Compassion and Gratitude

I subscribe to an e-letter from Amy Ahler who is “The Wake Up Call Coach” (Don’t you just love her title?) She always has the best little stories! I took some time to read my e-mails tonight and saw this one and had to share it…

She wrote, “Last night I was on a run with my pooch, Dozer. We were winding our way up the hills of Oakland and I decided to take a turn up a street that I hadn't been on before. I was pushing myself physically so I could push my way mentally through all my Inner Mean Girl's lies. The lies that tell me I'm not enough. The ones that say I am failing. The ones that complain of overwhelm and lack. (Yes, my dear ones, I coach what I am hungry for!)  As we turned around to make our way back down the hill, I glanced at a house, only to see this gate:”

“Compassion & Gratitude. Wow. There it was like a beacon, reminding me of all things good in the world. Reminding me to be compassionate -not only with others, but with myself. Giving me a wake-up call of how much I have to be grateful for.”

There was more to the story, but it got me thinking... Am I compassionate with myself? I know on my last post I spoke of trying to be compassionate with others and I think that for the most part I am a compassionate person - but am I compassionate with me? I don’t think I’m always very compassionate with myself so this little story was a GREAT reminder that we all need to be a little easier on ourselves. SARK, who I mention in just about every one of my posts, talks about how she hugs herself every morning. When she first told us that she hugs herself, I thought, “I could never do that!” Guess what? I do it every morning now! Try it. It feels great! Those endorphins start flowing like you can’t believe!!! It's one of my morning rituals! :-)

Gratitude. There are so many things in this world to be grateful for. That we exist, that I exist, that I have the opportunity to be a part of this magnificent world is a gift! I am so grateful for a husband who has stuck with me through thick and thin, through all my CRAZINESS!!! I’m blessed to have two beautiful daughters who I absolutely LOVE with all my heart! I’m a Grammy! I LOVE being a Grammy to my cute little Lily Belle and Bridger Boy! I have the best parents in all the world! I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows what I need and knows what’s best for me.

I could go on and on… I hope you all find compassion and gratitude for being YOU. YOU ARE A GIFT. Be grateful that you are you! I’m grateful you have chosen to be a part of my life! I'm grateful that you are exactly who you are!

Sending hugs and sparkly tender wishes to all!

Cathleen