Gratitude Buddy

 

Sometime last year this lovely lady, Renee, and I found each other in the blog world. You know how it goes...you find a new blog, a little something about it draws you in and before you know it you have found a friend. Renee and I would read each others blogs, and then one day I got an email from Renee. We chatted about a few things via email and our connection grew stronger. Towards the end of December an email from her showed up in my inbox asking if I would like to be her gratitude buddy.

I had never heard of a gratitude buddy, but followed the link Renee had sent to learn more. Basically we email each other at the end of each day with a little list of the things we are grateful for. It is a very simple practice with profound benefits. I had been keeping a gratitude journal already and thought sharing my gratitude would be a wonderful next step.

So I sent the first gratitude email on January 1 and we haven't missed a day. The really amazing thing is that it is more than just gratitude we share each day, we share so much more. From tough parenting moments, to the really good ones. From trips to the yarn shop to the little moments of time we carve out to knit and read. From little successes in our lives to the bits of sadness and disappointment that make our hearts ache. These last few months have been the beginning of a wonderful connection.

What I have failed to mention so far is that Renee lives in the UK and I live in Canada. You can imagine how happy I was to learn Renee's parents live just a short 90 minute drive from my home and that she was coming to visit for Easter. We made plans to meet for lunch.

Yesterday was the day. We met at the lovely Raw Aura for lunch and had a wonderful time. I felt so comfortable in her presence, like we were long lost friends, soul mates from another time. We enjoyed delicious food, swapped some gifts, introduced our children to each other and I got to met her hubby. We talked, laughed and enjoyed our time together.

I was sad to see it come to an end, but little ones were getting antsy and the time had come to make the trek home. A few pictures, some hugs and fond farewells and we were off. It was a lovely visit and I know our friendship will continue to grow as we share our gratitude and lives through our emails each day.

Love and hugs to you Renee. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.

P.S. Yes, that is my shalom I am wearing.