Lisa Valentine

Poems help me bear life’s ills without being overcome by them. In the darkest times, writing brings me back to the light, to revelations that bring authentic grief as well as authentic joy. That’s my story today. What is yours? gratefulbloomer.com/blog/fresh-sta…

One mouth to keep shut. Two ears with which to listen. Three seconds to pause. A is for acceptance. B is for benign. C is for compassion. What is on your 1, 2, 3 . . . A, B, C list today? gratefulbloomer.com/blog/1-2-3-a-b…

I am still feeling the physical impacts of my early morning fall and the jolt to my body. That physical jolt led to more emotional clarity though. Surrender. Let go. Do your part. Stay in your lane. Let go some more. Sometimes we just need a jolt. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/jolted

Cancer has led to heartache, grief, fear, and also insight and acceptance. It continues to define and teach. Does that make it a gift? No. It makes it an important part of my life’s story. I will keep writing about it, disjointed or not. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/cancer-an…

A few brief moments of pause and reflection, and I soon had multiple gratitudes listed. Simple. Profound. Life is precious. Life is fragile. Take notice. Take note. What is on your “A, B, C . . . 1, 2, 3” list? gratefulbloomer.com/blog/a-b-c-1-2…

Yes, everything matters in some way at some time. Not in all ways all the time. Living gratefully and taking time to pause allows me to discern what matters now. It’s a good place to start. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/everythin…

This fall break is most welcome. I remind myself, and all reading this, each day presents us opportunities to pause, look around, take a break, and savor the scenery of whatever the season may be. Give yourself a break today. Notice and appreciate. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/fall-break

Marathons are no longer on our horizon, and we miss them. We had many, many long training runs, usually on Saturday mornings. Now, we take long walks together when it fits our schedule. Miles for marriage. Miles across the years of our marriage. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/miles-for…

How about falling expectations? I don’t know about you, but many of my expectations of myself have been downright unreasonable over the span of my life. Rigid. Forced. Pushy. Oh, there was damage done! Plenty of damage to my heart, soul, psyche. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/falling-f…

We rush around, doing what? How about a moment or two to enjoy a sunrise and get some perspective that reminds us rushing is exhausting and frustrating. How about embracing the pain and discomfort of grief or another emotional challenge in our lives? gratefulbloomer.com/blog/robert-fr…

Holding her hands, I feel her warmth. The warmth she has shared with so many in so many ways-13 children, dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a 48-year marriage, a garden, chickens, many, many walks, her journals. She’s had a life. A full life. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/my-mother…

@ANNELAMOTT This is one of my favorites among so many of your words and phrases that deliver just the right poignant punch. Thank you!

My mind is my main problem almost all the time. I wish I could leave it in the fridge when I go out, but it likes to come with me. I have tried to get it to take up a nice hobby, like macramé, but it prefers to think about things, and jot down what annoys it.

Stories. Telling stories. Listening to stories. It is one of the most authentic ways we can honor each other. Will you be a teller or a listener today? Maybe you will have the opportunity to be both. Tell from the heart. Listen with your heart. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/sharing-a…

"The Deer and I" Today, I am grateful for the mobility I have to walk, run, bike and be outdoors among Nature’s abundance. I am also grateful for my senses, especially sight and smell in this moment. What are you grateful for today? gratefulbloomer.com/blog/the-deer-…

Rest in the gap a few times today. Consider the question above, or any others that surface. Questioning our senses means we are tuned in and paying attention to them. Awake, aware, and questioning with curiosity. Have a good day! gratefulbloomer.com/blog/awakening…

What will you and I notice today? Take a moment. Take a break. Step outside. Awaken one or all of your senses. Take in the alive poems waiting for you. To read today's full blog post, click on the image below. Have a good day! gratefulbloomer.com/blog/awakening…

Why do we lose this curiosity and wonder? Actually, it is you and I that get lost. Curiosity and wonder are always there for us to tap. When I do, I find hope for humanity and our planet. It is real, true, generative hope. My senses tell me so. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/awakening…

I pause and take a few breaths in and out. I have put my heart into sitting right here. My to-do list has only gotten shorter by one task—write a blog post. Sitting right here doing what I love in a room I love. Onward! gratefulbloomer.com/blog/sit-right…

Happy World Gratitude Day! Living gratefully brings joy to the seemingly mundane. It makes each moment an opportunity. It generates positive and useful energy. gratefulbloomer.com/blog/ongoing-t…

This movie premiere is a real opportunity to learn more about living gratefully. No need to wait until then though. Pause. Look. Listen. Open to the real gifts right here in real time. Read today's full post to find out more gratefulbloomer.com/blog/txzq9n4p5…