Gratitude

Do you ever have one of those weeks? One where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong? Or just about?

I have been having one of those weeks. I’ll spare you all of the details, but I will share one thing.

I am grateful. Grateful for a cruddy week.

Why?

Because I know that things could be worse, AND I also know that cruddy things are only temporary in the grand scheme of life.

A little over ten years ago, I had a group of friends through the Jaycee organization. We each earned a trip to Europe for World Congress. It was an amazing opportunity. There were so many memorable sights and activities, it was almost hard to capture it all. But one of the things from that trip that I will always remember, is that at one point or another, almost every single one of us would have a moment where we would feel tired, or homesick, or overwhelmed (or all of the above). During those moments, someone would inevitably call out “gratitude circle,” and one by one, we’d all stop and think of something we were really grateful for at the time. We would always feel better once we did it. When we got back to the States, we carried that strength around with us. I know we did because once in awhile, I’d check my email inbox, and one of the girls had started the virtual gratitude circle to remind herself that things really weren’t so bad, and slowly but surely, other responses would trickle in. Over the years, we’ve mostly lost touch as a group, but one or two of us still connect and mention the circle and power of gratitude.

So today, I’m offering it up to you. You don’t have to share anything, but even if you don’t feel that you want to comment publicly, I’d love it if you would stop for just a moment and take stock of your life and all of the amazing things you have experienced that have brought you to this point. Find one of those things (or fifty) that make you feel grateful. It can be something major, or something silly. It is all good. If you want, you can share something in the comments below, or if you are really brave, you can always scrap or blog your gratitude and link us up to it. Whatever floats your boat. I’m planning to scrap mine when I get a few extra minutes, but since I don’t have anything yet, I’m just going to list a few things now.

Today I am grateful for:

• Being around an amazing toddler who is full of energy and makes me smile even when he’s frustrating
• Getting the chance yesterday to spend time with a friend I’ve had for over 30 years. Also grateful that we made it through many crazy situations (mostly) unscathed, and we’re stronger for it
• How the song “Save Me, San Francisco” can always make me smile
• Getting to take a mini-break next week to head out to Artfest and take 3 classes with mind-blowing instructors
• The ability to participate in scrapbooking — a hobby that has such an amazing community surrounding it
• and last but not least… I feel grateful to Lauren (such a totally cool chick) for allowing me the opportunity to come and play at such an amazing place like OSD.

How about you? It is gratitude circle time!!