One of the things that I took note of. on this twenty-fifth day of thirty days of gratitude, is that instead of trying to recount the people and things that I was grateful at the end of the day, I now notice them throughout the day. There is an inner dialogue among my heart, mind, and baby soul that gives thanks for things big (the health and well-being of my daughters) and small (a hot shower to start my day), and I find myself looking for the positive in challenging situations. This is foreign territory for a pessimistic optimist/optimistic pessimist, but I could definitely get used to this. These are three of the things that made me stop and give thanks today:
Peaceful resolution. My day began with a tense situation outside of the day shelter for homeless men where I work that left me feeling rattled. Contrary to popular belief, I feel the safest physically and emotionally when I am among the gentlemen at work, but this incident briefly robbed me of that sense of security. The gratitude that emerged was for the peaceful resolution to a situation that very well could have escalated and ended badly for all of the parties involved. All’s well that ends well.
Physical and emotional security. I am grateful for the two former guests at the day shelter who escorted me safely to the front door of the day shelter and to one of my co-workers who shepherded me to my car after work, in response to the incident this morning. I jokingly pride myself on being a bad ass, but safety comes first, even for a bad ass. In addition to this physical security, I am every bit as grateful for the emotional security I felt when I told a trusted friend what had transpired and the feelings of vulnerability that it triggered. Exposing my vulnerability definitely can leave me feeling even more vulnerable, but in this case with this person, it left me feeling safe and secure once more.
The sound of my daughters’ voices. For the first time since they left with their father on a week long trip a few days ago, they called me tonight. I was happy and thankful to hear their sweet voices regaling me with tales of the fun they are having with their father and some members of his family. The sound of their laugher was also music to my ears.
As I sit in one of my favorite writing spots curled up in a fluffy blanket, I am grateful for a quiet ending to this Tuesday and hope your day ends on a positive note, too.
It sounds as if your day had its moments but what a champion you are for continuing to be mindful in thought and finding these things to be grateful for. Sending gentle kind thoughts your way and may your tomorrow be filled with smiles and laughter. Have a wonderful, restful evening. Peace
I loved how you are grateful for your children. I am truly grateful for my children and how they helped clean up my mother’s garden as their Christmas present to them. They didn’t complain even though it was very hot and humid but instead enjoyed being with my mother – she has Alzheimer’s. Take care at your work. It can be tense but you are safe in God’s hands. 😀
What precious gifts of time and talent your children offered, and I am sure that these priceless presents were appreciated so much. Thanks for sharing this and for your continued kind words and support!
I have lived in Scotland now for 30 years and I was in a coffee shop in my small village and I happened to say to the woman, ‘it’s Thanksgiving Day in America today’, and she said, ‘do you still celebrate it’ I replied, ‘every day’ and the Scotsman standing behind me piped up and said, ‘I like that attitude!” 🙂
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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It sounds as if your day had its moments but what a champion you are for continuing to be mindful in thought and finding these things to be grateful for. Sending gentle kind thoughts your way and may your tomorrow be filled with smiles and laughter. Have a wonderful, restful evening. Peace
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Many thanks for such kind words to end this day!
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“One thing each day,” is one-derful. Thank you for reminding me. So, I’m grateful for posts such as these…
AnnMarie 🙂
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Thank you so very much, as that really does mean a great deal to me to know you can relate to this and that it has meaning for you. Many, many thanks!
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Your child’s laughter = true bliss.
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Indeed it is!
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I loved how you are grateful for your children. I am truly grateful for my children and how they helped clean up my mother’s garden as their Christmas present to them. They didn’t complain even though it was very hot and humid but instead enjoyed being with my mother – she has Alzheimer’s. Take care at your work. It can be tense but you are safe in God’s hands. 😀
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What precious gifts of time and talent your children offered, and I am sure that these priceless presents were appreciated so much. Thanks for sharing this and for your continued kind words and support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have lived in Scotland now for 30 years and I was in a coffee shop in my small village and I happened to say to the woman, ‘it’s Thanksgiving Day in America today’, and she said, ‘do you still celebrate it’ I replied, ‘every day’ and the Scotsman standing behind me piped up and said, ‘I like that attitude!” 🙂
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I absolutely love that attitude, as well, and it is one I hope to adopt every day, as well! Happy Thanksgiving!
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