Saturday, March 13, 2010

Worthy of Gratitude; The End of the Journey

And now, we reach the end of this five part series on worthiness. From comments left, it seems those who read were able to garner something that related to their own experiences or some area where in they would like to strive harder for positive change in their lives.
I am excited by this because it is a sign of thinking, progressing people, who know that their own personal life is a very valuable and important thing that should be handled gently.
I am grateful for having this opportunity to share thoughts with you. I express my personal gratitude to all of you, right here, right now, from my heart.
And I hope you accept this small gift.
Sometimes, feeling worthy of gratitude is a hard thing to allow ourselves to do because we are afraid we might be seen as gloating, pretentious or perhaps feel we just don't deserve it. Our upbringings, our stations in life, how we have been molded by other's hands all have a factor in the ability to genuinely accept--and know that you are worthy of--gratitude.
You are.
Every one of you.
I know this from reading the words of your lives you've shared. You are worthy of gratitude in great abundance---to stand with your arms wide open, to close your eyes and speak in your most inner soul that yes, and YES, SEND ME GRATITUDE! The universe hears you, your angels hear you, the Divine hears you.
Let it happen.
And as a gratitude practice, pass these feelings on to others. In kindness, in generosity, in words of praise, in small ways that only you can manifest for whatever situation presents itself. Remember what you put forth will eventually come back to you tenfold. (I am not necessarily talking *bank accounts* here folks! there are other ways....really!)
We cannot change a lot of the world we now live in on large sweeping scales, but we can change the way we treat ourselves and those who are around us. One small effort does not go unnoticed. It can cause a ripple effect.....that is not the stuff of science fiction, nor of dreams. It is being willing to put thoughts and words into action and putting your gratitude out there.
It will return.
Accept it gently.......as a heart in your hands.

I now close this with an image of a felted heart I made for a series I did in fiber, and I think it is appropriate. If you wish to download and save it, fine. If you wish to use it on your blog, please just give me a cutline. If you wish to print it for an everyday reminder of Gratitude, and your worth, please do.


I most sincerely bid you, for all of your days; Love, Joy, Courage, Enough, Gratitude and above all else.....

Pax.

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

For more years than I can say I thought I was severely flawed. Then on that day several years ago, the day of dawning realization with "the in-law", I found that I am worthy...I have learned that I am worthy of self gratitude for I am a good mother, wife, daughter & sister & most of all friend.
Lovely Heartfelt Post.....
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey MArilyn....

Isn't it sad that sometimes it takes us so long to really embrace what we knew all along? That we are just FINE the way we are??? And that others do their best to break that down?
Congrats to you my friend!
I think we're both in the same place..... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

All of these are very cool. Love the B/W stripes with the words. Colors are brillant too.

Hugs for a sunny beach today,
Kate - The Garden Bell

yoborobo said...

I am taking your gratitude with open arms, Miss Anne, and I am sending it back to you as well. Thank you for being a friend, for such interesting discussions, and for your brilliant humor. There are so many good people in the world. We need to surround ourselves with that positive light, to hold us up when times aren't so nice. I hope you get some 'you' art time this weekend! xoxoxoxo Pam

Bunny said...

First I want to thank you Anne for this thought provoking last few days. This jouney was a wonderful reminder to me of how fortunate I am. My childhood was not always very happy, but through the years I have been able to be involved in Alanon, and my DH diaconate program where we did a lot of inner searching. These last few days you brought me back to many things I had learned about myself. I am grateful to have met you even though we have not been able to share a cup of tea or something stronger :) you have touched my heart. Thank you.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Kate!

Thanks and glad you dropped by. My silly copmputer is *still* giving me issues with opening your blog and I am STILL trying to figure what I need to change (it must be ME!! LOL!!)
So I will be by when I can get the fool machine to work! :)
Have a good one!

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

Anne, I hate to see these special posts come to an end. I have looked forward to reading them these past five days. They have been filled with enlightening reminders of things that we either take for granted or neglect to activate in our daily lives.
I am filled with gratitude for many, many things and accepting gratitude from others has become easier over the years. Acceptance of gratitude grounds us in our knowledge that we are good souls and that others indeed do need us.
Thank you, Anne. I am so grateful for the friendships I have made on blogger. You were one of the first. It has been a wondrous and humor-filled ride!! I look forward to continuing on this path.
♥ ♥ ♥ audrey
PS ~ And I would be eternally GRATEFUL if I were to win this painting!!!!!! LOL!!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam!


((((BIG HUG!!!)))) (remember the TeleTubbies??? HAHA!)
Thanks for the kind words.....I am sooo hoping for a little me time with art this coming week, but it doesn't look promising. Have been down two days with the change in weather and, well, Easter is coming fast and that Banner Fairy doesn't come to my studio....just the flying ants! ...seriously....
Here's to our good, supportive friends!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Bunny!

