tgif + believe giveaway

Happy TGIF.

I'm in a strange and tender place right now. I don't really know how to describe it except to say that I'm feeling way too grown-up. Ellen and I did a dress rehearsal for Halloween and she took my breath away.

I looked at her - dressed just like I used to dress - and thought, "OMG. I'm her mom!" I love being a mom more than anything, but I think I convinced myself that Ellen and Charlie would stay little forever. At least little enough that I could keep pretending that I'm a kid too - that the stacks of mail belong to someone else - that I can be sheltered from hard news - that someone else is in charge - that my parents can fix everything.

I found this video on Katherine's site. It's based on her wonderful book, Everyone is Beautiful (click here to read an interview I did with Katherine) I think this video does an amazing job communicating the bittersweet experience of growing up.

So, today

I'm trusting that it's OK be happy where you are and still miss where you were.

I'm grateful for the many joyful moments I had growing up AND the incredibly joyful moments and memories that we're making now.

I'm inspired by the power of friendship. These vulnerabilities are so much easier to navigate with good friends by your side.

To celebrate TGIF, I'm giving away a copy of the beautiful "Believe" book from Compendium, Inc.

To win, just let leave a comment before Monday and tell us:

What are you trusting today?

What are you grateful for?

What are you inspired by?

Happy Halloween and Happy TGIF!

Comments

[Stephanie]

Today I'm trusting "where I am". Trusting that I can be present and soak it all in.

I'm grateful for my life. My husband, my precious kids and being able to stay home to enjoy them, , my abundance of friends, and the chance to pursue a "creative" life. I am blessed.

I am inspired by women who follow their dreams and who help others follow theirs. (Thanks, Brene!) I'm inspired by nature, music, my kids, I could go on and on...

Right now I'm a little teary-eyed after watching that video, so I'm gonna go hug my kiddos!

Thanks, Brene, for always making me stop and think. You make the world a better place.

[Deb]

I am trusting that I will always be open to growth and insight.
I am grateful for all the support I have received in my decision to discontinue contact with my abusive father.
I am inspired that even though I had a crappy childhood, that I can parent myself, even now and be nurtured.

[Jules]

Grateful for music and friends.
Trusting faith.
Inspired by the goodness of people.

[jamie]

What beautiful inspirations for today, thank you.

I am trusting myself and my judgment today.
I am grateful for a little lie-in with my honey.
I am inspired by the possibilities opening up in front of me.

[Katherine Center]

1. Thank you for posting my video!

2. I love what you said: "It's OK be happy where you are and still miss where you were."

3. I love TGIF!

Today, I'm TRUSTING that life's rhythms are as wise as they are mysterious.

I'm GRATEFUL for my cute husband and the crazy patchwork pants he wore to work today.

And I'm INSPIRED by my kids, tromping off to school in their Halloween costumes this morning, so brave and trusting and beautiful.

xoxo!
k

[Jessica Hayman]

I totally had that outfit!!

Trusting: That it really is okay for me to apply to the PhD program!
Grateful: I have so many people who have supported me
Inspired: By Zoe's unhibited dancing, whenever and where ever she gets the notion! :)

[Cameron]

Love the video!

I'm trusting that all things will happen WHEN and HOW they're meant to happen (I can't think about IF right now).

I'm grateful that my husband is my partner and that our struggles have brought us closer together, not further apart.

I'm inspired by women who have been where I am and now have happy, healthy families!

[Laurie]

It's my first visit - my friend Amie/mammaloves sent me. :)

I am trusting that things will get better, that this confused time is temporary just as they always are.

I am grateful for my friends.

I am inspired by music and photography, among many, many other things.

Thank you for this, today.

[Janet]

Your work is so enlightening and I am honored to have found this web page.

