Saturday, June 4, 2011

Giving Hands

One Giving Hand

"As you grow older,
you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself,
and the other for helping others."
- Audrey Hepburn

One year ago today - which also happens to be my birthday - I left an area I had lived in for decades, where people I love still live. I moved because of work and the grace of a dear ones loving and believing-in-me referral - the recession's impact had also forced me to broaden my viewpoints on what my next step would look like. The majority of my career has involved helping others identify and obtain environments where they can live comfortably and, hopefully, where they would also "bloom". My current work - although different - is simply an off-shoot of that dedicated purpose.

Also a year ago, because of the work, I became a stranger in a new town - unfamiliar with even the simplest resources (a good grocery store, coffee shop, book store, or the best roads to travel) ... a year later, that is no longer true. With time and effort, I now live in a community that embraces me and I return the hug wholeheartedly. Yesterday, my new community surprised me with a beautifully designed birthday cake, happy song, and generous presents that reflect some things I love (how very kind of them to be paying attention).

My life has become a joyful rhythm of giving and receiving... I am grateful to welcome in another year... and I am also so very grateful for my communities - both old and new - that make up the beautiful, distinctive tapestry of my one precious life.

Thank you for your hand in my life; I adore this blog community...
I wish you abundant joy and God's blessings in return...

11 comments:

d e l i g h t said...

Happy Birthday Karen! I hope you have a wonderful day and the coming year is a good one for you. Lovely thoughts and photo in this post and I have copied the quote from Audrey Hepburn to put in my quote files.
Linda

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

happy birthday karen !!! i enjoyed reading your post....

and i couldn't agree more...i sure do enjoy this blogging community too...

happy to stop by for a visit today, my friend

sending love,
kary and teddy
xo

Lee said...

Happy birthday, dear Karen. You are a blessing to any community.

Anyes said...

Happy Birthday, Karen. Such a heartwarming post about the continuity of one's life across communities. Someone like you is bound to be loved and accepted everywhere she goes :-)

kiki said...

Happy Birthday My Dear Sister Bird****

What a beautiful day, this day of YOURS. I reach my hand always to lift you only for moment to say "hello with love", because I enjoy too much seeing you land, share and fluff up so beautifully in every place.
maybe, just maybe you were always meant to stop in, to play awhile, and then to find a new perch to do it all again so gracefully. Everywhere deserves a YOU in their garden of life!
happy happy birthday, much love xoxo

beth said...

i'm a little bit late....but happy happy birthday to you sweetie !
i baked you a cake, too...but we ate it. i knew you'd want us to, as shipping it would have been so hard :)

your community has let you in, because you let them in first....they must have noticed your angel wings :)

Birdie said...

Dearest Karen, how sorry I'm to be a bit late, if only I knew before that your day was on the 4th ... my dear Karen a very happy birthday to you!!! it sounds like you had a wonderful day and I'm so happy to hear that! You well deserve to celebrate YOURSELF !!! Thank you for being who you are and thank you for enriching my life (and so many others) so deeply!!! Sending so much love as much you can take ;-) ...

Joey said...

I just found your blog... you must be a very precious woman.

My Grandmother made a huge impact in my life... I look forward to reading your posts. The quote is a keeper, and the photograph? You inspire me.

God bless you, Karen.
Joey

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen,
I was so happy to be a part of your birthday celebration. You inspire others to reach out and lend a hand. Blessings as you deal with your new community and your old one as well.
Love, Pam xo

karen - Simply Inspired said...

*each of you have graced my birthday weekend so beautifully with your kind words... thank you so very much... with love and blessings to you in return...-xok.

christina said...

happy birthday, my dear friend.
i send you love, and the warmest hug.
XO

About Me

My photo
I have always been inspired by my Grandfather's particular generosity and encouragement, along with his love for others and nature. His spirit lives on, and the influence is quietly with me as I write and share. This is my small offering that I pray will bless others and allow them to become Simply Inspired. warmly, karen -xok.

Each day provides its own gifts.

- Marcus Aurelius

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