… five years ago that I would be writing this column from a home in the hills that I own, from a home office that is not the dining room table or, even more accurate, my lap, for a column that is celebrating 5 years of weekly thoughts and experiences…
Well, I would’ve said you were dreaming.
But here I sit. And I’m awake. And you are all here with me.
Five years ago I was unemployed, had nothing in my bank account, was scared out of my mind and wondering what exactly I should do with the rest of my life since it looked like my career as a writer was over.
I couldn’t get a job anywhere. I couldn’t pay my rent. I couldn’t even buy spaghetti sauce for my daughter’s spaghetti. I was broke… but not broken.
A single mom with a daughter who was soon turning nine years old. A daughter who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. A daughter who was the reason I just kept going… waking up, showing up, putting one foot in front of the other and praying for guidance.
And I had this column. This weekly column that gave me a place to share. And you all shared back. You laughed, cried, and walked the walk with me. And you still do.
I look at my life today — employed, a home owner, a mom to that still amazing daughter who is now applying to high schools, and in love with a man who asked my daughter for permission to marry me.
But even more important… I look at my life five years ago and am beyond grateful. That struggle made me a better person. It changed me profoundly. It taught me about the kindness of strangers, the power of staying sober, honest, humble and willing. And it made everything that’s come since meaningful. Far more meaningful.
I don’t take a single day for granted. I try to acknowledge every thing. The coffee at work, the gas in my car, the clothes on my daughter, the lights on in my house right now. The sauce on our spaghetti.
Everything is a gift.
No dollar is too small. No job too unimportant. No moment not to be celebrated. Because when you’ve gone without… you never forget.
So, in honoring 5 years of this wonderful column that saved me over and over again… let’s look back at the first one I ever wrote.
And, as always, thank you for reading. xoxo
This is so inspiring! You are never alone, you can someday be broken, but you can always put your pieces together with your beautiful gift – that’s writing – and with love of the amazing people that surround you: your daughter and the man that you love. xo
thank you so much, douglas! you are so right… no one is alone. xo
You are a loving channel of divine inspiration! We feel blessed and honored to take this amazing journey with you and your beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your gifts and your open heart. Happy Fifth Birthday! Xoxo
oh, sweet charisse, you just made me cry! thank you for celebrating with me! i love you. xo
Susan – you’re where you are because, instead of fighting back, you walked through and around all the obstacles and the fear and the pain. Instead of simply keeping the demons at bay, you took all of your gifts and talents, with the resolve and innate strength of a mother lion, and reached out for what you knew, deep down, belonged to you. Even before it appeared. Putting faith and trust in the power of possibility is something only the bravest can do. And keep doing. What an inspiration you are. Then and now. BRAVA!!!
kelly, thank you! you are and always have been an inspiration to me! i love you!
Congratulations Susan. What a journey you’ve been on!
thank you, lucy!!