Recently I have become increasingly aware of my physical fragility. Five years ago I experienced cardiac arrest. I briefly died twice yet here I am! I was so grateful for the chance to live longer, see my children and grandchildren grow and flourish and I hit the ground running so to speak. I was living in Florida and was able to work, swim each day, walk to the grocers and make sure I was eating more healthy foods and just appreciating each breath I took.
Then life took a turn and in late 2019 I found myself living with my son in rural upstate NY. Three months later the pandemic hit and it seems I simply didn't move....for more than a year. I found that every movement I took seemed like an effort. I was out of breath simply doing housework or climbing the stairs. I had ceased to take care of myself and I was envisioning my end of life more each day. I watched too much TV which I really never did before but out of that came discovering Graham.
Something was switching inside. Churning, mixing it up. Long and short of it I awakened from that long "sleep" and woke up to discovering me again. I started meditating, moving and eating better. I discovered a like-minded community who reminded me of who I truly am. I have been inspired to live each moment fully with gratitude for each breath I take.
What I envision now is a healthy me, attending all the great moments of my children's and grandchildren's lives as a healthy Mom and Mimi. I would love to see my son marry and have his own family. I see all this now. My future...healthy and happy and filled with love, joy and gratitude. I see life! I am blessed!
I have the same experience, Barbara. Cancer came to me at the start of the surge of the pandemic, found my son doing everything for the 2 of us - taking me to my radiation-chemo treatments every day for 32 straight days, and taking care of the household. My boy turned into a man that instant, which any mother will be proud of.
During that time, especially when recovering from my chemo treatment, that I watched a lot of Netflix and found myself watching Heartland 3-4-5 times. Until that episode when Ty died, only then I learned of Graham's decision to leave the show. Like you, then, I discovered Graham. After then, I followed his journey, and the rest is history.
I join you as we envision our healthy us .. looking forward to my daughter's wedding in 2023 and my son after that.
We are indeed blessed, Barbara .. and so is everyone else here. Thankful for Graham.
Always follow our hearts, as it always lead us home. <3
Oh Marcy thank you ever so much for sharing your story. We do share many of the same experiences in a way. Let's stay on this healthy path and see our families flourish. I will envision it for us!
Out of adversity often come blessings- if you dwell onto past it clouds your ability to see the future! Good for you to push the clouds aside and let the sun shine once again!
I think a lot people had the same issue with all the lock downs🔒 & isolation with Covid. I certainly did. Living in Melbourne, Australia🇦🇺, we were stuck in lock down more than any other country. It was worse on my own. I too, had Heartland & Graham to help me & lead me to a place where I felt connected & met new amazing people & friends. I have found a new meaning to life. A new path to follow, with new goals & achievements I once thought impossible.
I am so happy for you Barbara. I hope you have some amazing times ahead spent with your family. 🙏💖
Collectively we have taken a hard hit, each of us differently so now as we climb out of our cocoons we can take steps to get better. It isn't an easy path. Setbacks come and we have to start again. But with our loving supportive community here created from our mutual respect and encouragement from Graham we can do this. 🙏❤
Barbara, I to had the the same experience. 7 years ago I had a virus hit my heart at first I didn’t know what was happening. I couldn’t breath I couldn’t even lay down to go to sleep. After a couple of Dr visits, it was midnight I was having chest pain. I was hesitant in calling my husband to take me to the hospital. I finally called him to the living room. He took me to the ER. After some test the Dr stated to me I had CHF and myocardialmyopathy. The virus that hit my heart caused me to have a left bundle branch block. My left side of my heart wasn’t pumping the blood out fast enough so I ended up getting a defibrillator inserted. I to this day still have it. I thank God every day that I’m still here. That I can share my life with family and friends. Thank you for sharing your story and that both of our future stay joyful and bright.
Thank you for sharing your story Shari. Wow! You went through an ordeal too! Our time is even more precious now isn't it? I wish you all good things for your future and so glad we have this community to share with each other. We aren't alone...❤🙏
Barbara- your words started a water bath from my eyes. I heard those words and they hit me as completely spot on with what I went through personally as a result of the lockdowns and scary opinions of everyone and no one. The fear and anxiety led to a frozen state of mind which I talked about on the Zoom call this past weekend.
I too found Graham as a result of watching Heartland. And a meditation of his in podcast 17 , facilitated a break through for me. Whatever our dreams and aspirations, the love of this community, a safe place to share, has effected us all. I am so happy for you and to hear about the heathy oath you are taking. Bravo! 🙏🏻💜
I'm happy to be at least ON the road to a better me. I surely would have died sooner rather than later if I continued as I was. Thanks for being so supportive Sherry! We can hold each other up and encourage our wins together and also our setbacks. It sure isn't easy, but so worth it!❤🙏
Halina I’m not to far from you. My daughter lives in Rogers Park. I go there every couple months. Maybe we can get together. Nice to know someone close to me.
Barbara you certainly have come a long way what a beautiful story I'm so happy for you that you're finding your way you're such a beautiful person. Thank you so much for sharing!!!!🙏🙏❤❤
Barbara - I'm so happy for you. This is truly a wonderful story. I'm a little late in reading all the comments due to a very busy day at work, but this is truly inspiring. Enjoy & treasure the moments with your family! You are truly blessed as I believe we all are if we truly believe! Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you Cathey. I am very inspired by what you have shared here over these months and I will take Graham's message to heart and envision your book plans with you too. Many blessings to you Cathey.
Wow Barbara, I had no idea that you have been through this life changing event. As I have been able to get to know you through the chat you are such an energetic person with a great attitude for life. I am so happy that you are feeling better and loving each day to its fullest. You are so blessed to be able to spend so much time with your family.
Believe me if you saw me last year at this time I was struggling after being housebound for so long. My son was so fearful of me getting C.... that he did all errands out of the house. I felt I lost all muscle tone. I push myself to make the trips to NC to see my daughter and the grandkids. I'm doing better this year and definitely have a motivation to get healthier each day! I was always ready to get up and go so I'm getting back to that! ❤🙏
Thank you for sharing Barbara. It sounds like you have found your way and see a very beautiful future ahead. Prayers for continued good health and many blessings.💕
Let's do it together Jody! I envision us both taking steps to repairing what is broken in our bodies by taking small steps everyday. It would be too overwhelming to do too much at a time, but each day can be handled more easily. I'm with you Jody. Blessings for today and always.
I think we ladies should have a wellness/service club called Grahama's In Motion! Notice my little play on words...can mean Mommas and grandmas all in one!! Jody, Linda and whoever else. We can ask Graham for it to be one of his "rooms" on his new platform. Are you in??
In 1987 I had 4 episodes of aspiration pneumonia and no diagnosis. I then after some research google hadn’t blessed us yet I came to the realization I had sleep apnea! I arrested three times for over a minute and a half. They fired the technician for not waking me up up! My point, you can’t let an obstacle get in your way to improve yourself, your life or those around you. Face adversity head on which requires often a overdose of faith, belief and desire and maybe a pinch of luck too!
After three months of Tuesdays, you Graham have changed lives-you have empowered people to shake their past; to unencumber themselves from the burdens of their past and set them on a path to realize their desires, their dreams and their new reality.
What does it take? Resolution, faith, action, hard decisions, confidence, trust, revelation? Your history holds you back but the future doesn’t hold memories so there is no holding back!
After 47 years of serving people as a physician now that I’m almost in retirement the desire to serve has not waned - how can I continue to serve others?
I am constantly looking toward the future. Service is deeply engrained and imprinted in me. What can I do to continue to serve?Many ideas come into my mind and some are worth pursuing and others are not. Many times we reach a crossroad and we have to go one way or the other. The important decision is whether to proceed or to pull back -how many cases is the right decision sometimes hard to conceive and other times the path is free and clear?
Go forward and heal; go forward and prosper; go forward and reconnect with those you’ve lost contact; go forward and forgive; go forward and serve for those that benefit will be enough satisfaction, this will provide you with enough desire to continue to fuel your flames until the flames are no more and your legacy and what you have done to touch them as you leave them behind will become fond memories and in some ways, your life after death.
I used to think being of service was being a part of an organization or something grandiose. I participated in many of those service projects all my life. Now I have a different approach due to many factors...but it comes down to this. I can serve by helping someone in need of getting their groceries into their trunk, helping someone find something they are looking for in a store, sharing an idea or information to someone in need of it or simply just by a small compliment or conversation to someone while waiting in line,, who may or may not need it but maybe I would be the only one they spoke to that day. Living in such a rural area with not much going on I've gotten more creative yet it still feels like a connection to others. It still feels like love.
I understand stand completely Jeff. I’m here at work and I just took care of a pt who lost her husband. We talked and I told her I completely understand. I understand because I to lost a loved one. I lost my sister to colon cancer. I told our pt that it helps to talk about it so we talked a few minutes about her husband and me my sister. After the appointment I had to discharge her she thanked me for being so kind and taking the time to talk we hugged and she left. It days like these that makes my job so wonderful and worth it.
That will mean more to that woman than all the flowers and fawning at a funeral will ever do! That’s what it’s all about and what keeps us coming back!
I totally get this. I used to think that my service to others had to be something "big" and important so I ended up putting things off. I have since learned that it's the little things that really make a difference to others like you said, even if it's just a smile in passing. I have made a goal of trying to do something nice for others each day.
Barbara - I concur. Even taking care of myself, I'm here to serve and encourage others in whatever way is needed. The smallest gesture goes such a long way! Beautiful!
I can totally relate to where you're at, Jeffry. I had enough years in to retire from teaching in my early 50s. However, I didn't feel like I was finished with my calling (teaching was a calling, not a job for me) and I wondered what God wanted me to do after I retired. I prayed about it and that's how my husband and I ended up at the ranch for troubled kids. Since leaving the ranch, I have had many opportunities to continue teaching or working with troubled kids and their families. Having a servant's heart like you do, God will place many opportunities for service in your path. I know you will be a blessing to others - you already are!!
Jeffry you have such a way with words. I always enjoy your posts. I am also looking toward retirement but I need to stay busy, I want to stay busy. I would like to be of service to others and used to think there weren’t too many ways to serve in our very small town. But I am now realizing there are many ways to serve, many small ways that can make a large difference in those around us. Thank you for sharing.
I used to serve so many organizations while living in Minnesota then we move to a small town about 2,500 I just started volunteer at school, offer rides with elderly and help them grocery shopping, our food pantry . We have a second hand store non profit I make two meals a week for all volunteers when I am home . Since pandemic I am home mostly as I only travel every three months to Mayo so I bake for our community as I get a lot of baking goods donated. Our town does pack dry goods yearly for Feed My Starving Children. You can serve your time in library too.
you know with the internet your reach now can stretch around the world! Geography has now been redefined as any place where you can reach! You can make small differences to many,many people some you may touch directly and others that find out from others that you will ever know.
If you were on the recent Zoom call, Graham shared with everyone the current journey that I'm on of taking better care of myself both physically and mentally. In the past, I neglected this due to many factors, not feeling worthy, or just plain being lazy, and just not caring at all about myself. Well, I'm here to say, the new journey has started with amazing success beyond what I could have ever imagined. When I talk about the success, I mean taking this one day at a time while visioning what I will feel like both physically and spiritually when that future goal is achieved. The main focus for me is the here and now of today while keeping the ultimate goal in mind, while accepting that it will take time, patience, and hard work to obtain that goal. I frankly cannot do this without total surrender to my FAITH in God to walk alongside me day by day. Without my FAITH and totally surrendering to God, there's absolutely no way that I could say that as of this morning I've lost a total of 25 lbs since 2/28/2022 and walked 2.5 miles this past Sunday afternoon. I am surrendering myself to God on a daily basis to guide me in order to obtain the ultimate goal and also challenging myself to maintain the small daily goals that I'm setting for myself. For the first time in my life, I truly believe that I am worthy, and I really like who I am at this very moment. Is this easy? No it's not, but I'm here to say it can be done, but you have to believe and trust yourself.
If that isn't enough, last night I had my first acoustic guitar lesson. It has always been a dream of mine to learn to play the guitar. I love the sound of this amazing instrument. Even though I am a beginner, the vision I have for the future event is to enjoy playing the guitar around friends and/or family and all of us singing and fellowshipping with one another. This has been on my bucket list for a long time, so guess what, I just decided it was high time to just do it. You can do anything if you Trust and believe in yourself.
