Tag: gratitude

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Thoughts on the Holiday Weekend

I had such high hopes for this holiday weekend. There was so much I thought I could get done. Instead, I spent most of the time knitting and watching TV. I did get to church, which given the weather was iffy, and I did get a few things done around the apartment, like vacuuming and laundry.

Now, part of the reason I couldn’t get everything done was so much was closed due to the holiday. The recycling center and the thrift shop were both closed on Monday, and that was really the far better day to drop stuff off. Not because Saturday morning wasn’t an option, but it’s usually so busy at both places. Plus, I did get my grocery shopping done on Saturday, and doing all three things just isn’t going to happen.

Because my car is so small, I only have room for groceries, recycling, or donated items, not all three or even two at once. The grocery store is close, but the other two are a bit of a distance, and in opposite directions from each other. So you can that logistically, it takes some strong motivation to get it all done. And I don’t have that kind of motivation.

Besides, the weather was not cooperating. There were thunderstorms off and on, and I avoid going outside when lightning is striking. We had a strike hit the building across the parking lot from me last year, and that was enough to keep me inside whenever I hear a crack and a rumble.

I am, however, grateful this Memorial Day weekend was not like last year’s. On Sunday morning of the holiday weekend last year (and by morning, I mean 1 a.m.) seven tornadoes hit our county, four F3s and three F2s. That’s a lot of terrible damage, and I know of several people still cleaning up after it a year later.

I’m grateful for so much this Memorial Day. Grateful the weather wasn’t too bad, grateful no one I knew was killed or seriously hurt last year, grateful I can rest and relax and know the tasks will get done in good time.

But most of all I’m grateful to the men and women who died fighting for freedom and liberty. Their sacrifices enable so much in my life. As I was writing this, some Mormon missionaries came to my door. While I don’t share all that they believe, we each have the freedom to express our faith without fear of retribution.

I pray those freedoms never go away.

Image Credits: Header (Memorial Day) © Ilja–stock.adobe.com; Small Car © Diclonius–stock.adobe.com; Lightning Bolt © Andi–stock.adobe.com; Grateful © Handini_Atmodiwiryo–stock.adobe.com; Remember and Honor © Stafeeva–stock.adobe.com

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Overriding Feeling of Gratitude

I’m committing to making a conscious effort to be grateful for what I have. It’s not that I haven’t been grateful in the past, but I have taken a lot for granted. What a luxury! With a bit of irony, I find myself being thankful that I have been able to take so much for granted.

It’s not that I want to live a life of paranoia that I may lose what I treasure, but rather, I want to lift my eyes skyward and say, “thank you, God, for continued good health. I know that as I age, things will go wrong, but remind me about what I still have, and remind me to be grateful for your continued care, no matter what happens.”

Not just my health is involved here, of course, although the older I get the more aware I become of what can go wrong. And I don’t want to imply that I won’t grieve losses or feel fear or frustration in the future (sorry for the alliteration). But the overriding feeling should be gratitude.

I am grateful for my friends, past and present, online and in person. I thank God for my parents and my brother and sister and all the work they do on my behalf when the situation calls for it.

Heart lately 2

Why gratitude now, you ask? I’ve come very close to losing a few things I value, and I’m grateful to have had them, whether or not they stay in my life. I’ve had gratitude journals in the past and they didn’t really work for me, but I do want to daily be grateful for the good things in my life.

So I’m holding on to gratitude. I think it makes the heart beat stronger, literally and figuratively.

Image Credits: Skyward © prosign–stock.adobe.com; Heart © Belinda O

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Thank You

For the last seven years I’ve suffered at the hands of those with greater power and lesser insight.

It’s not that my life has been all hell and horror, but it’s safe to say the worst moments of my existence happened during this time. So I’m thrilled to announce it’s officially over.

That doesn’t mean I won’t continue to live with the consequences, nor does it vindicate those who caused this pain. And for my part in it, I’ve paid the price. A proportionately higher price than our society accepts. Life isn’t fair sometime.

But we are not a product of what happens to us. We are a product of how we respond to those events, the accusations, the unjust decisions. I’m not saying the events themselves don’t change us. They do. But what shapes us, in the end, lies within our hearts.

So I thank not only those who stood by me, but those who inspired me over my lifetime. All of you who shared your wisdom and built a tower of strength within me.

And I thank God for holding me close.

Thank you.

Photo Credit: © stock.adobe.com

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Consistently Changing

“Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago.”
― Bernard Berenson

Hmmm. I get his point, but there’s value in consistency, too. Depends on your consistent pattern. Do you routinely come home, watch the same TV shows and eat one of the same three frozen dinners? Or are you someone who can be counted to stay up-to-date with current events, give comfort to a grieving friend, or dare to have your hair cut shorter than its ever been?

If you’re consistently exploring, you’ll be wiser and more informed a year from now.

A balance of routine and exploration helps prevent both chaos and lethargy. There is comfort in routine, although in the first scenario described above, I’d recommend you add a class (or perhaps a book club) and learn how to cook at least two new meals.

Having a regular pattern gives you structure, a foundation to build on the daring side of you. It also helps you be on time and maintain healthy habits. But the person so committed to that same schedule that they pass by on the bountiful opportunities our world offers is somewhat boring.

I got to wondering what I’ll learn in the next year. I’m not anxious for tough lessons, but rather, new insight into the world around me and the people I love. It means I have to get out of my comfort zone a little more and be willing to ask questions that might leave me vulnerable.

Vulnerable, because I don’t like looking ignorant or naÏve. Thank goodness for the Internet and search engines. But there are limits to what you can learn from Wikipedia, and I want to break those boundaries.

I’ve changed so much in the last few years, and sometimes I forget what I’ve accomplished. The difference is subtle sometimes, but I’m proud to say I’m consistently changing.

 

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“Have a nice trip?” “Last Fall.”

A nice trip, indeed.

I’m working in a warehouse now as a technical writer. The administrative aspect of my job doesn’t mean I get an office, however, or even a traditional desk. I’m smack dab in the middle of 95000 square feet of bedlam.

They strive for high safety standards, but with that much STUFF it isn’t always easy.

So I’m walking to the ladies’ room when BAM! I find myself face down on a cement floor. Turns out a piece of plastic strapping tape — used in this case to bind a pile of empty, flattened boxes — was jutting out from said pile. I slid on it, which is what caused me to fall forward.

I landed smack dab on my side, seriously bruising my rib cage, liver and kidney, and the surrounding muscles. I spent hours in the ER, where they ruled out any cracks, breaks or damage to organs.

But, ow.

Even with painkillers, things like feeding my cats and lying down in bed hurt like the bejeebers. This is likely to last a little while.

So if it isn’t this, it’s that. Still, I remain grateful for overall good health and wounds that will heal.

The kitties haven’t left my side. I swear, we must secrete something when we’re in pain because cats and dogs always know when they need to take care of you.

And I’m well taken care of.

Image Credits: (Fallen Elephant) © maxbol — stock.adobe.com; (Leaves) © graphicstock.com