So far this has been a year of movement, speed, distance, breadth and depth. Which is to say: it’s been a hell of a ride, and I am giddy kind of all the time these days. My life is hardly recognizable from what it was even six months ago. And I spend a lot of time being caught off guard by this. The other night I flipped through a journal I was keeping in 2007, and even though I obviously remember what was going on then (I was there, after all), it was still bizarre to see how much the narrative has changed. I am working harder than I’ve ever worked, and yet everything is so much easier than it used to be.
It’s simple: every day, I get to do what I love, what I’m good at. I get to be, well, me: that squinting kid in the picture up there. I have the luxury of choosing what types of people and organizations I work with. And I’m surrounded by an assortment of amazing, kick-ass people, both at home and via the internet. It sounds trite, but I mean this quite literally: every day feels like a gift to me.
And it’s funny what that feeling does to a person. It may be best to confirm this with Mr. Gibson, but I do believe I’m more easygoing, more forgiving, less suspicious, less angry. I don’t mean to imply that I’ve had some sort of grand awakening or anything, just that I have so much more mental space now that I am able to work with what I have, what I am, instead of trying to mold myself into something else. I wish that every person on earth had the chance to feel this way, but I know that most people won’t; they’re busy just surviving. I am one of the lucky ones.
So I’m going to continue to count my blessings and enjoy the ride.
Thanks for sharing it with me.
honk honk. meep meep!
This is so wonderful to hear. It’s sad but it truly is a blessing to be so content in life. Happy birthday my love.
D — Aw yeah!
A — Thank you, friend!
Thanks for sharing the ride with us, Emma. At the risk of sounding lame/hokey/hippyish, you’re truly an inspiration!
Yesssss. It *is* an awesome feeling, isn’t it? I am starting to say “Well, what do I want?” And then doing it. For the first time, I’m doing it!
Michelle — Thank you…wow, what an honor!
Sarah — Yes!! Good! And I’m so pleased to be working with you.
We are indeed the lucky ones. It’s great to know this and be grateful and yet feel free to enjoy that blessing without guilt. Enjoy the ride.
Marianne–thank you! So glad you are sharing it with me and reminding us all through your work that we are so lucky.
What Danielle honked.
Also, it’s been a thrilling, inspiring joy watching you grow and take flight this year.
Also-also, “Honk, honk. Meep meep.”
(Sorry–couldn’t resist.)
C — thank you. xoxo
Fantastic.
Thank you, friend.