Graham, you and this community mean the world to me, and I truly believe that God brought me here for a purpose. I feel like I'm beginning to see and experience what part of that is. Everyone here supports one another, and I have been encouraged by so many of you to step out in FAITH to start loving and taking care of myself. I really love to read how we reach out and encourage one another here. It is truly amazing, and I'm glad to be a part of this. I have a deep appreciation for life now that really did not exist like it should before subscribing to Substack. I'm so glad I listened to that higher calling from God. God knows better than I.
I look forward to seeing what this journey has in store for me, but for now, I am truly grateful and blessed in how it's turned out thus far.
Graham, thank you for this wonderful poem of inspiration! May God bless everyone! Cheers!
What a great achievement Anne you should be very proud of yourself !!! I loved that you shared your story at the zoom meeting and I must say you looked fantastic ! The funny thing is that I also had my hand up to share my story and fitness journey as I also slowly and steadily have lost over 30 kilos the past year ! When I started my main goal was to get fit before I turn 50 which is coming up next month. I still have a long way to go but happy with what I have achieved so far .I think I have shared with you my before and after photos that I had shared in a IG post . Just remember to set small daily goals !! We can do this together !! What a blessing to be part of this little community ,not only we read some very inspiring poems every week but we meet lots of wonderful people that encourage and support each other :)
Thank you Irene! We can surely do this together! I'm taking one day at a time. I can visualize the ultimate goal, but I don't focus on it because I think that was part of my struggle in the past. Been there done that, and it is NOT going to happen again if I can help it. I totally concur that it is such a blessing to be a part of this community. I am so glad I took that leap of faith and listened to that calling from God to subscribe. The journey has been amazing. Together, we can do this Irene! Take care and God bless!
This community is wonderful and that does not actually describe the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket. I often cannot believe that I have found all of you and our mentor, Graham. I feel blessed. I think we all have that love and appreciation of him and what he is building here. 🙏🏻💜
I do to Lucy! I firmly believe God led me here to all of these wonderful people. Words can’t express how I feel! I wouldn’t be stepping out of my comfort zone without this support I don’t think.
Me too Anne I was hesitant to sign up at first, then while on my walk something happen ? Like God is answering my thoughts let go of your fear . This community is amazing and truthfully I celebrated my new life 7 years yesterday, as Graham book save my life page #85 and a very good friend intervention on their 35th anniversary. Yesterday was their 42 anniversary .
Wow. That’s so touching Lucy! I was to, but like Graham said, when we ignore that tug on our heart, it gets stronger and stronger until you can’t breathe, then you just need to surrender, have faith, say yes, and let happen. So glad I listened to God’s call. I would not be on this journey if I hadn’t. Feel so humbled and truly blessed!
Its endless of compassion to each individual that are in this community like a big family . I am so humble and blessed to meet so many amazing friends.
Congratulations on the weight loss and the walking plan! My doctor recently told me to do the same, as I have had to add diabetes to my growing list of ailments. Lately I have been encouraged to move forward with my own "get healthier" plans, thanks mainly to Graham and the group. So thanks, everyone, for the inspiration and encouragement!!! Blessings to all.
Hi Ann congrats on loosing 25 pounds. I’m sure you look amazing. I to am on a weight lost journey. I imagine my self being able to look nice in clothes again and in pictures I’m doing a fit class every day now and trying to eat the best I can. That’s a challenge for me because I get bored easily. I’m not the best cook so it’s hard. I can’t wait to see what we look like in the near future. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to hear more about the guitar lessons.😊
Hi Shari - I have a long way to go, but you know I truly believe we'll both get there. Love the way we're here to encourage one another. I envision the future while focusing one day at a time. I will take the small victories at this point and rejoice and give God all the praise! You go girl! I'm excited about the guitar lessons. It's was on my bucket list, and I just decided to go for it. Have a blessed week! Take care!
Hi Anne wanted to say that I loved your story and also listened to you on the ZOOM Saturday . Congrats on your success with your walking and losing weight. I have been down that road recently . In Feb last year I had lost my current job to covid . I had worked all my life and when I lost that job it was time to retire. I got off track and lack of being on the move all the time. I gained weight and spend too much time watching TV and cooking more and baking because I had all this time on my hands. So about 6 weeks ago I told myself the time has come get moving. So I have been walking not ever day but about 4 days a week . I worked from 2 miles and got to 5 miles and it feels so good. I have lost a few pounds and feel so much better. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be I will get there. To some degree I feel like this is stepping our of comfort zone because I like to eat and appreciate good food .Just have to make better choices. Good luck with the guitar lessons!!!!!!!!! I wish you lots of luck with that.
Hi Kathleen. Thank you so much! I hear ya and right there with you! I really try and walk every day, but there are a couple of days during the week when it's a little more difficult because I still work full time (remotely) and have guitar lessons one night and then choir on Wednesday nights. Other than that, I'm going to make that effort, and I love walking on the nature trail right here at my subdivision. Walking on the natural ground is easier on the knees than the pavement/concrete. I just put the tunes on and I'm my way! I at least get a mile in during weekdays and I'm striving for a little longer on the weekend. Any way, I give all praise to God for guiding me this far. I have a ways to go, but like Graham said, I'm envisioning the future while focusing one day at a time. Hope you have a great rest of the week! Blessings to you!
Great job on your achievements Anne. You should be very proud of yourself! It isn’t easy what you are doing and as you take these steps they will become easier each time.
I am doing a dance right now celebrating the successes already!!! WOOHOO!!!! 2.5 miles is a reason to dance and party! I hear you girl about the surrendering! Daily picking up our cross and moving toward the prize ahead to love better and serve Him. With that focus, as you said, Anne, you will meet those goals! I know you will! On the days that you don't feel as motivated, you have all of us carrying and holding this goal for you. Graham, what a wonderful concept! I am praying for you, Anne, and I am ALSO awaiting a song being played on your new guitar by you with Donny Mac! He He He!
Both you and I will be Bustin a Move! LOL!! Thank you! I truly believe it's going to happen. This is so different than I've ever felt before. I can't explain it. I just feel it!
Congratulations Anne. You have an amazing story and I’m so glad you have included us in your journey. Your faith and dependence on God is so inspiring. This is a beautiful group of people who love you. Prayers for continued success and many blessings. 🙏💕
Thank you Leigh! Everyone here is family to me which I love. When you confront your fears, get out of your comfort zone all while surrendering to God it can and will happen. Everyone here is so encouraging and that's my heart's desire is to use this to encourage others as well. Blessings to you!
Anne, I love the decision you made to change your life and the contagious Faith you have. I am sure you will achieve everything you want. I appreciate your beautiful messages on Instagram and I hope that someday you can play the guitar for us.
Thanks Elizabeth. I had to work late tonight, but as I was working DonnyMac was on Instagram Live and it made the work so pleasant! Maybe I will. It's never too late. I keep telling myself. It will happen. Take care and God bless!
I'm so happy for you Anne. I saw you on the Zoom call and heard your story. I will be praying for you as you journey to health and weight loss. I know you are going to do it. I'm going to use Graham's strategy of visualizing you on your journey. So cool about the guitar. I have returned to my passion of horseback riding (at age 65!). I'm having the time of my life! Please visualize no falling off for me! LOL
You got this Jody! I'm visualizing this and taking it all in, and if God wants to use my story in some way as a way of encouraging and inspiring others, I'll do it. There's so many ideas popping in my head right now about a lot of things, but for now, one day at a time, surrender to God, and having him along side for the ride and guiding me through this. That's what I can do now, and I believe that will help me to inspire others. Wow, I could go on and on, but I close for now. Thank you for your inspiring comments. Blessings to you!
Anne, it's so good to hear that you believe in yourself more. You're so worth it. Keep practicing on your guitar, that brings so much joy. You are doing so well! Congrats🙏✨
Thanks Bie - It was great to put a face with your name on Saturday's call. I'll practice after work. We're all worthy, we just have to believe it and get rid of those toxic lies! It all deals with the Soul! Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you Delores! This brought tears to my eyes when I read your comment! This has been a long time coming, but I'm truly humbled and grateful for the support. The prayer and meditation each and every morning is what sets the tone for me! If I didn't do that, this would not be happening. I owe it all to God! Blessings to you!
Anne congratulations on your accomplishments you are making. God takes us by the hand and leads us in the best direction he knows for us. Keep up the good work. Blessings to you!🤗
First of all, thanks for sharing the ocean with us - such soothing sights and sounds. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the importance of surrendering daily to possibilities. I tend to be a planner and a doer, wanting to take control and be prepared for whatever comes next and then make it happen. It’s not wrong to plan, but I want to leave holes in my plans for God to guide, redirect, or expand my movement throughout the day. I love the idea of keeping a vision for someone. I’m hoping this year to assemble a book of my writings with essays, poetry, photography, and art that is uniquely mine. As you know, it’s a lot of work to put a book together. I’m hoping some ideas I have will fall into place to make it something special and worth reading. It would be great to know that others are holding that vision for me and I’d like to do the same for others. Thanks, Graham, for always encouraging and inspiring. You always make me think!
Ms. Cathey you inspired me so much , you will succeed and I can’t wait to own your book. I appreciate you so much and for always cheering me on. I thank you for our friendship it means a world to me🙏❤️
Ok, well apparently tears in my morning coffee are happening today. You mean the world to me as well, Lucy, and I'm envisioning that one day we will meet and bear hug in person!
I love reading your post, I don't miss them. I write school texts, the editor are in the final stage, it's a very interesting job. I wish you a lot of success.
Text writing is something I'm dabbling in, too. Content writing for websites is a new experiment for me also. So many opportunities and I have to weigh how they all fit with my purpose and gifting.
Great comments! It's good that you are planning to collect all of your unique creations in a book. I have considered doing the same with my writings and photos, but time keeps getting in the way. I have considered creating "my own" Substack, like Graham and so many others have done. Please keep us posted on your progress. We are so good at inspiring each other!
Philip, in return to your very encouraging comment here, I would encourage you to create a Substack page and as time allows, pull your writings and photos together. I do understand time limitations! I have four busy grandkids and it's partially for them that I want to do the book. Go for it!
Cathey & Philip ~ I don't know if you've heard of StoryWorth or not. (They advertise on tv. ) It's a computer subscription that allows you to write your own stories, poems, etc. add pictures on the computer, then print it as a hardcover copy n color or black & white. You can order as many copies as you want. I received a gift subscription one year -- and then gave the book I created over that year to my siblings, children & grandchildren for Christmas. My book was called Remember When & was full of stories from my childhood. It was a hit.
I will do that Cathey! Graham said he would hold all of the visions we shared with him. I feel he is for me as I am as well. I’d love to hold your dream and manifest it coming to fruition. All the very best!
Love the poem and the idea of envisioning future events/experiences. For me it’s a continuing growth in relationships with my kids, keeping my heart and mind open to God’s plans for me and to appreciate the new blessings.
This is my vision for my journal entry in June after we take our family trip.
“Our family trip together was so fun and rewarding. There were many fun times together sharing past memories filled with laughter and some tears, made many new memories especially with grandkids, played favorite card game “ golf” many times, but most of all felt the love and joy of being with family. Looking forward to the next time we can all be together.”
The new peace I’ve found in my heart this past month has guided me to also work on my overall well being. Am starting a new workout/ walking routine, along with more healthy diet and meditation. Trusting that God is guiding my steps all the way.
I'm envisioning a growing relationship for you and your kids. There is nothing like it. It was so refreshing when my girls became adults to become their friends and stop parenting them. I have two girls and two great son-in-laws. We do a family vacation together every summer and while things don't go totally smoothly (5 grandkids are in the mix), we thoroughly enjoy and look forward to these vacations every year. This year it has worked out for us to go to Jamaica in June and my oldest grandson can't stop talking about it!! I wish you all the best on your vacation. Also, there's nothing like the "Peace of God that passes all understanding" in your heart. I'm visualizing a continuation of that peace for you!
This is sound amazing Linda we take family vacation yearly with our son and his family and we take our three little people with us also. I love family vacation together making memories is the best.
Looking forward to family time together in the area where I grew up, taking my young grandkids there for the first time, so excited to show them . Unfortunately the farmhouse where I grew up is no longer there..it’s a corn field!