I trust that I have made some very sound decisions in my life.
I am grateful for the results of my choices: my husband and life partner, my three beautiful children, my careers and my home.
I am inspired to continue exploring my art and education.
Nameste

[Kim Klassen]

What are you trusting today? that my dreams really will come true

What are you grateful for? so much, but especially for my friend prairiegirl

What are you inspired by? life's possibilities

love the video you posted. Katherine's book is AWESOME!

LOVE tgif and everything you are about... it's always inspiring. your daughter is ADORABLE.

kim :)

[Emily]

trusting that life will go on even if I don't stress over it
grateful to be able to accept that where I am right now is where I'm meant to be
inspired by the new possibilities coming my way

[Lizzy]

I am trusting today that I did well at my exam, that I did what I could.
I am grateful for the fact that I feel like I renewed the love for my boyfriend after I had a weekend to myself.
I am inspired by the beautfiul colors of fall.

Besides, I am very curious to see what's in the book, it looks very pretty.

[Jen A.]

Had to share that video with my FB friends. So lovely. Poignant. Bittersweet...recalling those same yet different memories from my childhood. The matching holiday dresses Mom always made for my sister and I. Dad's famous homemade pizza. My all-time favorite toy...Weebles. Squeezing my little brother and sister in my bed at night when I thought the folks wouldn't find out.

Today I'm TRUSTING that my children will have those same heart-warming memories from their own childhood. And that I will be a part of those memories.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I'm so eternally GRATEFUL for girlfriends. Enough said.

I'm INSPIRED by women who those experiencing and/or overcoming incredible challenges and difficulties in their lives.

Great post, Brene. Happy Halloween.

[Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams]

How heartbreaking and yet how beautiful.

Today I'm trusting that I'll learn how to navigate this messy grown-up life.

I'm grateful for my sweet husband, and good friends with whom I can still act like a kid.

I'm inspired by this video - and all the sweet blogs I read daily.

Thanks, Brene!

[marianne]

Thank you for putting into words what melancholy feels like. I often yearn for the past as it would mean my mom and sister would still be here with me. Yet I love now too. I am trusting in my higher power today. I am grateful for this body that gets up and goes each day. I am inspired by the beauty of autumn which nourished my soul as I walked this morning!

[ab]

Today I am trusting that what I've given of myself to this world is good enough for now. I dont have to be perfect.

Today I am grateful for my new creative community. A group of 9 lovely women all over the country that have surrounded me, embraced me, and have accepted me as I am.

Today I am inspired by those 9 women who have told me to keep going. Keep moving toward my light. They have inspired me to dream bigger. We are the fire*side beauties of Squam 9/09.

[Carolyn]

Today I'm trusting that the place I am in is ok and worthwhile, even though it might be judged harshly if seen by certain others.
I'm grateful for the kind of friendship which survives challenges and setbacks and the growing knowledge that you gain that you're going to get through anything with your friendship in tact.
I'm inspired by my friend S and her amazing recent accomplishments.

[Gargi]

So beautifully said. Thanks Brene.
I often miss the fun times I had with my siblings growing up !! I miss the fun we used to have being together as a family..

Happy TGIF!!!

I am trusting that being who I am is okay.
I am grateful that I have friends in Houston I can count on.
I am inspired by the cold weather in Houston. It somehow makes me a bit more happy and romantic :-)!!!

[megg]

What are you trusting today?
I am trusting that there is a plan in all of this, that the world will continue to hold me gently while I find my feet on my new path, and that I am capable to doing everything I am dreaming of doing!!

What are you grateful for?
The blogosphere for showing me that I am not the only one who thinks/feels/ like this!!

What are you inspired by?
Everything! The world feels like it is opening up in so many ways. I am choosing to see inspiration and connection everywhere - and that choice is changing everything!!!

Always inspired by YOU - thank you!!!!

[Maureen]

I am trusting that staying home with the kids is the right thing to do.
I am grateful that I have three bright and healthy kids.
The amazing fall colors.

[ScrappeeDiane]

Today I'm trusting that I can learn to balance both my family, money and me.