I am so touched by your comment---I am glad that the five days left some good, and most of all, I ralize all of us are on a road of improvements, which means helping whoever is next to you on the journey. When we are content in our skin, it is easy to help find the same for others.
I am delighted we have become friends, and yes....if we ever meet, it might start with the cup of tea but definitely end with the *stronger* libation!!! HAHAHA!!
TAke care!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Linda and Michelle said...

Wow...I am getting caught up with a crazy week, and just read all the posts and there is a tear in the corner of my eye. For so many years I felt unloved, unwanted, but I soldiered through, doing what I hoped was good. DH made all the difference in my life, as has my art in the later years. I have love from so many people, I find exquisite in so many little things (sometimes my students think I'm nuts that I can find joy in math...). It takes courage to teach, and courage to know I still have to do this another 3 years. I realized a year or so ago I do have enough, even though I rail against that sometimes. And gratitude for so many things- internet friends, a wonderful second family, great students, art, and so on. Thank you for a wonderful series of posts. I wish I could be as eloquent.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Audrey,

Yes, Blogger has been a great outreach in provoding many wonderful friendships, and I must say, in this past year, it was a lifesaver for me. Little did I know when I started this blog.....but sometimes you have to have faith that you are being lead for a specific reason!
And I KNOW you'd be soooo grateful if you won the painting..... :D
I was going to suggest a *bribe*, but people who stop by and don't know my raucous (read that ROTTEN!!!)sense of humor might take it seriously.....LOL!!!
Back to work on the banners--fingers cut and taped on both hands! HA!
Take care!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Linda,

What you said was EXCEPTIONALLY ELOQUENT!!! It summed up the meaning of these five posts in a nutshell.
I have to tell you, as I have before, eventhough I am a DOLT with math, seeing the long equations, especially the type in quantum physics, is pure delight and art to me. I desperately want to UNDERSTAND, but suffice with the beauty of the figures.
We have been blessed with an era where in we can seek out others of our artistic ilk through the internet, and life is much much richer! I am glad you are here!

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

Anne, I have just contacted the Banner Fairy, and he sends his apologies for being late, but he's on his way!

I love this series. You have a lot of wisdom, Anne, AND you know how to carry off skinny jeans with stilettos...all the qualities I require in a friend!

What a FABULOUS heart! I LoVe it, and the image! Inspiring!
**blows kisses** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Deb,

You tell the banner fairy his rump is toast when he gets here.....LOL!!!
Just slogging in a flouncy long skirt and flats today as I work...about all I can stand. I need one of those cushy rubber mats to stand on......hmmmmmm....
what could I use that would work???
Take care!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

My heart is encouraged today. Thanks so much Anne for this bit of encouragement. I so appreciate it. love you honey bunny!
V

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vanessa!

You are more than welcome....you always brighten my day with your wonderful illustrations.... :)
Hope you're doing well; do take care!

XXOO!!
Anne

Jan said...

Thanks for this great series, Anne. I'm sure it took a lot of time and effort to get these words written, and I am grateful for your efforts. I know how many things you try to accomplish each day, and that you took the time to construct these posts is very worthy of gratitude from all of us readers. Hope you are feeling better today.

I forgot there was a giveaway at the end of this series!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Jan! I really enjoyed taking the time to write them, and yes, I will draw for the painting on Mar. 17th....figure I'll celebrate the Irish in my Southern Blood!!!
Now I am back to my *doing-six-things-at-once* typical day...LOL!!!
Just got done counting 283 beads...to make sure I had sufficient to finish edging the banner lettering.....OY!

XXOO!!
Anne

lae90 said...

I wanted to tell you what a great job you have done writing the series on your blog. Also, I wanted to express once again and for all to see how grateful I am and have always been for your friendship.
Our years...(gulp, like...34???) together have been so much fun, and such a blessing. I am so grateful for your family taking me in when mine was, and still can be, a total mess...for your mom showing me what a real Mother was supposed to be, to you, showing me what true friendship is all about...the years of laughter, learning, growing as a woman of character started in your home.
Even during times we could not be together your presence was always with me...to you, my dear, sweet, precious, lifetime friend, I am grateful, blessed, honored to have you in my life!!
Love~
~LuAnn

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thank you Lu....
I am humbled. There is no more I can say other than I too, am grateful and delighted to see how you have made yourself a good life, and continue to influence the lives of others.
Dominus Vobiscum.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

oh this heart is beautiful...what a wonderful piece...I popped in via a friends blog...

wonderful to meet you Anne!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Diana!

Have seen you about on some of my friends blogs---glad you stopped by!
I'm off to see your blog.....
Have a good one!

