Someone asked me if as a result of having a lung transplant I felt differently about life and would choose to do something bigger. I told them that I don't have any ambitions toward greater actions, but I do feel grateful for being alive. I love that my heart beats. I love that my lungs breathe. As my partner Julia says, "The simple beingness is the story."
Life feels like enough. It's alive. That doesn't mean I always like what's happening. But more often than not, I feel the pulse of life amidst what's happening.
A reader sent me an email today with a link to a song written by her friend, called "You Are Enough." I listened to it and it resonated with me. It even brought some tears. Here is the link she sent (scroll down to find the song) in case you want to listen.
This whole experience of realizing that I am already enough reminds me of when I used to work with clients and they had an initial resistance to letting go. A part of their self-worth was tied into what they owned, even if they didn't love or use it anymore.
When I would work with them, I felt like they were enough without the stuff. As people, they felt very whole to me. Having that awareness helped me help them see themselves in a different light. "I'm okay without this __________ (fill in the blank.)"
Now my clients are doing the same thing for me. What a gift. Thank you.
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5 comments:
Hi Brooks,
Just checking in and seeing how you are doing. So happy that you are doing well! I have enjoyed your lifechanging books, and your message about doing things with kindness really resonated with me.
I lost my brother unexpectedly when he was 30. He was an organ donor. I'm sure this situation has brought up many strange contemplations for you. I know it has for me. But the one true treasure my brother gave to me (and I'm sure you can guess, it wasn't a thing), after his passing, was it made me take the time figure out the secret to life. Enjoy it!! I know my brother did. My comfort about losing him was that although his life wasn't long, he enjoyed it. Life isn't about stuff.
I hope you continue to spread you message of kindness no matter what the circumstance. Stay healthy my friend, and to quote Jewel "Only Kindness Matters".
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for sharing your story about your brother. "Enjoy it (life)!!" That's wonderful!
Brooks
I'm so glad you're back and feeling alive. My daily reading of your blog came to an abrupt end in April--I felt sad, but just added it to the list of losses one suffers as time goes by. Your return is a reminder to me to keep defeatism at bay--you are a living example of successfully moving in the direction of hope. Welcome back! --Elaine
I truly appreciate that theme, "You are enough" that runs through your books. I needed to hear that more than once when I first picked up your book (and I still do!). It made a difference. I was listening to NPR the other day and a woman was talking about her experience with a disease that made doing a lot of the things she really loved in life impossible. She was depressed at first but then came up with the mantra: I will love this life no matter what. So now I tell myself those two things: I am enough, and I will love this life no matter what. Thanks for this post and this message, I hope you are doing well!
HI Lisa,
Thanks for sharing that mantra! I am doing very well!
Brooks
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