Today I'm grateful for being a stay at home Mom and getting to go to the afternoon party in my son's Grade 5 class.

I'm inspired by the blogs I read.

Love your blog, have a great weekend :o)

[bree]

I'm trusting an airplane to get me safely to my destination.

I'm grateful this weekend, the weekend I've been counting down to since mid-September, is finally here.

I'm inspired by joy for the moment.

[Karen]

Trusting – I am where I need to be whether I like it or not.
I am grateful – for inheriting my mother sense of humor and strength.
I am inspired by people around me that believe everyone wants to “do the right thing” even when they know it is not true.

[darrah]

Today, I am trusting my gut and am moving through the fear because I know what's on the other side will be better than I can imagine.

I am grateful for my sensitive and supportive husband who just said yesterday, "We're in this together."

I am inspired by the power of hope.

[Karin]

Today I trust myself, as in most days.

I'm grateful for happy songs to remind me of happy times.

I'm inspired by friends who are at different places in their lives but still, we connect.

knowing there's likely a fun size Snicker's bar in my near future doesn't hurt either!

[Deanna]

I am trusting that it is okay to be happy when others around me are not and that it really is okay to be sad sometimes.

I am grateful that I have what I need even though I may not have everything I want.

I am inspired by progress and growth.

[Lee]

I'm trusting that I wlll get the hang of this balancing of my needs and other's eventually.

I'm grateful for today. And grateful that I noticed that I'm grateful!

I'm inspired by the pure grace I experienced recently as the result of very good news from medical tests. I want to learn how to live in this state of grace!

[Erin]

I am trusting my gut.
I am grateful for my daughter who makes everyday better than the one before.
I am inspired by my dreams.

[Marianne]

I am trusting that the Universe IS conspiring on my behalf.
I am grateful that I'm finding my way.
I am inspired to be the best possible version of ME!

[Sylvia]

I am trusting my own awareness.

I am grateful for my wonderful grown up relationship with my Mom. I was a wild child during my teenage years and luckily we both survived. :)

I am inspired by my grandmother's resilience. She is 83 years old and reaised 12 children. She has 28 grand-children and 32 great grand-children and continues to be our rock.

[Lorie]

I am trusting that our financial situation will improve.

I am grateful for a whole weekend of ME time! Reading, weaving, and just being are in my near future and I am too excited!!

I am inspired by National Novel Writing Month! 50,000 words in 30 days!

happy Halloween everyone! And super cute costume on Ellen. I guess I know I am getting older when the "cool clothes" from my youth are turned into costumes!!!

[cheryl]

I am trusting myself, trusting my gut, trusting that honesty is the only path for me

i am grateful for my husband and the beautiful-er man he is becoming every day

I am inspired by new beginnings, new potential and new horizons! I am inspired by my own growth and humbled and grateful to realize how many people have supported me

[Liz]

The "Everything is Beautiful" video made me cry! Thank you for sharing it here! I didn't love college -- well, not the stuff I was supposed to love:) I didn't really click with most of my classmates, but I really loved my professors and the learning aspect of it was amazing. So when I was a huge, bawling mess in my cap and gown, both sets of parents were pretty stumped. I just couldn't stop crying as I realized that things would never be the same again. I think my sister was the only one who really understood, and in classic form protected the underdog -- me:)

Today I'm trusting that I will go to Squam in September:)
I'm grateful for my amazing sister, who I get to see in just a few days!!
I"m totally inspired by my amazing Unravelling buddies -- an amazing week:)

[Deirdre]

Today I'm trusting that the next 40 years will be amazing, and, to paraphrase Brene, that I can love where I've been while still loving where I'm going.

Today I'm grateful for old friends and siblings---the ones who've known us in all our incarnations.

Today I'm inspired by music, Yo Yo Mann in particular, and by the comfort of hot drinks on cool days, and by hope.

[katie]

trusting it all.

grateful for sassy women.

inspired by bloggers.

i love this community.

it has changed my life.

