GRATITUDE

This is my first installment of what I plan to be a weekly part of my blog. I’m going to take the opportunity to pause and reflect on the things in the week, and my life, for which I am most grateful. I plan to do this on Friday of each week.

I have so many people and things in my life for which to be grateful. As I reflect on this week, I am grateful for friends who have been there to lend me an ear as I decide where my life is headed. I am grateful for my counseling session on Tuesday which left me with a sense of empowerment.

I am grateful for the things in my life which are far too easy to take for granted-things such as the fact that I don’t have any major health issues, aside from a mild cold. I have money in the bank, a warm bed to sleep in. I have the ability to see, hear, taste, feel and smell. I have shelter and more than enough food.

I am grateful for my musical abilities and the lady (who I didn't even know) who came up to me after Mass on Sunday to tell me that my music was inspiring to her. I’ve carried that with me all week long. I’m grateful for my beautiful baby grand piano. I’m grateful for those in my life who encourage my musical abilities, and for the opportunities I’ve been provided to share and nurture these gifts.

I am grateful for my best friend and confidant, Truvy. She’s been an absolute constant in my life for nearly a decade. While I don’t get to see her in person very often, I am grateful for the cute text messages we share during the day and the few times we are able to talk on the phone. I am so grateful that I have a place in her heart. I’m also grateful for my dear friend, “Germy”, who has been a rock to me since the day we met in 1994. There is absolutely no way of knowing where I would be without him in my life. We’ve shared so much. I’ve heard it said that in life, you meet a lot of people, and if you are lucky, you have a couple of friends for life. I have been blessed beyond measure.

I’m grateful for the unconditional love of the cats who are lying here on the bed with me as I write this. They bring such a calming presence into my life and a love that is unparalleled. I’m grateful for the few moments of solitude I’ve had this week. I’m grateful for the prospects my future holds, for hopes, for dreams. I’m grateful for the last six months of my life which have been a period of tremendous growth for me. I’m grateful for the medication and counseling. I’m grateful for my resolve to grow, and the support I’ve found along the way.

Here’s my confession: I don’t pause as often as I should to reflect on these things in my life. Yet, I know, it is a very necessary and essential thing to do. I hope you’ll be inspired and uplifted as you continue to read my blog. I know I have a few faithful readers, and I’m grateful for you. May you find peace and blessings in your own life. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!