Friday 21 November 2008

TAGGED - THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR


The lovely Lori-ann has tagged me, and she's changed the rules.... Yeh for her!
instead of writing 7 odd things she suggests I write 7 things I'm thankful for.
Which seems a much better idea than the former.

So without further ado;

The first thing to be thankful for is my family. It's very small, there is only my sister and me. And we have always been there for each other and always will be. Added to that are my beautiful niece 24 and my nephew 21 who are just the best. But most of all I'm thankful for my sons, 23 and 17, I've been a single mum since they were 9 and 4 and I'm grateful that I've been given the chance to be their mum, cause they are just wonderful young men.

Second is almost as important as the first, and sometimes more, and that is my friends. I am blessed that I have a lot of friends and at least 7 of them would say I was their best friend, which is an utter privilege.

Third I am thankful bizarrely for having had breast cancer. It has made me a better person and has allowed me to see what is really important in life. And to value what is around me, the places I walk, the things I photograph, the simple pleasures of life.

Fourth is my abilities as a therapist.To say it is a gift is perhaps immodest, but I have known all my life since I was 17 that I have the ability to help people heal emotionally. Which means that I have the perfect job doing what I love most and am best at.

Fifth is my intelligence, up until I was 44 years old I thought I was stupid, it took doing my psychotherapy training to realise I wasn't and the last ten years have been a journey of self discovery and intellectual discovery. Which has allowed me to know in the last year that I can write.

Sixth, although I had very difficult times with my parents, they both had alcohol problems late in their lives I am truly grateful for the qualities I have inherited from them. I won't list them I already feel immodest enough in writing the fourth, suffice to say that I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

Seventh is an amalgamation of them all in one word.... Love. I am thankful that I can give it, and receive it. I can give it to others and to myself. That everything I do is motivated by it and is the most precious of all.

Now of course I'm supposed to tag others, but I won't, but if you want to do it feel free. It's actually a good exercise to do in focusing on what's really important, but who am I to tell you should do it!!!

17 comments:

Dark Side said...

The 7th is just perfect and so very profound, but I do love them all...xx

Annie Wan said...

you are blessed woman when you can look at those tough times and count them as blessings x

Sorrow said...

A life rich , with an abundance of blessings..
That is what you are wished, and that is what you have.
You are one remarkable lady Byrd!
that we could all know are selves as deeply and as honestly as you do.
a rare and magical thing.
XXX

Mel said...

Yup.

(what Sorrow said.....)

(((((((( byrdie ))))))))))

Ronjazz said...

A privilege to know you. A pleasure to call you friend. A desire to reach out and touch you.

Lori ann said...

Dear Fire Byrd, I am so very moved by your words, incredibly lovely. Thank you for doing this and in such an epic way, wishing you an early Happy Thanksgiving.
New York soon?
xx Lori

Val said...

well said on all... and i love the last one especially.Very powerful blog and i am thankful for having read this :-)

Fire Byrd said...

I seem to be wrting things that mean that when people comment I'm left speechless as my commments back will appear trite after such lovely words from you all.
Suffice to know, you are all very dear to me and I would gladly do what I did with sorrow this year and come and meet you if I ever win the lottery.
rae x
mei x
sorrow xx
mel x
ron xx
lori x
val x

Dark Side said...

You are a very humble lady and I am humbled just to know you..xx

Angela said...

Fire Byrd, I am counting myself in your friendship league! And I do agree to all that you said - love being the first and most important, but also the thankfulness for loved ones (even parents who have such problems - my mother did, too, so I understand...)and the joy and pride for having gifts and skills and intelligence. That is not immodesty! I am very thankful for having met you, Mrs. Byrd!!

Unknown said...

Isn't it amazing how illness can change our lives positively and truly make us thankful for so many things. Nothing like it being a huge lesson in gratitude.
Enjoy your holiday!

Maithri said...

Beautiful and heart felt words,

There is something so powerful about gratitude isnt there?

Its like that quote from Meister Eckhart

"If the only prayer you ever say, is 'thank you', that will be enough.'

Sending you soft light across the miles, M

darth sardonic said...

i will have to make a note to do this

Fire Byrd said...

rae, thank you for that, I'm happy you're in my life. And looking forward to meeting you one day.

Angela, those words are just lovely, I feel honoured that you should want to be on my friendship list, you are definately on mine.

AV you are so right, when the choice are down to life or death it sorts the men from the boys internally very fast!

maithri, lovely to meet you, welcome,good qoute, works for me!

darth, it is a good post to write as it makes you really assess what is important.
xxxxx

Walker said...

You did a great job of this meme and I like the seventh one.
It casically says life is how you view it.

anya said...

That is a beautiful list of thankfulness, fire byrd. And I am honored to be able to learn a little more about you. I especially know what you mean about our children and our friends.
Cheers, dear!

karen said...

Hello Fire Byrd
I have so enjoyed doing Lori's thankfulness meme, and reading everybody's versions.. took me a while to find this one, and i'm so glad I did...wonderful words :-)