Sometimes life gets tough and the big things feel unmanageable. How will I move forward? How can I reduce suffering? What will make this situation better? Those are hard questions with no easy answers.
This is one of those times for me personally and I suggest for us as a country. In order to generate acceptance, positivity and faith, to get through challenging times, I practice gratitude for the little things.
I felt a rush of gratitude the other day when I was doing errands. When I drove past an office supply store, I remembered the printer cartridge that I had in my trunk. I returned that cartridge and when I came out of the store, I noticed that recycling makes me happy. I am grateful that I can make a used printer cartridge useful again, rather than creating more garbage. That got me started on a gratitude binge.
Since I often walk with my grandbaby in the stroller, I have noticed how many people smile at you when you walk by with a baby. Sometimes I am surprised that people who seem distracted or unlikely to connect with a baby, recognize us with a smile. I make it a habit to smile when I see a baby, too. Either way, the encounter is one that brings me joy, joy that I am grateful for.
One of my habits is to consume a few squares of chocolate after lunch. The other day, I realized that I was all out and I had forgotten to put it on the shopping list. Since it was Sunday and I had the time, I walked to the Coop and brought a few bars which just so happened to be on sale. Grateful for chocolate! Grateful for the coop! Grateful for a walk on a Sunday afternoon!
Last week, I went to two parties given and attended by old friends. They were warm and friendly, the homes so welcoming during cold, dark November evenings. I felt truly loved and grateful for these extraordinary old friends that remind me of the love that is all around me! No cold can affect that warmth or darkness snuff out that light ever! Grateful for the reminder.
On the shelf in my office, I have a Christmas cactus plant that blooms in November. The flowers are pale pink, big, and long-lasting. They appear on the ends of the stems and open gradually, one at a time, spreading the delight over days. Last year when our old house was on the market, this plant was blooming in the kitchen the whole time. Then we moved it into our new house and this year, there it is sharing its beauty at the onset of the cold, dark winter. I feel grateful whenever I look at it in front of my desk.
A favorite activity, especially in the winter is reading. I love a good novel and when I am introduced to authors whom I enjoy reading, I like to read all they have written. Since I read a lot, I do not purchase all the books I read. Recently, I was introduced to Libby, which is the public library’s online app for borrowing books. My phone is large, so after downloading a book, I can read it easily on my phone which tends to be available whenever a moment for reading arises. So grateful for books and for the library and for Libby!
Life gets confusing at times and my best technique for getting through those times is writing. When I write, I find the truth in matters. Life becomes more manageable. I am grateful for words, thoughts and the ability to put them together!
The thought that I am grateful for the little things led me to feel good on Saturday and to enter the flow of gratitude, a flow that is carrying me through this snowy, challenging week. Feeling grateful feels great!
Today I am grateful, so grateful for being grateful!
