I am between notable moments in this first month of the new year. In fact, it is an annual moment. Many folks make a similar resolution, one focused on getting healthier. And what better way to do that than going to the gym?

I have my annual pass clutched in my hand after leaving a parking lot so full of vehicles that I was almost out of the lot and into the street. The line to check in and get my wristband was so long it almost went around the block. Okay, I exaggerate, but it was longer than anything I’d seen since last January.

Then it was up one flight of stairs to the lockers. I stood in front of my favourite locker, but it had a foreign lock. After shedding a tear, I realized a newcomer had made a mistake and taken my favourite locker.

Oh, well. Change is a good thing, so I’ve been told.

Then it was off to the little lockers where I store my wallet and car keys. Number 117. It too had a lock. Is nothing sacred?

I needed a sit-down to collect my emotions, as I knew I was feeling out of proportion to the situation.

I took a figurative step back and considered my bigger picture.

It was only a five-minute drive from home to the fitness centre, leaving more time in my schedule for a workout that included climbing stairs and walking on the treadmill. I could watch my YouTube Pro-Walks videos with sure footing and safety.

My parking lot philosophy of “I only need one spot” proved correct. I was a little, okay, a long way from the entrance, but I would get more steps in today. Thank you, stranger.

It had time for a chat while thoughtfully pausing in front of my lockers. I laughed with one stranger I recognized as a regular, and I welcomed a newcomer who had trouble using the wallet locker.

After my workout, I got into my cold car, and it started right away. I turned on the heater and selected the defrost for the front windshield. In moments, the fog on the glass had lifted. I was grateful for what I take for granted. The sharp contrast in temperature, about 40 degrees between the cold glass and the hot air, didn’t crack the windshield.

That unnoticed miracle of engineering got me thinking about other situations I take for granted. I recalled instilling gratitude in my children’s thinking. Whenever I travelled for work, they met me at the door with a “What did you get for us?” I countered with a simple “me.” I returned safe and sound. When they finally stopped looking for gifts upon my return, I would randomly have surprise gifts to add to my safe return.

I then reflected on how fortunate I was to be surrounded by people I love and who love me.

Please give this a bit of a think. Do you have good parts of your life you might be taking for granted? If so, why not take a moment to lock in that appreciation with a tangible recognition?

Please comment by sending me an email with your bit of a think. I am curious about your thoughts.

Photo by Mark Casey on Unsplash

If you enjoyed The Blog, please share it with others. Thanks.

And my thanks to St. Albert’s 50+ Activity Centre for making this Blog possible.

Volunteer Bloggerglenn.walmsley@icloud.com