This blog post is a reflective gratitude piece. I used this writing prompt to open up a new perspective of gratitude today. It might be a great prompt for anyone to come to a stronger realization of the different attributes that allow for life to excel and the heart to grow larger.
You can’t have it all, but you can have the dog quietly licking her paw in the comfort of your home.
You can’t have it all, but you can have the memory of holding his hand and looking in his eyes as he asks you the tough questions about the prognosis and you honor him with the truth even though it was the hardest thing you’ve ever had to say. He looks at you for validation that his breathing is where it should be on the monitor. Each breath may be his last, but you nod yes.
You can’t have it all, but you can have eyes that cry or express happiness even with a mask on.
You can’t have it all, but you can have a blue bird sky day where you get a glimpse of a fox, moose or porcupine.
You can’t have it all and you may not have the relationships with some family members, but you have the memories of your compassion and that connection with them -he drive to console one after her dog died by accident, the outing to the coffee roasters with your niece and daughter to learn the art of a barista, the tandem bike rides, the music, and singing.
You can’t have it all, but you have your heart that cares deeply for others so that they can become better versions of themselves.
You can’t have it all, but you can have the picture of your mother, memories of her holding your hand and also her beautiful operatic voice as she sings “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria.”
You can’t have it all, but you can have the backyard fairy garden for the kids to see and create dreams of adventures in make believe.
You can’t have it all, but you have a conversation with truth, integrity and sprinkle in a little forgiveness, so if and when certain relationships fail you have the memory of having given it your best effort.
You can’t have it all, but you can have all the breathtaking moments in between – the trips overseas where you swam with the turtles and seals, watched with amusement as the dolphins played and whales breached. You had late night talks with champagne as you looked over the ocean as the sun set on the water. You drank wine in many stunning vineyards, explored the countryside by car, and floated over the water by ferry together.
You can’t have it all, but you can have fun with a smile while trying to get it. You may not have a fat bank account, but you have a mind that thinks, plans, and reminisces.
You can’t have it all, but you have connections that you have made and important ones you continue to maintain.
You can’t have it all, but you have the integrity to say and do the right thing, own your story and the behavior that went with it.
You can’t have it all, but you can offer up genuine, heartfelt apologies with the understanding that how they respond is out of your hands.
You can’t have it all, but you can hold onto the gratitude you have for learning about receiving, but most importantly giving.
Thank you,
Namaste,
Liz Hartman
