oh joy! a gratitude giveaway

My schedule has been insane. In fact, for the first time in my life, I was walking through the airport tonight and I couldn't remember where I was. It was a desperate, anxious feeling for a minute. Finally, I saw an ad in the terminal that said something about Minneapolis.

It's been so busy because all of the September events were cancelled due to Hurricane Ike and rescheduled on top of my busiest months - October and November. Normally, I would be melting down about now, but something very powerful happened last week. I was messing with my blog and I re-read this quote from last week's post:

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.

--Brother David Steindl-Rast

Yes, I've got too much on my plate right now with the rescheduled Ike events. Yes, I'm tired of traveling. Yes, I could use some downtime.

But, let me tell you . . . I feel so incredibly grateful right now.

I get to do work that I love, work that I'm passionate about, and work that I believe can make the world a better place.

If you combine my conference keynotes and my lectures and my workshops, I've probably been in front of 2,000 people in the last few weeks. 2,000 amazing, engaged, curious, insightful people. People who challenge me and teach me; people who help me understand myself and my work better by asking me questions and sending me emails. People who write to say "thanks" and people who write to say, "what does this mean?"

I'm so grateful to all of these people and to all of you who do the exact same thing on this blog.

My work is demanding and sometimes even exhausting, but it fills me with gratitude and brings incredible amounts of joyfulness into my life. I know how lucky I am to get to do what I love and to have a partner who believes in my work and believes in me.

So, to show my appreciation, I've got a give-away for you! My soul sister Andrea has a new pendant out that is perfect for the occasion. All you have to do to win one of these beautiful necklaces is leave a comment about what makes you grateful and brings joy into your life.

The giveaway closes on Thursday at 7pm!

And, seriously, if you visit the blog or you are a parent in San Antonio or you were a participant in the Connections training or at Shell or at the Medical Center, or if you were a conference attendee in Iowa or Utah - or if you live here in Minneapolis and we're going to spend the day together tomorrow - - thank you!

Update on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Brené Brown

Ellen randomly picked a number based on the number of comments and the winner is . . . Jenn Hain! Congrats.

Jenn wrote: I am grateful that I have a job where I get to help people on a daily basis in a company that rewards me in a multitude of ways. I am grateful that I have rich relationships with my family and friends. I am grateful for my health. I am grateful that I woke up this morning and get to live this day to the fullest. The things that bring me joy: being outside, running, connecting with friends, reading, watching movies, eating healthy food, laughing, taking photos, writing on my blog, seeing the sunrise and sunset, travel, there's just too much to even write in this small space. God is good.

And, because this person started it all . . . a second necklace goes to DeeDee Parker Wright. My gift to the friend who orignially sent the gratitude quote that has meant so much to so many of us, then posted this:

How can I say this...I am unbelievably grateful for the human drive for connection. It's weirdly circular so come with me here: For the past few weeks, I have been in that danger zone of frightening isolation where I think only I can or must do things or that maybe I don't actually need a partner in parenting because he takes too much energy and time from the really meaningful but challenging work I have chosen. So I listen to books as an escape so that my car time is sacred or at least a treat and send you an email about the book. You dig my quote at the bottom of my email and share it on your blog not once, but TWICE, (which has some big God laughs on it because I just can't get the message the first time) so that I finally figure out that I need the reminder about gratitude leading to joy more than anyone! Nice...I suppose I can appreciate the irony of being so bossy that it laps me and bites me in the ass!

So my gratitude tonight is all about that need to connect that got me this far and will hopefully help me dig up some courage (the other thing I'm wildly grateful for) to do the hard connecting work with myself and my family. Thank you for creating a space for folks to connect and language and encouragement that leads to so much discovery, within our own lives and with each other. Reading what everyone else is grateful for is like a tonic that takes the sting of "not enough" right out of me! Of course I have enough...far more than I can ever fully appreciate, I imagine. Thanks to all who've shared!

Thank you for all of your comments! I'm actually kinda surprised that all of this love and gratitude energy didn't blow up the blogosphere.

Jenn and DeeDee - please email me with your addresses.

Comments

[karen]

what makes me grateful is my son. he brings so much light into my life. art also makes me grateful and joyful. the time to create and let myself explore. :)

[Mina]

I am grateful for moments that open me to the greater world and get me out of my shell. Today I had one of those moments -- raw in my emotion after seeing a matinee of Rachel Getting Married on my day off I had an unexpected conversation with a stranger that did just that.

Yay for gratitude!

[Allison]

I am grateful for my supportive family.
Learning brings me joy.
I am grateful for change.
My friends bring me joy.
I am grateful to be able to express my gratitude.

[Krista]

can i be grateful that even during some pretty yucky times...
i have so much to be grateful for?! ;)
today i am grateful for those in my life that really know me. the ones that are 'lucky' enough to know it all...and yet they still love me, encourage me, and think i am GOOD.
being that for someone else is what brings me JOY.

ps. need to know if you liked that abra moore song....and add 'I will not be broken' by bonnie raitt.

