1, 2, 3....

For me doing a weekly blog has been an amazing experience even if it did not start out so well at first. Initially I had extreme anxiety blogging initially, mostly because I have always been a very private person. Navigating the computer wasn't easy either. The anxiety then became depression which led to a place no one should ever be. I write this because I have learned how important it is to share with others. Too often we struggle silently, putting on a facade, forgetting or just not aware how we or others can benefit from sharing our thoughts and experiences. I know everyone's comfort level and experiences will vary, but for me a weekly blog has evolved into the most important aspect of being on the I Ho Chuan team.

Writing in a daily journal was not even on my radar this year until a few months ago. I had been struggling with the physical requirements over the summer months and became inspired to start a daily journal as a way of moving forward. The process has been evolving as I figure out what works best for me and I have benefited from other team members sharing their thoughts and experiences through their weekly blogs. As I re-read my daily journal entries from last week I found many important captured tidbits of information and insight that otherwise would have been lost. I have discovered just how how important and powerful a daily journal can be.

1, 2, 3 ...  benefits to be thankful for:

• Firstly, I am thankful for the insight and the sometimes forced reflection a journal provides. 
• Secondly, I am thankful for the capture of information, thoughts and ideas.  
• Thirdly, I am thankful for the journal's ability to slow time down ever so slightly and leave me feeling more grounded.

Quite a bit can happen in the course of a week that can become forgotten and even missed completely!

Namaste,

Michele Ward