For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be seved, a debt to be paid. A last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination."

-Souza

Friday, November 15, 2013

Gratitude

The season of thanks-giving is upon us.  And I'm not really referring to turkey day, but the general effort I am witnessing by many friends to express their gratitude for people and things in their lives.  I have really found it uplifting to read all these expressions of love for life.  It's made me feel a bit more focused as the holidays approach.  Focused on filling up my heart with people and things that emanate goodness and remembering how amazing life is.

A few days ago I was talking with some other moms about the petty things that can weigh us down on a daily basis.  We all battle these distractions, and it's hard to work to stay the course and assign value to things that truly deserve it.  When pulled in so many directions, it can be hard to pick yourself up out of a funk (which for me began today when the dog ate the entire loaf of bread I just bought) and move forward with choosing to be loving and kind.  It's always a choice.

I am grateful every day for the friends in my life who help me on this journey to be a better version of myself. I started thinking about my journey when I was talking to a patient this week about the value of friendships and how much it means when someone knows a good chunk of your story (or nearly all of it).  I have had some struggles along the way so far.  Pain and despair, grief and sadness.  But I have not let it harden my heart.  I believe in optimism, despite the bad things that happen.  People are good.  There are reasons to be grateful every day.

I have to choose to fit gratitude into the craziness of my current day-to-day existence.  It's a lot of work.  And I have to admit that there are definitely times when I get way too fired up about a Starbuck's croissant mashed into the floor of the backseat of the car, or some of the cartoons that seem to entice me to step over the threshold to crazy town.  But I am a work in progress.  I strive to step back and be grateful.  And, oh, how I am blessed in ways that I never imagined (twins, what?!).  Their faces are my light.  Muddling my way through difficulties has led to joy.  My heart is full.

As the holidays approach, I wish you gratitude even in the craziest and most difficult moments.  Spread it around to those in your world.  It might be just what someone needs to turn it around and to open their heart to the beauty of simply living another day. Stay focused and press on through the pettiness.  A grateful heart will see you through.  Each day on this planet we have a chance to live the way we want to live and to revel in the celebration.

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