Running Chatter: Three Years

A few days ago, I looked at the date and something in my brain triggered.  I immediately thought that it was the birthday of a friend from childhood, but a quick check on Facebook proved me wrong.  The feeling continued to nag at me, but I couldn’t figure out why.  I asked myself questions:  Did I miss an appointment?  No. Is it someone’s anniversary? No. Chanelle’s piano lessons? No.  Did I miss a meeting?  No.  Someone’s birthday?  No.  The nagging feeling drove me crazy.  It wasn’t until late that evening that it hit me. . .

Running Chatter is Three. 

Is it a birthday?  An anniversary?  I’m not sure.  What I do know is that I have to pause for a moment. I have to express my gratitude.  Why?  Because I am oh, so grateful.   

Three years and four days ago it all began here.  Nervous, intimidated, naive, scared, insecure. . .

. . . but curious. 

Curious about what it would be like to be brave.  Curious about what it would look like to open up.  Curious about what it would look like if I peeked my head out of my self made covers and, well, I didn’t really know what. 

But today?  Three years (and four days} later?  I know.  My curiosity has been fed a full meal with all the fixin’s and I know.  Today, I know that Running Chatter changed my life. 

I know how busy life can be.  I know that every second of every day really does count.  I know that there are about a million and one things that can be and should be done during a day.  I know that time is precious.  And because I know these things, I understand that I am blessed whenever you take a moment to stop into this space. 

Thank you for taking time during your week to stop here.  Thank you for allowing me to process life, be silly, be irrational, and grow in this space.  Thank you for helping me to see that there is so much beauty in the world and so many good people.  Thank you for grabbing on to our family and making a little room in your hearts for the big and small moments that we share. 

Three years ago, I never could have guessed how this space would expand my world.  I never anticipated that my eyes would open and that somehow, just by putting my fingers to the keyboard, I would begin a journey to embracing life at a entirely new level.  Three years ago I didn’t fully understand the phrase ‘beauty from ashes‘. 

. . . but now I understand.

Now I understand that the unfolding of life is one of life’s most beautiful gifts.  Now I understand that we are never “done” and that we never know what tomorrow can bring.  Now I understand that the world is full of beautiful souls from which we can learn and grow and to whom we can connect and embrace.  Now I know that just because it’s scary–doesn’t mean you shouldn’t step out and give it a try. 

 

Today, I have to say thank you.  Thank you for stopping into my tiny corner of the web and cheering us on.  Maybe it sounds odd, but you have helped me to become a better Mom.  You have helped me to embrace this journey in a way that I couldn’t three years ago.  You have helped me to laugh, to celebrate, to be honest, to embrace the world and to embrace myself.  You have helped me not only to heal, but to grow. 

Whether you read anonymously or publicly.  Whether you remain silent or ‘speak’.  Whether you read faithfully or stop in from time to time.  Whether you’ve been here for the long haul or are just stumbling to this space.  Whatever the case my be, please know this. . .

. . . my heart overflows with gratefulness for this community that has given to me far more than I could ever give back.

Thank you.