Exactly what I'm personally working on lately - flexibility to take a different path or change directions as God leads. Hope it all comes together for you.
Thanks, Jody. We used to take family vacations every year while kids were still at home. Before my husband passed we took road trips every summer, loved it. I still take road trips on my own.
Right now, I am in the preliminary stages of directing & producing a production of M*A*S*H at our community theatre in order to raise funds for two local non-profits I love: one for neglected children and the other for suicide prevention.
I put out a call on FB to see if there were other people interested in helping me stage this show. I’m excited because I already have enough volunteer actors and crew people after one “fishing trip” to do this Benefit. And, a former student of mine, who is the head sound engineer for Wicked, is willing to help me with the set, light & sound design.
I have faith we can do 6 really entertaining performances of M*A*S*H to sold-out audiences next February, but, more importantly, I am hoping, trusting, letting go – that during the process God touches someone in the cast, on a crew, in the audience who is struggling with life.
Thank you to everyone that holds this vision with me -- a successful production of M*A*S*H that actually changes someone’s life. I can see it & it feels like LOVE in action...
Jan it is so fulfilling to do what you are doing. Not only are you raising awareness of these two wonderful causes in your community and supporting them but think how fulfilled all of your volunteers will be, what confidence will bring to them and maybe there will even be someone in your crowd so inspired to pass their talents on to others or fulfill a need that they have suppressed! You are doing the work of an Angel!
Thank you! One of my cast member's older brother (a former student of mine) committed suicide when he was 39. The cast member has struggled with that loss ever since. He has never been on stage before but wants to play Klinger, the part his brother played in our high school production. It is bound to be very emotional. I hope cathartic. By the way, I am sure you will find many new ways to serve after your retirement. I don't know how I had time to teach -- with all the Angel Work to do. Hee hee!
I loved M.A.S.H. I watched it all the time with my dad we loved Klinger, Radar, and Alan Alda. I can’t remember for the life of my his character. I know it will be a big hit specially for those who might be helped by the play. You have a big heart Jan and everything will work out I can see it now M.A.S.H. now opening to a theater near you. Go get ‘‘em girl.
Thanks so much, Shari, for envisioning M*A*S*H with me. I appreciate your support. Alan Alda was the talented, quirky doctor Hawkeye (one of Alda's favorite characters from James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans.) You probably didn't need to know all that. Just an old English teacher who couldn't resist. Ha Ha!!!
I just completed a very difficult decision as I sold my house that I lived in for the last 30 years and moved into a condo. I do believe it was the right decision and that eventually this new place will feel like "home". Time will tell. My next big thing will be whether to pursue a new relationship. Haven't been on a first date in 35 years. Unfortunately, my vision of the date keeps coming in quite comical and disastrous. I somehow need to change that vision, enough that I get the nerve to take the leap. Perhaps someday soon ...
Hi Carol, I just read your comment and it helped me in what I am going through right now. I lost my husband 6 weeks ago tomorrow and I am in the process of getting ready to sell my house which I lived in for 26 years and I am struggling because I am entering an all new territory and coming out of my comfort zone. I am trying to be positive and reading the comments is definitely helping that things are gonna be ok. Thanks everyone! Graham your poems never fail always an inspiration.
Maria, your husband my not be with you physically. He’s with you in your heart mind and soul. When your by yourself listen close he will guide you thru your next step in a journey you both will walk together. When the sun shines thru the window look he’s there. When a cardinal is on the windowsill he’s visiting you. He’s there always just in a different form. God is always sending you a visit from him. So look and listen he’s there.
Shari, so true, it took me awhile to know that after my husband passed. He would often leave the light on in our garage, the first time I discovered I had done that I thought oh he’s saying hello. There was a cactus that bloomed the first spring after his passing, it had never bloomed before…flowers from him. Maria, like Shari said he’s with you. Blessings as you continue to find your way on this new path. Like Graham said God will guide us, we just need to trust in our faith.
It is so true when my sister passed I made myself feel the sun. I feel if the sun is shining she’s there. God does guide us we just have to be there when he does.
Hi Maria. I listened to you on zoom and my heart broke. I lost my husband 6 years ago, also to ALS. Its a tough road. Its still hard but since Graham came into my life along with all the other friends that I now have, things are so much more manageable. Best wishes to you.
Your grief is still all very fresh. Hugs. 💗 Do be gentle with yourself and move forward to soar when you know or feel you are ready. God will give you the strength to move out of your comfort zone, however painful this too may feel.
My prayer is the Lord will give you clear vision of where you are to go. Father God loves you. Jesus came to give life and life abundant and He walks with us through our sorrow.
May His wisdom guide you and His peace and Joy fill you.
Sending prayers of comfort and strength for you. Just remember to as Graham says “ to be gentle with yourself” and trust that God will give you the strength as you step out of that comfort zone.
Sorry for your loss Maria. I am sure this is a very difficult time for you. I went back and forth for almost a year trying to decide whether to move or not. It was not an easy decision but one that I am very glad to have made. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Carol, it took me 8 years to sell mine and then I moved across the country. It's been 2 1/2 years and is different everyday. Covid made is hard to make friends. Dating now, not for me, maybe at some point someone to do things with.
Bev it took 3 years to sell mine it is a very hard decision especially when it was your childhood home, so many memories . When I made that decision and the day came to move I decided I would not look back, baby steps funny how strong you can be when you have to . IGraham has helped me with suggesting meditation and listening to his podcasts I am definitely a different person in a good way much more confident . I loved the poem today Graham 💖🇦🇺🙏
Carol, I did the same as you, sold my house after 32 yrs living there, moved to a retirement community, which I love, sometimes have to take a leap of fate. I’ve not even thought of dating again, I work part time, travel when I want to, & love just sitting on my porch enjoying the day. 😃
Carol, I have moved more times than I can count in the last eight years or so after selling my home. Each place I've lived though has been home. Your heart and body are someplace new but home goes with you. And as far as dating...I found if you envision it...it becomes a comedy show like you mentioned. I actively pursued dating after divorcing but once I stopped thinking about it and let it go....well it just appeared! You are a very likeable, full of life person as I saw on our monthly chat, so I just know by just being your awesome self you will attract awesomeness to you! Much love and blessings to you Carol!
Thanks so much Barbara. The comedy show in my head is definitely "must see tv", But you're right - I just need to stop thinking about it. If it's meant to be, it will happen. ❤️
Like I said on the chat, know that feeling of moving. It was a leap of faith for me, glad I did it, my new place is finally feeling like home. Sending positive thoughts your way, Carol, for new blessings to come.
Your relationship will somehow find you. Keep your heart open and let every opportunity that feels right be part of your future. If it is meant to happen it will- when you least expect it
This community is so supportive and has become an important part of my life. I love having this place for myself, something that is mine alone. Sometimes we try to be so many things to so many people, we forget to put ourselves first once in a while. I am guilty of that too many times. I started to feel a bit empty, questioning who I was at this point in my life. It's not easy to change that, but slowly, I have been doing just that. I have Graham and this group to thank for that. I t has given me the courage to be more assertive about what is important to me to be happy.
Many of us share similar issues or concerns, and it is nice to know one is not alone. One of my favorite songs is "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen, reminding us in the lyrics " you are not alone."
I have recently begun a new weight loss journey in which I envision myself much happier with myself one year from now. I am blessed with good health, but I am not happy with my weight. I am the only one who can change that. So the plan has started and I'll see how it goes. I bought some books Graham has spoken about and have been trying some New recipes from it. I do a lot of roasting now and have discovered roasted mini peppers as a new favorite. You can turn this into a fun experience if you just give it a chance. I am feeling really hopeful. I envision being in a much different place a year from now in this particular journey.
Hi Cynthia, I will join you. I’ve lost 35 lbs and just had a stationary bike manifest itself. I’ve hit a plateau and this is encouraging to me. Let’s cheerlead for each other!❤️❤️
Absolutely. I've already changed some eating habits and I feel great. I don't even miss what I gave up. Funny what the right mindset and support can do.
I have not been to my gym since covid, but I am thinking of going back soon. In the meantime, I will start walking in my neighborhood. I've been waiting for it to warm up a bit. We're getting there.
I'm with you Cynthia! And so good that you are doing this while still in good health. Putting the horse before the cart!! I'm on a get healthier path and will vision walking with you too!
Cynthia - we can be on this journey together! I know you can do it. That's why I'm doing it because I'm in good health for my age, and I am so thankful for that. Believe, take one day at a time, and I truly believe it can happen. The support you get from this community is simply amazing! Blessings to you!
I believe you and I feel the same way. When I first became part of this wonderful family I was not sure I would be excepted. Though everyone here was so nice and excepted me for me no one else. I’m so happy you are here to share your story of all your journeys. I will keep your vision that everything has worked out. Have faith and know God is in control.
Being here is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I' m glad I gave it a try as I am loving it and Graham is just a gem. Sometimes we just have to put ourselves out there and see what happens. If Graham did it, we can. I am from Rhode Island in New England, if you want to share where you are from. Thanks for the feedback, nice to hear from people.
I’m from Illinois about 1hr and 1/2 from Chicago. I live in a small town called Kingston. I’ve always wanted to travel to New England I love to travel though my husband does not.
Just got back from my 6 month Dr apmt and I've lost 6 lbs since I got serious in March. Had a really good visit and everything is headed in the right direction. Going to just stay positive and keep going. I also started on a new probiotic which I am really loving. I feel great and happy. Now if the wind here would just die down.
Cynthia Congrats on loosing six pounds. My co-workers and I are on the biggest loser contest here at work. It’s a fun way to do weight loss. We weight in in June. My co-worker has lost 12 I’ve lost 10. You should join the health and wellness Graham has started we can cheer all of us on. Again congratulations.
Once again Graham you have blessed us with a beautiful poem. You bring so much inspiration, beauty, and love to this world. I believe God placed you in each of our lives at just the right time. Thank you for continuing to share bits of your heart and soul with us.
Last week you spoke of the nudges and signs we receive intended to give us direction. I know that I have been getting those signs for awhile now concerning my retirement. I haven’t been totally ignoring them but just dragging my feet. As a teacher I feel there is still so much more for me to do for the kids. I love my job and the students, and I have the most amazing coworkers. I just haven’t been ready to leave that all behind. Due to some recent nudges, I now believe that God is leading me in that direction. My husband is retiring next month due to health reasons so now the time has come for me also.
My husband and I used to travel and camp a lot but have not been able to do that due to his health. He has found some promising treatments so hopefully we will get back to doing what we love.
My vision for the future is a wonderful retirement where my husband’s health is better, we are able to enjoy traveling again, and can continue to serve others together. Plus, a couple of grandkids to love on would be great too.
Thank you so much Graham for standing alongside all of us, holding our visions, and surrendering to a higher power.❤️❤️
The decision has been made, the first step has been taken
Listened to the whisper
Don't wait for your retirement to follow your dream
There is only the now
I see myself with my husband
moving to the French Pyrenees
receive guests, organize retreats
Taking care of children who have lost their way…
I believe in our 'Talentopia' project
to help children discover and develop their talents
A new energy flows through my body
a passion that I didn't know I still had in me
a head full of plans
a heart full of confidence
a body full of commitment
and Graham teaching me to accept the outcome whatever that may be
I do my best and God does the rest
Thank you Graham for another beautiful poem written as if it were for me, as for many people in this group. I wish everyone a lot of inspiration, courage and success in making life-changing decisions.
Bie, your chat story was so inspirational. I just love your mission. Giving children your guidance, love and support through your work is the ultimate gift to our future. Love it so much!
Bie ~ I am holding the vision of your "Talentopia" in my mind. It sounds like such an exciting venture -- such a worthwhile endeavor. I am sure God will bless you as you take this risk & He will help you create a wonderful retreat where children discover & develop their God-given talents. Hope you will share your progress as you go...
Now I just love the way you always express yourself. It comes from within and from your heart. You are an inspiration and no matter where you are, your aura your glow your fierce commitment will serve blessings on whomever you touch. Best of everything on your new endeavor!
this poem hits home for me.....a while back I had e huge decision to make...do I retire from 32 years of teaching and have empty nest all at the same time? I was scared, nervous, and afraid of the unknown......then the pandemic hit in March and I knew that was a sign to believe in faith and let go.....I retired and never looked back.....best decision I have ever made ......fusion future and faith ......
