Janet Cohen Consulting, LLC

Archive for the ‘Gratitude’ Category

In the 1980’s I worked with people who were infected with or affected by AIDS. Back then, we didn’t use the term “HIV.”

I shared with Gwynne, my astrologer, some of the stress I was feeling. It energized me to be making a difference for so many people, yet it also contributed to my fatigue. Between the work itself and the governmental/societal attitudes at the time, my work seemed to be never-ending.

Gwynne simply looked at me and said, “Janet, the amount of energy you have to give to everyone else is directly proportionate to the amount of energy you give to yourself.”

She gave me permission to take some time for myself so that I would have more to give others. Gwynne continued that there would always be a need to raise more money, awareness and consciousness than the country was ready to face at the time. And she was right.

I appreciated having someone in my life who cared enough to tell it to me straight. To suggest that I had permission to place my own needs above others for a brief time, and that as I did that, my work would become even more effective.

I was grateful for her bold support, for the wisdom she brought to the table when I couldn’t even see it at the moment.

As I coach others, I try to bring a little wisdom to people as they deal with their own issues. I am blessed to have had such a good teacher in my life. Thanks, Gwynne!

What words of wisdom did someone share with you that helped you to wake up?

With both Thanksgiving and World AIDS Day right around the corner, for what are you grateful?

In the 1980’s and early 1990’s I worked with people who were infected with and affected by AIDS and the virus that caused it. Back then, they didn’t use the term “HIV.”

I shared with Gwynne about the importance of my work. It energized me to be making a difference for so many people, yet it also contributed to my fatigue. Between the work itself and the governmental/societal attitudes at the time, my work seemed to be never-ending.   And then she gently jolted me with one sentence.  (Oxymoron intended.)

Gwynne simply looked at me and said, “Janet, the amount of energy you have to give to everyone else is directly proportionate to the amount of energy you give to yourself.”

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

She gave me permission to take some time for myself so that I would have more to give others. Gwynne continued that there would always be a need to raise more money, awareness and consciousness than the country was ready to face at the time. And she was right. 

I learned that I appreciated having someone in my life who cared enough to tell it to me straight. To suggest that I had permission to place my own needs above others for a brief time, and that as I did that, my work would become even more effective.  I was grateful for her bold support, for the wisdom she brought to the table when I couldn’t even see it at the moment.

As I coach, I try to bring a little wisdom to people as they deal with their own issues. I am blessed to have had such a good teacher in my life. Thanks, Gwynne!

Who gently jolted you, and what did they say that made a difference in your life?

I’ve been enjoying reading responses posted about gratitude, and I wanted to share some comments that were sent straight to my inbox via email.

I’ve always been amazed at how the idea of gratitude is something so contagious, so large, that it continues to unfold and inspire even more. Read on…

Kathy wrote: Friendship, fellowship, bullies biting their tongues, and of course the Turkey Bowl!

Sue added: “the full moon.”

Marcia wrote, “Yes, we who are aware of the richness in our relationships and the depth of those seemingly mundane activities in our daily lives are indeed lucky.”

And if you’re reading this now, for what are you NOW grateful?

It is so easy for people to get swept away at this time of year with the hustle and bustle, obligations, and routines, that they forget to stop and look around. 

While we were driving home from an early Thanksgiving dinner tonight with our extended family and dear friends, two extraordinary things happened.

First, Melody and I both saw a shooting star and stopped to acknowledge how fortunate we are. A moment later we saw a white-tailed deer grazing in the dark, and when she noticed us, I truly understood the phrase “deer in the headlights.” She was being fed by the abundance the universe provides, and I felt grateful.

Grateful to have a loving family, an abundance of friends, good health, work that I love. Grateful to have a home on the island, and a peaceful space in which to rest. Grateful for a spiritual connection that does not waiver, and a gift for expression that I cherish.

Yes, I’m grateful for stuff, too, but it’s the little things like seeing a shooting star that make this Life amazing to me. For what are you grateful?