I recently read your article (Thank You!) in a 2011 issue of Guideposts. I believe the timing was divinely inspired. I was sitting in a hotel room, feeling very much the way you described in the article: broken down, disappointed, lost, stuck… I, too, have had dreams of being a writer. But life kept getting in the way. Now here I am, 71 years old and still dreaming.
I’ve spent many years of my life in the role of caregiver. Not by choice, but by necessity. Even now, at this late age and stage, my husband and I are raising a relative’s child and will , most likely, continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
On many days, I feel trapped in a life I don’t care to live. On others, I feel blessed beyond measure. It was one of those dark days – or should I say nights – at 4 a.m. in the morning, when I came across your article. I couldn’t sleep. I had managed to escape the chaos of my life for a few days and head to a hotel, all by myself, to enjoy some much needed rest and quiet. But my heart was heavy and my mind restless with thoughts of what could have been. I found myself crying out to God for help, guidance, encouragement… something to sustain me. I had taken with me a folder – one of the many I have kept for years, filled with notes, writing ideas and articles I intended to return to, for inspiration. And there it was. Right on top. Your article from 15 years ago.
I left the hotel that day with a sense of renewed hope. I believe, somehow, that God answered my prayer and spoke to me through your words. My circumstances haven’t changed much since then. (It was about a month ago.) But I have been offering words of gratitude, both to God and to those He’s put in my life, on a more regular basis. I’ve been listening to your book (365 Thank Yous) and loving it.
I’ve been writing thank you notes of my own and playing The Glad Game whenever I need a boost of thankfulness. And I’ve even started a daily(ish) practice of writing personal essays, observations and reflections – just for the joy of getting some words on to a page. Who knows what will come of it, if anything. My time and energy are limited these days but that’s ok. My dad used say, “where there’s life, there’s hope”. I want to keep that hope alive while I can.
All this to say a great big Thank You to you! Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for spreading the message of the power of gratitude. It really is a life changing message, for which I’m very grateful.
God Bless You,