I relate to this a lot, Julia, as I made a similar decision a year ago and took a big leap to try something completely new. A year later I am so relieved and grateful that I followed through on my decision. I'm glad you feel the same!
I know exactly how you feel. I am now going down the same path after 35 years of teaching. For me there is no retirement yet but a new project. I have a vision that I won't regret it either✨
Jody, I made the same decision in 2017. All I'd ever known was working as Nurse. I have been single for years & worried about whether I could afford to retire & what would I do with myself. Faith in mysel & the Lord & determination in those early years resulted in the realization that I could find peace & enjoyment in retirement. Have fun.
Jody read my post. Even though you retire the service, love to help people and the ability to expand your own horizons will provide you enough pleasure, desire in your heart. It’s a new beginning not an end!
Retirement can be a scary thing when you've done something you've loved for so often. I will say what everyone else says and that is I seem to be busier in retirement than I ever was when I was working! I also have the ability to be more available to help others and do the traveling that we weren't able to do when we were working. Good luck with your decision. I'll be praying for you. East Coast Jody!
My answer this week is my attitude, my outlook,my vision will either crippled or enable me? It is the small changes repeatedly daily healthy habits, positive forward thinking, being secure enough to lift those around me that will push past where I need to be and into surplus, where I am destined to be.I choose success, choose to fly! I can do this! Today I need some changes to make reach my goals or accomplish that dreams that burning inside of me. If I continue down the path the one I’ve always lived, I can’t expect changes to come to the one’s, I’ve always needed-just like the seasons- shaken so. The dew then icy break much change is needed for - future share. These things we yet may not know but soon will be revealed. When minutes upon majestic back of times melodious song. Feel free to dance the change of tune or buck the roaring dog, but all will come the sands of time and cast it’s perfect throng. Today let us breath , stand up and find hope. Let us believe God for binary blessing. Putting my trust to God is the best way the only way - to truly live free. Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. ( Proverbs 3:5-6)
Lucy whatever has gotten you through all of the obstacles, impossibilities, setbacks, the trauma and has allowed you maintain your positivity, your desire to inspire and to reach out to allow your words to allow others to heal is enough to propel you forward through murky mess that you face in front of you. You are a survivor and in return have guided many the strength to face adversity as you have. Peace and blessings. You are an inspiration!
Yes please that my trip in 2 1/2 weeks will be good and for June 20 my big surgery that no roadblocks. I just want to get this beautification done it’s been too long 8 years this December. Thank you so much❤️🙏
That is one of my absolute favorite verses. And also I was going to encourage you just to focus on small wins. Sometimes looking at the overall picture can be daunting.
Thank you that’s my therapist remind me with long winter we had experience last three weekends I couldn’t control my mind. My daily ritual is pray , meditate first thing when I wake up . Then I walk on my treadmill as I have to or else I will limp from my left hip bones were used on my left cheeks. I just want this stuff to be over , it will be 8 years in July . ❤️🙏
Vision? Great topic. Just trying to find the ability to see. My heart sees everything but my eyes not so much. I’m eager to begin things but have limitations. I began classes online but had to delay because of a bleed in my right eye. I’m not going to let this stop me. So I can still see enough to paint. My black Lab has become my therapy dog. So what if I’m like Monet and my paintings are a bit off. I’m going to follow through and faith in my God will clear the path for me. Reading your poems help me with hope.
I love that you still have a "vision" even if your physical vision is a struggle. You have a talent and a gift and I'm so glad you are feeling the freedom to keep at it. Hope you get to do the classes soon!
I’m so sorry to hear this Lucinda but there are ways this condition in your eyes can be treated. I will send you a DM with the information. Also your paintings are not off at all , you are very good!!🙏💖
Lucinda art is more about what one feels, rather than sees, so your art will be extraordinarily beautiful!! Thank you, Irene for reaching out to Lucinda in a tangible way. Blessings upon that.
Italy, I have embraced the idea of living in Italy for 3 months overcoming the apprehension of traveling on my own. I have met amazing people along the way who shared with me their culture, history, art, food & wine. People who embraced me & helped me navigate their language & travel their beautiful country from north to south.
Self care - because of the inspiration from others, Graham and those I've connected with through association with Graham, I've lost 30 pounds, exercise every day & do something inspirational through prayer, music &/or meditation.
Getting here has not been easy - in fact, it has been agonizing - but I did it! GO ME!
I'm very inspired by your trip to Italy and will envision just what that may look like with you. I hope you are able to share your journey with us somehow by words and/or photos. And I'm with you on that self care train!!! Good for you 30lbs!! Bravo!
Thanks for your support Anne. I think I must have used the wrong tense when writing my feedback to Graham's poem because folks think I have already lost the 30#. 🤦♀️😏
Hi Juliann - Not a problem. We're here to support and encourage one another no matter what! I am grateful to each and every person in this community. I've got a vision but for now I'm focusing one day at a time. We'll get there! Take Care and God Bless!
I am a person that really overthinks and stresses about most things that are happening in my life. I have a daughter that is a single mom who divorced her drug addict husband. She also works for herself with no other income. I am going to choose to celebrate her success and be positive that it has already happened. Thank you so much Grahame.
You can no longer control your past Charmaine but you can must all that energy within to plan and implement your future. Faith, confidence, resolve, trust are the words in front of you. Leave can’t won’t and shouldn’t behind!
Well, I don't know where to begin! There is so much in that poem, Graham. I will start with the question...what feeling(s) will I feel when I am holding my book in my hands for the first time? FREEDOM, JOY, STRENGTH, and THANKFULNESS! I can't pick just one feeling, and I think I will feel many more and ones that I don't even know what they are yet. The experience I am looking to create is becoming a published author. So, I am holding the space of it being bound and published and yet I am still in the throes of writing. I have had a wonderful third solo retreat. My writing coach/editor said recently to me that until I see writing this book as a second job, then I will not truly move forward. This was great advice. I am seeing it as a second job or getting there! So, the action, Graham, I have to take is to write more often and not just when I go away for a retreat. I am declaring right here and now, Christmas is my goal! So, thank you to all of you that will hold the space for me through prayer and cheers! I look forward to reading all of your thoughts and doing the same for you! As Donny said on my live, prayer is powerful!
Related to this...I came across a wonderful book, Falling Upward by Richard Rohr. He explains that most of us live as if we are a "first-half-of-life" culture who are mostly concerned with "surviving successfully." The beauty is when we discover "the task within the task", or as Richard Rohr puts it, "what we are really doing when we are doing what we are doing?"
So this is my challenge to myself that I will not just go about this goal of writing my book to survive successfully but to discover the task within the task. The joy and the freedom once it is completed will be because of the journey that the Lord is taking me on as I am writing this book. My prayer is that I will not get caught up in the to do's but to see what it is I am really doing as I am doing it! Blessings to all of you beautiful people who I feel so blessed by!
Tricia - praying for you my friend and I know you will complete that book. God will guide you every step of the way! I know exactly what you mean by challenging yourself! You go girl! May God bless you!
I will join this visualization "train" and visualize you completing your book by Christmas! I'm going to check out the "Falling Upward" book too. Best of luck to you.
All the best to you on your journey of writing your book, Tricia. I look forward to your announcement that you’ve completed it. ....Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation is a source of great inspiration to me.
Tricia writing a book is to teach, to allow the readers to follow with you on a journey, to challenge themselves as you have challenged yourself. It is a magical ride steeped in faith, understanding, desire challenge, love, hope and freedom. You put your heart and soul in it to not only cleanse and satisfy yourself but to instruct, challenge, force others to think truths and castaway false beliefs. It helps to allow others to feel what is really important in life and what is just window dressing. Just following you on IG makes me confident you will accomplish all of your goals and you will help others to learn and in turn teach others.
Recently I have become increasingly aware of my physical fragility. Five years ago I experienced cardiac arrest. I briefly died twice yet here I am! I was so grateful for the chance to live longer, see my children and grandchildren grow and flourish and I hit the ground running so to speak. I was living in Florida and was able to work, swim each day, walk to the grocers and make sure I was eating more healthy foods and just appreciating each breath I took.
Then life took a turn and in late 2019 I found myself living with my son in rural upstate NY. Three months later the pandemic hit and it seems I simply didn't move....for more than a year. I found that every movement I took seemed like an effort. I was out of breath simply doing housework or climbing the stairs. I had ceased to take care of myself and I was envisioning my end of life more each day. I watched too much TV which I really never did before but out of that came discovering Graham.
Something was switching inside. Churning, mixing it up. Long and short of it I awakened from that long "sleep" and woke up to discovering me again. I started meditating, moving and eating better. I discovered a like-minded community who reminded me of who I truly am. I have been inspired to live each moment fully with gratitude for each breath I take.
What I envision now is a healthy me, attending all the great moments of my children's and grandchildren's lives as a healthy Mom and Mimi. I would love to see my son marry and have his own family. I see all this now. My future...healthy and happy and filled with love, joy and gratitude. I see life! I am blessed!
I have the same experience, Barbara. Cancer came to me at the start of the surge of the pandemic, found my son doing everything for the 2 of us - taking me to my radiation-chemo treatments every day for 32 straight days, and taking care of the household. My boy turned into a man that instant, which any mother will be proud of.
During that time, especially when recovering from my chemo treatment, that I watched a lot of Netflix and found myself watching Heartland 3-4-5 times. Until that episode when Ty died, only then I learned of Graham's decision to leave the show. Like you, then, I discovered Graham. After then, I followed his journey, and the rest is history.
I join you as we envision our healthy us .. looking forward to my daughter's wedding in 2023 and my son after that.
We are indeed blessed, Barbara .. and so is everyone else here. Thankful for Graham.
Always follow our hearts, as it always lead us home. <3
Oh Marcy thank you ever so much for sharing your story. We do share many of the same experiences in a way. Let's stay on this healthy path and see our families flourish. I will envision it for us!
Out of adversity often come blessings- if you dwell onto past it clouds your ability to see the future! Good for you to push the clouds aside and let the sun shine once again!
You always seem to know what to say. the clouds have parted and the sun is shining upon us
Guess my life has been a metaphor??
Thank you Jeffry!🙏❤
I think a lot people had the same issue with all the lock downs🔒 & isolation with Covid. I certainly did. Living in Melbourne, Australia🇦🇺, we were stuck in lock down more than any other country. It was worse on my own. I too, had Heartland & Graham to help me & lead me to a place where I felt connected & met new amazing people & friends. I have found a new meaning to life. A new path to follow, with new goals & achievements I once thought impossible.
I am so happy for you Barbara. I hope you have some amazing times ahead spent with your family. 🙏💖
Collectively we have taken a hard hit, each of us differently so now as we climb out of our cocoons we can take steps to get better. It isn't an easy path. Setbacks come and we have to start again. But with our loving supportive community here created from our mutual respect and encouragement from Graham we can do this. 🙏❤
Barbara, I to had the the same experience. 7 years ago I had a virus hit my heart at first I didn’t know what was happening. I couldn’t breath I couldn’t even lay down to go to sleep. After a couple of Dr visits, it was midnight I was having chest pain. I was hesitant in calling my husband to take me to the hospital. I finally called him to the living room. He took me to the ER. After some test the Dr stated to me I had CHF and myocardialmyopathy. The virus that hit my heart caused me to have a left bundle branch block. My left side of my heart wasn’t pumping the blood out fast enough so I ended up getting a defibrillator inserted. I to this day still have it. I thank God every day that I’m still here. That I can share my life with family and friends. Thank you for sharing your story and that both of our future stay joyful and bright.
Thank you for sharing your story Shari. Wow! You went through an ordeal too! Our time is even more precious now isn't it? I wish you all good things for your future and so glad we have this community to share with each other. We aren't alone...❤🙏
Barbara- your words started a water bath from my eyes. I heard those words and they hit me as completely spot on with what I went through personally as a result of the lockdowns and scary opinions of everyone and no one. The fear and anxiety led to a frozen state of mind which I talked about on the Zoom call this past weekend.
