grat-i-tude, noun
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness
It is the season of gratitude and although we are officially a week out from Thanksgiving here in the US, I’m still bubbling over with appreciation and awe at all the gifts in my life. It’s on my mind to the point of distraction, and so I see it’s time to share with all of you what I am most deeply grateful for this season along with a little news from the Eat Naked family…
First and foremost, I am so grateful to have the security, space and means to even make a gratitude list. This might sound basic, but I am acutely aware of the turmoil and violence so much of our world endures right now. What separates me from them? Luck. The luck of being born into a stable and wealthy part of the world. The luck of circumstance. My heart bleeds for those living in pain and fear and I take nothing I have for granted, including writing this list without being afraid for my life. I am blessed indeed.
To my family: I look at you both, my incredible husband and precious daughter, and I am amazed that I am so lucky to be on this journey with you. James, it took me some time to find you but WOW was it worth the wait. I didn’t know it was possible for a love to grow deeper with every passing day, but here we are. Sia, my sweet, smart, and ever so sassy girl, I can’t imagine life before you. Your smile and pure love fill me to bursting.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that in late spring of 2016 our family will be expanding to four. After our last experience with miscarriage (which I wrote about at length here), we’ve been very slow to share the news, but I am now firmly in the second trimester, feeling great, and all indications point to a healthy baby. We couldn’t be happier!
To my friends and extended family: thank you for rooting for me, for your love in the dark hours of doubt and uncertainty, for believing in me, and for being there on the other end of the phone when it feels like my world is falling apart. You know who you are. Thank you.
Our new home. In 2015 we took a huge leap of faith and moved from Los Angeles to Portland, OR. We bought our dream home and crossed our fingers that it was meant to be. Turns out it was! We are loving the mellower vibe of this town. We walk or bike just about everywhere, we have a garden to play in, and we are enjoying exploring the incredible food scene. After living with so much drought in California, even the rain is a welcome change. We feel like we are finally home.
To my amazing clients: thank you for trusting me with your health. I have made it my life’s work to help people feel better in their body than they have ever known possible, and doing this work gives me some of the deepest joy and satisfaction I’ve ever experienced. Many of you have come to me after years of struggle of going from practitioner to practitioner with minimal, if any, results. I used to shy away from these challenging cases, but now I am just happy that you have found me as we dive into a process of discovering and revealing what imbalances in your body are creating all that discomfort. Your sheer delight as we bring you back into balance and you feel better and better and better is more thrilling than I can express. I feel so fortunate that you have invited me to be a part of your healing journey. There truly is no greater honor.
To my colleagues and business partners: I am so blessed to be surrounded by some of the best minds and practitioners in the business. The mentorship, support, mutual cheerleading and inspiration I draw from you are what keep me going on a hard day. I know from hard-learned experience that not all business relationships are this smooth and mutually beneficial, and I take none of it for granted. Thank you for having my back.
To YOU, my dear reader: if it weren’t for you, I would be sending my work out into the void. Your comments, your questions, your beautiful emails – this is why I show up here each week to share and connect, and hopefully take you one step closer to feeling better than you ever knew possible.
For all of this and so much more, I am deeply grateful.
Congratulations and blessings on your family!
Thank you Elizabeth!
A beautiful post, Margaret, in every way. I love your words 🙂
Congratulations again!!
Thank you Melanie! 🙂 xox
Thank you for sharing your heart felt feelings. And congratulations to you and your family.
Thank you Sheena!
Beautiful letter from a beautiful person inside and out. What a blessing you are in my life. I’m so happy for you and your expanding family. I can’t wait!
Thank you so much, Holly. xoxo
Wow!! Congratulations Margaret! How exciting. I’m happy for you and your family!!
Thank you Andrea!!
Congratulations to your family!
Thank you Kathi!!
That must be one of the most beautiful, heart-felt gratitude messages I’ve ever received. I aim to be grateful daily and I especially enjoy my meditations where “thank you” is the most repeated word I express. I’m happy to hear of your growing family news. Congrats to you all for your move, your coming new addition, and your continued love expressed to us all through all you do. You guys ROCK!
Thank you Isabel 🙂 xo
Hooray! I can pretty much guarantee that everyone you are grateful for is even more grateful for YOU!!!!!!
You are too sweet, Juliana. Thank you! Love you!!
I am probably speaking for several others when I say that I am grateful for you and your work you are doing to help
us have healthier lives.
Thank you so much, Sharon. That means the world… xox
How absolutely divine! I am so full of love for you, James and Sia. I am weeping. I feel your presence sweet Margaret 🙂
lenda
Thank you Lenda!!! 🙂 We are coming your way in March! I will reach out soon to reconnect xox