Simple Pleasures

I woke up this morning with a feeling of such ease and peace.  It occurred to me that while I’d be thrashing around in and out of a funk, I’d forgotten one of the most important life hacks.  Gratitude.  For the simple things or for the big things.  Once I get on that train, thoughts about all the great things I have in my life came rushing to me.  Try it, you’ll see.

I start with gratitude to live in a safe place, a lovely home, and (though controversial to say it so early in the morning) an already great country.  I’m snug in my awesome bed with my luxurious sheeting, and naturally, my baby Lipstick is curled in tight.  Sigh.  It’s a beautiful California morning with a hint of crispness in the air.  It’s not cold, thank God, just a little bite to remind you that seasons do change elsewhere but we won’t be too bothered by that.

My Mom just returned safely from a big trip to Chile where she went from the Atacama desert to glaciers of Torres del Paine in the South, then far into the Pacific to visit Easter Island and those mysterious Moia statues.  If you want to know where I get my wanderlust and courage, we need look no further.  And I’m very grateful for her and her safe return.  I’m a little jealous because now she’s been to place where I haven’t been, and I prefer it the other way around.  The rest of my family is also safe and in good health. Blessed with much more good fortune than bad.  As am I.

As my morning speeds by, I’m almost unaware of the electronics, electricity, clean water, luxurious products, clothes, furniture and appliances that make my life so easy but are far to familiar to really take notice of.  Today I do and I’m grateful.

Now, I’m off on my beloved pink cruiser bike to peddle through the safe, quiet streets of my little town on the way to meet friends for brunch.  I know I’ll leave feeling connected and renewed, lucky to have these people in my life.  As I finish writing this and look for  photograph, I settle on a picture I took in Thailand of two baby elephants getting a water bath.  It makes me smile just to look at it and I hope it does the same for you.

I’ve heard it said that gratitude turns what I have into enough.  So true.