Gratitude isn’t just a warm sentiment that overcomes you when you’re standing in the light; it’s also a radical discipline that you practice when you’re standing in the dark.
“You cannot be grateful for every moment, but you can be grateful in any moment.”
I love this thought. Reflecting on the darker moments of my life- I CAN indeed find something to be grateful for in each one! They say hindsight is 2020. It is fairly easy to look back on the moments and find gratitude. This week I will focus on finding gratitude in the moment.
I love the idea of intentionally practicing 20/20 hindsight in the moment: "Ten years from now, what will I be grateful for about this moment?" That's actually really powerful. Thank you, Joy!
If I had to pack for depression in order to get from A to B, I’d surely pack your words for they profoundly touched me. ❤️
The other day while sobbing, getting groceries from my car, my amazing neighbor asked if I was okay (clearly seeing I was not). He said it looks like you need a hug and a bit of my son’s scone. I said I’ll be okay for love will find me home, just having a moment of tenderness for the dreams that I can’t see.
I thanked him for being incredible, and another neighbor waved as they drove by. He said see this is who you are. Your light shines bright and remember who you are.
I’ve heard it said “Be a light in the dark”, my light has felt quite dim. The good news is this time in the dark has allowed me to reflect on a new place in my heart to begin.
Nancy, your description of the light in the darkness shared with you by your neighbors is in fact a light in the darkness for us all! Thank you for sharing your “being seen” moment with us!
Nancy, I'm honored to be in your suitcase. 😊 And I'll second what Rho said: when we're in a dark place and can't muster light from ourselves, it gives others a chance to be a light. What a blessing you were to them, giving them an opportunity to let their light shine!
Same. Gathering gratefulness in the moments of darkness is like collecting fireflies in a jar. I can take the jar out in the dark to remind myself to look for more fireflies. This year has been one of intense struggle and loss but in this dusky year the two people we tragically lost were beacons of loyalty and faithfulness. The memory of their light added to my jar of fireflies is as bright as the sun.
Deb, your imagery of gathering fireflies in the dark is profoundly beautiful. The idea of holding onto the light of those we've lost, like a glowing reminder to seek more moments of brightness, resonates deeply. It’s a tender way to honor the loyalty and faithfulness of the ones who’ve touched our lives, even in their absence. Thank you for sharing such a poignant reflection—it’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the light they leave behind can guide us forward.
Patti, what a great word. I love that way of returning the locus of control to ourselves. It reminds me of Henri Nouwen's wisdom as well: You already are what you are becoming. We're not becoming the light, we're just finding it!
As walk slowly with cane assist, I see others in electric wheelchairs coming out of our shared rehab facility. Smiling gently, I whisper “keep going”. It’s enough to have a smile returned. We see each other. No longer invisible. And I keep walking slowly to the car, knowing we really are lighthouses for one another.
I recently hosted a small gathering in my home where not everyone knew one another but my husband and I know them all quite well! I was hoping the plans of hospitality, including good food, beverage and a fun game would bring a sense of belonging to everyone. Four days later, I’m still basking in the glow of the light of that evening! It was super fun but mostly for me, I’m grateful for how everyone felt welcome, expected and at home in our home! ❤️
A couple of days ago, a man I have gotten to know as a generous and kind soul, stopped by my desk at work and must have noticed my heart has closed. I had mentioned budget woes at work being the reason I was trying to get more money coming in (not my usual goal.) So, although he was on his way home for a late dinner, and making his passenger wait while we talked, he stood talking to me for quite a stretch. He told me about his philosophy that informs just about everything he does. He looks for ways to help people and does so, unasked, even in they can manage ok or even if they're more than ok. He told me about many people in his life. He especially loves to help people he knows will pay it forward. He left me pensive. By the next day, I felt a bit like a kid playing secret Santa, looking outward, heart wide-open. I need to thank him.
Hearts open into safe spaces. What a safe space he became for your heart to open, and now your open heart will be a safe space for others. A lovely reason for gratitude this week, thank you for sharing, Sheila. 🙏🏻
“You cannot be grateful for every moment, but you can be grateful in any moment.”
I love this thought. Reflecting on the darker moments of my life- I CAN indeed find something to be grateful for in each one! They say hindsight is 2020. It is fairly easy to look back on the moments and find gratitude. This week I will focus on finding gratitude in the moment.
I love the idea of intentionally practicing 20/20 hindsight in the moment: "Ten years from now, what will I be grateful for about this moment?" That's actually really powerful. Thank you, Joy!
If I had to pack for depression in order to get from A to B, I’d surely pack your words for they profoundly touched me. ❤️
The other day while sobbing, getting groceries from my car, my amazing neighbor asked if I was okay (clearly seeing I was not). He said it looks like you need a hug and a bit of my son’s scone. I said I’ll be okay for love will find me home, just having a moment of tenderness for the dreams that I can’t see.
