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...