trip!
Gratefulness helps me be more courageous by recognizing that my autism is minimal and not detrimental to those around me along with bipolar mania under control. Having struggled before with navigating by-cultural and by-generational dynamics within my environment gives me credability to advocate for the people on my boat. I’m very happy to have a relevant grateful living question that helps me address my LT1192 foundation. Building my BosLoc umpire aligns with my core thesemes from the beginning of socialability and expanded interests. Believing in god keeps me protected, grounded, and helps my advocacy feel rooted in care rather than rebellion.
“Advocacy rooted in care rather than rebellion”–as a lifelong advocate I really appreciate this phrase, Loc.
Barb, social activism and string pulling fall under the same roof. When rooted in care, it’s the former. In rebellion, it’s the ladder. Patience helps me align action with intention.
As I read each of the reflections thus far this morning, I am struck that gratefulness and courage are like muscles. The more we use each, the more readily available they are to us. Thank you.🩷
I am always so glad to read your posts before I post mine. You are so thoughtful and wise.
Katrina, thank you. Learning every day!🩷
Gratefulness can make me more courageous because it helps me embrace the opportunities and helps me see the lessons in the mistakes. So in a sense- I can’t lose because there will always be something I am grateful for.
I love the idea that you can’t lose because you’ll always be grateful for something. Makes me rethink my affiliation to success/failure, winning/losing. Thank you Deann.
Gratefulness starts within oneself, therefore the same can be expected with being courageous – look within.