XXOO!!
Anne

Georgina said...

I live in gratitude daily! I remember once my youngest son, Ian, asked me if we were finally happy...this was about a year after my divorce to his father...I told him we sure were, very happy, then he replied we went through a lot to get there. Wow, this coming from an autistic kiddo with limited vocabulary and understanding of certain concepts. Well, he had the happy concept down pat. We were on our way to dinner at my parents and I cried to myself the whole way. Tears of happiness and gratitude for having such a great kid and grateful we were happy again and have remained so since.

I started a gratitude journal some years ago to help me during my years of separation and then divorce. I still have it and read it sometimes...I know how difficult it was for me to find any gratitude back in those dark days, but I found it and I remain so.

I'm also grateful for having such a wonderful friend in you and other blogging buds. You are a true inspiration and one hell of a funny creature!!

Love ya mucho, my friend,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Georgina!

What a wonderful story, and it always amazes me how children can *see* the obvious that we may walk right by, or not vocalize.
I am thankful to be here, pecking away at the keys, thankful for all the friends and everyday is another step forward!
Love you too WildWoman!!! ;D

XXOO!!
Anne

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Anne,
Very well said.
Have you thought about being a lecturer? lol You just have such a way with words that really sink in.
I'm grateful for become your follower and being able to read such wise words.
Well done on the felted heart.
Big hugs,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Dear Lovely, wise Anne. I have not had a chance until today to catch up with your posts. What a wonderful surprise to find this series of posts. I did not know the story behind your hip injury until today although I had been praying for you along the road to recovery. I fell in a freak accident 3 mo into nursing school, (I was 45 when I went to school) and broke my back. The most horrible day in my entire life. You described your fall brought it all back to me. I would love to have a chance to win your painting and say thank you for all the wise words. Lovingly
QMM

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Anna Rosa,

I think I'll stick to blog-words!!! I have phobias of being in front of people speaking. Suddenly any one word of wisdom takes a walk and leaves my brain with SQUAT!!! I would rather write....it's a lot safer! LOL!!! (and I can do it without panic attacks too--which is GOOD!)
Glad we met here!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi QMM!

Oh my---I cannot imagine a broken back; I just have back problems (from thinking I'm a MAN and working like a MULE) so what would remain after a break. Oooooo. I shiver thinking of it!
Thank you for the prayers; I firmly believe the prayer and good intention I have been blessed with during this whole mess has made it progress easier and the healing go faster.
And yes, you're in the draw for the painting---every comment through March 16th gets put in! So you can get on the list a few more times too!!!
Take care----glad you enjoyed the posts but most sorry the one brought back your incidents memories.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Dear Anne, I have loved this series of posts you have presented us with, like healing balm for our souls. We all need treat ourselves kindly and I think you for reminding me of that! I find that the way I treat myself is usually also the way I treat others. When my well is full, I have more to give. You are a dear friend! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Silke!
You are so right; if we allow ourselves time to fill our creative wells, then that is what we put forth to others.
I am truly glad I stuck with these five posts, and even more delighted that others enjoyed and shared!
Danke lieber Schwesterfreund ♥

XXOO!!
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I've been keeping a gratitude journal for awhile now and some days it's hard to find something to put into it. On those days I read back through my journal and realize that, just because I've had a rotten day it doesn't mean I don't have things to be grateful for or people to love.
Right now I feel gratitude to YOU for the past five days of thought provoking posts and also to the people who have commented on your posts. Each of them has been enlightening.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi M.A.,

Thanks!!! I too have days where I wonder, "What have I done of worth?" (well soemtimes I just wonder what I have DONE!) and if it's been a bad day, I am the one that needs reminding of all I have to be grateful for.
And then I just look around, or check the blogs, or e-mail, or go talk with *the boys* and realize I have so much to be grateful for I cannot begin to count.
Perception is always the key...... :)
Thanks for reading for the five days!

XXOO!!
Anne

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Hey Anne You just keep playing this fabulous music and I will cook Corn bread, Hopping John, Shrimp and grits and Red Rice for you anytime. I mean it!
Hugs lovely Lady
V

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

AH!!! I will never change the blog music NOW Vanessa! LOL!!!
That all sounds soooooo good.
My type of food, oh yes!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Just stopping by to say hello and send a little love! Hope you had a most wonderful Sunday!! Grateful for your visits to my blog!! Love, Silke

Elena said...

Love the felted heart. And it's amazing that just recently I have been allowing myself to feel gratitude without feeling 'high and mighty'. And it's for little things like a roof over my head, the trees, my family, my dog. Anything that makes me smile or feel all giddy. Thanks for a beautiful post..again.

*Ulrike* said...

Great series Anne. I think we could all use a reminder now and then.

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