Today is my 50th birthday, and marks the 2-month anniversary of the passing of my best friend, Kelly Sue Helstrom. Both of these events are causing me to slow down a bit, and pay more attention to what is important, and what matters most.

Through the months Kelly's illness, I learned to take in what I began thinking of as "moments of grace" to replenish myself, and sustain me, as I cared for my friend.

The moments of grace came in conversation with Kelly, in getting to know her caregivers and friends, in seeing the view of San Francisco from 14-Long at UCSF Med Center, or noticing the beauty and change of the seasons on what seemed like countless drives between Humboldt County and San Francisco.

Moments of grace can be found in the workplace - in meaningful conversation with colleagues and clients, in expressing creativity in what you do, taking a moment to savor a particularly delicious apple, or finding time to look out the window, and notice what is happening outside. On your way home from work, notice the light, the signs of spring, or any other beauty that draws your attention, and nourishes your soul.

We can use these times to connect us to the things that bring us the most joy in our life, and energize us to do things that are difficult or challenging, or that require clarity and focus on our part.

The Quotes

"Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace."
~ Mary Sarton

"I'm becoming more and more myself with time. I guess that's what grace is. The refinement of your soul through time."
~ Jewel

"The winds of grace are always blowing; all we need to do is raise our sails."
~ Anonymous