The other day, I was perusing some old papers I found tucked away. To be honest, I only vaguely recognized them. Although I was looking for something else, I’m glad I stopped, when I stumbled on this old treasure. I took the time to read what I’d written some years ago, over a period of time, and was reminded of one of the greatest things of all: Gratitude. It was a simple list, and I was reminded by it that what brings meaning to my life isn’t usually something big and expensive, like a Lexus or a 12-bedroom house; if fact, it’s usually the small things that have brought the most immeasurable and profound meaning to my life.
My Gratitude List
The penny I found in the parking lot today
My husband’s strong heart
My daughters
The money for the groceries we bought this week
Our home
Our jobs
Scott’s mom calling today
My daughter’s birthday & everyone who was here to celebrate
Our 20-year-old cat, Thundercloud
The other 2 cats, Kinky and Pepe
My soft, non-allergenic comforter
My body
Our leisure time, together
Our marriage, love, commitment & devotion
The tree we planted that’s still growing
The flowers blooming in the front yard
My stepsons
My books & my ability to read
The mint I found in my car, just after realizing I’d forgotten to brush my teeth
My freedom
Sharing lunch with my friend today
The patients & families who allow me into their lives
The quarter that appeared as a gift in my pathway, today
My collection of “the softest socks in the world”
My job & co-workers
My friends
Our fireplace
I’m grateful for Now
Breathing
Sleeping in late
My parents, who are still living
My grandchildren
My ever-supportive brothers, Roger & Dick
My sister-in-law, Terri
My cozy slippers
My old, holey robe
My heating pad
My daughter telling me she’s happy
Matthew, our tri-color rough Collie
The mug I kept when raising my kids, that says “Give Me Strength”
In reflection, I realized that I could not have known at the time I wrote of my gratitude for the telephone call from my mother-in-law, that it would be the last time we would talk to her. So I remind myself, now, to say “I love you”. Don’t go to bed angry. Sometimes one more penny is all you need. Getting laundry and dishes done isn’t that important. Most arguments are not worth ruining a relationship. Sometimes a Zen-dog and 3 Zen-cats, children and grandchildren are there to remind me of what’s really important. And I need to pay attention. I need to be present, and not take for granted those great blessings in my life.
I could go on and on and on, and the list would never end. There is so much in my life that I am grateful for. Those things are infinitely valuable to me, they are huge in my heart, and the gratitude for them will be everlasting.
©Janet Mitchell, October 2011