I too found Graham as a result of watching Heartland. And a meditation of his in podcast 17 , facilitated a break through for me. Whatever our dreams and aspirations, the love of this community, a safe place to share, has effected us all. I am so happy for you and to hear about the heathy oath you are taking. Bravo! 🙏🏻💜
I'm happy to be at least ON the road to a better me. I surely would have died sooner rather than later if I continued as I was. Thanks for being so supportive Sherry! We can hold each other up and encourage our wins together and also our setbacks. It sure isn't easy, but so worth it!❤🙏
Yes Barbara with a full heart I am here for you. New birth! 🙏🏻💜
Barbara I feel you that’s all I’m going to say boy when and if you get to Chicago we have a lot to talk about and a lot in common in fact I’m DM you❤️
Halina I’m not to far from you. My daughter lives in Rogers Park. I go there every couple months. Maybe we can get together. Nice to know someone close to me.
🙏❤my dear Halina.
Barbara you certainly have come a long way what a beautiful story I'm so happy for you that you're finding your way you're such a beautiful person. Thank you so much for sharing!!!!🙏🙏❤❤
Love you Kathleen❤🙏
Barbara - I'm so happy for you. This is truly a wonderful story. I'm a little late in reading all the comments due to a very busy day at work, but this is truly inspiring. Enjoy & treasure the moments with your family! You are truly blessed as I believe we all are if we truly believe! Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you dear Anne. ❤🙏
That's a beautiful vision, Barbara. It sounds like you are on the path to making it happen. Blessings!
Thank you Cathey. I am very inspired by what you have shared here over these months and I will take Graham's message to heart and envision your book plans with you too. Many blessings to you Cathey.
Thank you! I am blessed by your support and encouragement! 💕
Wow Barbara, I had no idea that you have been through this life changing event. As I have been able to get to know you through the chat you are such an energetic person with a great attitude for life. I am so happy that you are feeling better and loving each day to its fullest. You are so blessed to be able to spend so much time with your family.
Enjoy!!!
Believe me if you saw me last year at this time I was struggling after being housebound for so long. My son was so fearful of me getting C.... that he did all errands out of the house. I felt I lost all muscle tone. I push myself to make the trips to NC to see my daughter and the grandkids. I'm doing better this year and definitely have a motivation to get healthier each day! I was always ready to get up and go so I'm getting back to that! ❤🙏
With an attitude like yours, you will meet your goals very soon. Hugs and support being sent your way 🥰
Beautiful story of triumph!
Thank you for sharing Barbara. It sounds like you have found your way and see a very beautiful future ahead. Prayers for continued good health and many blessings.💕
Thank you dear Leigh🙏❤
Thank you Susan. It's a work in progress that I will continue for as long as I'm given.🙏
Let's do it together Jody! I envision us both taking steps to repairing what is broken in our bodies by taking small steps everyday. It would be too overwhelming to do too much at a time, but each day can be handled more easily. I'm with you Jody. Blessings for today and always.
Would love to take journey with you lovely ladies. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea too, currently waiting for CPAP equipment.
I think we ladies should have a wellness/service club called Grahama's In Motion! Notice my little play on words...can mean Mommas and grandmas all in one!! Jody, Linda and whoever else. We can ask Graham for it to be one of his "rooms" on his new platform. Are you in??
Love this Barbara. I have already planned for a room for Health and Wellness!
Totally in, think it would be a great group supporting others.
Im game let’s do it.
I'd love to be in. I was just dx with diabetes. So that has been a learning curve for sure.
Barbara I am in please
I am in Barbara
Most definitely! Mine is suppose to come next week....tried one a few years ago, couldn’t adjust so hopefully this time will be better.
In 1987 I had 4 episodes of aspiration pneumonia and no diagnosis. I then after some research google hadn’t blessed us yet I came to the realization I had sleep apnea! I arrested three times for over a minute and a half. They fired the technician for not waking me up up! My point, you can’t let an obstacle get in your way to improve yourself, your life or those around you. Face adversity head on which requires often a overdose of faith, belief and desire and maybe a pinch of luck too!
Yes so very true. Well said. We learned to deal with the obstacles to reach or goals.
After three months of Tuesdays, you Graham have changed lives-you have empowered people to shake their past; to unencumber themselves from the burdens of their past and set them on a path to realize their desires, their dreams and their new reality.
What does it take? Resolution, faith, action, hard decisions, confidence, trust, revelation? Your history holds you back but the future doesn’t hold memories so there is no holding back!
After 47 years of serving people as a physician now that I’m almost in retirement the desire to serve has not waned - how can I continue to serve others?
I am constantly looking toward the future. Service is deeply engrained and imprinted in me. What can I do to continue to serve?Many ideas come into my mind and some are worth pursuing and others are not. Many times we reach a crossroad and we have to go one way or the other. The important decision is whether to proceed or to pull back -how many cases is the right decision sometimes hard to conceive and other times the path is free and clear?
Go forward and heal; go forward and prosper; go forward and reconnect with those you’ve lost contact; go forward and forgive; go forward and serve for those that benefit will be enough satisfaction, this will provide you with enough desire to continue to fuel your flames until the flames are no more and your legacy and what you have done to touch them as you leave them behind will become fond memories and in some ways, your life after death.
I used to think being of service was being a part of an organization or something grandiose. I participated in many of those service projects all my life. Now I have a different approach due to many factors...but it comes down to this. I can serve by helping someone in need of getting their groceries into their trunk, helping someone find something they are looking for in a store, sharing an idea or information to someone in need of it or simply just by a small compliment or conversation to someone while waiting in line,, who may or may not need it but maybe I would be the only one they spoke to that day. Living in such a rural area with not much going on I've gotten more creative yet it still feels like a connection to others. It still feels like love.
I understand stand completely Jeff. I’m here at work and I just took care of a pt who lost her husband. We talked and I told her I completely understand. I understand because I to lost a loved one. I lost my sister to colon cancer. I told our pt that it helps to talk about it so we talked a few minutes about her husband and me my sister. After the appointment I had to discharge her she thanked me for being so kind and taking the time to talk we hugged and she left. It days like these that makes my job so wonderful and worth it.
That will mean more to that woman than all the flowers and fawning at a funeral will ever do! That’s what it’s all about and what keeps us coming back!
That’s the best part of my job. Knowing I can help someone who just needs an extra minute or two to talk.😊
I totally get this. I used to think that my service to others had to be something "big" and important so I ended up putting things off. I have since learned that it's the little things that really make a difference to others like you said, even if it's just a smile in passing. I have made a goal of trying to do something nice for others each day.
Just imagine if everyone did this Jody!
Barbara - I concur. Even taking care of myself, I'm here to serve and encourage others in whatever way is needed. The smallest gesture goes such a long way! Beautiful!
Barbara, Such a beautiful perspective! Random acts of kindness. Such acts make such a difference for the giver and the receiver.
Your accomplishments should be measured in how big or how small ! They should measured in how many and how often
I can totally relate to where you're at, Jeffry. I had enough years in to retire from teaching in my early 50s. However, I didn't feel like I was finished with my calling (teaching was a calling, not a job for me) and I wondered what God wanted me to do after I retired. I prayed about it and that's how my husband and I ended up at the ranch for troubled kids. Since leaving the ranch, I have had many opportunities to continue teaching or working with troubled kids and their families. Having a servant's heart like you do, God will place many opportunities for service in your path. I know you will be a blessing to others - you already are!!
I do try the most of every opportunity that comes my way to serve others , as I might never again get the chance so I don’t waste today!
Serving is something I think a lot about too, Jeff. How can this thing I'm doing serve and bless others? You are right, the future is wide open!
I don't know if you watch the tv show "New Amsterdam", but Dr. Max is always saying, "how can I help?" I want that to be my constant mindset!
Me too, Cathey. I haven't watched New Amsterdam, but I want helping others to be my mindset as well.
Jeffry you have such a way with words. I always enjoy your posts. I am also looking toward retirement but I need to stay busy, I want to stay busy. I would like to be of service to others and used to think there weren’t too many ways to serve in our very small town. But I am now realizing there are many ways to serve, many small ways that can make a large difference in those around us. Thank you for sharing.
I used to serve so many organizations while living in Minnesota then we move to a small town about 2,500 I just started volunteer at school, offer rides with elderly and help them grocery shopping, our food pantry . We have a second hand store non profit I make two meals a week for all volunteers when I am home . Since pandemic I am home mostly as I only travel every three months to Mayo so I bake for our community as I get a lot of baking goods donated. Our town does pack dry goods yearly for Feed My Starving Children. You can serve your time in library too.
you know with the internet your reach now can stretch around the world! Geography has now been redefined as any place where you can reach! You can make small differences to many,many people some you may touch directly and others that find out from others that you will ever know.
Very well said...thank you
If you were on the recent Zoom call, Graham shared with everyone the current journey that I'm on of taking better care of myself both physically and mentally. In the past, I neglected this due to many factors, not feeling worthy, or just plain being lazy, and just not caring at all about myself. Well, I'm here to say, the new journey has started with amazing success beyond what I could have ever imagined. When I talk about the success, I mean taking this one day at a time while visioning what I will feel like both physically and spiritually when that future goal is achieved. The main focus for me is the here and now of today while keeping the ultimate goal in mind, while accepting that it will take time, patience, and hard work to obtain that goal. I frankly cannot do this without total surrender to my FAITH in God to walk alongside me day by day. Without my FAITH and totally surrendering to God, there's absolutely no way that I could say that as of this morning I've lost a total of 25 lbs since 2/28/2022 and walked 2.5 miles this past Sunday afternoon. I am surrendering myself to God on a daily basis to guide me in order to obtain the ultimate goal and also challenging myself to maintain the small daily goals that I'm setting for myself. For the first time in my life, I truly believe that I am worthy, and I really like who I am at this very moment. Is this easy? No it's not, but I'm here to say it can be done, but you have to believe and trust yourself.
If that isn't enough, last night I had my first acoustic guitar lesson. It has always been a dream of mine to learn to play the guitar. I love the sound of this amazing instrument. Even though I am a beginner, the vision I have for the future event is to enjoy playing the guitar around friends and/or family and all of us singing and fellowshipping with one another. This has been on my bucket list for a long time, so guess what, I just decided it was high time to just do it. You can do anything if you Trust and believe in yourself.
Graham, you and this community mean the world to me, and I truly believe that God brought me here for a purpose. I feel like I'm beginning to see and experience what part of that is. Everyone here supports one another, and I have been encouraged by so many of you to step out in FAITH to start loving and taking care of myself. I really love to read how we reach out and encourage one another here. It is truly amazing, and I'm glad to be a part of this. I have a deep appreciation for life now that really did not exist like it should before subscribing to Substack. I'm so glad I listened to that higher calling from God. God knows better than I.
I look forward to seeing what this journey has in store for me, but for now, I am truly grateful and blessed in how it's turned out thus far.
Graham, thank you for this wonderful poem of inspiration! May God bless everyone! Cheers!
What a great achievement Anne you should be very proud of yourself !!! I loved that you shared your story at the zoom meeting and I must say you looked fantastic ! The funny thing is that I also had my hand up to share my story and fitness journey as I also slowly and steadily have lost over 30 kilos the past year ! When I started my main goal was to get fit before I turn 50 which is coming up next month. I still have a long way to go but happy with what I have achieved so far .I think I have shared with you my before and after photos that I had shared in a IG post . Just remember to set small daily goals !! We can do this together !! What a blessing to be part of this little community ,not only we read some very inspiring poems every week but we meet lots of wonderful people that encourage and support each other :)
Congratulations Irene, we need a lot of willpower to achieve that.
Thank you Irene! We can surely do this together! I'm taking one day at a time. I can visualize the ultimate goal, but I don't focus on it because I think that was part of my struggle in the past. Been there done that, and it is NOT going to happen again if I can help it. I totally concur that it is such a blessing to be a part of this community. I am so glad I took that leap of faith and listened to that calling from God to subscribe. The journey has been amazing. Together, we can do this Irene! Take care and God bless!
This community is wonderful and that does not actually describe the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket. I often cannot believe that I have found all of you and our mentor, Graham. I feel blessed. I think we all have that love and appreciation of him and what he is building here. 🙏🏻💜
I truly love this community that Graham created, I never thought I could share my past experience yet write my beautification , prayers and shared.
I do to Lucy! I firmly believe God led me here to all of these wonderful people. Words can’t express how I feel! I wouldn’t be stepping out of my comfort zone without this support I don’t think.
Me too Anne I was hesitant to sign up at first, then while on my walk something happen ? Like God is answering my thoughts let go of your fear . This community is amazing and truthfully I celebrated my new life 7 years yesterday, as Graham book save my life page #85 and a very good friend intervention on their 35th anniversary. Yesterday was their 42 anniversary .
