Expressing Gratitude

As I celebrate another birthday, I am feeling truly appreciative and acknowledging my blessings. I have had my share of personal and professional ups and downs, feelings of anger, frustration and plain old feeling tired. I've had my fair share of encounters with naysayers; experienced the dis-ease of trying to please others, unemployment, underemployment and professional rejections. I've allowed myself to be intimidated by others and to play small so I wouldn't rock the boat. More times than I can count, I've allowed the fear of failure, fear of hearing the word 'no' and fear of what others may say or think to keep me stuck, playing small and working below my greatness. I've also experienced the greatest level of kindness, support and interactions with authentic people.

The journey of life comes with good, bad and ugly. Through my experiences, I have kept the faith, and thanks to a circle of supporters and knowing that I am on this earth for a purpose, I have been able to bounce back, learn, celebrate and be thankful - especially when it seems there are more clouds than sunshine. I am on a joy-filled living journey and I may stumble, but giving up is not an option. I feel truly blessed to be celebrating another birthday, a new year for me to unleash my potential!

"Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding." ~ Alice Walker