A Fairly Charmed Life

It’s not Thanksgiving, or even the month of November; the season when we typically see people expressing thankfulness for the abundance that we have in this life. But I have some thoughts to share on gratitude, anyway….because gratitude is something we can practice all year long.

A few years ago, I was introduced to the concept of a gratitude journal. It’s a fairly simple concept, one that can easily be implemented into your daily life, regardless how busy you are: write down 3 things you’re thankful for each day.  That’s it.  They can be big things or small things. You don’t have to elaborate on them, or you can. It can literally be 3 words. Or maybe you want to just jot down 1 thing….or 5. We’re adults….we can do what we want here. 😉 it’s YOUR practice. And for something that you really don’t have to invest much time in, the results can be pretty fantastic. I’ve discovered, or maybe have just been reminded, that I lead a fairly charmed life. I invite you to try it out and see what happens.

Here are some of the things I’m grateful for, in no particular order….

• running water
• a supportive and loving spouse
• causes I feel passionate about
• the smell of spring
• the ebb and flow of life
• this next breath
• days with perfect temperatures
• my sister’s service to so many things: her home church, the broader church, her school kids, her family, those in need
• the ancient, rejuvenating, practice of yoga
• financial security
• the moments that humble me
• hellos…..and goodbyes
• bread
• sore muscles that remind me that I worked really hard on something
• communities of support you find in so many different places
• independence
• the sun when you need it, the shade when you need it, a lovely breeze, or the lack thereof
• modern medicine
• a really nice glass of red
• Dad being a ‘Worker Man’ and always willing to help
• a really good hug
• ancient wisdom
• the healing that comes with a good night’s sleep: mind, body, and soul
• warmth in the winter
• new eyes to appreciate naked trees in the winter
• visiting children who are out in the world, making their own way
• the freedom to control my own schedule
• the feet to carry me through the Narrows (and life), regardless of the pain they experience
• a peaceful home
• a good meal
• my clothes….that aren’t very trendy and don’t always fit me well
• a faith in and awe of something bigger than myself
• parents who may think I’m crazy at times but love and support me anyway
• the strength of body to build with the Habitat Women Build for 2 weeks straight ( and any other time I get out there)
• fun times with great friends
• the equalization of the breath
• the understanding that we all have our own gifts to contribute to the world….I don’t have to be good at everything and neither do you
• my niece’s faith and compassion for others
• the eyes to see past things that sometimes derail others
• considering what others are going through in any given moment, I rarely have anything to complain about
• campfires
• the way the body attempts to heal itself.  without our knowledge or awareness and the way it does this until our last breath
• my tribe
• the rebirth of spring
• my mom’s desire to care for others
• relativity
• people who have taught me both how to act and how not to act
• my son’s wit
• the undying love of a dog
• adventures
• friends I’ve known since way back when I was in that awkward stage
• compost
• unconditional love
• touch love
• the comfort of my own bed
• dark chocolate
• my husband’s ability to figure the things out that frustrate me and cause me to give up
• memories
• my bike
• that I’m not afraid of dying
• the good, the bad, and the ugly of my past experiences – what I’m proud of and what I’m ashamed of….many lessons were learned and continue to be learned
• my daughter’s balance of fun loving and hard working
• new friends who you can just tell will be around for a long time
• softball….the game, the ability to play just for fun, and the many hours of fun and sometimes group therapy that happens in the parking lot after the game
• my kids’ friends
• the difference a new layer of paint can make
• proper gear/tools

I know.  It’s a long list and you’re bored now. But I could seriously go on and on…..what are you thankful for? I invite you to open your eyes, drink in the abundance you will find all around you. In the words of Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Much gratitude for you all,

Marci