This summer has been warm, beautiful, and filled with fun. It’s also reminded me over and over of the value of appreciating what I’ve got. After several physical annoyances, I sit here, grateful again for the reminder not to take seemingly minor things for granted. Without these small gifts, our life can be so much different.
Blah blah blah . . .
First, I tweaked something in my neck and spent the next 8 nights propped up in bed with a heating pad on full blast to alleviate the pain. Next it was my back which had never ever in my life bothered me. For 10 longs nights, I took Advil, laid on a heating pad, and experienced numerous spasms which jarred me from sleep. Then came stomach bloating which made me look pregnant and sharp pains in my chest. Finally, I had an eye infection which forced me to wear glasses which don’t give me nearly enough correction to read. (I write this through squinted eyes, pressing my nose towards the page, and periods of closing my eyes for relief)
Now What I See
Each one of these minor annoyances has shown me how great I’ve had it. I’ve taken for granted getting an entire night’s sleep laying in any position I choose. I’ve taken for granted that my stomach doesn’t hurt, my eyes work well, and I’m able to be active. I wish I could go back and tell my healthy self to be grateful with all she has.
How About You?
What are you taking for granted? Can you recall a time when you’ve been physically sick, emotionally drained, or without hope? What did those ailments keep you from? When you got better and felt more positive and hopeful, didn’t things seem especially wonderful for a time? Wouldn’t it be great to bottle that feeling and sprinkle it on your life each day?
This is the power of gratitude.
Reflect
Stop and take a moment to reflect on what seemingly small ability you have that allows you to enjoy your life and help others. Write it down. Meditate on it. Be grateful for it. Appreciate what it does for you and for others.
Here is a list of things I’m grateful for today:
1. A neck that can look both right and left
2. A back that allows me to bend over, twist, and hold a baby
3. A body free from pain
4. The ability to walk, skip, and run
5. The capacity to breathe deeply and exhale slowly
6. Fingers that can type, scratch, and dress myself
7. Ears that can hear other’s words easily
8. Knees that can help me get in and out of bed, down to and up from the floor, and balance during yoga
9. Joints that don’t ache
10. People in my life who are amazing
11. A church community
12. A work environment with smart engaged people
13. Food on my table
14. Amazon Prime
15. The Internet
16. Social Media
17. Great books loaded with wisdom
18. Time to reflect
19. A husband who loves me for who I am
20. Precious friendships
21. Changing seasons
22. Holidays to look forward to
23. Routine
24. Headphones and podcasts
25. Treadmills
26. Swimming pools
27. My bicycle
28. Plays
29. Sporting events
30. Music!
31. Words
32. My ability to remember things
33. Photographs
34. Text messaging
35. Medicine
36. Animals
37. Prayer
38. My washer and dryer
39. Electric garage door openers
40. Garbage collectors
41. Screens to keep the bugs out
42. Sunshine!
43. The community I live in
44. Art
45. Humor
46. Credit cards with frequent flyer miles
47. A nice bed
48. Something to do
49. Lessons to learn
50. People to love