I didn’t realize it had been so long, but turns out I haven’t written a letter to myself since June 19, 2013. My bad. I’ve been busy. I know, that’s not an acceptable excuse, but what can I say? I haven’t been paying attention. I’ll get better.
We’re just barely starting to see the slightest glimmer of the light at the end of our 4th season in this life known as keeping the inn and I readily admit I am tired. Working non stop for 5 months straight – without even one single solitary day off – takes a bit of a toll, but it’s a good problem to have. And I offer it up as my pathetic reason for my lack of attention to the little details I appreciate in this life.
I recently wrote a post about taking a moment to think about – and appreciate – the simple joys in life, something I’ve been quite lax in doing, so I decided it was time to write a 2nd letter – albeit long overdue.
The beautiful Rogue River – southern Oregon
Ashland, OR
August 20, 2014
4:14 p.m.
Dear Life ~
It’s me again, finally. Let me just say right up front that I continue to be exceedingly grateful for each and every day that comes my way – no matter how much I might whine grouse grumble gripe (man there’s a lot of synonyms for whine) and flat-out complain about being tired as we work our way through season 4. Abigail’s has been good to us – and for us.
Thank you for the incredible moment of watching our son marry the love of his life, as they stood together on top of a mountain in Virginia. It is a moment that will stay in my heart forever – and a day. Thank you for 36 years and counting with the love of my life. Even when we make each other nuts – there is no where else we’d rather be – than right next to each other.
Just me and my shadow
Thank you for the strength of conviction in expelling caffeine from my life. Okay, I cheated once twice during the wedding weekend in May, but that’s not too bad, right?! Now if only I could resist sugar a little more often, could you help me with that?
Thank you for leading me down this blog-o-sphere path where I discovered I do in fact have a voice; it’s been nearly two years and there is so much more to learn – and say.
I continue to be thankful for my new book, my new socks and the exciting adventure(s) awaiting us in the not so distant future. Thank you also for this delicious secret I’ve been keeping; it won’t be too much longer before I can spill the beans.
As always, thank you for chocolate (the exception to the less sugar rule), pepperoni pizza and really good Mexican food. And Margaritas. And I suppose I should be thankful for Tequila and limes (what’s up with the price of limes, by the way?) because without them there would be no Margaritas and that would be unthinkable. Thank you for the discovery of Lactase because really, life without cheese is just … well, it’s just wrong.
Until next time ~
Patti
p.s. And thank you to Kim at So Many Places who inspired me to write my first Dear Life letter, a little more than a year ago.
p.s.s. I now challenge each of you to stop for a moment and appreciate the little details in your daily life. And if you feel so inclined, share with the rest of us, via a comment. Here, I’ll get you started. Dear (fill in the blank),
Instagram Feed
Lovely Patti! Look forward to hearing about where the next season is taking you… xxx
Sarah Somewhere recently posted…The importance of Showing Up
Thanks Sarah, I’m just about to hit publish to answer that very question!
Patti you share so much happiness and I love that. Your reflection helped me reflect on the many things I am grateful for, thanks so much! I would love to share a Margarita with you someday soon (I’ll bring the limes, they are cheap here in Panama).
Tracey recently posted…House Sitting In Panama:Detour
You’re on, Tracey! You bring the limes, I’ll bring the tequila, I’d love it!
This sounds like a fun exercise in evaluating your life. When I was younger I would do pretend “confessionals” to an imaginary camera as if I was on a reality show. Same concept, I think!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted…On top of Old Smoky: Remembering my Smoky Mountain hike
I think it’s the same concept but with a lot more imagination on your part!
First off, I’m sorry for getting over here so gosh darn late! I swore I responded to this! Regardless, this is a great post. Oh, before I forget, I love the shadow pic and caption! Where you wrote “keeping the inn”…I literally could feel your exhaustion. For real. I first learned about writing letters to myself when I was in counseling a very long time ago. The man was a genius and had a HUGE impact on my life that still exists to this day. And those letters were the cornerstone for his success in helping me, to help myself. Thank you so much for being so candid and sharing with us, Patti! 🙂
Mike recently posted…Man’s Best Friend – ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
I think Dear Life letters are a great exercise in stopping to be in the moment. I just need to do them a lot more often!
What a sweet letter! I love your positive attitude 🙂
Catherine recently posted…Where Should We Go For A Weekend Break?
Thank you Catherine! And thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed your post very much! Congrats on such a long marriage to your best friend and for giving up caffeine! I have a sweet tooth also that I try to keep in check. but giving up caffeine I’m not sure I can do.
Michelle recently posted…Visiting the Magical Village of Oia on Santorini
Giving up caffeine was not easy – it took a couple of weeks to get it out of my system – but it’s one less “bad” thing I consume. Mostly, it was giving up my beloved iced chai lattes – oh my how I loved them!
Dear Life, Thanks for keeping me on a path of discovery. And there’s so much more.
A great idea Patti.
Gaelyn recently posted…A week of wonderful skies at Grand Canyon
The path of discovery is a good path to follow!
Love the letter to yourself. A great way to remember where you are at at a certain point in life.
Kerri recently posted…RTW Budget: One Month in Malaysia
Yes, I like writing them – even if I don’t do so very often – because it makes me focus on the moment.
It feels so good to circle back and count our blessings, even during a challenging period. This is a lovely example of doing it.
Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru recently posted…Packing for Our RTW Trip
Yep. I think it’s a good exercise in paying attention.
Hmm. I never thought of the “writing a letter to yourself” periodically exercise. I notice I talk to myself (and the dog). Does that count? Seriously, we’ve had one of those Dickensonian years—-you know, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” —-a month-long trip to SE Asia, 3 months in Hawaii—a hospitalization and then the shocking loss of a loved one. Of course, it inspired a blog post. If it’s ok, I’m linking to that post—instead of to the one generated by Comment Luv—might as well stay on topic. http://www.boomeresque.com/if-you-want-to-make-god-laugh-tell-him-about-your-plans-carpe-diem-edition/
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Reflections: Honolulu, Hawaii
Absolutely. Talking to oneself works, I’m just not sure you should answer yourself. 😉