Hey, it's Kelly, and at the end of every week, I like to share something true and useful,

something I stumbled over that gave me a burst of optimism, something you can share

with friends like an audio greeting card, something to help us all.

Keep our eyes on what's working and what could be.

So, I'll be right back with this week's For The Good of the Order.

This is Kelly Corgan Wonders.

Today's go-to is from my friend Kate Bowler, who has collected a set of blessings with her friend and co-author Jessica Richie.

Kate and Jessica's book is called The Lives We Actually Have, which reminds me of what is as is this little forward mantra

that I've been saying to myself and actually dared to share with my children and husband who have not stopped teasing me since.

But really what I mean is that what is as it is is enough.

And I think Kate and Jessica are saying the same thing with this collection of blessings.

And so, I did want to share this one that stuck out to me, though you will find 100 blessings in this book.

And they're categorized by days where you feel grief-stricken, days where you feel tired, days where you feel overwhelmed or in pain.

Here's the one that jumped out at me for when you need permission to change.

Blessed are you, dear one, when the world around you has changed.

Everything is different now. Your body, your age, your relationships, your job, your faith.

The things that once brought you joy, the people you loved and trusted and relied on.

You exist in the world.

Things have changed and it would be silly to imagine you haven't been altered along with them.

You are not who you once were.

Bless that old self. They did such a great job with what they knew.

They made you who you were, all the mistakes and heartbreak and naivete and courage.

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