Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Grateful Thanksgiving


Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I am extremely thankful, especially today, to share the wonderful news that my husband has received and accepted a job offer. The long period of unemployment is coming to a close as he assumes the role of Operations Analyst at Lutheran Hospital, which is in Cleveland, near where we live. So we are not moving out of state, and we can keep our roots here for the time being. Interesting to note is that there are still some out of state opportunities brewing for him and he may have other offers coming in the next few months. All will be considered, so this might be a step rather than a stop, so to speak! Still, we are very happy to be able to share such wonderful news that he can go back to work, in a position that can help him grow and further his career goals.
So, Evan landing a job is at the #1 spot on the Thanksgiving Thankful List for today. Here are the next items.

I am thankful for Evan. He has handled his time of uncertainty, waiting, stress, and anxiety with amazing strength and perseverance. He has taken on lots of cooking, cleaning, laundry, home repairs, and dad time, and cleared the way for me to apply myself to working on writing, lining up teaching opportunities, and teaching. We also enjoyed some extra time together that we wouldn't have had otherwise, even grocery shopping together became a sort of "date." He never wallowed in misery, but held me up when I needed it. I'm in awe, admiration, and appreciation of him and look at him with overwhelming love and gratitude.

I am thankful for our four children. They bring laughter, energy, love, challenges, and fun to our home on a daily basis. Each of them is an individual with a strong personality, amazing talents, and they make our family abundant in reasons for gratitude.

I am thankful for my parents and mother-in-law, who have given us emotional and financial support when we needed it, and have been constantly encouraging us to hang in there.

I am thankful for my friends on Twitter, Owning Pink, and Facebook who have never stopped giving encouragement, sending Reiki, prayers, and good thoughts our way with each interview and throughout the waiting process that seemed never-ending.

I am thankful for my Reiki students, who have given me the opportunity to share this beautiful and empowering energy with them. Teaching Reiki is my life path, and every person who allows me to show them how to experience Reiki is a blessing to my life.

I am thankful for a warm home, nourishing food, cars that are running, a good internet connection, and the ability to learn to live frugally (a skill which will continue to serve us well).

I'm also thankful for the ability to connect with angels, life force energy, and the constant reassurance that this has provided me when I needed it.

Finally, I'm thankful for those who take the time to read my thoughts here, whether you comment or not, please know I'm glad to have your caring and interest.

Blessings, Gratitude and a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Being Tested

This is a trying time for my family and me. My husband has interviewed for jobs and is waiting for answers. There are many delays. He has another interview coming next week. The days are strange and long as we wait for emails and phone calls. I feel as if I'm being tested to see if I can learn patience.

I had a powerful energy healing session last night from my friends Candy & Ming who reported afterward that I'm standing in between two doors, holding on to both, and neither of them can open. I have to let go and stop blocking them so the right one can open. Surrender - it's a lesson I'm trying to learn to do.

Of course, I know that I have been anxious over what will happen. We might move, we might stay. The delays are long and trying. So knowing that surrender is needed is different from actually knowing how to make it happen. And there's something amusing about what I just said: making surrender happen. As if it's something that can be forced - that's the opposite of surrender! Even talking about it is difficult to do in terms that make sense.

Knowing what needs to happen is the first step towards doing it. I know that. Now... how to do it. Here's what I am going to try:
  • conscious breathing - I'm going to take a few minutes, several times during the day, to stop, breathe slowly, and be present. It's a mini-meditation moment.

  • asking for help - I'm going to ask my angels and guides for help in arranging things for the best good of our family - not once, but at least daily. That will help me remember that I've given the process over to those who can make it happen.

  • catching my monkey mind - When I feel myself slipping into the "what if" state of mind, trying to figure out what I would do in any variation of the possible scenarios, I'll stop, and go to that peaceful place by breathing, and remember that I'm letting the angels handle things.
That's the plan. I'll keep you posted on how it works. Feel free to offer suggestions and encouragement!

Peace.