Little Things

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been home from the hospital 3 weeks today. I had great ambition, thinking how much I’d be getting done — more blogging, cleaning closets and drawers,  unlimited chatting with friends and family. Whoa, as you can see from this date, I couldn’t have been more wrong about how I would be spending my “free” time!

Nothing like having something large in your life to help you realize how precious the little things can be. A little thing — like taking a step without limping or waddling. Little thing — like using the bathroom without any help. Little thing — like driving the car to get my legs waxed. Little thing — like sleeping 5 hours straight through.

This list could go on and on, but then there’s the list of things that came from all of you. The emails, cards and calls. The flowers and food, food, food. The prayers and fulfilled promises of rides and cleaning and general help around my home and office. People stepping up and filling in my life.

While they may have seemed like little things to you, to Ron and I each was such a precious gift received with so much gratitude. I’ve been really unsure how to thank you all. Of course, there’s writing notes once my handwriting is legible, but cards don’t seem enough.

So I guess the best way to express gratitude is for me to become a role model of receiving. Not something I’m comfortable with. When you’re a giver, receiving help can be difficult, unless you are helpless and then there’s nothing left to do but open your heart and let people in deeply and completely.

 I hope to remind you to receive little and big things with joy, knowing that you are worthy of the gift and that the giver is worthy of simple thanks without feeling like reciprocity is necessary.

 Receive from your heart and not a ledger sheet that puts you behind or ahead. Just receive with gratitude to all who care for you, even the stranger on the street that gives you a nod and a smile.

Comments

[Shelly]

Abby-this is my first visit to your blog. I am so grateful to have found it. I've read all the entries and I feel like I've been at a retreat. I'm going to start employing the "Yoga Sprinkling" effect. What a great idea.
And now that I've had a lovely shower w/ the sun shining down on the Sycamore leaves and the underbellies of the doves, I may just get out my mat.
Thank you friend. Your writing is great and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

[Dawn]

Howdy doodie Ms Abby! So glad to hear you're progressing on your recovery so well. With the holidays approaching, I'm sure you're happy to know you'll be pain free soon and back on the mat kissing your knee! We all miss you and "the girls" will be ready when you're ready! Take your time to mend, focus on yourself during this time of recovery and come back to us when you're ready (I know your goal is 200%, but we'll all take 100%!). I miss seeing you and I'm sure Ron is still looks darling in that nurse's outfit (tee hee!). Be well and enjoy the holidays with your family!

Dawn

[Chris]

Hi Abby,
Ian and I send our love to you and Ron. We've been wondering about your progress and it looks like you are doing a great job.
You are such a special person in our lives.
Here's more positive feelings sent your way.
Cheers,
Chris

[Nancy]

Hi Abby,
Finally, after several weeks, I have blown the dust off my new dvd and actually spent precious time reviewing it and practicing it. I absolutely love it!
If you recall, I am recovering from a shoulder injury. The mri revealed a pulled pectoralis minor...painful...but, oh the lessons I have learned in the past few months! I am proud to say, I have victoriously come to the other side of the pain and even the fear of re-injury, to actually being able to complete sections of your dvd and feeling at peace with my accomplishments.
I have also decided that I am going to pursue a certification in yoga so that I can include yoga as part of the classes that I teach. As part of my newly discovered peacefulness, I have decided to take this holiday season and focus on one important value per week, such as "giving" and "receiving", "miracles" and "humility". I refuse to let the month of December swallow me alive! I have reclaimed my power and am going to use yoga to center my thoughts daily.
Thank you!!!
Nancy