I’ve had some form of gratitude practice on and off for over ten years. When my children were younger, we wrote in gratitude journals as part of our homeschooling routine. I also wrote about gratitude a number of times during my blogging days, including here Gratitude and here Life is Sweet. And my poetry often extols my deep appreciation for the natural world.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” ~Karl Barth
Gratitude and joy are so intertwined. We’re grateful for the things that give us joy. Gratitude is a wonderful practice. It can make life more joyful and meaningful.
At the same time, it’s not a panacea for the pain and suffering in our lives and in our world. Sometimes people, often those with more power and privilege, insinuate that others should be grateful because things could be worse. Gratitude can’t and shouldn’t be inflicted on others.
Gratitude is our own to cultivate for ourselves. With that in mind, I’m sharing a list of some specific things I’m grateful for this weekend. If you feel inclined, please share in the comments any thing(s) that have sparked gratitude in your life recently.
I’m grateful for:
the smell of lilacs, on the bush in my yard and in vases around my house
the bright popping pink of the peonies
my PenToPaper writing community
a visit from our daughter
buttery popcorn made with the Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine
our friend Pete the Dog who’s staying with us for a few days
dinner outside in the backyard
coloring on the Happy Color app on my iPad
Ted Lasso
The Sometimes Newsletter by Ella Frances Sanders
connection: I posted my poem from last Sunday’s newsletter on Instagram and two friends commented on how it resonated with them.
And, of course, I’m always very thankful to you for reading my words.
With gratitude,
Mary
Struggling as I have been over the past 3 years, there are very specific things that I am grateful of and that I use as my focus on the hardest of days:
1. Nature - specifically sunrises and sunsets
2. My amazing four kids and every moment that I get to spend with them
3. Family and friends who have been by my side and supportive consistently, quietly, and without fail.
4. Music! Songs that make me laugh, cry, and dance.
5. Books, books, and more books. Always books for my sanity.
I am thankful for you, my friend!