A Whole Mess of Gratitude
Sometimes I realize how lucky I am and it stops me in my tracks. I'm on the way down the hall to fill up my water bottle at the drinking fountain and I get half way there and I just have to stop because I'm nearly consumed by the thought of just how good I have it.
I am still high from all the feelings of the relay experience. I just can't believe the way twelve people can come together and accomplish something with such strength and humor and spirit. And it doesn't just stop there, I have a wonderful family, too. A family who watches my dog while I'm away and waters my flowers and brings in the mail. I wouldn't be able to have half the freedom I do without the foundation they provide. And a grandmother who turns eighty-one this week. Eighty-one! I'm just amazed by her, and her stories and wisdom. I'm so thankful she's healthy and here to share with me.
And I have friends, near and far. Running friends, school friends, and yes, even blogging friends. I do consider that a friendship, you know. We learn together, laugh together, share some good times and some crap times. That's got to be one definition of friendship and don't let anyone tell you it's not.
Things like this are so easy to overlook if we aren't careful. We can be so driven to what's next that we forget to take stock in what's right now. I don't want to forget that. I don't want to be the girl that's so upset she didn't win a trip to Mexico on the radio this morning that she forgets she has plans every night this week with friends and is going to sing [badly] at the top of her lungs at a concert on Saturday. And I am so definitely not that girl because do you know how long it's been since I've gone to a concert? At least three months and that, my friend, is far too long.
There have been some bad times lately. Some disappointing people, some crud so deep even your tallest boots would fail you but you know, today is just one of those days where it's not front row. Yeah, those troubles are out there, looming somewhere. But all I've got to do is let them be, let them stay out there in the back for the moment. You see, there are these bright, blazing lights shining up front here and for now, that's all I need.
Maybe it's just a life full of plans or having just come off a great running experience but my gosh, I have some good stuff and good people in my life and I'm just so incredibly grateful I can barely stand it.
17 comments:
Hip Hip Hooray! I love those moments when you look around and think, "this is my life" and it is said in the most positive, I love this, kind of way. I so love those moments.
Of course I have to ask - you call in to radio stations to win trips???
What a great outlook you have with this post. Funny how a relay event can inspire a post like this, but I've been right there with you. It's nice to know you can take a step back from the big picture and realize how great you've got it. When things aren't going so well, make sure to keep this in mind.
Miss e.b.- Well, you know, if you're in the car and you have the number and the phone RIGHT THERE. :)
Egan- I like to think I rarely forget it... but nowadays, it's just right in my face. And I love it.
have you ever won anything?
Ahhh, I love posts like this! I feel all warm and happy reading about how lucky you feel with your life. Is there a better feeling??
e.b.- Not much. But I have friends that have, so I have hope! ;)
Brandy- Yeah, it's nice when the good is SO good.
It's important to realize just how awesome life really is.
Nothing like being on high on the little stuff.....
which after all is the biggest!
Rock on! Enjoy your world!
You're so full of joie de vivre here that it's impossible not to smile after reading this post!
First Happy B-Day Grandma! 81 that is awesome. I don't let any of my patients say they are old till they are 109 - so make sure grandma knows how young she still is!
Also, love your post. I love how you always seem optimistic even on bad days.
plus the relay sounds like fun - I hope to run one one day.
absolutely fabulous post. always looking on the bright side gives us the strength to get through. good job.
Awww shucks...I'm certainly happy to be your blog friend!
Those days in which the glass is half full as opposed to half empty put a spring in your step. There will be other radio contests for sure.
that's really very nice. it felt good just reading a positive post like this. must have felt good writing it, for sure!
It's nice to have the ability and time sometimes to stop, take a look around, take stock and realize that it's all good. Of course that sometimes scares me because I worry I have too much and just hope it doesn't crash, but it's great to enjoy while it's there.
I haven't won anything either, but I have a friend that won a homecoming party deal one time...a vacation would be the best though.
that's the way to be! inspiring post.
im with someone else who said that reading this made MY day better! congrats on the relay and all the great stuff you got going in your life.
what concert????
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