DAY 421 A Special Award for a Friend

Greetings Journal & Friends!

On August 31, 2009 I had only been blogging for 22 days. Talk about a newbie! I wrote a post called "Question One & Mud or Stars". 

In it, I poured out my heart, answering the question: What are you really hungry for? 

And I talked about my regret at having wasted so many years of my life in morbid obesity.

And I wrote this:

I may be late getting to the party, but I accept the invitation. And I am grateful to be invited, and given a chance to enjoy it with the music turned up, singing and dancing and celebrating the possibilities all the way out! I have plans...big plans...dreams...hopes...visions...daring and exciting. What have I got to lose to at least try???

This is a journey we CHOOSE...it's all about choices...and I choose to never give up, to never quit, and to reach out for my dreams. Why not shoot for the moon?? Even if I miss, I will still be among the stars. Sounds good to me!

That day, Mary (from Wistful Nebulae) was the only person who commented. She encouraged me, and made me feel "heard" and understood.

And in the year plus since then, she has been there through thick and thin, encouraging me to pursue my passions, those things which light up my life. 

To allow those things we LOVE to be the fuel that keeps our bonfires scorching hot!

And Mary didn't just TALK it... she is setting an example to follow by LIVING it. Over and over, her encouragement to hold fast to my dreams have helped carry me through the inevitable rough patches along the way.

She was busy up to her eyeballs with writing deadlines, yet would take the time to email me. 

And THAT is why I would like to pass on this award to Mary, my friend. It is called the Holding Hands Award... "helping me through the turbulence" award. 

Karen at Waisting Time wrote a wonderful post about the award, it's origin, and meaning HERE.

It was given to me by Deb from Deb Will Be Free, a dear friend who has helped ME more than she will ever know.

So, thank you, Mary, for your friendship and for encouraging me to always remember my dreams.

From Dr Phil's book: "Behavorial change is more successful if it is supported by a caring, loyal, and encouraging network of like-minded people who want you to win."

My verse for today: "This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

My quote for today: "It takes a long time to grow an old friend." --John Leonard

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=