Gratitude

I'm grateful.

I know, sometimes it doesn't come easy; we tend (I tend?!) to focus on what is not right, not happening the way I want it to, not the thing I wanted. But truly, there is so much that is right, that it makes sense to focus on the gifts, if you know what I mean. 

Like, the power stayed on last night. All over town, all over the country, -- okay, all over the world-- people were in the cold, in the dark. Here, the temps plummeted from 50 and hard rain, high wind (and a t-storm!) to 8 degrees overnight. We lost the little bit of snow cover, rivers are flooding, and then, we got snow again on top of it. But we stayed safely warm, dry, and under cover. How many people would rather be us? I'm betting millions. So, I'm very grateful to the linemen and a bit of good luck.

I have a fridge full of holiday food. I have a plethora of cookies that I shouldn't eat. I grumble about the leftovers that take up space. I need to stop grumbling-- again, there are millions who would trade places in a heartbeat.

I have clothing, an education, a small but loving family (despite the occasional spats-- we are human!)-- I have faith, friends, a job. My health is not bad. I have the freedom to exercise my opinion. I am so saddened by the state of things for women under the Taliban; this week, it was decreed that the highest level of education they are allowed is grade 6. Defiant people in Ukraine are celebrating the holidays in any way they can. Faith and hope can be an act of defiance, too. 

Today I'm going to make a conscious effort to appreciate what I have, what I believe, and what I can do. 

Stay warm, be well, and happy Christmas Eve. 

C