Skip to content
From Where I Sit — ChairwriterRebecca Faye Smith GalliAuthor | Columnist – @Chairwriter Signed Books

March 20, 2025

The Gift of the Present

The Gift of the Present

Today’s inspiration comes from a quote I cherish, especially when life’s twists and turns threaten my forward momentum:

Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness. –James Thurber
Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness. –James Thurber

Indeed, awareness helps.

Whether we are happy, sad, fearful or angry, awareness grounds us in the present and gives us the chance to reorient ourselves with a fresh look at reality.

Honesty fuels awareness, I’ve discovered. In fact:

When I can be honest about both how I feel and my capacity to handle the situation, my next steps become clearer. -Becky Galli
When I can be honest about both how I feel and my capacity to handle the situation, my next steps become clearer. -Becky Galli

Life has gone a little sideways lately—wheelchair issues, accessible van issues, and a reaction to a medication that eventually required a cortisone shot in my shoulder to remedy.

Ouch!

And yet, there have been so many things to celebrate:

Birthday well wishes (and yes, red velvet cake!):

Birthday well wishes

Family visits:

Family visits
Rachel, Brittany, Blakely Faye, and Brian

Reunions and milestone launches:

Reunions and milestone launches
Some of Madison’s caregivers (1997 – present) at our Pathfinders for Autism 25th anniversary Topgolf event.

Being fully aware in each circumstance—either coping or celebrating—helped me keep moving while absorbing the learnings each had to offer.

On we go. . .

My best – always,

Becky  (Nana B)

P.S. Thanks to those who contributed to my birthday fundraiser for Pathfinders for Autism. Means a lot!

P.P.S. I’m excited to share three new podcast episodes are available here! 😊❤️ Listen to my heartfelt conversations with podcasters Kim Benoy, Raj Montage, and Christine Daves, where we discuss hope, resilience, and positivity.

P.P.P.S. I’m just four away from reaching my initial goal of 25 reviews! 🌟 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on Amazon. Your feedback is incredibly helpful, and I truly appreciate your support.😊🙏

Sign Up Here, if you’d like to receive Thoughtful Thursdays via email.

Order Morning Fuel Order Rethinking Possible

A little encouragement, delivered

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Join me for Thoughtful Thursdays—stories, reflections, and lessons from a resilient heart.

Explore Thoughtful Thursdays