Living Rhea

Gratitude is my way of life

Gratitude is my way of life

A little over a year ago I had a really profound realization that took over my mind and body. For a long period, I froze in deep reflection about the way in which I was living my life.  As I traveled through the past, I realized I hadn't been grateful enough--- for my family, my friends, my relationships, my opportunities, my  gifts, my breath, my senses, my mind. I had never expressed gratitude before in an open, honest, and loving way.

I never quite understood the power of truly expressing gratitude, to self and others. But now I know that the simple act of saying thank you and meaning it is one that is incredibly healing to both the sender and receiver. Since that transformative insight revealed itself, I'm a changed person, and I am grateful for that.

Today, gratitude comes first, literally. I start my day with it and close my evening with it. I begin my day recounting moments I'm grateful for and why. I may complete this activity in silence, or sometimes my partner and I will do it together. Throughout the week, I will do what I can do let one or more persons know how I feel about them, or how much I appreciate them. I send them what I refer to as "love blasts," as it's generally done over the phone or internet.  On most evenings, I will try and scan my day and think about several fun moments that occurred. It's an activity that has brought me much joy.

Besides expressing gratitude in retrospect or via technology, I also do so in real human time. It's a great exercise in awareness and communication. Before I speak my truth, I always make sure to catch the eyes of the receiver. Once I have their eyes, and hence their attention, I smile and let them know how I feel. Often I'll hold on to the gaze for an extended period of time, which I know brings out discomfort in many of us. But beyond that discomfort, based on my experience, is someone who truly wants to be loved and appreciated. I hold onto that feeling, which gives me the strength to break through my own discomfort.

Today I want to express how grateful I am to my community for listening, reading, participating, supporting, encouraging, cheering, critiquing, hosting, editing, photographing, filming, sharing, raving, servicing, strategizing, brainstorming, believing, commending, seeing, and loving.

I'm filled with happiness at the thought of how much my community has done for me and the Living Rhea team.  Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

I can't list you all, but I will mention some of you who've been involved with some serious projects, including the launch of my website, photography & videography, design & marketing, strategy & advisory, and event & media support.

Photography & Videography

Design & Marketing

Strategy & Advisory

Events & Media

To our entire community: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!