Rock and Sky:
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Gear Reviews
  • Trip Reports
  • Meet Marge

Gratitude

12/14/2011

4 Comments

 
Picture
I haven't posted anything in over a month. In the two years Rock and Sky has been live, I have never gone that long without posting. As I was explaining to a friend today, when I write, it's like I'm giving out a piece of myself. There is no such thing as "just a post" for me, not really. Each thing I write takes effort, has emotion and inspiration. When I write, it's my gift. But what happens when you just don't have anything to give any more?
PictureBlue skies on the perfect drive.


This fall has been hard for me, both personally and professionally. I'm busy recreating myself in a new town and in a new life, and at some point, I just ran out of things to give. I can't write when I can't be authentic, and my authentic self is pretty empty at the moment. 

As I write this though, it's starting to fill back up. The one thing that has kept me from being completely empty this semester has been gratitude.

Gratitude is more than an emotion, it's a state of mind. It's a way of looking at the world. Hardship and sadness can cloud your view and drain your energy, but you have the ability to shift your own world back in to focus. Choose gratitude.

My life, at this moment, is filled with amazing people. I've met friends who've offered support and love I though I'd never experience. People, many across the country, constantly offer help, sweet words, late night listening ears and comfort. Just thinking about how these people, with their own lives, take time for me - I can't express enough how grateful I am for them. 

Not only people, but I've found place and opportunity as well. I love Boulder. It's constantly sunny, and I can bike wherever I need to go. I have several great jobs where I'm using my talents, and one where I can zone out like a zombie. My dog is happy here. She is still with me and healthy. I can climb whenever I want to. The coffee and beer here are great too...

Feel loss and sorrow, that's ok, but don't let them empty you to where you have nothing left to offer. Spend some time meditating on what you have to be grateful for in your life. That will spill into your day, and you will begin being more gracious to others. 

The best part about gratitude is that you can cultivate it in your own life. It comes from inside of you, and you can create more. Choose to be grateful, then take action to create more reasons to be grateful. Treat your friends better. Volunteer with those who have less than you do. Get a new pet. Find a new local treasure. Read an amazing book. Take time for your family. New reasons to be grateful will appear, and give you strength through the hard times. 

I am so very grateful for you,
Aleya

4 Comments
Elizabeth link
12/14/2011 09:26:18 am

This is lovely, Aleya, and so true. I believe that the way we view our world is largely a choice, independent of the emotions that result from life's happenings. Sometimes that choice is easy, and sometimes it's really hard. Awareness that the choice is there is half the battle!

Congratulations on finding a town that you love, and following your dreams.

Reply
Katie
12/14/2011 12:10:59 pm

Aleya, as always, this is beautiful. I'm so grateful for you :)

Reply
Jonathan Welton
12/16/2011 04:23:43 pm

"In all things, give thanks," definitely wisdom.

I am so grateful that you exist and I am grateful for your friendship.

Reply
Katie link
12/26/2011 04:21:16 pm

I'm grateful for you, too. I miss you like crazy. Love and hugs, always.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Aleya Littleton:

    Picture
    Migrant Science Teacher
    Rock Climbing Nerd
    Global Adventurer 

    Twitter: 

    Tweets by @AleyaJean

    Flickr:

    Picture

    Favorites:

    Moosejaw
    Picture

    Archives:

    December 2020
    December 2018
    January 2018
    April 2015
    January 2015
    May 2014
    April 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    January 2013
    September 2012
    August 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from chelsea.parker.photo, rachel_thecat