Gratitude in Unfortunate Circumstances
Friday, July 31, 2009 at 12:32PM 
I'm sitting at a library computer terminal feeling a bit sad and vulnerable. My house got robbed last night, somewhat torn apart and my computer, jewelry and a wallet were all stolen. I had all sorts of plans for exciting posts about my last week of family vacay bliss, photos of scrumptious foods, birthday loveliness with family and smiley friends, photos of my beautiful pregnant sister and of a recent self-portrait session. Thankfully, those images are still either safely stored on my computer or on my hardrive that didn't get stolen so I'll just hold them close until its possible to reach outward with my photos again.
Experiences like this make one feel really grateful for what didn't get stolen, what didn't happen but from going through this 2 times already (the first being the worst, which I was confronted by the robber) I know that I need to allow space to be upset and angry and sad about what did happen. I feel tender today but in a far better place today than years ago. It cracked me open in places that needed to heal. In fact it was through that cracking open that I needed to rediscover my sense of joy and found that through photography. Where I stand now i don't expect the same experience. The first robberies were the catalyst for personal change not the cause.
I woke up this morning after a surprisingly good sleep, mostly I think because of all the friend fairies across the country leaving me voice mails, texts and emails of love. Thats one of the main differences I feel from the other robberies. I feel very very loved today. So, in my tender state I wanted to proclaim a few declarations of gratitude while still allowing myself to cry as much as I want to today.
On this day my heart is packed full of gratitude for:
~my beloved kitters. the door was left open by the robbers and though i don't know for how long, I'm overwhelmingly grateful that the cats didn't leave. if you're reading this and know my cats, you'll know that ladybug is quite partial to running away. i'm so glad she didn't. she's been extremely cuddly since it happened which does wonders for a sore heart
~my upstairs neighbour friends. they were robbed to and to arrive home to them, a glass of wine and kids making my beautiful pictures to make me feel better was really wonderful.
~friend love. a simple sentence can really help sometimes.
~that i didn't lose all my photos or my camera gear. not having a computer will be a challenge, but its a minor setback, not a devistating loss.
I hope to make it here to post words, maybe not as many photos as usual, but i guess I'll just see what manifests. Thanks for witnessing me by reading these words.
love,
vivienne
Reader Comments (10)
i'm sorry you were robbed - an extreme violation of everything comforting. but, as you said, you weren't confronted by robbers and you still have your camera and photos. yes, hold them dear and your friends and go easy. peace and love.
I am so truly sorry that this happened... I feel your sadness and your tenderness.
Having never experienced a robbery, I cannot imagine what you're going through ~but~ I am amazed at your courage in allowing all of the these emotions in and your sharing.
And.. most of all, that you still find speckles of light and gratitude in such an unfortunate happening.
I'm keeping you in my thoughts and wishing there was a way I could help... please reach out if there is a way I can help. xo B
oh babe... sorry to hear about this. the grace with which you are dealing with it is clearly a testament to you and the work you have done on yourself.
i think the truth of a person is often revealed under stressful circumstances and, for me, you are shining light a very very bright light by choosing gratitude whilst still allowing yourself some space to feel upset.
my thoughts are with you
big virtual hugs across the seas
xx
oh vivva love. you are such a strong woman.
i am so happy you feel the love that surrounds you. i hope that somehow your things can return safely to you. but i am oh so glad too that you still have your cattys and your camera tools and your safety and your housemate friends.
way to be strong and amazing while still allowing the space for sadness.
i love you so much and wish you so much heart and sustenance and gentleness.
c
Vivienne, so sorry to hear this news but heartened to know that you feel supported and loved at such a time. Things like this are never easy to just "get over" but your positive attitude and your knowing what is important will get you through it more comfortably I'm sure. So happy to hear you still have your cameras and photos and your beloved kitty friends!
On a lighter note i wanted to say what a pleasure it was meeting you at the folk festival. You are delightful and I hope we can get together again sometime soon.
Love, and Big Hugs,
Suvarna
oh sweetie, i'm so sorry to heart this. uck bluck woo uff grossness. sending you a thousand fairies and angels to take extra good care for you and your space...
and if you're called to it... maybe a good smudge of your space might help too (if you're in the right space for it)... sooo good to help cleanse away the uff-blucknesses in a space...
tenderness and kindness to you possum
big love you
xoxoxo
Oh dear one -
I am off to email you instead -
please please take care of you!! I am so sorry this awful thing happened.
Love to you - big safe warm love -
xoox
I am so so so sorry to hear that this happened to you, but so glad that your friends have rallied around you and given you the love and support that one needs at such a time as this. May your things be returned to you and may you feel peace and comfort. xo~jen
Oh my gosh, I'm so sad for you....I'm sending you some warm glowey light tonight...from Ontario.
You totally inspired me tonight. To sit down and reflect on what you have to be grateful for, is exactly what might cast a new light on the day....good for you. Again, what a crappy thing to have happen.....I hope you are able to find peace in it all... for you.
you're welcome lovely!