Immense Gratitude

Yesterday as I worked in my studio I was suddenly filled with an almost overwhelming feeling of gratitude.  I've been thinking a lot about what it is that I want to do, my calling if you will, and realized that I'm doing it.  I get to paint every day.  I get to spend time with my daughters and my husband.  I get to enjoy my home which is also my sanctuary.  I get to be involved and contribute to the arts.  I get to read and write.  And I hope that the words I send out, whether through blogging or publication, will inspire someone else to do what they love to do, too.

My dream has always been to create and to inspire others to create.  As a child I always found my peace in reading, writing, crafting and drawing...it's where I could be fully myself.  Either sitting in the library or in my room at my little writing desk, and even in a busy classroom, everything around me would melt away as I focused on these little worlds of my own creation.  It was in this work that I felt accepted and happy.  There was no disconnect or feelings of lack.  It was during these times that I didn't worry about saying or doing the 'right' things, about how I looked, or if I fit in.  Everything just felt right.

Maybe it's because we just celebrated Easter or because the sun has been shining so beautifully, but it is such a lovely gift to feel grateful, even amidst some great challenges.  This feeling that emanated throughout my body is a blessing, I know it, and I hope to remember it.  Life is so good when I remember the small stuff.