Have you ever had something wonderful seemingly fall into your lap and found yourself wondering; “How did this happen to me?  What did I do to deserve this?”

Last week I had just this experience. Something I have wanted and hoped for, that seemed impossible, was handed to me.

I went to see one of my life-long mentors a few days later, and I shared this experience.   As I was going through my litany of inner conversations (from “What did I do to deserve this? “ to “I’ve worked my tail off, my whole life, to have this.”), she took the wind out of my sails by telling me not to think I did anything to deserve this.   “It’s not about you,” she said.  “It’s grace.  Be careful not to get your ego too involved!”

The definition of Grace

I looked up the definition of grace.  Grace is an unmerited gift.  There is nothing we have done, or will ever do, to earn this favor.    In spiritual terms, this would mean the Grace of God or the Divine.   In general terms, it’s called LOVE.

Can I receive this gift – the unmerited gift of grace and love?

I am reminded of the many times I have felt this in my life – a reminder I have needed over this last year, which has contained some very difficult and painful moments.   For all of the mistakes I have made in my life (many!), for all of the struggles, for all of the hard work to get to where I am, now, I have been blessed with so many gifts.

Ending 2014 on a grateful note

As 2014 comes to a close, I am feeling tremendous gratitude for the grace and the unconditional love that has touched my life.   I didn’t ask for it.   God knows I didn’t earn it!  Every day, I am grateful for the amazing teachers and therapists who have come into my life to help me heal and grow.   I am part of these lineages.   Also, I am profoundly grateful for my work as a therapist and now a yoga teacher.  Who ever thought I would be stepping into that seat?   I am grateful for the friends I have – the companionship of souls on this path we walk together.   I am even grateful for the trials and tribulations that have brought me to this moment.

With this post, I encourage you to contemplate how grace has touched your life, both in 2014 and over the course of your life.

What unmerited gifts have you been given?   What love has come your way without your asking, in ways you may not have recognized?   And can you receive these gifts with gratitude?

Leave a comment below. Let’s connect and discuss!

Linda