I've often thought about the number of people, places, and things that are noted and celebrated on our yearly calendars and wondered how nice it would be to have a day of gratefulness. I can even visualize how the whole day would look, the things we would do, the people we would honor and how a day like that could change the energy of the world.... especially since all of us are encouraged to "Go Green." I would hope that it would create a renewed sense of peace, joy, optimism and more importantly a different outlook for the future.
Over the last several months, I have unfortunately heard more negative comments about the latest state of affairs in this country, instead of any recognition of what change needs to take place, or how we are likely to benefit from it in the long run. This unfortunately is the way that most of us see the world. When some change has to occur, we only see it as something being taken away from us, which we don't like...period, and because it requires some action on our part....discipline. And talk about a word that leaves a nasty taste in your mouth......discipline....no not that. That would mean I would have to start doing something different, change my focus, let something go...etc. Can't we all just blink our eyes and it will happen with no work on our part?
Well....you're welcome to try it that way....let me know how it works for you. For me, to in fact see the world and everything around me in a different way, it has to start with being grateful for the things that are right first. And I realize, with many of us who have varying degrees of sickness, this could be an almost impossible task. In fact there could be someone at this moment reading this who is paralyzed and in a wheelchair, or just had their doctor tell them they have cancer and it's likely they won't survive it. So how on earth could I even suggest to them that they search for the good that is left, when it appears they have nothing left to enjoy or be happy about? How on earth could I even say the word discipline to someone like that?
There is no way the old me could have suggested that, because I would be too wrapped up in my own feelings about how they would have no reason to change their way of thinking....they have nothing left....or it would appear that way. Well, that would be no different than me thinking there is no point in me trying to change anything about the energy crisis, the world is in a hole, so why be hopeful or optimistic about it? Again...you could either blink and hope for change without any effort on your part, or just hope it will all disappear.
I suppose I could write about change, and what a gruesome topic that is to many because they are either too lazy to try something different or they just don't care. But for this moment, if I could say or do something that would lift the spirit of someone who feels they have been left for dead because of illness of some kind, or given a death sentence.....then I want to shoot for that. How could any of us compare the inconveniences of this world whether it be a shortage of fuel, high food prices, and being forced to stay home instead of going on vacation, to the really true dilemmas of the world that are most often hidden behind closed doors and have no effect on you personally. I myself can no longer whine and complain about the gas pump, having no money or having to cut back on food items, knowing in my heart that there are far worse things on this earth to experience, and not realize there is much room for gratefulness.
So even if there is not yet a space on the calendar that encourages gratefulness for just one day, I will celebrate it myself. It will be such a life changing experience, that I will be able to carry it over to the next day, and before you know it......I will get up each morning, not complaining about what I don't have, or what I have to endure......but being grateful for all the good things that are in my life. After all, even someone dying of cancer can still enjoy their last week, by recognizing the life they lead and all the memories of love and family they can take with them. Even someone who is paralyzed can see the sun rise, smell the honeysuckle outside the window, and hear a baby laugh. So no matter how bad you think it gets out there, or the changes that you might have to make in your life to make this a better planet in which to live, there is so much to be grateful for. If you are one of the lucky ones.....put on your walking shoes and go for a walk in the park........without fail......you will find gratefulness.
