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Oh, Yeah, It’s in the Other…
Dec
I opened the trunk of the car to get the shopping bags. None there. What the heck. Oh, yea, they were in the other vehicle.
I reflected on other situations where the object of my desire was somewhere else – usually where I left it myself.
The key for the post box is in my other coat.
I left the letter I intended to mail on the shelf by the door.
After settling into my comfy chair, I realize I left my book I was into, in the other room.
These situations are opportunities to reframe the moment and be grateful.
I have two cars. I have a significant level of control over where I leave things. I have secure mail and a home with my letter secured behind a locked door. I have access to books – the freedom to choose. I am very fortunate, and I try hard not to take these things for granted. Take them away, and I’d notice immediately.
Why do I bother going through life with this approach of reframing to feel grateful? Simple. It works for me. I feel better. My blood pressure stays in the healthy zone. I sleep well at night – most nights. I’m more engaging to be around, or so I’m told.
With New Year’s Eve almost upon us, I like to take some time to reflect on the past year and be grateful for the people, places, and things I have in my life. Together I have a rich life.
When I am aware that I’m edging towards grumbling, I usually take a step back and take another perspective.
I can’t control what happens in much of my life, but I have a high level of influence over how I respond to situations. The influence starts inside my head. I’m a happier person for this.
Please give this a bit of a think. Spend a few moments to identify something that you are grateful for. What would life be like without it? Is there someone you could share this gratitude with?
I’m curious about your thoughts. Please share your bit of a think below.
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I was raised in a home where my parents were grateful for so much, they never complained, and always had a positive outlook. Was it partly because they had seen the adversity of the depression years? The WWIi years? and so much more, and yet they were so grateful to have a family, a home, and community.
They worked for that, and they worked towards being good citizens.
On a lighter note, my husband sleeps well, and attributes it to having a clear conscience!
I struggle with being grateful while not seeing everything through rose-coloured glasses, as they are a first-world lens, I think.
“Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone.”
This classic Joni Mitchell song from the 1960s popped into my mind whenI was reading your blog. Growing up, I remember my dad telling us to finish everything on our plate because there are children in some places in the world who don’t have food, water or a roof or their heads. That thought kind of stuck in my head and as a result, I learned not to grumble too much about not having this or that. We had enough and that’s what I got used to.
I have a lot of things to be grateful for – too many to list! I think about them a lot. Top of the list would be my health. I’m also grateful for intangible things like
(the rest of my post didn’t send!)
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I’m also grateful for intangible things like sunrises and sunsets, clouds and rain, a warm smile, hearts and hugs. I’m very grateful that I have children and grandchildren, a roof over my head, a job to go to and good food. I’m also grateful for my ipad and phone because it keeps me connected with family, friends and work. I don’t place a lot of attention on the tangibles – it’s the experience and feelings I derive from these things. If the “tangibles” were taken away, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. They’re replaceable.
Wishing you and your family good health, happiness, and new adventures as we head into 2023! Keep up your blogs. I look forward to reading them every Friday.
P.S. If it’s not in your right pocket, check the “othe”r one!
I think we are very much on the same page. Health and relationships are the big gratitudes for me.
I always enjoy reading your comments. Thanks.