Gratitude
I will go out on a limb and state that in recent history, the word gratitude probably has not been used more readily, more often, or more deeply than in the past 2 years. Our lives have been turned upside down. Our faith, our health teetering on a pinhead. Of course, there have been many other major obstacles, wars, oppression prior to 2020 but I dare say that in the past 30 years rarely has the entire globe had to look onto itself and search for help, grace and the ease of suffering all while finding gratitude in the most basic human need; our health.
Some of us have experienced grave loss and pain. Unimaginable grief and loneliness. Fear and terror wreaked havoc on our emotional tendons. I know my body would tense up with every ambulance siren I would hear. I would sense a physical shutter and dread. In order to hold onto sanity I began practicing gratitude that there were ambulances available to come to the aid of people. That no one I knew needed one. Before long that sound, although still alarming, didn’t have the same intense physically effect on me as once before. And so, hope and optimism spring forth. The sun still rises. The moon still revolves. And another day dawns. And we breath, with or without a mask… we breath.
The simple glory of a sunrise. Spectacular in its power. May its warmth and golden glow surround and protect you.
My gratitude is ever present but has been more profound over these past 2 years. I, we, feel so fortunate to have each other and been able to work to support staying in the home we love that has kept us safe and out of harm’s way. A saying my dad has forever bestowed on us whether we were traveling afar, going to the grocery or simply taking a walk… harm’s way was always to be avoided.
Grateful for a backyard that allowed to be outdoors and social
And although all revenue avenues for me shut down during the shut down, the downtime led to quiet time to reveal clarity. Reflection can usher in breakthroughs and new approaches to any situation. As so many people did during this time, we dug deep and asked ourselves why am I still doing this and how do I really want to use my time and talents? Can I find another path, a more meaningful journey?
Where do the various tracks of life lead you?
To reimagine and envision more, I often love sitting by the ocean’s edge. I stare out unto the open waters and embrace the sparkles that dance along the surface. To me, they have always represented possibilities, the vast amount of opportunities rushing toward me. All that is being asked of me is to grab onto them.
And just like the seagulls, all we need to do is survey the bounty and then dive in.
With the pandemic demanding change, I dove in head first designing a different path. I found an alternative way to use my talents and to prosper. One that brings me, and I dare say, others, joy. So, I will count that as 2 gratitude notches.
As a private chef I offer weekly meal offerings.
Simple, delicious food.
And also sneaking in a celebratory cake.
Weekly, happy customers.
Trying to always stir life with LOVE.
It’s evident that we are all thankful for our own health, safety and personal well being, as well as for all our family, friends and greater community. I can add on that although we may still have tremendous division in the world, we have also become more compassionate as we watched so much pain and suffering. I pray for continued empathy, understanding and love towards one another, and the healing of our planet, on all levels.
This Thanksgiving week marks the first time I traveled since the lock down. I had concerns and trepidation about venturing out beyond my little world but had faith that with all the precautions I continually take, I would be ok. And I am.
Although this may seem silly, this is my garb whenever I go anywhere. It’s my comfort level.
So my gratitude continues to grow with the great fortune of being able to spend quiet, sun filled time with my husband, JuanCarlos. In a place that brings us peace, and is painted with wonderful memories of our togetherness.
What can be more healing and calming than the warmth of the sun, followed by the ocean breeze and the soothing lull of lapping waves at the shore? For me, this is paradise.
If you look closely, that’s me out there swimming in the blues.
On this day, this year, being grateful is deep, deep in my cells. I wish for you peace and calm, health and happiness that fills you with hope and optimism.
May you look to your left, turn to your right and notice the good that surrounds you is YOU, no matter where you travel. You are the goodness in the world.
Happy Thanksgiving!
