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PAUSE – 17.08 – Appreciating What Shows Up In Your World

Reflection: The last two weeks have delivered quite an eventful ride here at the OK Corral.

Health issues landed me in the ER for eight hours and hospital for a couple of days. I’ve been tested, scanned and scoped with no specific diagnosis other than the possibility of a virus. However, I am feeling better and back to functioning once more.

My 91-year-old father moved from their home (where Mom with nursing support had been looking after him) into palliative care. He passed away after a week of further decline concluding with three days of around the clock bedside support from members of our family. A celebration of his life, funeral service, and burial were held last Thursday.

My husband, Dave, is retiring from his work with the Government of Saskatchewan on the very day this message is published. Over Easter weekend, we marked the occasion with a family dinner and a Friends And Family coffee party – both planned by our two daughters. Dave is looking forward to the freedom of his future days; and I am happy for him.

However, since my business office is also at home and I’m accustomed to having the space all to myself, I’m just a tad apprehensive about being together all day long.

 

Action: The reason I share these events with you is twofold.

First of all, in these days of social media, where the world often sees only our ‘highlight reels of success and delight’, I believe it’s important that we also share some of the real life challenges that we all face. It paints a more accurate picture of how life really unfolds. Each and every one of us faces challenges (many of you are facing your own at this very moment), and it’s reassuring to know we are not alone.

Secondly, during my Dad’s funeral service, Reverend Morgan shared this concluding thought: “And, now, all that remains is to be thankful!” This struck me as a very powerful idea – one that we can call into play whenever we are challenged by life’s events.

Did I choose to be sick? No. However, I am thankful for the care I received and the reminder that health is such a precious gift.

Did I want to lose my Dad? No. However, I am thankful for the many years of his presence and love in our lives and the cherished memories and life lessons he leaves behind.

Am I ready to ‘lose my private daytime working space’? No. However, it was never really mine to own. It is our shared home, and this is our shared life. And this next chapter is one to be welcomed and appreciated just like the many chapters that have come before.

Truly, as we work our way through the challenges that life places in our paths, often all that remains is to be thankful. I hope you can muster a measure of gratitude for today’s events in your world. I’m giving it my best shot.

 

Quotes Of The Week: Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it. – Ralph Marston

The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low. – Richard Carlson

The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, it starts feeling like one. – Unknown

Thank you for life, and all the little ups and downs that make it worth living. – Travis Barker

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. – G. K. Chesterton

 

Resource Of The Week: You might enjoy Eric Alan’s thoughts on Appreciating Whatever I’m Given.

 

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Category:
Appreciation, Life in General, Pause E-zines, Wellness

7 Responses to “PAUSE – 17.08 – Appreciating What Shows Up In Your World”

  1. Maureen Haddock

    I am sorry about the loss of you father and that you had an episode with poor health. I love the idea of being thankful, when you have done all that can be done. The quotes this week are super. Please let your mom know that I am thinking of her, even though I haven’t met her.

  2. Pat Katz

    Maureen, thank you for your kind words and wishes. I will pass them along. Appreciatively, Pat

  3. Barb

    So much going on and, for sure, so much to be thankful for. I appreciate your candid thoughts and upbeat solutions with every message you send, and this one in particular. Happy retirement, Dave!

  4. Pat Katz

    Thanks for the good wishes, Barbara. I’ll pass them along.

  5. Terri

    Such a powerful and important message. Thinking of you and thankful.

  6. Pat Katz

    Thanks for the kind words, Terri.

  7. Ginger Sawatzki

    Thank you for your continued good thoughts, especially with your own traumas happening. I’m sorry about the loss of your dad.

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