By: Gentle Gardener Oracle
It’s been an odd year that just doesn’t want to get started. March certainly has had its share of bad news, but with the warm weather returning and April beginning tomorrow, I’m feeling more optimistic about the future. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful that I own a lot of tools. Tools are always a good use of money. And, I’m grateful that I got paid today. It’s given me the strength to go on….
All the rain is starting to get to me; I feel a bit like a rotting cactus. The rainy season is coming to an end, though, and I’m grateful for how beautifully green and flowered the hillsides are. Poppies, clover, Bluebonnets, Columbine. It’s like the Earth is reminding us that we are all capable of rebirth and renewal. It’s never too late. I’m grateful for technology. Maybe it’s ruining our world, but none of us would give it up. And, I’m grateful for fried chicken – the greatest of all the chickens.
I’ll admit to feeling a little economically demoralized today, and it’s days like today that I have to dig deep for gratitude. So, today I’m grateful that nothing lasts for forever. Good or bad. When times are bad, remember that they will pass, and when they’re good, enjoy every second of them without worry. I’m grateful I know this is a set-up, not a set-back. And, even though it’s painful, I’m determined to be grateful for change. It’s where the growth is.
I’m grateful for a job where I can work from home. I never liked going into an office – there’s people there – and even though I don’t dislike people, I don’t want to be forced to live with strangers 8-10 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year. That’s just cray-cray. I’m grateful that my neighborhood is quiet. And, I’m grateful I have a few hours to read today. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity.
I’m good at a lot of things, but I’m grateful for the reminder than there are so many things that I don’t do well. It keeps me focused, and humble. I’m grateful I made sure that everything in my garage is 2″ off the floor. And, I’m grateful for sprinklers.
Voltaire was right when he said that laziness is sweet, but its consequences are cruel. I’m grateful for the inspiration to push through my couch potato desires and finish up the front yard plantings. The garden waits for no one. I’m grateful that even though I have much to do, I have zero meetings tomorrow. A rarity. And, I’m grateful for the energy of the upcoming transits. I feel the tide turning.
As much as I hate air travel, I’m grateful that it has gotten appreciably easier these last few years. QR codes and text are game changers. I’m grateful I was able to find parking at the airport. That’s something to really thank the Gods for…And, I’m grateful for lightweight clothing that doesn’t require ironing.
I’m always happy to see people in love. And, even though I’m not in love today, I’m still grateful to see others enjoying their Valentine’s Day. I’m grateful I finally figured out how to program my sprinklers. Fixing broken sprinklers is the worst; it involves digging, mud, tree roots, getting wet. In the end, you ultimately uncover someone else’s gross incompetence. And, I’m grateful I get paid tomorrow. Much needed.
I’ve spent most of the day and this week doing a lot of work – for other people, for myself, at the house – physical and mental. I’m grateful I accomplished a good deal of it. Being self-employed and successful isn’t for the lazy. Making a living is difficult; it’s not all conference calls in your underwear. I’m grateful I have a healthy sense of suspicion. Some people think I’m too suspicious, but I find those accusations dubious. And, I’m grateful for the daffodils emerging everywhere. Such a cheerful and hopeful flower.
It’s always difficult when you find that the path you were heading down is suddenly closed. I’m grateful for the reminder that rejection is protection. Nothing is really ever as good as it seems, and sometimes you’ve got to lean into your higher power and accept that there is a plan. I’m grateful for the reminder that an ego is a sign of self-esteem and self-respect, and a necessary part of your psyche. Leading the ego-less life may sound noble, but going through life as a doormat isn’t. And, I’m grateful I own an espresso machine.
365 Days of Simple Gratitude 