Being Grateful

Painting by Sandy Ordonez

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US. I encourage everyone, here and abroad to take inventory of your lives this year, and create a list of what you are grateful for.

In 2012, a lot of changes have happened in my life, some I created and some happened unexpectedly. I left an 8-year career in the non-profit sector to launch my own coaching and writing business. Both my sites were hacked and it took about 5 months to at least partially build them again. I got involved in a loving relationship that ended abruptly and it helped me to go deep inward and open my heart even further. I was able to visit Scotland for the first time and it was a wonderful and magical journey – it inspired me to write my second book. I started teaching an undergraduate Entrepreneurship class at Baruch College/Zicklin School of Business and it’s been a rewarding experience.

Who knew 2012 had these many surprises in store? Most people I know have experienced radical changes in their lives this year, some faced it better than others, but it seems like thankfully we are going to make it to 2013.

I’m grateful for my family and the opportunity to spend time with them this year in person, as well as many times on Skype. I’m grateful that we can Like each other’s posts on Facebook as well, even if we don’t communicate, we know we care for each other. Thank you to Skype.com and Facebook!

I’m grateful for Sandy Ordonez, for our friendship and for this beautiful art she painted for me.

I’m grateful that through Twitter.com, I established new, meaningful and wonderful relationships with two inspiring women: Jennifer Alhasa, Crisis Coach and Lisa Hilleren, author of Reconstructing Eve. I recommend that you check out their websites and also read Reconstructing Eve. Thank you Twitter! Have you been able to use Twitter to connect outside the cyberspace?

I’m grateful for the Wise Woman Leadership Program hosted by Joanna Lindenbaum.

I’m grateful for the soul sisters who either meet regularly or stay in touch by phone or email to provide or receive a helping hand. Thank you. And I recommend that if you don’t have such a group, that you create your own and invite friends to participate and be there for each other.

I’m grateful for new and old friendships and amazing support through all the challenges, heart breaks and successes this year. I’m especially grateful to those who stepped up to the plate and provided so much guidance, healing energy and encouragement through some tough times. You know who you are!

I’m grateful to all my mentors who always show up with perfect timing. They provide guidance for my teachings, professional career, personal and spiritual development, and laughter.

Thank you to all the powerful women who contributed to WomenandBiz.com over the years, such as Biba Pedron, Nina Kaufman, Jennifer Shaheen and Lena West to name a few. Thank you to Allison Lehr-Samuels and Persephone Zill for their friendship, and without them WBiz probably wouldn’t have launched in 2003.

I’m grateful for the new adventures I was able to show up to and all the support I received from the universe, when I took a leap and went on exciting and sometimes scary journeys. How are you taking inventory of the magical support you receive each day?

I’m grateful that New York is starting to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy and that we are able to show up in support of each other.

I’m grateful for my coaching clients who show up each time with an open heart and ready to transform their lives.

I’m grateful for you reading this article; your presence here inspires me to keep writing.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Elisa Balabram