Gratitude is a philosophy for living, or being. Being grateful is a conscious choice, one that can become a habit, a habit that will enrich your life, and the lives of those around you. Rise above and triumph over what are really temporary inconveniences, delays, and hardships that do not threaten your existence. Ignore social media and the news as much as you can to keep your being from being poisoned by others’ agendas and theories.
I am not saying ‘Don’t worry, be happy.” Rather be happy, calmer, and healthier because you have taken control of your thoughts and emotions. Liberating yourself from pessimism and embracing your optimistic self is essential and so rewarding!
Many of you know of my health challenges over the past 5 years, 5 years of being locked in and locked down, spending huge chunks of time in hospitals, tests, and treatments. 5 years of ‘quarantine,’ owing to severe illness and a medically suppressed immune system, to prevent rejection of the new liver. My levels of fear, pain, depression, and resentment were immeasurable, a horrible, unending nightmare. You don’t need to read or know the details. Simply know that I have felt extreme pain and frustration, which having just re-educated myself to begin second career/calling, desperate to work, serving people and God. I am on LTD., yes, not allowed to work, so I have indeed felt limited in virtually all aspects of my life.
Except, that is, to love our growing family, to write again after not being able to read to speak, or to walk; to call and Facetime family and friends to cook delicious and nutritious meals, all while living the extended version of Larry’s lockdown.
So how do I wake up every morning despite terrible ongoing pain and limitations? With absolute and total joy, singing, laughing, joking, and celebrating life! The one life that I have to live, supported by amazing and loving family and friends who have lived through and be affected so much by my illnesses. Are there myriad things lost to me, purpose and relevance, influence, and engagement with other? Yes!
My eyes open, I consider the many blessings and gifts in my: being alive and conscious, our three grandchildren, our hard-working and wonderful children /parents to their kids, fresh air, walks in Joe’s Bush, birds, and butterflies, and all of the wonders of life on our planet. Are there permanent cares and concerns? Absolutely yes, but they are not allowed to dominate or control who I am in that moment. I am myself, and I do the deciding about my attitude, emotions, and thoughts!
Life is for the living, and we can choose intentionally to live life to the fullest within these challenging times. Choose gratitude as a practice, and you will see anew the many gifts with which you have been blessed. This may be the most important choice that you can make, all by yourself, and one day at a time. Be well, my friends.