Archives for posts with tag: appreciate what you have

Thankful

November 28, 2024 //
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One thing I like about American culture is that we have an un-ironic holiday on the calendar for gratitude. We take a day to gather, feast, and share a moment of thanks. It’s an oddity among our holidays; it is far less commercialized than most of them. It’s mostly just a holiday feast. I enjoy the cooking and the meal. As a kid I enjoyed the various peculiar rituals, and the chance to see cousins from far away places as we all gathered at Grandfather’s house. I have amazing holiday memories of those childhood Thanksgivings.

I’ve never hosted large family gatherings for Thanksgiving, but I remember the fuss and chaos and celebration fondly (possibly because I didn’t have to coordinate the details or do much of the work!). I’m grateful to enjoy the holiday without the extra work involved in cooking, serving, and cleaning up after an elaborate meal for a large group. lol I’m content with a smaller celebration.

Thanksgiving morning before sunrise.

I woke to a cold properly autumnal morning and slipped away for my walk as quietly as I could. I slept well and deeply and I am grateful to start the day rested. There’s so much to do, later. I’m grateful for this quiet “now”, and sit for a moment after I put on my boots, just enjoying feeling the moment. It’s enough.

I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and I begin the day here. Thankful for a good night’s sleep in a safe, comfortable home. Thankful for the warm base layers that keep me comfortable in the autumn cold. Thankful for my cane, which keeps me steady on my feet – and thankful to be walking. So thankful. I’m fortunate.

I’m thankful for this well maintained trail, and this quiet morning. I’m thankful for the partner who will welcome me home with love later this morning. I’m thankful for the coffee beans waiting in the grinder that will become my morning coffee, and the well stocked pantry that will provide ingredients for the evening meal. I’m thankful for hot and cold running water that is safe to drink. I’m thankful for my reliable vehicle and cozy house. I’m thankful for the books on my shelves, my eyesight, and the ability to read. I’m thankful for the Internet connectivity that keeps me in touch with friends and family. I’m thankful for the job that keeps the bills paid. I’m thankful for this comfortable good life.

I’m fortunate. I’m grateful. I’m merry.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Categories autumn, forgiveness, Free Will, gratitude, Moments, Perspective, Relationships, The Art of Being

No Magical Shortcuts

June 25, 2024 //
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Another lovely morning. I got through yesterday’s stressors and chaos with a bit of grace, and a lot of practice. There are no shortcuts, no magical cures “experts don’t want you to know about”, no means to an end that don’t require real effort… It’s all work and effort, and will, and practice. A lot of practice. My results vary. I make a point to appreciate the wins and celebrate moments of joy.

I’m grateful to see another sunrise.

I enjoyed my morning walk, and having the trail entirely to myself was a pleasant luxury. I slept well, and I feel good (aside from the usual amount of pain in the background, which I am mostly able to ignore so far). The fresh air fills my lungs and each breath feels truly life-giving in an interesting way. I think about love, as I walk, and when I stop for a moment to rest or take a picture.

“Hang in there,” my Traveling Partner’s doctor said yesterday, reassuring him that the healing process was going well, although uncomfortable (and yeah, painful sometimes). It felt like a long damned day to get to that moment. I felt pretty helpless and ineffective a lot of the time, but I did a good day’s work, and managed to “be there” for my partner when he needed me, even if only to provide comfort and love. I guess those things matter, too.

I breathe, exhale, and relax. Another day, another opportunity to begin again, to do better, to be my best self, to be a good friend, lover, and partner. To be. Awake and aware and filled with wonder. I take a moment to appreciate how far my journey has taken me. How far I have gone down this path. Content, mostly. Joyful, often. Even happy sometimes – more often than I ever understood could be possible. I’m fortunate. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for. I sit with that thought awhile, just enjoying the mild summer morning for a few minutes before the work day begins.

It’s a good moment.

… Time to begin again…

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Categories Allegories, Anxiety, Brain Injury, breathe, forgiveness, gratitude, health, Healthy Living, Love, meditation, Mindfulness, Moments, Oregon Trails, pain, Perspective, Post Traumatic Stress, Practices, Relationships, solo hiking, Summer, The Art of Being