Small things...

Sometimes I have a bad day. A day in which I feel overwhelmed, irritated and just plain old unhappy. OK, I'll admit it. I get crabby sometimes. The things that normally bring me joy lose their focus and their luster. The big picture is hazy with my discontent.

My remedy? I make myself focus on the small things, and be thankful. I take time as I wake to be grateful for the soft, warm bed, the snoring dogs, the good man beside me. I am mindful to be thankful for the sun rising, the hot shower, the simple clothes on my body. And I find, that as I am thankful for the "small" things (such as the lacy growth of ornamental grass, the smell of the morning air, my truck starting...) the big things come into focus, too. And before I know it the day and my concentration on all its small things sharpen my view and leave me feeling contented instead of crabby. The term "gratitude is an attitude" rings true to me.

There will be other bad days, but hopefully my method of remembering to be thankful for the wee puzzle pieces that make up my life will help guide me back on track. Small things... so many of them to be grateful for.

Gratitude and life...

There are days when the very pulse of life in my veins is sweet. Today was a day of rest... Chris and I spent every moment together- hitting some yard sales, checking out some favorite open air flea markets by the sea. We had lobster rolls at a beautiful harbor on a sunny picnic table, and took a nap (!) Later, we cooked sockeye salmon on the grill and sat outside in the peaceful meadow as the sun slanted down lower and lower, casting Rembrandt light over our slice of world. There was life all around us and we were infused with gratitude just to be here - now - together.