The Gift of Grace

In our four year journey during my husband's illness, he and I may not have learned all the wisdom and eloquence of some who have made this journey, but we did learn some things that made our lives richer and more fulfilling as we traveled the road of change together.

I have lost him, but I am determined that I won't lost the gift of grace - - learning and honoring what really matters, and the softening of our hearts - - that came with change. Perhaps you will find the suggestions below helpful as you travel your own path of change and experience the many opportunities for magical transformation that such a journey can bring to you and those who love you:

1. Recognize that you are always in transition. That is what life is all about.
2. Accept that while you may no longer feel a sense of control over your circumstances, you always have control over how you respond to your circumstances.
3. Honor what was, but come to peace with life as it is.
4. Make the shift from blaming others to taking responsibility for creating a present different from your pat.
5. Live in the moment with appreciation because things you took for granted can suddenly be gone.
6. Understand that perhaps what happens "out there" isn't what life is all about. It is really what happens "in here" (your heart) that you find the grace to accept life on its own terms.
7. Find and nurture a new vision for the future.
8. Consider sharing the wisdom you gain along the way in your personal journey with others who may just be beginning theirs.

With greatest love and respect for you, Donna Daisy