I thanked him for being incredible, and another neighbor waved as they drove by. He said see this is who you are. Your light shines bright and remember who you are.
I’ve heard it said “Be a light in the dark”, my light has felt quite dim. The good news is this time in the dark has allowed me to reflect on a new place in my heart to begin.
Nancy, your description of the light in the darkness shared with you by your neighbors is in fact a light in the darkness for us all! Thank you for sharing your “being seen” moment with us!
Nancy, I'm honored to be in your suitcase. 😊 And I'll second what Rho said: when we're in a dark place and can't muster light from ourselves, it gives others a chance to be a light. What a blessing you were to them, giving them an opportunity to let their light shine!
Thank you…your note was another gift to me. 🩷
Thankfulness changes what your mind is focusing on. You need to look at the light for the light to enter into you.
"You need to look at the light for the light to enter into you." Boom. Beautifully said.
Whoop! There it is! Every. Word.
Deb! It still gives me a special joy when you show up here. Blessings upon you and yours up on the mountain!
Same. Gathering gratefulness in the moments of darkness is like collecting fireflies in a jar. I can take the jar out in the dark to remind myself to look for more fireflies. This year has been one of intense struggle and loss but in this dusky year the two people we tragically lost were beacons of loyalty and faithfulness. The memory of their light added to my jar of fireflies is as bright as the sun.
GORGEOUS metaphor, Deb. You should be a writer. Oh, wait, you are. A wonderful one!
Deb, your imagery of gathering fireflies in the dark is profoundly beautiful. The idea of holding onto the light of those we've lost, like a glowing reminder to seek more moments of brightness, resonates deeply. It’s a tender way to honor the loyalty and faithfulness of the ones who’ve touched our lives, even in their absence. Thank you for sharing such a poignant reflection—it’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the light they leave behind can guide us forward.
Thank you for this reframe. :)
My pleasure, Tara, and I'm glad it resonated. 😊
Wishing you and yours, a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving, Kelly.
Anything we want more of in our lives… We have to become.
Patti, what a great word. I love that way of returning the locus of control to ourselves. It reminds me of Henri Nouwen's wisdom as well: You already are what you are becoming. We're not becoming the light, we're just finding it!
So far today- your beautifully crafted and heartfelt words are the light. Thank you. God Bless you and your family.
Knowing that is a tremendous blessing to me, Kathleen, thank you for taking the time to let me know. 🙏🏻
“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.”
Hemingway / Cohen
One of the best, truest lines of all time.
As walk slowly with cane assist, I see others in electric wheelchairs coming out of our shared rehab facility. Smiling gently, I whisper “keep going”. It’s enough to have a smile returned. We see each other. No longer invisible. And I keep walking slowly to the car, knowing we really are lighthouses for one another.
Amy, this brought tears. Thank you for that glimpse into the light.
Oh how beautiful..no words just raindrops on my cheeks. So gorgeous!
good words both for someone with depression (me, sometimes) and also for a way to help lift culture from deepening darkness
From your mouth to God's ears, Jennie. 🙏🏻
I recently hosted a small gathering in my home where not everyone knew one another but my husband and I know them all quite well! I was hoping the plans of hospitality, including good food, beverage and a fun game would bring a sense of belonging to everyone. Four days later, I’m still basking in the glow of the light of that evening! It was super fun but mostly for me, I’m grateful for how everyone felt welcome, expected and at home in our home! ❤️
I love to hear about you in your "higher calling," Rhonda, and the joy that living in alignment with your passion brings to you and others!
What a gift!
A couple of days ago, a man I have gotten to know as a generous and kind soul, stopped by my desk at work and must have noticed my heart has closed. I had mentioned budget woes at work being the reason I was trying to get more money coming in (not my usual goal.) So, although he was on his way home for a late dinner, and making his passenger wait while we talked, he stood talking to me for quite a stretch. He told me about his philosophy that informs just about everything he does. He looks for ways to help people and does so, unasked, even in they can manage ok or even if they're more than ok. He told me about many people in his life. He especially loves to help people he knows will pay it forward. He left me pensive. By the next day, I felt a bit like a kid playing secret Santa, looking outward, heart wide-open. I need to thank him.
Hearts open into safe spaces. What a safe space he became for your heart to open, and now your open heart will be a safe space for others. A lovely reason for gratitude this week, thank you for sharing, Sheila. 🙏🏻
One of the few quotes I often return to and share matches this pattern.
"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule."
~The Historic Buddha
That is somehow new to me, but it is an instant favorite. Thank you, sir, for being here and for sharing!
Thank you. I can simply say that I’ll keep the image of this streetlight standing alone buy pushing out the darkness. 🙏
Sometimes, meditation on a single image is all it takes to change everything. Glad to pass it on to you, Sophie. 🙏🏻
A wonderful post Kelly. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving
A belated happy Thanksgiving to you, Teyani!