“It is paradise here, if you have eyes to see and ears to hear.”—Jedidiah Jenkins
Wow! You guys blew me away with all your inspiring, encouraging comments. Thank you! SO MUCH!
I read and will consider every word as I commence on this exciting, new writing journey, knowing that, in the end, the muses always get the last word.
Even though I wrote an entire book on gratitude, I learned during the opening weeks of the World Cup that I still take way too many things for granted.
Take my hometown, for example. While I certainly include many of its assets on my daily list of amazing awesomeness, I didn’t realize how much I overlook until all these media outlets from all over the world started praising little old Lawrence, Kansas. The ultimate compliment, mentioned by many of the journalists, was “I could live here.”
I already appreciated that we Lawrencians are radically inclusive and open to everyone. And that we have scores of musician and artist transplants from California to New York and that the southwest corner of our Meadowbrook Apartments is considered by Google Earth to be the center of the earth.**
And I knew beat poet William Burroughs chose to live here longer than he lived anywhere and that our 100 Good Women (an organization that helps anybody with anything) raises funds with an annual Mrs. Roper walk.
For those who forgot Helen Roper from Three’s Company, think colorful caftans and over-sized costume jewelry on a rousing bar hop down our equally-colorful, historic downtown.
Though I regularly wrote travel articles for the very publications that praised our town, it never occurred to me to sing my own hometown’s praises. Like Byron Katie said yesterday, “the ego tries to talk us out of a perfect life.”
So, thank you universe for so clearly pointing out that, no matter how appreciative I think I am, there is always room for more gratitude, more enchantment.
Every single flower, tree and bumblebee is a gift to me. Every grin, every face, every living thing with which I share this wonderful world — thank you Louis Armstrong — is worth proclaiming huzzah from the tippy top of Mount Oread (yes, we even have a mini-mountain here).
So here’s to embracing it all and never again missing life’s gorgeous moments and unending gifts.
#222 Forever!
**The childhood bedroom of Brian McClendon, the co-inventor of Google Earth lived there (at the center of the earth) from the time he was four through age 18.
Pam Grout is the author of 22 books including E-Squared, Thank & Grow Rich , The Course in Miracles Experiment: A Starter Kit for Rewiring Your Mind (And Therefore Your World)and her latest, The Ego’s Playbook.
26 Responses
Thank you once again. You are always my inspiration!
Ah, thank YOU!!
You are simply amazing. Thank you for being you and lifting up the rest of us. :^)
As I always say, I write to remind and uplift myself.
My first thought upon reading this was, “well then, I want to move to Lawrence, Kansas”…..but I quickly realized that the message is, anywhere USA can be Lawrence, Kansas if you just look and allow it to be. Thanks Pam for bopping me on my knucklehead.
It is so true. Everywhere can be paradise with the right mindset.
I feel extremely grateful for the beautiful place where I live, and like you, I never take it for granted, but can always find more to notice, appreciate, and fall in love with.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
xox
You definitely live in a beautiful place! So happy I could visit you there. Just yesterday, we drove out to Fraser in your lovely state for some hiking.
I also really want to visit Lawrence, someday. You convinced me long ago that it was a super cool place, not to be overlooked. That said, when are you coming through Durango, again? The bunkhouse is waiting if you want to stay with us!
I would love to stay in the bunkhouse. And PLEASE come visit Lawrence!
We got your back, Groutski!!
I know you do! Thanks, friend!
Yep, there’s no place like home…….
And everywhere is home!
“Every single flower, tree and bumblebee is a gift to me.” As I read these exact words the crows that I love so much landed just outside my window and began to speak their mind loudly! I think perhaps they were reading over my shoulder. 🙂
What a fresh and lovely reading to add to my already beautiful day.
Lovingly,
Kate in Carmel
I love the crows reading over your shoulder. Enjoy your already beautiful day!
Hello, Pam. We have exchanged comments once before on your blog. I wrote you that my youngest son suddenly died in 2022, and you wrote back. You had recently had to deal with your daughter going to the next realm. Sadly, my eldest son, Chris, was found dead in his dad’s living room chair on July 4th. He had his headphones on and the game controller in his hands. He was 30. I am really trying to see the up side to this, but now having lost both my sons, I’m really struggling. Thank you for the years you have sent emails about your blog. I read them all, and I’ve read all of your books. You’ve helped me so much by teaching me to stay centered and press on seeing the beauty in the earthly things in nature. I’ve always been a nature girl, and that has not changed in me at 61. Love and light to you, and thank you if you can lift me up for a bit so I can press on in the present.
Sheryl Tiseth
I am SO, SO SORRY! I hold you in a tight embrace and send you grace and peace at this challenging time. And if you send a note to the email on my contact page, I’d love to write back.
I love that wonderful Mardi Gras photo! Got to be one of the most colourful, creative and happy Mardi Gras outfits I’ve seen. 🌈💃🕺💚 And yes, here’s to embracing and celebrating every single flower, bumblebee, bird, tree, smile, hug, sunrise etc etc etc and being grateful for every tiny joy, every gift, and every moment we get to enjoy being here on this earth in this amazing universe. Thank you for being a delightful part of our journey here in this life dear Pam! 🥳😍😎🤗
Glad we’re on the journey together.
When we start looking for more we leave behind what is beautiful right in front of us. I can’t wait to visit Lawrence one day! 😃
So much beauty everywhere. Look forward to your visit to Lawrence!
I love you, Pam!
I love you, Sheila!
Thank you! Just want to share that in lesson 191 you mentioned Hakuna Matata which spurred me to find a version for my playlist. What I found was so amazing! A youtube video of Rihanna and Pitbull’s version Hakuna Matata! Not only is it visually beautiful, the vibration is so uplifting. I feel like I have to view it at least once a day gong forward! I hope you’ll check it out. I appreciate you and all you bring to the world🙏🏻
Wow! I just watched it! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!