Nov 24
A Thank You Note to HGEL Friends New and Old…
This installment of my GroEdibles Blog was originally posted at the close of HGEL’s first year in 2009, during the Great Recession. While our own country’s economy continues to improve, our world faces much darkness. Hatred fed by fear threaten to overtake compassion and kindness. Don’t let it. Seven years ago when our economic security was threatened by the misdeeds and corruption of a few, our inner strength and the support and kindness of our friends, neighbors and sometimes strangers, helped us through to a new beginning. This year, while we’re thankful for all we have, we are very aware of the many who have so little and are suffering so much. It is time to focus that inner strength outward onto the plight of others in our global family with grace and humanity. It is time for us now to be the friend, neighbor and, yes, even the stranger who will help our global family through to their new beginning…safe, secure and hopeful. We all can make a difference in our own way. Speak up. Confront ignorance and hatred. Spread kindness. As I learned when I started over myself seven years ago, some of the brightest beginnings can come out of the darkest times….with a little help. On this Thanksgiving day, we still have much reason to give thanks…because having the opportunity to help those in need is truly a blessing to be thankful for.
Times are hard everywhere, for everyone.
Circumstances over the last year have forced many of us to rethink the way we live our lives. So much of what has happened may have more than a few of us feeling powerless to change the course of the wild ride we’re on. I want to remind you that no matter what challenges you face, YOU possess the talent and ability to change your life and that of those around you.
Whether it’s looking for a new job, starting a new business, committing yourself to help others in need or just committing yourself to learning something new…your belief in yourself will make it happen.
In my own case, the HGEL fan page on Facebook was born out of a simple need to better support my fellow gardeners and further the mission of Master Gardeners. Out of that came, very accidentally, a different path for me that I would have never recognized had I not been “open” to the possibility.
So set your fears aside, seek your bliss, embrace and give thanks for what’s truly important in your life and take that first step… or shovel-full. Be patient. We’re all starting over in some way. This is an opportunity to re-examine the way we live, the path we’re on and do something better.
Live a bit simpler...closer…greener… focussing on what’s really important.
And if you need a little inspiration, watch the video below that tells the story of a very special volunteer project about how alocal Big Business, a talented young chef, HGEL fans and I came together to restore an edible garden that made everything that has come since possible for me.
Be sure to lean a little more on friends and family now. After all, we are all in this together. I send my thanks out to the wonderful HGEL friends I’ve made, old and new, THANK YOU. You have truly been an incredible gift!
You continue to inspire me everyday!
With great gratitude,
Geri Miller
Great letter Geri! I’m going to share it on my facebook page. A very healthy Thanksgiving to you too!
Posted by Nell on November 21st, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Thanks Nell and a beautiful Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Posted by GeriMiller on November 21st, 2011 at 7:28 pm