[busymomma66]

I am grateful for everything in my life right now. I have wonderful friends and family that have been extremely supportive during the last few years, 2 beautiful and loving children, a wonderful job, and I'm finally living for myself.

[Renae C]

I'm grateful to be on the journey - and I'm grateful for those who have opened the doors, lit the path, made footprints to tread in, and walked alongside me holding my hand.

I'm grateful to have been able to sit amidst wise and authentic men and women all learning from one another - while one incredible (and incredibly busy) one taught us things we didn't know and took us places we hadn't been.

I'm grateful to have already been the recipient of one of these awesome giveaways - but I would be grateful again if my name were to be drawn.

[Kee]

I am so joyful when I think about simplicity. We spend our lives running, rushing and never breathing. So much of what we get ourselves involved in isn't necessary to happiness. I am so grateful for the moments that have opended up in my life now that I have stopped frantic movement. I now have real quality and quantity in the time I spend with my four kids and husband.

[Lindsey]

What brings me joy? Having my 4 & 3 year old chant "Obama, Obama" as they are getting ready for bed...

[amy]

i am grateful for the small monotonous moments: packing a lunch, stamping the reading logs of my 8th grade students, quiet moments with the guy I love, my toes on my yoga mat, when my phone rings and it's my mom or dad or a good friend. Yes, there are big moments in life that are exciting and point out "big things" to be thankful for; however, I try to remember to be grateful every day for the "little joys".

[Michelle]

I am grateful to have a fantastic, supportive husband, and a beautiful, healthy baby boy. I am grateful to be able to transition in the upcoming year to being a stay-at-home mom and to try to inspire and bring joy to others by teaching yoga. Most importantly, I am grateful for my health and the health of those around me, because nothing knocks you down quite like being ill. As my mom always says, "if you don't have your health, you don't have much." Wishing everyone good health, happiness and lots of JOY!

[Antje]

I am grateful for discovering your work and your blog. I am grateful for being open to getting to know new people and new ideas. And I am grateful and moved to tears by the incredible choice this country made last week!

[Thien-Kim]

Congrats! You have what I like to call "good-busy". I'm feeling the way you are now. I'm busy with a lot of parties to do, but I'm grateful for the work because I love it. I'm also grateful that my work allows me to be a stay at home mother to my 3 year old.

[B.]

My first thought is of gratitude for my wonderful family: a husband who adores me, three terrific adult kids who respect how I raised them, three grandchildren who just ooze love. Then I remember how grateful I am for my friends, and my work, and my home!

I am going to remember this lovely list when I feel dragged down by life! (Which is pretty frequently).

Thank you for the reminder
1

[Irene]

What "makes" me grateful? What brings me back from the "glass-is-half-empty" brink? So many things, but the ones that pop right to my head as I try to fashion a comment are: sweet/funny things my children do, tender mercies, unexpected kindness, a smile from a stranger, the weather (if it is nice), nature in general, being able to read, and quiet moments at the beginning and end of my day. As for joy, that is easy. MY FAMILY--my cup runneth over! Oh, and Obama winning has brought a lot of joy to my life recently.

[Deirdre]

Love the Joy pendant. You were in Utah?? How did I miss that?!

It seems like Halloween gets stretched longer and longer each year, and my son noted that Thanksgiving doesn't---so we made November "gratitude month" and are noting different things each day.

I'm grateful above all for my health, for my loved ones, and for time here.
I'm specifically grateful that my baby slept during most of our 4 hr roadtrip today;-)

[JJ Sobey]

I am so grateful for my two healthy children. Nothing brings me more joy than they do.

[Lee]

I am grateful for my deeply sensitive 8yo that challenges me everyday to let go of shoulds/coulds and just accept is/will be. I am grateful for my eternally optomistic 3yo who has to twirl because her dress is "twirly". I am grateful for my husband of 20 years who has grown and let me grow, as we continue to journey together. And if I may be a bit materialistc here, I am grateful for my ridiculously expensive camera and lenses that help me to see a whole new world of truth and beauty. And my new PJs that are en route.

[Glad D]

What a coincidence! Tonight, I just posted my Gratlogue on my blog. You can find my list on my blog at http://airynothings.com/2008/11/11/gratlogue-2/

I am especially thankful for blogs like yours!

[ELK]

great post Brene.

I am grateful for music and those that make it ..
daughters who play the Viola and Cello with beauty and passion
preschool students who sing and dance with young abandon
praise team who who lift up voice and instruments to their God each week

[Chris]

I'm grateful for the fact that I can get up every morning, even if it's going to be or IS a bad day. The good will come, too. That's why I'm also grateful that I'm learning patience! LOL

[Elaine]

I am grateful for living in this time.
I am grateful for my three wonderful sons.
I am grateful for a blessed life.

