May You Always See the Blessing: Fall 2025 Edition

Beloveds,

Sometimes it feels trite to say it:

"May you always see the blessing."

Unfortunately, this can happen with profound things.

When I think of a well-lived life, I think of gratitude. I think of noticing all the graces, the kindnesses, the miracles, the generosities, the synchronicities, the through-lines, the one-offs.

Life is hard - no doubt. But it's also beautiful, so beautiful.

The challenges and traumas of life can blind us and distract us from the graces, kindnesses, and miracles.

The blessings come from all directions: ourselves, long-known loved ones, strangers, the physical world.

In this season, today, I am reminded that one of, if not the best blessing/prayer/wish I could give someone is that they always see the blessing.

Seeing the goodness in their life is drastically different than the dreary, cynical, cursed existence of not seeing the beauty and graces - think Ebinezer Scrooge in contrast with Tiny Tim from "A Christmas Carol." Think that person that is hard to be around because of their hard edges and pessimism in comparison to the person that helps your load feel less heavy with their smile, words, or actions.

May you always see the blessing.

Even in your grief, your sorrow, your longing, your heartbreak, what are ways that you're being sustained? 

The maple tree in its autumnal glory - blazing red, orange, and yellow with some whispers of green. The message from a beloved friend traversing the miles between you. The joy of skipping through fallen leaves, walking to the local forested park in the sunlight, or cruising on a skateboard. The taste of the Crimson Crisp apple fresh from the orchard. The gratitude of the stranger receiving their gift after asking for help. The cozy, comfort of your favorite wool socks and fleece pull-over. The letter you wrote to yourself three months ago. The reconnection with an estranged loved one.

Things will never be as you planned, at least not for long. Do we have eyes to see the okay-ness in this? How are we doing at being content in all circumstances?

Seeing the blessing drops us into the present moment, which is the only place we ever are.

Your anxiety and your depression keep you from now. 

But how delightful is that mug of oatmilk latte in your hand? How good does the green tea taste on your tongue? How does the warmth feel on your hands, and down your esophagus? (How much fun is the word esophagus?) How does the shape of the mug feel on your fingers and palms? How does the color make you feel? Is their a message on the mug that points towards connection?

Your anxiety and depression want you to focus on the piles of clothes, dishes, and papers. They want you to think of the to-do list, all the negative possibilities and occurrences. They can be thieves.

And so, in this moment, I remember to always see the blessing and it's working! My oatmilk green tea latte has my attention and these words - this practice of noticing what is.

"Beauty is all around. It's waiting to be found," (from my song, "Happy, Happy.") It is. It always is.

The gift of the blessing of now is waiting for us.

1. Are you leaning more towards noticing the blessing or the curse of your life?

2. What are you grateful for today?

3. What miracles however tiny are saving you right now?

4. What beauty wants to be seen that you haven't been noticing?

May you always see the blessing,

-esb

P.S. - Thanks for being here. I’d love to hear how you’re doing!

P.P.S. - The art and information in these emails is my copyright, unless otherwise indicated/credited.

P.P.P.S. - Let someone know how you feel about them while they savor there favorite morning beverage! So many ways to say I.L.Y. (I love you)! Merchandise is available on RedBubble accessible —> here.