So we've arrived at the end of April and it’s time to close out birthday month. I don’t know about you, but for me, birthdays always usher in a time of reflection. They serve as a marker of sorts to take a quick pause and honor the prior year. As I look back, the feeling of gratitude runs through all my reflections of this past year.
Grateful to live: You know there are some years when I’ll own up to the fact that I went along for the ride, played the spectator role, and just took things as they came. This was not one of those years. Rather than playing the role of the passive bystander, I intentionally embraced living. I stretched way beyond my comfort zone, pursued new avenues of growth and development, and attempted new things. Now mind you, I wasn’t always great at these new things. Don’t even get me started on rock climbing—but I’m determined to improve at this (and just wait for the update next year)! Throughout these twelve months, I experienced some of life’s greatest highs, greatest lows, and everything in between. Regardless of even the lowest of lows, I don't regret a second of it. For those who haven’t heard the song “I Lived” by One Republic, drop everything and go listen immediately. This captures what I mean. I can say I truly LIVED this past year---through all the exultation, the disappointment, the wonder, the discoveries, the bruises, the learning opportunities, and the victories.
Grateful for community: One thing that humbled me to the core this year was the addition of many whom I now call friend. I know some were only there for a brief portion of the journey, but others I truly believe were brought into my life for the long haul. So very many amazing people intersected with my life over the past trip around the sun, and when I actually take the time to think about it, I get a little emotional. All of these friends with different stories, different marks of brilliance, different methods by which they impact the world around them, and different ways they have each enriched my life. I am so very humbled and grateful to have crossed such paths with such incredible people!
Grateful to be at peace: Peace. I know I know, one word—but what a profound word it is! For those who are familiar with my story or read my past blog entry—this was not a bi-product I expected this year. But I kid you not, I have felt peace more profoundly this year than any other time in my life. One might call it the 'peace that passes understanding.' :-) There is something about truth and authenticity that rings so deep and strikes such an honest chord. It is a peace that centers me on my path, or helps me to “stand my sacred ground” as Brene Brown says. It is a peace that calms the arguments, illuminates the possible, and silences fear. Talk about powerful!
So there you have it. Quite a profound year as I think about it. Thank you to the many of you--new, brief, and lifelong--who have made this past year a significant mark in my journey!