Wow. That’s so touching Lucy! I was to, but like Graham said, when we ignore that tug on our heart, it gets stronger and stronger until you can’t breathe, then you just need to surrender, have faith, say yes, and let happen. So glad I listened to God’s call. I would not be on this journey if I hadn’t. Feel so humbled and truly blessed!
Its endless of compassion to each individual that are in this community like a big family . I am so humble and blessed to meet so many amazing friends.
Congratulations on the weight loss and the walking plan! My doctor recently told me to do the same, as I have had to add diabetes to my growing list of ailments. Lately I have been encouraged to move forward with my own "get healthier" plans, thanks mainly to Graham and the group. So thanks, everyone, for the inspiration and encouragement!!! Blessings to all.
That sounds great Phillip! Praying for you and your continued success!
Hi Ann congrats on loosing 25 pounds. I’m sure you look amazing. I to am on a weight lost journey. I imagine my self being able to look nice in clothes again and in pictures I’m doing a fit class every day now and trying to eat the best I can. That’s a challenge for me because I get bored easily. I’m not the best cook so it’s hard. I can’t wait to see what we look like in the near future. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to hear more about the guitar lessons.😊
Hi Shari - I have a long way to go, but you know I truly believe we'll both get there. Love the way we're here to encourage one another. I envision the future while focusing one day at a time. I will take the small victories at this point and rejoice and give God all the praise! You go girl! I'm excited about the guitar lessons. It's was on my bucket list, and I just decided to go for it. Have a blessed week! Take care!
Can’t wait to hear you play.
Thanks and prayers for you too, Anne.
Hi Anne wanted to say that I loved your story and also listened to you on the ZOOM Saturday . Congrats on your success with your walking and losing weight. I have been down that road recently . In Feb last year I had lost my current job to covid . I had worked all my life and when I lost that job it was time to retire. I got off track and lack of being on the move all the time. I gained weight and spend too much time watching TV and cooking more and baking because I had all this time on my hands. So about 6 weeks ago I told myself the time has come get moving. So I have been walking not ever day but about 4 days a week . I worked from 2 miles and got to 5 miles and it feels so good. I have lost a few pounds and feel so much better. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be I will get there. To some degree I feel like this is stepping our of comfort zone because I like to eat and appreciate good food .Just have to make better choices. Good luck with the guitar lessons!!!!!!!!! I wish you lots of luck with that.
Hi Kathleen. Thank you so much! I hear ya and right there with you! I really try and walk every day, but there are a couple of days during the week when it's a little more difficult because I still work full time (remotely) and have guitar lessons one night and then choir on Wednesday nights. Other than that, I'm going to make that effort, and I love walking on the nature trail right here at my subdivision. Walking on the natural ground is easier on the knees than the pavement/concrete. I just put the tunes on and I'm my way! I at least get a mile in during weekdays and I'm striving for a little longer on the weekend. Any way, I give all praise to God for guiding me this far. I have a ways to go, but like Graham said, I'm envisioning the future while focusing one day at a time. Hope you have a great rest of the week! Blessings to you!
Great job on your achievements Anne. You should be very proud of yourself! It isn’t easy what you are doing and as you take these steps they will become easier each time.
Thanks Cindy! I am, but more humbled and blessed. Have a great rest of the week! 🙏🙏
I am doing a dance right now celebrating the successes already!!! WOOHOO!!!! 2.5 miles is a reason to dance and party! I hear you girl about the surrendering! Daily picking up our cross and moving toward the prize ahead to love better and serve Him. With that focus, as you said, Anne, you will meet those goals! I know you will! On the days that you don't feel as motivated, you have all of us carrying and holding this goal for you. Graham, what a wonderful concept! I am praying for you, Anne, and I am ALSO awaiting a song being played on your new guitar by you with Donny Mac! He He He!
Both you and I will be Bustin a Move! LOL!! Thank you! I truly believe it's going to happen. This is so different than I've ever felt before. I can't explain it. I just feel it!
It’s a whole new journey!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iiyd34jczzxl2dp/IMG_1809.heic?dl=0 Picture I just took while on my walk! Beautiful day!
"Nothin' could be finer than to be in Carolina!"
Come and visit anytime! Thanks Barbara!
I just may! My daughter is in Apex! I lived there for 30 years. Beautiful state...beach and mountains and everything in between!
Love that picture! I love the clouds - they always bring me comfort!
Thank for your inspiring experience! You go girl!👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations Anne. You have an amazing story and I’m so glad you have included us in your journey. Your faith and dependence on God is so inspiring. This is a beautiful group of people who love you. Prayers for continued success and many blessings. 🙏💕
Thank you Leigh! Everyone here is family to me which I love. When you confront your fears, get out of your comfort zone all while surrendering to God it can and will happen. Everyone here is so encouraging and that's my heart's desire is to use this to encourage others as well. Blessings to you!
Anne, I love the decision you made to change your life and the contagious Faith you have. I am sure you will achieve everything you want. I appreciate your beautiful messages on Instagram and I hope that someday you can play the guitar for us.
Thanks Elizabeth. I had to work late tonight, but as I was working DonnyMac was on Instagram Live and it made the work so pleasant! Maybe I will. It's never too late. I keep telling myself. It will happen. Take care and God bless!
Ann, TY for sharing your journey. Your successes encourage me to face and push through my own emotional prison. Beautiful photo. Have a lovely week.
Thanks Sue, and you have a great week too!
I'm so happy for you Anne. I saw you on the Zoom call and heard your story. I will be praying for you as you journey to health and weight loss. I know you are going to do it. I'm going to use Graham's strategy of visualizing you on your journey. So cool about the guitar. I have returned to my passion of horseback riding (at age 65!). I'm having the time of my life! Please visualize no falling off for me! LOL
You got this Jody! I'm visualizing this and taking it all in, and if God wants to use my story in some way as a way of encouraging and inspiring others, I'll do it. There's so many ideas popping in my head right now about a lot of things, but for now, one day at a time, surrender to God, and having him along side for the ride and guiding me through this. That's what I can do now, and I believe that will help me to inspire others. Wow, I could go on and on, but I close for now. Thank you for your inspiring comments. Blessings to you!
Ah well done Anne👏. Keep it up, there is so much satisfaction to achieving another mile. Everyone is worthy Anne💓
I agree 100%!
Anne, it's so good to hear that you believe in yourself more. You're so worth it. Keep practicing on your guitar, that brings so much joy. You are doing so well! Congrats🙏✨
Thanks Bie - It was great to put a face with your name on Saturday's call. I'll practice after work. We're all worthy, we just have to believe it and get rid of those toxic lies! It all deals with the Soul! Blessings to you my friend!
Anne as I read this I could actually hear the enthusiasm emitting from you. With your faith in God and determination, you got this!!!
Thank you Delores! This brought tears to my eyes when I read your comment! This has been a long time coming, but I'm truly humbled and grateful for the support. The prayer and meditation each and every morning is what sets the tone for me! If I didn't do that, this would not be happening. I owe it all to God! Blessings to you!
Anne congratulations on your accomplishments you are making. God takes us by the hand and leads us in the best direction he knows for us. Keep up the good work. Blessings to you!🤗
Thank you and AMEN! I will certainly give it my all!
First of all, thanks for sharing the ocean with us - such soothing sights and sounds. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the importance of surrendering daily to possibilities. I tend to be a planner and a doer, wanting to take control and be prepared for whatever comes next and then make it happen. It’s not wrong to plan, but I want to leave holes in my plans for God to guide, redirect, or expand my movement throughout the day. I love the idea of keeping a vision for someone. I’m hoping this year to assemble a book of my writings with essays, poetry, photography, and art that is uniquely mine. As you know, it’s a lot of work to put a book together. I’m hoping some ideas I have will fall into place to make it something special and worth reading. It would be great to know that others are holding that vision for me and I’d like to do the same for others. Thanks, Graham, for always encouraging and inspiring. You always make me think!
Cathey you are an inspiration to us all. You bring Peace and clarity to everything you touch. You will succeed and it will be wonderful
Well, you just made me all teary. I really appreciate your words, Jeff, and I am humbled and grateful for your encouragement.
Feel free to use all the Kleenex you need Cathey!
💕
Ms. Cathey you inspired me so much , you will succeed and I can’t wait to own your book. I appreciate you so much and for always cheering me on. I thank you for our friendship it means a world to me🙏❤️
Ok, well apparently tears in my morning coffee are happening today. You mean the world to me as well, Lucy, and I'm envisioning that one day we will meet and bear hug in person!
Yes after my beautification if no more roadblocks and I am in tears right now 🙏❤️
Hugs!! 💕
I love reading your post, I don't miss them. I write school texts, the editor are in the final stage, it's a very interesting job. I wish you a lot of success.
Text writing is something I'm dabbling in, too. Content writing for websites is a new experiment for me also. So many opportunities and I have to weigh how they all fit with my purpose and gifting.
You have a nice way to transmit your messages, you are a very inspiration person.
That means a lot, Elizabeth - thank you!
Great comments! It's good that you are planning to collect all of your unique creations in a book. I have considered doing the same with my writings and photos, but time keeps getting in the way. I have considered creating "my own" Substack, like Graham and so many others have done. Please keep us posted on your progress. We are so good at inspiring each other!
Philip, in return to your very encouraging comment here, I would encourage you to create a Substack page and as time allows, pull your writings and photos together. I do understand time limitations! I have four busy grandkids and it's partially for them that I want to do the book. Go for it!
Cathey & Philip ~ I don't know if you've heard of StoryWorth or not. (They advertise on tv. ) It's a computer subscription that allows you to write your own stories, poems, etc. add pictures on the computer, then print it as a hardcover copy n color or black & white. You can order as many copies as you want. I received a gift subscription one year -- and then gave the book I created over that year to my siblings, children & grandchildren for Christmas. My book was called Remember When & was full of stories from my childhood. It was a hit.
Thank you, Jan, for this recommendation. I know at first I will want to produce limited copies. I will definitely explore this option!
Jan, that sounds amazing. I will definitely look into it. Sounds like something family members would treasure.
Four grandkids! Wow, that's so nice. If you can find the time, then I have no excuse. Thanks for the encouragement!
Join me with the vision of publishing! Let’s go for it!!
I am with you, Tricia! 💕🙌👍
I'm looking forward to your book. It will be amazing!✨
So am I! Keep us posted! :)
Absolutely! Thank you!
Thank you, Bie! 💕
After reading your story in Substack I to can’t wait to buy your book.
Wow, thank you, Shari. I have a lot of work to do yet, but I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your support and encouragement!
I will do that Cathey! Graham said he would hold all of the visions we shared with him. I feel he is for me as I am as well. I’d love to hold your dream and manifest it coming to fruition. All the very best!
Thank you for your support, Sherry! Means the world!
I look forward to your book, Cathey! You are a gifted writer.
Thank you so much, Joan. 💕
Love the poem and the idea of envisioning future events/experiences. For me it’s a continuing growth in relationships with my kids, keeping my heart and mind open to God’s plans for me and to appreciate the new blessings.
This is my vision for my journal entry in June after we take our family trip.
“Our family trip together was so fun and rewarding. There were many fun times together sharing past memories filled with laughter and some tears, made many new memories especially with grandkids, played favorite card game “ golf” many times, but most of all felt the love and joy of being with family. Looking forward to the next time we can all be together.”
The new peace I’ve found in my heart this past month has guided me to also work on my overall well being. Am starting a new workout/ walking routine, along with more healthy diet and meditation. Trusting that God is guiding my steps all the way.
Sharing moments of laughter and moments of tears with your family are the most beautiful treasures in life. Cherish them.💕✨
Thanks, plan to cherish every moment together. Haven’t been all together since last May.
I'm envisioning a growing relationship for you and your kids. There is nothing like it. It was so refreshing when my girls became adults to become their friends and stop parenting them. I have two girls and two great son-in-laws. We do a family vacation together every summer and while things don't go totally smoothly (5 grandkids are in the mix), we thoroughly enjoy and look forward to these vacations every year. This year it has worked out for us to go to Jamaica in June and my oldest grandson can't stop talking about it!! I wish you all the best on your vacation. Also, there's nothing like the "Peace of God that passes all understanding" in your heart. I'm visualizing a continuation of that peace for you!