[Amalia]

I am trusting my heart to lead me the right way, whatever that is, on a few issues right now. Easier said than done.
I am grateful for the recent recurrences of the word "dream" in my life. I have to accept that they are more than coincidence, and I'm excited to be pushed a bit.
I am inspired by the ballet performance (Ballet West) that I attended tonight. My respect for the discipline and artistry that are required to make something like that happen is almost infinite.

[erin BUtson]

trusting... my creative self
grateful... for my supportive, loving, encouragement that surrounds me
inspired by... so many other craetive blogging souls out there...

[cynthia]

I am trusting myself. More lately than ever before. And it feels good.
I am grateful for amazing friends, old and new. They have build a beautiful and strong safety net.
I am inspired by nature. Harvesting lavender from my garden and bringing colourful leaves inside makes me stop and smile.

[Eileen]

I'm trusting my inner guidance to show me the way.
I'm grateful for the moments of love and grace I experience in the world.
I'm inspired by women who are not afraid or who are afraid and do it anyway.

[Heather]

I am trusting that I can meet the needs of my family
I am grateful for time with others and time to rest
I am inspired by my children's teachers

[Julie]

Today Iam....

Trusting that I am exactly where I need to be in my journey
Grateful to have 3 days off from teaching. I very much need to take some time just for me
Inspiried by Fall...I love this season..the colors, weather, holidays!

[Jeanette]

I am trusting that my dreams will come true!

I am grateful for the beautiful fall weather!

I am inspired by my grandson to be a better me!

[Carla]

Today I'm trusting no matter my age, I'll always be a child at heart.

I'm grate that my childhood was always filled with love and have beautiful memories.

I'm inspired by "Ordinary Courage". Love it here!

Happy Halloween to you !

[kelly g.]

Oh man--that song broke my heart--deeply saddened by it. Will there be things that my kids remember in such a way??
I'm trusting that I will make more, as many as I can, of amazing, comforting memories for my kids.
I'm grateful for a day of sunshine. It makes everything brighter!
I'm inspired by Mondo Beyondo. Loving the class and all that people are contributing to it. I wouldn't have ever found it without the ordinary courage connection so thank you!

[Clara]

Lovely book, Brene. Thanks for offering is as a giveaway.

What are you trusting today? I'm trusting my commitment to living in abundance rather than scarcity. The economy has hit many hard, but it doesn't mean we have to create self-fulling prophecies by being fearful.

What are you grateful for? Time. It offers me opportunities for growth that I haven't had in a long time.

What are you inspired by? My friend, AF, who has put together an immensely creative and full life on her own terms.

[Holly Bott]

Today I am trusting that I'll be okay...and that's okay!
I'm grateful for my husband and me two beautiful daughters!
And I am inspired by great authors and artists that make me think and then take me out of my box!

Thanks so much for your inspiring words,
Holly

[Laura]

A friend stumbled on your website and then introduced it to me. We are now working through the book and are doing the TGIF together. Here's mine.

I'm trusting that I can honor my own heart in such a way as to also honor and be sensitive to my children's hearts. I feeling like I have been a bit off balance there.

I'm grateful that we have had some harvest on our farm!!!

I'm inspired by colors, art, hot tubs, chocolate martinis and friends to share them with.

[jenniferb]

I am trusting in God and his strength and love
I am grateful that I am a child of God
I am inspired by his saving grace

[Allison]

That video.. oh that video...

I am TRUSTING everything that will happen between now and the end of the year.
I am GRATEFUL for opportunities to be with friends and have fun.
I am INSPIRED by creativity.

[JustinV]

Trusting: my inner compass
Grateful: that my daughter is still at the age where she wants me to lay down next to her and hold her until she falls asleep. Was thinking last night that it won't be long before this is just a sweet memory. Was then wondering...just how old is too old to be cuddling with your kids until they fall asleep? Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Inspired: by great photograhic images

Happy Weekend!