“I got hooked on your blog several years ago when you started writing “One Man’s Truth.”Your perspective was the most encouraging thing I read when all else was causing me severe angst. Moving on from there, I have seen your journey at finding a deeper spiritual level to be equally encouraging. And thru your writings, I have discovered the writings of Thomas Merton. What a blessing that has been, and so your blog continues to be. My deepest gratitude! — Nancy

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Nancy, who sent me a message that reminds me that my blog is important to people other than me,  got me thinking about the best decisions I have made in my life. I’m sure I’m leaving out some, but here are the ones that came to mind:

Starting my blog in 2007 was one of the best decisions of my life.

It changed my life. Since then, I’ve written more than 30,000 posts, posted more than 31,000 comments, and offered up – for free – – more than 40,000 photographs.

The blog was and is hard work every day, especially for a person who has dyslexia. It’s a joyous and gratifying experience; I love every day of it. It challenges me to be better, face myself, and grow, think, and learn.

The blog began the process of rebirth, opening me up, sharing my vulnerability with the world, seeing myself truthfully, writing in freedom and openness, finding my voice and identity, and finding love.

It brought me to the Army Of Good and the excellent work we are doing, and it has helped me recover from many years of emotional disturbance and mental illness.

I am fortunate. I get to recover every day. The blog is my guide to understanding myself and the work I still need to do.

It led directly to my best decision of all – meeting and loving and marrying Maria, which was no simple task. She was and remains a man-hater, although she does admit now that there are some nice men in the world.

Most of the women I know mistrust men, even if they like some.

Our wonderful and late friend Mary Kellogg, the poet, was happy to learn that I was dating Maria. “That’s so good, Jon,” she said. “She will keep you in line.”

She was right. Maria is the best thing that ever happened to me. And she does try to keep me in line. Most of the time, she succeeds.

Years earlier, my first wife and I made another decision that defined our lives.

After our first two children died, we decided to try again, and the result was Emma. Another of the best things that have happened to me in my life.

Having a child being a parent is a rich and challenging experienced. We’ve had our moments but have decided to love and cherish each other. That’s nice.

Deciding to go on the Hero Journey and leave the familiar behind was frightening, challenging, painful, and life-saving.

Coming to the country, living among animals, being close to nature brought me back to life.

We humans need to be around animals, and we need to be around nature to be healthy.

I guess the other decision I’d throw off the top of my head was deciding at eight years of age that I wanted to be a writer. No other single decision has shaped or enriched my life more.

I am fortunate beyond words that I have been able to love what I do my whole life, and that is a sacred gift, as are the others. Those who love what they do are rare and blessed.

The blog has enhanced and extended that very wonderful vocation. Thanks, Nancy, for reminding me to be grateful for the decisions I have made; one day, I’ll list the bad ones when I can bear them.

( Photo, Morning Light, Bedlam Farm)