Wonderful! Let’s keep our coffee dates going, laughter is soooo good!
Definitely!
Linda, it is a continuing growth! I can totally relate to that. I love your vision! Blessings!
I'm envisioning your trip too Linda! And I'm right there with you on taking the steps to better health. Baby steps each day...
This is sound amazing Linda we take family vacation yearly with our son and his family and we take our three little people with us also. I love family vacation together making memories is the best.
Looking forward to family time together in the area where I grew up, taking my young grandkids there for the first time, so excited to show them . Unfortunately the farmhouse where I grew up is no longer there..it’s a corn field!
Sounds like an amazing trip!
Hope so but like Graham said might be a left or right turn along way, which will handle if that happens.
Exactly what I'm personally working on lately - flexibility to take a different path or change directions as God leads. Hope it all comes together for you.
What a wonderful vision!
Thanks, Jody. We used to take family vacations every year while kids were still at home. Before my husband passed we took road trips every summer, loved it. I still take road trips on my own.
Right now, I am in the preliminary stages of directing & producing a production of M*A*S*H at our community theatre in order to raise funds for two local non-profits I love: one for neglected children and the other for suicide prevention.
I put out a call on FB to see if there were other people interested in helping me stage this show. I’m excited because I already have enough volunteer actors and crew people after one “fishing trip” to do this Benefit. And, a former student of mine, who is the head sound engineer for Wicked, is willing to help me with the set, light & sound design.
I have faith we can do 6 really entertaining performances of M*A*S*H to sold-out audiences next February, but, more importantly, I am hoping, trusting, letting go – that during the process God touches someone in the cast, on a crew, in the audience who is struggling with life.
Thank you to everyone that holds this vision with me -- a successful production of M*A*S*H that actually changes someone’s life. I can see it & it feels like LOVE in action...
So exciting Jan! We stand with you in your vision. Live theatre is such an incredible gift. Praying much abundant fruit and life come from this. 🙌🏻
Thank you so much, Deborah! I feel uplifted today. xoxo
I loved that show! Wonderful
Holding this vision with you, Jan! Sounds like a wonderful production and experience for all involved. Your leadership on it will bless many others.
Thanks, Cathey ~ I will hold the vision of your wonderful book in my mind. And, I will look forward to buying my very own autographed copy. xoxo
Aw, thank you, Jan! Now I have to not just envision it, but do the work to make it happen! 😂
Jan it is so fulfilling to do what you are doing. Not only are you raising awareness of these two wonderful causes in your community and supporting them but think how fulfilled all of your volunteers will be, what confidence will bring to them and maybe there will even be someone in your crowd so inspired to pass their talents on to others or fulfill a need that they have suppressed! You are doing the work of an Angel!
Thank you! One of my cast member's older brother (a former student of mine) committed suicide when he was 39. The cast member has struggled with that loss ever since. He has never been on stage before but wants to play Klinger, the part his brother played in our high school production. It is bound to be very emotional. I hope cathartic. By the way, I am sure you will find many new ways to serve after your retirement. I don't know how I had time to teach -- with all the Angel Work to do. Hee hee!
I loved M.A.S.H. I watched it all the time with my dad we loved Klinger, Radar, and Alan Alda. I can’t remember for the life of my his character. I know it will be a big hit specially for those who might be helped by the play. You have a big heart Jan and everything will work out I can see it now M.A.S.H. now opening to a theater near you. Go get ‘‘em girl.
Thanks so much, Shari, for envisioning M*A*S*H with me. I appreciate your support. Alan Alda was the talented, quirky doctor Hawkeye (one of Alda's favorite characters from James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans.) You probably didn't need to know all that. Just an old English teacher who couldn't resist. Ha Ha!!!
I just completed a very difficult decision as I sold my house that I lived in for the last 30 years and moved into a condo. I do believe it was the right decision and that eventually this new place will feel like "home". Time will tell. My next big thing will be whether to pursue a new relationship. Haven't been on a first date in 35 years. Unfortunately, my vision of the date keeps coming in quite comical and disastrous. I somehow need to change that vision, enough that I get the nerve to take the leap. Perhaps someday soon ...
Hi Carol, I just read your comment and it helped me in what I am going through right now. I lost my husband 6 weeks ago tomorrow and I am in the process of getting ready to sell my house which I lived in for 26 years and I am struggling because I am entering an all new territory and coming out of my comfort zone. I am trying to be positive and reading the comments is definitely helping that things are gonna be ok. Thanks everyone! Graham your poems never fail always an inspiration.
Maria, your husband my not be with you physically. He’s with you in your heart mind and soul. When your by yourself listen close he will guide you thru your next step in a journey you both will walk together. When the sun shines thru the window look he’s there. When a cardinal is on the windowsill he’s visiting you. He’s there always just in a different form. God is always sending you a visit from him. So look and listen he’s there.
Shari, so true, it took me awhile to know that after my husband passed. He would often leave the light on in our garage, the first time I discovered I had done that I thought oh he’s saying hello. There was a cactus that bloomed the first spring after his passing, it had never bloomed before…flowers from him. Maria, like Shari said he’s with you. Blessings as you continue to find your way on this new path. Like Graham said God will guide us, we just need to trust in our faith.
It is so true when my sister passed I made myself feel the sun. I feel if the sun is shining she’s there. God does guide us we just have to be there when he does.
Hi Maria. I listened to you on zoom and my heart broke. I lost my husband 6 years ago, also to ALS. Its a tough road. Its still hard but since Graham came into my life along with all the other friends that I now have, things are so much more manageable. Best wishes to you.
Maria,
Your grief is still all very fresh. Hugs. 💗 Do be gentle with yourself and move forward to soar when you know or feel you are ready. God will give you the strength to move out of your comfort zone, however painful this too may feel.
My prayer is the Lord will give you clear vision of where you are to go. Father God loves you. Jesus came to give life and life abundant and He walks with us through our sorrow.
May His wisdom guide you and His peace and Joy fill you.
Sending prayers of comfort and strength for you. Just remember to as Graham says “ to be gentle with yourself” and trust that God will give you the strength as you step out of that comfort zone.
Sorry for your loss Maria. I am sure this is a very difficult time for you. I went back and forth for almost a year trying to decide whether to move or not. It was not an easy decision but one that I am very glad to have made. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Carol, it took me 8 years to sell mine and then I moved across the country. It's been 2 1/2 years and is different everyday. Covid made is hard to make friends. Dating now, not for me, maybe at some point someone to do things with.
Bev it took 3 years to sell mine it is a very hard decision especially when it was your childhood home, so many memories . When I made that decision and the day came to move I decided I would not look back, baby steps funny how strong you can be when you have to . IGraham has helped me with suggesting meditation and listening to his podcasts I am definitely a different person in a good way much more confident . I loved the poem today Graham 💖🇦🇺🙏
Carol I loved listening to your story at the chat . Just stay positive and more blessings will come in your life! You got this!! 🙏💖
I will be praying for you!!!!🙏❤🙌🏻
Thanks, and I'll pray for you.
Carol, I did the same as you, sold my house after 32 yrs living there, moved to a retirement community, which I love, sometimes have to take a leap of fate. I’ve not even thought of dating again, I work part time, travel when I want to, & love just sitting on my porch enjoying the day. 😃
Carol, I have moved more times than I can count in the last eight years or so after selling my home. Each place I've lived though has been home. Your heart and body are someplace new but home goes with you. And as far as dating...I found if you envision it...it becomes a comedy show like you mentioned. I actively pursued dating after divorcing but once I stopped thinking about it and let it go....well it just appeared! You are a very likeable, full of life person as I saw on our monthly chat, so I just know by just being your awesome self you will attract awesomeness to you! Much love and blessings to you Carol!
Thanks so much Barbara. The comedy show in my head is definitely "must see tv", But you're right - I just need to stop thinking about it. If it's meant to be, it will happen. ❤️
Like I said on the chat, know that feeling of moving. It was a leap of faith for me, glad I did it, my new place is finally feeling like home. Sending positive thoughts your way, Carol, for new blessings to come.
Thanks Linda. Glad to hear it worked out for you.
Your relationship will somehow find you. Keep your heart open and let every opportunity that feels right be part of your future. If it is meant to happen it will- when you least expect it
This community is so supportive and has become an important part of my life. I love having this place for myself, something that is mine alone. Sometimes we try to be so many things to so many people, we forget to put ourselves first once in a while. I am guilty of that too many times. I started to feel a bit empty, questioning who I was at this point in my life. It's not easy to change that, but slowly, I have been doing just that. I have Graham and this group to thank for that. I t has given me the courage to be more assertive about what is important to me to be happy.
Many of us share similar issues or concerns, and it is nice to know one is not alone. One of my favorite songs is "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen, reminding us in the lyrics " you are not alone."
I have recently begun a new weight loss journey in which I envision myself much happier with myself one year from now. I am blessed with good health, but I am not happy with my weight. I am the only one who can change that. So the plan has started and I'll see how it goes. I bought some books Graham has spoken about and have been trying some New recipes from it. I do a lot of roasting now and have discovered roasted mini peppers as a new favorite. You can turn this into a fun experience if you just give it a chance. I am feeling really hopeful. I envision being in a much different place a year from now in this particular journey.
Hi Cynthia, I will join you. I’ve lost 35 lbs and just had a stationary bike manifest itself. I’ve hit a plateau and this is encouraging to me. Let’s cheerlead for each other!❤️❤️
Absolutely. I've already changed some eating habits and I feel great. I don't even miss what I gave up. Funny what the right mindset and support can do.
I have not been to my gym since covid, but I am thinking of going back soon. In the meantime, I will start walking in my neighborhood. I've been waiting for it to warm up a bit. We're getting there.
Woohoo Connie!
I'm with you Cynthia! And so good that you are doing this while still in good health. Putting the horse before the cart!! I'm on a get healthier path and will vision walking with you too!
Same here Barbara! Thank you for the encouragement! Good luck to you also!
Cynthia - we can be on this journey together! I know you can do it. That's why I'm doing it because I'm in good health for my age, and I am so thankful for that. Believe, take one day at a time, and I truly believe it can happen. The support you get from this community is simply amazing! Blessings to you!
You can do it!✨
I believe you and I feel the same way. When I first became part of this wonderful family I was not sure I would be excepted. Though everyone here was so nice and excepted me for me no one else. I’m so happy you are here to share your story of all your journeys. I will keep your vision that everything has worked out. Have faith and know God is in control.
Being here is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I' m glad I gave it a try as I am loving it and Graham is just a gem. Sometimes we just have to put ourselves out there and see what happens. If Graham did it, we can. I am from Rhode Island in New England, if you want to share where you are from. Thanks for the feedback, nice to hear from people.
I’m from Illinois about 1hr and 1/2 from Chicago. I live in a small town called Kingston. I’ve always wanted to travel to New England I love to travel though my husband does not.
Just got back from my 6 month Dr apmt and I've lost 6 lbs since I got serious in March. Had a really good visit and everything is headed in the right direction. Going to just stay positive and keep going. I also started on a new probiotic which I am really loving. I feel great and happy. Now if the wind here would just die down.
Cynthia Congrats on loosing six pounds. My co-workers and I are on the biggest loser contest here at work. It’s a fun way to do weight loss. We weight in in June. My co-worker has lost 12 I’ve lost 10. You should join the health and wellness Graham has started we can cheer all of us on. Again congratulations.
Where is Graham's health and wellness group? I wasn't aware of it. I would love to join that.
Once again Graham you have blessed us with a beautiful poem. You bring so much inspiration, beauty, and love to this world. I believe God placed you in each of our lives at just the right time. Thank you for continuing to share bits of your heart and soul with us.
Last week you spoke of the nudges and signs we receive intended to give us direction. I know that I have been getting those signs for awhile now concerning my retirement. I haven’t been totally ignoring them but just dragging my feet. As a teacher I feel there is still so much more for me to do for the kids. I love my job and the students, and I have the most amazing coworkers. I just haven’t been ready to leave that all behind. Due to some recent nudges, I now believe that God is leading me in that direction. My husband is retiring next month due to health reasons so now the time has come for me also.
My husband and I used to travel and camp a lot but have not been able to do that due to his health. He has found some promising treatments so hopefully we will get back to doing what we love.
My vision for the future is a wonderful retirement where my husband’s health is better, we are able to enjoy traveling again, and can continue to serve others together. Plus, a couple of grandkids to love on would be great too.
