Running Chatter: Three Years

A few days ago, I looked at the date and something in my brain triggered.  I immediately thought that it was the birthday of a friend from childhood, but a quick check on Facebook proved me wrong.  The feeling continued to nag at me, but I couldn’t figure out why.  I asked myself questions:  Did I miss an appointment?  No. Is it someone’s anniversary? No. Chanelle’s piano lessons? No.  Did I miss a meeting?  No.  Someone’s birthday?  No.  The nagging feeling drove me crazy.  It wasn’t until late that evening that it hit me. . .

Running Chatter is Three. 

Is it a birthday?  An anniversary?  I’m not sure.  What I do know is that I have to pause for a moment. I have to express my gratitude.  Why?  Because I am oh, so grateful.   

Three years and four days ago it all began here.  Nervous, intimidated, naive, scared, insecure. . .

. . . but curious. 

Curious about what it would be like to be brave.  Curious about what it would look like to open up.  Curious about what it would look like if I peeked my head out of my self made covers and, well, I didn’t really know what. 

But today?  Three years (and four days} later?  I know.  My curiosity has been fed a full meal with all the fixin’s and I know.  Today, I know that Running Chatter changed my life. 

I know how busy life can be.  I know that every second of every day really does count.  I know that there are about a million and one things that can be and should be done during a day.  I know that time is precious.  And because I know these things, I understand that I am blessed whenever you take a moment to stop into this space. 

Thank you for taking time during your week to stop here.  Thank you for allowing me to process life, be silly, be irrational, and grow in this space.  Thank you for helping me to see that there is so much beauty in the world and so many good people.  Thank you for grabbing on to our family and making a little room in your hearts for the big and small moments that we share. 

Three years ago, I never could have guessed how this space would expand my world.  I never anticipated that my eyes would open and that somehow, just by putting my fingers to the keyboard, I would begin a journey to embracing life at a entirely new level.  Three years ago I didn’t fully understand the phrase ‘beauty from ashes‘. 

. . . but now I understand.

Now I understand that the unfolding of life is one of life’s most beautiful gifts.  Now I understand that we are never “done” and that we never know what tomorrow can bring.  Now I understand that the world is full of beautiful souls from which we can learn and grow and to whom we can connect and embrace.  Now I know that just because it’s scary–doesn’t mean you shouldn’t step out and give it a try. 

 

Today, I have to say thank you.  Thank you for stopping into my tiny corner of the web and cheering us on.  Maybe it sounds odd, but you have helped me to become a better Mom.  You have helped me to embrace this journey in a way that I couldn’t three years ago.  You have helped me to laugh, to celebrate, to be honest, to embrace the world and to embrace myself.  You have helped me not only to heal, but to grow. 


Whether you read anonymously or publicly.  Whether you remain silent or ‘speak’.  Whether you read faithfully or stop in from time to time.  Whether you’ve been here for the long haul or are just stumbling to this space.  Whatever the case my be, please know this. . .


. . . my heart overflows with gratefulness for this community that has given to me far more than I could ever give back.

Thank you.

  • CharisFaith - July 12, 2013 - 11:15 am

    Thank you for writing, for sharing your space! Happy birthday Running Chatter!!!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - July 17, 2013 - 7:39 pm

      Thank you so much! YOu have always been so supportive!ReplyCancel

  • Kim Ellis - July 12, 2013 - 12:41 pm

    HAppy Birthaversary!! What a wonderful way to celebrate life!!Sharing with us! We love it .. We love you!! We love your kids !!! We love your writing!! We love hearing about lifes journey.. where you take us in our own lives.. remembering back, or giving us future ideas, Thank YOU for sharing and letting us be a part of you! ReplyCancel

    • Summer - July 17, 2013 - 7:40 pm

      Kim, thank you for the way you have walked with me through all of this. I'm so happy to have met you!ReplyCancel

  • ozzie - July 12, 2013 - 5:21 pm

    Happy Birthday! Thank you for letting us into your world. You know you are all special to me. Thank you for helping us to take the time to enjoy the moments in life.ReplyCancel

  • Katie - July 15, 2013 - 12:26 am

    i'm just so happy that i was able to "meet" you. thank you for sharing your beautiful children with me, for letting me "adopt" them since my two kids had the audacity to grow up. you are truly a special person, summer, and the world is a better place because of you. happy birthday!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - July 17, 2013 - 7:40 pm

      Katie, you have blessed me beyond words. Thank you.ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - July 16, 2013 - 3:58 am

    I'm glad you started blogging and that I had the opportunity to meet you. You are an amazing person with a gift of photography. You photos are stunning. ReplyCancel

    • Summer - July 17, 2013 - 7:41 pm

      Thank you so much, Steffany. I can't wait to see you SOON!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - July 17, 2013 - 1:56 am

    happy happy birthday, RC!! yay! i love you, Sumo. I love RC, too. But, really, i think RC and Sumo are like two peas in a pod. Or peas and carrots if you will. so happy this space is here – TRULY. xo.
    Miss ReplyCancel

    • Summer - July 17, 2013 - 7:41 pm

      Thank you, Miss! I love you and miss you!!ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - July 18, 2013 - 1:28 pm

    Though I didn't start reading your blog until last year I am SO happy that I did and got to meet you and read your beautiful words and see your AMAZING pictures!!! 🙂

    Happy Blog-aversary!!!ReplyCancel

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*