Savoring the Bliss

Dear community friends,

Hello! We have just returned from the 15th International Rethinking Everything Conference, and I am basking in the glow. The positive, loving energy that emanated from every person, every session, and every new idea is palpable. My love cup runneth over.

While my mind, body and spirit unconsciously process the abundance of ideas, opportunities, discoveries, realizations and connections made over these glorious last six days, let me share with you my gratitude list that has been percolating since we got onto the plane from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Detroit this afternoon.

I encourage each of you to create your own gratitude list. Post it on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, dashboard, or clock — wherever you find yourself glancing continuously throughout the day (then perhaps I'd best put mine over the kitchen sink or laundry table for sheer frequency of my attention).

Here it is, in no particular order.

I am grateful for:

• Immediately spotting (and embracing), upon arrival at our hotel in Texas, one of the main people I had hoped to connect with during the weekend. Sending love to Sarah P. and family.
• A moment later, spotting (and embracing) the other main person I had hoped to connect with. Sending love to Dayna M. and family.
• Non-stop flights.
• That Logan has a recognizable cough which always immediately precedes throwing up, giving a parent enough time to "prepare" (or brace oneself). He's feeling much better now, and is in no hurry to travel by air again any time soon.
• Barb L., conference organizer, for her remarkable joy, insight, passion, attention to detail, holding of space, open sharing of love, abundance and inspiration that encompasses not just everyone attending the conference, but spills over and expands into the universe to create what had to be felt by all sensitive beings (and we all are) as more light in the world. Peace begins at home, and also in Texas at the RE Conference. I witnessed it.
• All of the loving families who shared, searched, connected, challenged and grew at the conference. Special shout out to Cindy and Steve for finding me and sharing your personal unschooling journey with us.
• Brent C. for inspiring Ben and so many others with SelfDesign. From Canada, eh?
• John S. for lovingly encouraging us further on our quest to fulfill our Big Five for Life. How is your list coming along? (My questions are almost never rhetorical.) What are the five most important things you want to do, see or experience in your lifetime? Bravely share them, and let us help you achieve them!
• That my fear of illness has subsided. Good timing, since Paige came home sniffling. No big deal.
• Guru Quinn's peaceful aura, which enveloped me and kept me steady and calm while traveling home.
• Spontaneous love offerings: We received a complementary lunch surprise from our favorite restaurant on the way home. Abundance abounds.
• Ah, home. Words cannot express my gratitude for my beloved husband whose brilliance and inspiration astound me; glorious children from whom I learn constantly; loving, supportive extended family with whom I can't wait to share our next creative endeavors; and you, my dear friends, whose eagerness, curiosity, encouragement, and love lift me up every day in our shared journey called Life. Thank you, one and all! (Bonus home items for which I am grateful: warm socks, fuzzy slippers, and cozy robe. Snuggle time!)

Look for more sharing soon on the content of our experience at the conference, plus some exciting ideas for real-izing the dreams and passions we uncovered on our adventure!

In the meantime, what is on your gratitude list?

With love and peace,

Carrie