I love the warm summer days, even the humidity, when I can
run outside instead of inside on the treadmill, get back out
onto the golf course with friends, lounge by a pool and drive
with the top down, feeding my inherent sun goddess that probably
comes from being a Leo!
As I bask in my favourite time of the year and look out into my
colourful garden, I feel gratitude, not only for the summer
months and the chance to putter in my garden, but for everything
in my life.
It’s early in the morning…I make my coffee, get my journal and
settle into my chair in my backyard surrounded by nature’s
energy.
I am serenaded by the birds that join me and observe the flowers
in my treasured garden that are still closed waiting for the
warmth of the sun to gently open their petals.
I breathe in the quiet sound of peace, nestled in my private
little peace of heaven in the middle of the city.
A butterfly glides by, fluttering her wings, reflecting the
freedom that I now experience in my life. My teenagers are
enjoying their much-needed sleep and I chuckle as I recall the
days when I used to be the sergeant major, waking them because I
thought they were wasting their day away!
I replenish the birdbath with fresh water knowing how much the
robins appreciate it, as the sparrows peck at the seeds that
have fallen from their feeder.
A cardinal swoops across the yard perching himself on a branch
above me, his brilliant red feathers standing out from the green
backdrop of the leaves. I am in awe of the magic of the
perennials that were mere twigs in March, now blossoming with
healthy foliage and vibrant colour just a few months later.
I look up and see that the moon still hangs in the sky as the
sun begins to rise and I look at the clouds that remind me of
the emotions that used to block the sun of my happiness. I
smile, grateful that I don’t have to pretend anymore and that my
children have a 25-year head start on me!
I am grateful for the love and fun we share together as I have
let go of the control, expectations and disappointments and know
that their worth, unique talents and gifts to make a difference
in the world aren’t associated with a percentage on their report
card.
As I look at my garden through eyes of gratitude, I see the many
flowers that are open, just as I am, and remember the times in
life when I was closed, blaming the world for my problems.
I am grateful for the abundance of health, joy, compassion,
peace and love in my life, not seeing abundance solely as the
balance in my bank account and for believing in something bigger
than myself … keeping me humble.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful summer and take plenty of time
to tend to your Garden of Gratitude. By connecting with what we
are grateful for in life and pulling the weeds that have grown
wild in our hearts, we can find more peace, happiness and love
with which we can inspire our family and our life.
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About the Author:
In addition to being a writer, Jo-Anne Cutler supports her
vision of empowering and inspiring others to be the parents,
teachers and role models the children of this world need them to
be, by creating awareness as a speaker and a coach, offering
programs as well as a monthly newsletter on how to keep all the
great stuff we’ve learned from our parents while breaking the
cycle of the, well, not so good stuff!
Website:
www.jcconnections.ca
Tel: 905.569.8334
