I’ve noticed lately that when I focus on gratitude, I find more and more things for which to be thankful. Trying to describe one thing, others distract me, and I don’t want to leave anything out. For example, this morning walking in the rain I was so grateful for the moderate temperature, the rain, my well fitting shoes, the breeze (not too strong) and a neighbor who always says hello, and on and on and on. I began to feel like a broken record. With so many things for which to be grateful, I have trouble focusing on individual things. If I started to list all the things—just today—I give thanks for, I’d have to write all day. I see people in wheelchairs, or bedridden in nursing homes, unable even to dress themselves, and I think, “Wow! How come I’m so blessed?” All of the senses cause me to reflect and give thanks.

Helen Keller, lacking two very important senses still gave thanks for those she had. Amazing! And inspiring. She said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” And, “So long as the memory of certain beloved friends live in my heart I shall say that life is good.”

I can tell that this month’s effort to focus on giving thanks is taking root and growing like a vicious, or should I say, benevolent, circle. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?

yin/yang