By: Gentle Gardener Oracle
I’m generally optimistic, but I work in a bad-news business so I’m grateful I only have to talk to people on video. I’m grateful there are about a million more jobs available than there are people to fill them – and it’s going to stay that way for a while. This is as significant as the end of monarchy and the rise of the nation-state. And, I’m grateful Cuomo resigned.
I’m grateful for the labor shortage and the great reshuffling. Nothing makes a company focus their priorities more quickly than having people quit. I’m grateful for the cold breeze that hits me in the face when I come over the hill during my am power-walks. And, I’m grateful for the mail. I don’t think anyone would say we should get rid of the postal service. And 40 cents to send something door-to-door? Best bargain ever.
Although it sucks, I must force myself to be grateful for rejection. Not everyone is going to like you – love you – or even stand you – and lots dismiss you without any information what-so-ever. Oh, well. I’m grateful I’m not going through life with catcher’s mitts on both hands; sometimes you need to throw shit back. And, I’m grateful whiskey sours have come into vogue. They remind me of my mom’s cocktail parties.
I’m grateful that despite the heat I forced myself to do some heavy yard work today. A good sweat and a nice weed free vista can do a lot to buoy your optimism. I’m grateful for Walmart. Whenever I leave that place, I feel beautiful, rich, and quite slender. And, I’m grateful I have two refrigerators. I know one should be enough, but it just isn’t.
Although it’s taken decades, I’m grateful that I finally and truly recognize my value. Many seek to diminish it – whether for profit or ego – and those voices are loud, persistent, and exhausting. I’m grateful to them; they make me stronger. I’m grateful for pre-packaged salads. They are tasty and expeditious. And, I’m grateful for memes.
Today is my birthday, and I’m so grateful that I weigh a little less than I did last year, and I am in much better shape. I have everything including my health; I feel really good today. I’m grateful for the people who called and texted me, and happy to hear from some folks I don’t speak with that often. Nice. And, I’m grateful for all the different birds I see in my garden and on the trails. Beautiful and amazing creatures.
I’m grateful that my time in poverty, although long and unpleasant, has provided me with perspective, and some amusing anecdotes. Happy not to go back, though. I’m grateful for people who work in restaurants, and have a passion for food and hospitality. There’s not a single one among us who has not missed eating out this past year. And, I’m grateful for patience. The only virtue that becomes weaker when practiced.
I’m grateful I was able to attend a Town Hall held by my congressional representative. I’m proud to have someone of her intelligence and integrity as our representative. I’m grateful for radishes. They’re spicy, and delicious, and the most underrated root vegetable since the parsnip. And, I’m grateful I don’t take Agents too seriously. I certainly understand why no one ever thanks them, though.
Days like today I’m reminded why I started this journal so many years ago. I feel a little “glass half empty” today, and need to be reminded that so many have no glass at all. I’m grateful people are changing jobs and getting raises and bonuses. And, I’m grateful life changes so quickly. Treasure the good days – they won’t last forever – and neither will the bad ones.
I’m grateful for the buoyant energy I feel all around. It’s summer, a longer-than-long weekend, and given where we all were a year ago, there’s much to be optimistic about this holiday. I’m so grateful I can turn off my AC at night. Thank you Artic Current. And, I’m grateful for people who can see past the obvious.
365 Days of Simple Gratitude 