Gratitude .............

Keeping the promise to myself that I do at least one post per day in this blog I decided that today I want to talk about gratitude.

Storms are raging all over the continent and, indeed, throughout the world.  The sun is shining in Elliot Lake and I feel grateful.

Tyranny and hatred is demonstrated in many unstable places throughout our world.  Canada enjoys peace.  I feel grateful to be living here in Elliot Lake.

Too many children in our world suffer abuse.  I am grateful that I had loving, caring parents.

I am grateful to be a mother to wonderful, healthy children and grandmother to talented, creative and intelligent young men.

Many people throughout the world have talents but few find the motivation, and sometimes lack the courage to be vulnerable and put their talents forward.  Fear of criticism or fear of failure may hold many talented people back.   

As a child I marvelled at the talents of my siblings who could sing, dance and play music.   My dear mother always told me that I had hidden talents.  I believed they were hidden very well and wondered if I would ever find one.

While others performed I spent my time reading and sometimes writing little stories.  It never occurred to me in those times that writing my little stories could be something called a talent. 

I thought that anyone who could think; could write.  In truth, I still believe this is so.

However I have overcome my fear of criticism and failure.   I thank God and I thank my mother that I have found the motivation and the courage to make myself vulnerable and to put my stories forward.   For this I am very grateful.

I am a free woman in a free country living in a world where too many women live in bondage; too many men live in fear and too many children suffer hunger, war and hardship.

If I could, I would; but I know I cannot change the world.

The only person I can change is me and I am ever open to new adventure, new experiences and new achievements.   For this I feel very grateful.