Thank you so much Graham for standing alongside all of us, holding our visions, and surrendering to a higher power.❤️❤️
The decision has been made, the first step has been taken
Listened to the whisper
Don't wait for your retirement to follow your dream
There is only the now
I see myself with my husband
moving to the French Pyrenees
receive guests, organize retreats
Taking care of children who have lost their way…
I believe in our 'Talentopia' project
to help children discover and develop their talents
A new energy flows through my body
a passion that I didn't know I still had in me
a head full of plans
a heart full of confidence
a body full of commitment
and Graham teaching me to accept the outcome whatever that may be
I do my best and God does the rest
Thank you Graham for another beautiful poem written as if it were for me, as for many people in this group. I wish everyone a lot of inspiration, courage and success in making life-changing decisions.
A toast to Future and faith! 🙏💖
Bie, your chat story was so inspirational. I just love your mission. Giving children your guidance, love and support through your work is the ultimate gift to our future. Love it so much!
Bie ~ I am holding the vision of your "Talentopia" in my mind. It sounds like such an exciting venture -- such a worthwhile endeavor. I am sure God will bless you as you take this risk & He will help you create a wonderful retreat where children discover & develop their God-given talents. Hope you will share your progress as you go...
Thank you for supporting me!🙏💕
Now I just love the way you always express yourself. It comes from within and from your heart. You are an inspiration and no matter where you are, your aura your glow your fierce commitment will serve blessings on whomever you touch. Best of everything on your new endeavor!
Thank you for this compliment. I often doubt whether I'm using the right words... English is my third language and not so easy...
I love being part of this group. You are all so supportive. I am learning so much!
I love that line there is only the NOW!
this poem hits home for me.....a while back I had e huge decision to make...do I retire from 32 years of teaching and have empty nest all at the same time? I was scared, nervous, and afraid of the unknown......then the pandemic hit in March and I knew that was a sign to believe in faith and let go.....I retired and never looked back.....best decision I have ever made ......fusion future and faith ......
I relate to this a lot, Julia, as I made a similar decision a year ago and took a big leap to try something completely new. A year later I am so relieved and grateful that I followed through on my decision. I'm glad you feel the same!
I know exactly how you feel. I am now going down the same path after 35 years of teaching. For me there is no retirement yet but a new project. I have a vision that I won't regret it either✨
Jody, I made the same decision in 2017. All I'd ever known was working as Nurse. I have been single for years & worried about whether I could afford to retire & what would I do with myself. Faith in mysel & the Lord & determination in those early years resulted in the realization that I could find peace & enjoyment in retirement. Have fun.
Jody you are going to love it...TRUST ME !!!!!
Jody read my post. Even though you retire the service, love to help people and the ability to expand your own horizons will provide you enough pleasure, desire in your heart. It’s a new beginning not an end!
Retirement can be a scary thing when you've done something you've loved for so often. I will say what everyone else says and that is I seem to be busier in retirement than I ever was when I was working! I also have the ability to be more available to help others and do the traveling that we weren't able to do when we were working. Good luck with your decision. I'll be praying for you. East Coast Jody!
My answer this week is my attitude, my outlook,my vision will either crippled or enable me? It is the small changes repeatedly daily healthy habits, positive forward thinking, being secure enough to lift those around me that will push past where I need to be and into surplus, where I am destined to be.I choose success, choose to fly! I can do this! Today I need some changes to make reach my goals or accomplish that dreams that burning inside of me. If I continue down the path the one I’ve always lived, I can’t expect changes to come to the one’s, I’ve always needed-just like the seasons- shaken so. The dew then icy break much change is needed for - future share. These things we yet may not know but soon will be revealed. When minutes upon majestic back of times melodious song. Feel free to dance the change of tune or buck the roaring dog, but all will come the sands of time and cast it’s perfect throng. Today let us breath , stand up and find hope. Let us believe God for binary blessing. Putting my trust to God is the best way the only way - to truly live free. Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. ( Proverbs 3:5-6)
Lucy whatever has gotten you through all of the obstacles, impossibilities, setbacks, the trauma and has allowed you maintain your positivity, your desire to inspire and to reach out to allow your words to allow others to heal is enough to propel you forward through murky mess that you face in front of you. You are a survivor and in return have guided many the strength to face adversity as you have. Peace and blessings. You are an inspiration!
FYI you are always in my thoughts and prayers every time I do my devotion
Thank you Elisa I appreciate you very much❤️🙏
Do you have a specific prayer request so that I can tell to our Lord Almighty?
Yes please that my trip in 2 1/2 weeks will be good and for June 20 my big surgery that no roadblocks. I just want to get this beautification done it’s been too long 8 years this December. Thank you so much❤️🙏
Standing with you in prayer💗🙏🏼
Thank you I appreciate you🙏❤️
Lucy I will write it down in my prayer book
Thank you so much Elizabeth 🙏❤️
Thanks Lucy, you are an inspiration to us all.
That is one of my absolute favorite verses. And also I was going to encourage you just to focus on small wins. Sometimes looking at the overall picture can be daunting.
Thank you that’s my therapist remind me with long winter we had experience last three weekends I couldn’t control my mind. My daily ritual is pray , meditate first thing when I wake up . Then I walk on my treadmill as I have to or else I will limp from my left hip bones were used on my left cheeks. I just want this stuff to be over , it will be 8 years in July . ❤️🙏
Bless you my dear! He’s right there with you!
I will keep pushing forward as my Almighty God continue to gifted me my breath of life daily. ❤️🙏
Lucy - love that verse. Amen!
Me too Anne all my favorite verse in couple journals.❤️🙏
Vision? Great topic. Just trying to find the ability to see. My heart sees everything but my eyes not so much. I’m eager to begin things but have limitations. I began classes online but had to delay because of a bleed in my right eye. I’m not going to let this stop me. So I can still see enough to paint. My black Lab has become my therapy dog. So what if I’m like Monet and my paintings are a bit off. I’m going to follow through and faith in my God will clear the path for me. Reading your poems help me with hope.
I love your persistence and not letting your eye issue stop you. Monet is famous for his "bit off" paintings so maybe you will be too.
Don't give up...✨
I love that you still have a "vision" even if your physical vision is a struggle. You have a talent and a gift and I'm so glad you are feeling the freedom to keep at it. Hope you get to do the classes soon!
I’m so sorry to hear this Lucinda but there are ways this condition in your eyes can be treated. I will send you a DM with the information. Also your paintings are not off at all , you are very good!!🙏💖
Thank you this makes me feel better.
I am so sorry for what you are going through. I will be praying for you!!! 🙏❤🙌🏻
Thank you, prayer is a life builder.
Lucinda art is more about what one feels, rather than sees, so your art will be extraordinarily beautiful!! Thank you, Irene for reaching out to Lucinda in a tangible way. Blessings upon that.
Envisioning future success...
Two upcoming outcomes -
Italy, I have embraced the idea of living in Italy for 3 months overcoming the apprehension of traveling on my own. I have met amazing people along the way who shared with me their culture, history, art, food & wine. People who embraced me & helped me navigate their language & travel their beautiful country from north to south.
Self care - because of the inspiration from others, Graham and those I've connected with through association with Graham, I've lost 30 pounds, exercise every day & do something inspirational through prayer, music &/or meditation.
Getting here has not been easy - in fact, it has been agonizing - but I did it! GO ME!
Thank you Graham for your inspiring words today.
I can well imagine what your trip will be... Bravo for 30lbs loss !
Keep in mind Christelle, this is what I envision as a future accomplishment. I love your "Bravo" & will do my best to deserve it. 🥰
I'm very inspired by your trip to Italy and will envision just what that may look like with you. I hope you are able to share your journey with us somehow by words and/or photos. And I'm with you on that self care train!!! Good for you 30lbs!! Bravo!
As I replied to Christelle, these are my goals - envisioning success. Love the "Bravo" & will do my best to deserve it.
🫂💕
I'll envision it with you too!
Thanks Barbara.
Way to go! Awesome! Keep going.
Well done Juliann! Proud of you!
Thanks for your support Anne. I think I must have used the wrong tense when writing my feedback to Graham's poem because folks think I have already lost the 30#. 🤦♀️😏
It's what I envision for my future.
Congratulations with your recent weight loss. 👏👏👍
Hi Juliann - Not a problem. We're here to support and encourage one another no matter what! I am grateful to each and every person in this community. I've got a vision but for now I'm focusing one day at a time. We'll get there! Take Care and God Bless!
I am a person that really overthinks and stresses about most things that are happening in my life. I have a daughter that is a single mom who divorced her drug addict husband. She also works for herself with no other income. I am going to choose to celebrate her success and be positive that it has already happened. Thank you so much Grahame.
You can no longer control your past Charmaine but you can must all that energy within to plan and implement your future. Faith, confidence, resolve, trust are the words in front of you. Leave can’t won’t and shouldn’t behind!
Thank you so much! 🤗
Well, I don't know where to begin! There is so much in that poem, Graham. I will start with the question...what feeling(s) will I feel when I am holding my book in my hands for the first time? FREEDOM, JOY, STRENGTH, and THANKFULNESS! I can't pick just one feeling, and I think I will feel many more and ones that I don't even know what they are yet. The experience I am looking to create is becoming a published author. So, I am holding the space of it being bound and published and yet I am still in the throes of writing. I have had a wonderful third solo retreat. My writing coach/editor said recently to me that until I see writing this book as a second job, then I will not truly move forward. This was great advice. I am seeing it as a second job or getting there! So, the action, Graham, I have to take is to write more often and not just when I go away for a retreat. I am declaring right here and now, Christmas is my goal! So, thank you to all of you that will hold the space for me through prayer and cheers! I look forward to reading all of your thoughts and doing the same for you! As Donny said on my live, prayer is powerful!
Related to this...I came across a wonderful book, Falling Upward by Richard Rohr. He explains that most of us live as if we are a "first-half-of-life" culture who are mostly concerned with "surviving successfully." The beauty is when we discover "the task within the task", or as Richard Rohr puts it, "what we are really doing when we are doing what we are doing?"
So this is my challenge to myself that I will not just go about this goal of writing my book to survive successfully but to discover the task within the task. The joy and the freedom once it is completed will be because of the journey that the Lord is taking me on as I am writing this book. My prayer is that I will not get caught up in the to do's but to see what it is I am really doing as I am doing it! Blessings to all of you beautiful people who I feel so blessed by!
I cant wait to get a copy of your book .
Nice words, I'm sure your book will be a great Christmas present.
Eeep! Pressure's on now to get it done in time for that. 😆
I look forward to reading your book because I already love your perspective!
Thank you Cathey…right beck at you! You’re an inspiration to me!!
Tricia - praying for you my friend and I know you will complete that book. God will guide you every step of the way! I know exactly what you mean by challenging yourself! You go girl! May God bless you!
Thank you Anne! I love the prayers! He is guiding me for sure!
I will join this visualization "train" and visualize you completing your book by Christmas! I'm going to check out the "Falling Upward" book too. Best of luck to you.
Thank you! I am feeling a big dose of affirmation! Here we go on this "train"!
I'm looking forward to your book, Tricia. You have so much to share!🙏✨
You are a dear, Bie! Thank you! I am excited to see where the Lord takes all of this!
All the best to you on your journey of writing your book, Tricia. I look forward to your announcement that you’ve completed it. ....Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation is a source of great inspiration to me.
Yes thank you! I appreciate all the support! I can’t believe I have not come across Richard writings sooner than now!
Tricia -- holding your vision of a book by Christmas in my mind. I bet God helps you find the time. Keep your eyes open for those extra minutes. xoxo
Love that...yes, extra minutes. It does not have to be extra hours or days! Thank you!
Tricia writing a book is to teach, to allow the readers to follow with you on a journey, to challenge themselves as you have challenged yourself. It is a magical ride steeped in faith, understanding, desire challenge, love, hope and freedom. You put your heart and soul in it to not only cleanse and satisfy yourself but to instruct, challenge, force others to think truths and castaway false beliefs. It helps to allow others to feel what is really important in life and what is just window dressing. Just following you on IG makes me confident you will accomplish all of your goals and you will help others to learn and in turn teach others.
Wow! Thank you so dearly for the cheers! I feel it in my heart. I am so excited to be on this journey with this community.