ver have one of those weeks where it just hits you, that you are profoundly lucky? From the moment of your birth through whenever you kick the bucket, just by dint of where and to whom you were born, you are fortunate? If you're reading this, you're probably one of those lucky ones, even if certain circumstances of your life haven't quite patted you on the back with the amount of gusto you hoped for. And, even if certain aspects have downright plain-old sucked, other pieces of the pie have (probably) made up for it. (I'm guessing, yes, and I'm sure you'll tell me if I've guessed wrong for you!)This was one of those weeks for me. And in my case, feeling lucky can sometimes have equal parts gratitude and guilt. Sometimes I feel a little heavy with the responsibility of being born lucky--have I given back/paid forward enough, loved hard enough, forgiven quickly enough, worked hard enough at the important things, encouraged/supported enough, kept my chin up/not complained, etc. You know the drill... typical first-world guilt. Gah, quite trite. But, it's MY trite, right?
So, where does this leave a girl who has been lucky, knock on wood? Incredibly thankful and willing to say so. Every week. This weekly gratitude list tradition has been going on for 3.5 years so far, and while (if you're a regular you know this) the list can be a little routine at times (I'm just not THAT unique and thrilling, it seems), the discipline of remembering my blessings in a concrete way, even in the most mundane or (worse) nasty weeks, is something that I'm ever so grateful for. And for those of you who have come along on this grateful ride with me, I'm grateful for you too.
This week I...
...was able to be productive and work through some questions and issues at work, for which I am grateful.
...got to exchange ideas with individuals who care about making this world (and more specifically this state and this community) a better place for children, and that always leaves me humble and grateful.
...heard my husband say he loves me (many times) and returned that sentiment (many times), and I am grateful as all get-out for that love.
...saw Seth briefly in a week where I wasn't "scheduled" to do so--TWICE!--and that was just the kid-fix this mom needed.
...connected with friends over meals and cups of coffee and a little pool time; even a teacher and his wife from my middle- to high-school years, which was an awesome blast from the past. I am grateful for the good sense to appreciate where I came from, and the people who were a part of that.
...caught up in person with my brother, sister-in-law and nieces! Over cheesecake, of all things, too!
...enjoyed sunshine. Every. Single. Day. And only a couple of thunderstorms. (Enjoyed a wee bit of fog yesterday morning in Seattle, too. Variety!)
...was reminded that my devotional and prayer life isn't where I want it to be, and mulled ways to make it better, more consistent, more meaningful. I'm grateful that I can feel that reminder and be glad of it, not shamed.
...was reminded that I am not where I want to be with my activity level (ie, exercise), and mulled ways to make that aspect better, more consistent. This, alas, I was less grateful to be reminded of, and more shamed. Ha. But if it motivates me, I'll take it.
...saw the completion of one major house project, and another part-way there. House projects are one of the many joys of summer. I'm grateful for the progress!
...picked blueberries at a local berry patch and a great deal of produce from the garden, saw the end of the cherries and the beginning of apricots. I'm in love with the seasonal eating, always. (Well, always except for January, February and maybe a bit of March!)
...arrived at Friday very ready for the weekend, and for a little extra rest. I am grateful in advance for naps!
A few of my favorite images this week, with color. I am always grateful for color in my world.
I hope your week was full of things to be grateful for, as well, and that the weekend brings you naps!
Peace.
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I see that you have been doing some mulling...me too and I too am feeling very fortunate.
ReplyDeleteLike your carrot cat a lot.
Was especially delighted for you to have two moments in time with Seth this week. Warms my heart too.
I meant 'had' instead of 'have' in your moments of time with Seth. No hurry, no worry, no sorry!!!
DeleteThat is what life is, Sher. It's constantly reviewing, re-focusing, then trying and always looking for ways to do things better.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post.
It is a good tradition to be perpetually grateful.
Your week sounds lovely ... And you are, too!
ReplyDeleteAlso? That cat carrot top almost makes me want a cat. Almost.
That DRESSSSSSSS is so so so so lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how a regular gratitude practice changes perspective, but in a *good* way. Things can still suck at times, and they do, but there's more of an opportunity to make sense of it all and still see how it might "work" in the bigger picture. (At least, that's what I'm telling myself at the moment- it's been a chaotic few days!)