[bridge]

What makes me grateful?
When I stop to look and see without barriers.
When I overcome the barriers to love.
When I stop talking an listen.
When I breath deeply the smell of the child, the sweat of the husband or the dinner I cook.
When I observe without expectation.
When I abandon reason for joy.
When I laugh.
When I cry.
When I feel emptiness and know that as I sit with it -it is passing.

Somehow, I know that I alone must cultivate gratitude in my life.

[Susan]

I am grateful for the chance to be with my 83 yr old parents as my grown self - choosing to lead with compassion, choosing to listen, choosing to love. As the only sibling of four that lives relatively close by (and in the same state), I've had the chance to change my relationship with them in ways that my siblings haven't. I've had the chance to shower them with love and attention in ways that none of us felt was present in our growing up years. Daily, I am given the gift of choice -- do I carry forward my ancient hurts and fears or do I move wholeheartedly into their realm - and the act of leaping towards unabashed love without expectation is a gift that keeps on giving.

[Wanda]

I am so grateful that change is coming here in the US! Hallelujah.

(Yikes. I think I would have a moment of panic not knowing what airport I was in, too.)

[spread your wings]

i really like that necklace

I am grateful for parents who are healthy and active, a compassionate daughter, supportive friends, a rewarding job, beautiful autumn days, a warm cozy home, and... oh so many more little joys each day. oh and i am grateful for all of you ladies who visit my blog on a regular basis and give me words of encouragement - you're wonderful, and i'm grateful for the many blogs out there, like yours, that give me inspiration.

[MarathonMom]

Kissing my kiddos softly on the forehead as they sleep brings me joy. The four of them really wear me out, stress me out, and sometimes drive me crazy. But at the end of the day when I have a moment to really look at each one of them I am reminded of all the joy they bring into my life!! Sounds cliche, but I don't know what I'd do without them.
Btw, I'm in San Antonio!! :)

[Debbi H.]

i am grateful for my children as they have brought such joy and love into my life. I am grateful that my son thinks i'm the best mom ever and how my daughter throws her arms around my neck and says "love you mom". without them, my life wouldn't a direction.

[Monica]

Mmmm...that's easy. I'm thankful for so much. The problem is sometimes I get so stressed out being pulled in so many directions that I forget! I guess right off the top of my head I am most thankful for my family...without them I am nothing. Maggie is the light of my life. I am also thankful for my health and the support of my friends, family and church.

I will be at MD Anderson for the next 2 days...I am hopeful on Thursday I will be able to say I am thankful for being cancer-free for a year and a half!

[Betsy]

hmmm. today? grateful for a house that shields me from the wind and the rain.

[Dee Dee]

How can I say this...I am unbelievably grateful for the human drive for connection. It's weirdly circular so come with me here: For the past few weeks, I have been in that danger zone of frightening isolation where I think only I can or must do things or that maybe I don't actually need a partner in parenting because he takes too much energy and time from the really meaningful but challenging work I have chosen. So I listen to books as an escape so that my car time is sacred or at least a treat and send you an email about the book. You dig my quote at the bottom of my email and share it on your blog not once, but TWICE, (which has some big God laughs on it because I just can't get the message the first time) so that I finally figure out that I need the reminder about gratitude leading to joy more than anyone! Nice...I suppose I can appreciate the irony of being so bossy that it laps me and bites me in the ass!

So my gratitude tonight is all about that need to connect that got me this far and will hopefully help me dig up some courage (the other thing I'm wildly grateful for) to do the hard connecting work with myself and my family. Thank you for creating a space for folks to connect and language and encouragement that leads to so much discovery, within our own lives and with each other. Reading what everyone else is grateful for is like a tonic that takes the sting of "not enough" right out of me! Of course I have enough...far more than I can ever fully appreciate, I imagine. Thanks to all who've shared!

[shawna]

I left that post up for a whole day and made sure to copy that quote down into my journal before closing the page :O) I love that quote.

I'm grateful to be reinspired in my creativity by my daughter, and I'm grateful that after a long day at work, my husband will still pop our fussy daughter in the bjorn and occupy her while I decompress. Did I mention he made dinner and french bread tonight?

[Amalia]

You were in Utah and I missed it? Drat!

What brings me joy?
Sitting on top of a mountain, either alone or with someone I need to share that space with.
Waking to find my boy cat snuggled up next to me purring.
Realizing that my "job"- which is more of a calling- makes a difference to more people than I can count.
Knowing that after searching and struggling that I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

[Christiane]

I am grateful for being able to live where, when and how I live. Only one or two generations back, this would have been a life in war, unfree, full of injustice and pain. I am grateful for having been spared that fate (we call it "Gnade der spaeten Geburt" in German, the mercy of a late birth), and for being able to help those who by no fault of their own are living in war and violence somewhere in this world. It could have been me, deep down I know.

