Ever So Grateful

Ever So Grateful

There are so many things I’m grateful for going into “Thanksgiving”, especially for those things that money cannot buy, family and friends.  I’m so blessed to be surrounded my loving and supportive people.

The following is something that I wrote recently after speaking to my Grandfather who’s 93 and Fabulous!

“A Grandfather’s Love” 

As my Grand Father’s voice inflection rises as he realizes it’s me on the phone, my heart swells like all the other times I hear his voice.  I find it hard to control my emotions as I feel such love and respect.  He reminds me of what love is and always should be---acceptance, grace, joy, and pure delight.

My Grand Father is a model of Love and all things Family.  His zest for life, pride of being independent, sharp mind, and just his memory and love of me are all overwhelming.

Thank you, God, for gracing my life with My Grand Father and allowing me the opportunity to return love, acceptance and wonder.

"Are We Alone on Our Journeys" by Sheila Thornton Warfield

We walk on our journeys alone.

No matter how bad we would like others to join us or be with us, we are alone.

People intercept our paths at different points or even walk along closely with us on a parallel path----but we still journey alone.

Some of our loved ones will promise to meet us at a crossroad or walk along with us at a particular section---sometimes they show up and it’s great and, sometimes they don’t show up at all---and then we become disappointed, disillusioned, disenchanted

What’s true is that we are alone

Alone with our own feelings and interpretations

Alone, having the life experiences on our own personal path

Our only true partner and companion is GOD---HE's the constant

During those times on our journey when our vision is impaired because of pain and emotion, GOD is there, and our journey continues

We might want to stop or go back but only the ‘now’ and the promise of the future are left for us to create

With blurred vision, we need to muster up the confidence to take positive steps, always moving forward

We mustn’t succumb to self-pity or pain or ever give up

We must remain the captains of our own vessels and rejoice and appreciate when we have good company along the way

Most importantly, we must remember that GOD is always there and HE is enough

Do we walk on our journey alone?  No.

GOD is always present.

What I'd Like to Grow More in My Life

Two years ago, after my mother passed, "O" Magazine had a contest for readers.  It suggested that readers submit a statement, essay, etc. that explained what they would like to 'Grow More' in their lives.  While my submission didn't get published, I wanted to share it with others because I thought it was / is encouraging.  

I hope if offers you some peace in knowing that we are never alone when it comes to the trials and tribulations we encounter each and every day.  Let's remember to always be courageous and embrace the growth that feeds our transition.

"What I’d like to grow in my life?"   By Sheila T Warfield

To my surprise, I’d like to grow more courage.

I've become tender, safe and afraid.  It’s embarrassing to acknowledge this, but it’s true.  I don’t want to be afraid anymore.  So, I want, I need desperately to GROW more courage.

More courage to follow my heart.

More courage to find meaning in my life after losing my mother recently.

More courage to take the time to renew and pursue my own passions in spite of being a working mother and wife.

More courage to say ‘No’, ME first!

More courage to pursue a purpose outside of corporate America.

More courage to make the sacrifices and have the discipline to become healthier.

More courage to know Peace everyday.