Refocusing and smiling hard
By Vivian Arend
There are moments that pop up and redefine who we are and what we’re doing. Some times these come at dramatic moments–times of stress and loss when you’re burying a relative who died far too young, or comforting a friend who’s facing terrible change.
I’ve had those kind of revelation moments before, and every time they happen, I re-set my world. Make sure that what I’m spending my time on is important, is valuable, is breathtaking. I’ll change directions in terms of work vs family time, or making sure that I’m available to my parents (…oh, the sandwich generation). There have been times I’ve dropped out of activities, not because they were wrong, but because choosing between something that is good and something that is great is an important distinction.
There are also the quiet revelation moments, and this past weekend I found myself hit up the side of the head hard with one. I’d taken the family to the Calgary Stampede and we’re sitting in the grandstands, watching the chuck wagon races. Chatting and visiting, and by the time Paul Brandt started singing I was ready for the 2×4 hit.
Small Towns and Big Dreams.
Yup, I was sitting in the middle of the crowd at the 100th anniversary of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, crying tears of happiness. Because I’m pretty much living a dream, and it’s so so good. The fact I get to write for a living–that people enjoy my stories–knocks my knees out from under me. I have friends who support me, cheer for me and kick my butt when I need it. I’m living in a gorgeous part of the world, I’m healthy enough to travel for fun and adventure…
Life is Good. Doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but there’s no other words for what I’m feeling.
Life is Good.
Lissa Matthews
Jul 11, 20121:00 pm
You are so inspiring and truly one of my very favorite people… Thank you.
Vivian Arend
Jul 11, 20123:35 pm
Lisa B( Modokker)
Jul 11, 20124:40 pm
awe sweet! Remember you worked hard for it and you deserve to be where you are. Thanks for all the great stories. Wishes for many more to come.
Lisa B
Vivian Arend
Jul 11, 20128:27 pm
Thank you Lisa B. And telling the stories is the most important part.
Nancy Gilliland
Jul 11, 201210:59 pm
Remember, you worked hard for your dream, and you deserve every great thing that comes your way. Does it help to know there are lots of folks out here who love you and your stories, whether they are cowboys, wolfies, shifters or daredevils, we devour it all and wait *impatiently* for more. I know when I pick up my reader and open a Viv Arend book, I am going to feel better for it. But more than that, you are my friend, though we’ve never met ‘in the flesh’ So thank you for living your dream, and brightening other lives with your people and places we so love.
Vivian Arend
Jul 11, 201211:41 pm
You’re a special lady, Nancy,. Never stop dreaming yourself, okay?
Fedora
Jul 26, 201212:57 pm
Life IS good, Vivian–thanks for that lovely post!