[Cate]

I'm grateful for the "in the moment" moments and realizing that I'm there so I can enjoy every millisecond.

Joy is
- my twin toddlers playing the harmonica and dancing - which was a complete and utter surprise to me - I had no idea they knew what to do with a harmonica!

- the waxing gibbus (almost full) moon that peeked out of the fog tonight so we could all call "goodnight moon" to the sky before bedtime.

- driving at night, moonroof open, no place to be and that wonderful '80s song comes on the radio reminding me footloose and fancy free days.

- an impromtu and unloaded "i love you" from anyone significant, especially toddlers!

So many other things but really just the presence to "be here now" and fully absorb the joy!

Cheers! May all your airports be well-marked...
Cate

[M S]

very simple and very basic, but my three healthy children, and the time that I can spend with them thanks to my hubby.

[Jen A.]

First and foremost? I am most grateful for my faith. For the freedom to believe and worship God. Everything I have are blessings from Him: hub, children, friends, health, secure employment.

Then, I am so incredibly grateful for one gift (amont many!) that God has given me. This gift has enabled me to grow and has altered my attitudes about so many different situations: the ability to laugh at myself without compromising my self-esteem. Loving who I am while not taking myself so seriously has changed my life.

[Joan]

One of my greatest joys comes from looking at my son sleeping... he is 14, but every time I look at him with his head on his pillow, I think... that's my precious baby, even with his braces, his pimples and sometimes his greasy hair! He has the face of an angel. An angel on loan for me to raise, nuture, teach and love abundantly! How lucky does a girl get???!!
Brene, I look forward to your Friday night event in Houston!
joan
p.s. I JUST LOVE THE PENDANT!!

[Giselle]

I am grateful for your CD's that arrived late last week and have been a blessing in my life. I am grateful for having the privilege of raising my daughter Simone. I am grateful for my growing ability to enjoy life just as it is and letting go of expectations of perfection. I am grateful to be learning to appreciate being perfectly imperfect and reinventing myself along the way.

[Karen]

I am grateful for your blog. It lets me know that I am not alone and reminds me that I have much to celebrate. Thank you!

[Anne]

woohoo, a Superhero giveaway. I love Andrea's designs. On the topic of joy and gratitude: I feel joy when I listen to great music, when I get in touch with nature, when I am being creative, when I feel the limits of my body expanding when I am running or climbing. I am grateful for being healthy, for my home and for my friends and family.

[The Other Laura]

I'm grateful that I have a whole day to read and write today.
I'm grateful for my family.
I'm grateful that after a half hour of drama trauma and turmoil yesterday afternoon my seven year old and I were able to come out on the other side and talk about how we could make better decisions and be kinder to each other next time. It was amazing. I felt like parent of the year for about ten minutes!

[Lee-Ann]

I am grateful that everything seems to work itself out eventually.

[Robyn]

Right now I am grateful for pain. Without the pain, the joy would not feel so deep. I am grateful for the lows, because they make the highs so heartfelt. I am grateful for the tears, both from happiness and sorrow. I am grateful for our ability to connect with people who are miles and miles away, who we may never meet in person, but people that our souls connect with.

[Stacey D]

First of all I am glad to hear from you and that you are in a good spot. You had mentioned how busy things were several weeks ago, and I have been thinking about you.

I am very grateful for you and your work. Your work has COMPLETELY changed my life! I feel lighter with out the burden of my shame that I carried with me daily and didn't even know what it was.

Now that I am no longer consumed with shame, I am able to fully appreciate the many blessings in my life... especially my girls. I am a better mom and one who can appreciate the little fun moments throughout the day that use to pass me by when in a shame spiral.
For me that is great joy!

So here I am giving you a great big cyber-hug overflowing with gratitude for your work and passion. Thank you!

[dawnfh]

I am grateful for grief...sounds wierd but it has made me focus more on my family and hold them all a little tighter. Dawnfh

[diane]

i am grateful of the beings who are sure of me despite the fact that i'm not sure of me.

[Elise]

I'm grateful that I can see the good in most situations and have learned how to let go of anger and resentment. Honestly, I wake up feeling joyful almost every day, complete with metaphorical birds singing and sun shining.

[AVCZ]

I am grateful for a husband that "gets" me.
I am grateful for my kids that keep me laughing non-stop.
I am grateful for good books that help me remembr the big picture.
I am grateful for friendships that go back 25 plus years.
I am grateful for my mom.
I am grateful for my work that after a few grinding years, seems to be taking shape and gaining some momentum.

[jen]

I am grateful that each day is a chance to start over and make things new. And I am grateful for coffee ;-)

[Erin]

I am grateful for my family. Without them life just wouldn't be so beautiful!