Quiet Woman Don't Make History
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.
I’m grateful I was able to sleep in for a few more hours this morning. I feel refreshed. I’m grateful that for most of my time in California, I’ve had a reasonable commute – now, no commute. Cali is famous for its traffic — and, boy, it can really suck the life out of you. And, I’m grateful I’ve burned a few bridges – sometimes those fires help to light the way forward.
I’m grateful the heat in my house works very well. There’s nothing better than flipping it on, and then feeling that warm blast of air enveloping you like a invisible baby blanket. So soothing. I’m grateful takeout and delivery are pretty much everywhere – one good thing to come from Covid. And, I’m grateful for a cold, cloudy day. I wanted to spend the day reading.
I’m grateful for my manager…who isn’t really my “boss,” but that’s a different story. I’ve had a shit load of crappy and mediocre managers, engagement managers are even worse, so my gratitude here is noteworthy. I’m grateful I’m employable. Good manager notwithstanding, I work in a volatile business in a uncertain world. And, I’m grateful for Yelp. A great invention.
I made some big decisions yesterday, and I’m grateful for the sense of peace I feel about them. Not so much because I’m sure that those decisions are right, but because even if they are wrong, I know I’ll deal with whatever results, and that I’ll always be okay. I suppose I should be the most grateful for my claircognizance. And, I’m grateful for sneakers.
My mammogram came back normal. Always grateful for that. I’m grateful I was able to spend time with a friend who I haven’t seen in 30 years. Much Champagne and a few tears. A wonderful day. And, I’m grateful I was out at daybreak to catch the mountains at sunrise – an Ansel Adams moment. Getting up early has a lot of rewards.
I’m grateful that I’ll have a good night’s sleep before my marathon meetings tomorrow. Telling people that their work is shitty and sloppy is difficult and stressful, and an artform one never quite masters. I’m grateful for liquid Echinacea. I used to not be a believer, but I am now. And, I’m grateful for YouTube because without it, I won’t be able to program my sprinklers.
365 Days of Simple Gratitude 