Okay, this is going to be a controversial post so if you’re at all afraid of controversy just close your browser and walk away.
That was the first sentence of the post I had prepared for today. I heard something on the radio this morning that annoyed me so much that I drafted a five hundred word blog post about it and titled it “Stupid Is As Stupid Does”.
I had some things to do first thing this morning so I left the house early, the blog post drafted and ready to be polished and posted.
I went to the dentist for a routine cleaning and heard stories about new babies, families, grandparents, and Easter plans. I felt sad that I won’t be seeing the grands this weekend but I’m happy knowing that soon we’ll live closer and will be able to see them often.
Then, I saw my doctor. I’ve been dealing with back pain–not unexpected for someone with scoliosis who’s had a rod in her back for the past thirty-eight years. It’s improved over the past two weeks but I’m told I can expect to deal with these flare-ups for the rest of my life. Not the best news, but I’m still thankful for having had thirty-eight pain-free years.
I headed for my favorite Starbucks to grab a soy latte next. There’s just something about the ambiance at Starbucks that makes me happy, not to mention that first delicious sip of coffee, that puts me in a good mood.
Grocery shopping was next on my list and I made a spur of the moment decision to cook a turkey this weekend. I walked past baskets of fragrant Easter lilies, colorful tulips, and bright daffodils and by the time I came out of the store the sun was shining.
The forecast is for warm sunny days from now through the weekend. Yesterday after work, Gerry and I sat on the patio for the first time this year. This weekend we plan to put out the rest of the patio furniture.
Now, as I sit at my desk, there’s barely a cloud in the sky and I’m getting ready to head out to the garden where my peas are already up. Life is good; I am blessed.
That thing I heard on the radio this morning? Yes, it still irritates me, as does most of what I hear on the news these days, but I’m choosing not to give voice to the issue.
I’m heading outside into nature where rebirth is evidenced everywhere, I’m going to celebrate Easter, and I’m going to choose to be thankful.
I love this post, Linda! It is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Easter and all we have to be grateful for. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Easter, Kathy!
Dear Linda, thank you for this timely reminder that being grateful is a lovely way to go through life. I forget this in my daily routine of listening to news and watching the newscasters and reading the newspaper. I forget as I try to balance my budget. The truth is that I forget often. I need reminders from people like you that I have so much to be grateful for. Thank you. Peace.
It’s so easy to get caught up in all that’s negative, isn’t it, Dee. At times I’ve taken a break from watching the news because it’s been all-consuming and put me in a negative place over something I have no control over anyway. It may be time to do that again.
Linda, your post speaks volumes! Often what we hear on the news is disturbing and strikes at our deepest feelings about the world . . . until we go out and away from the irritation. That you vented via your writing was the perfect catalyst for enjoying being out in the world to see the goodness that still exists in spite of the bad news. Thanks for a beautiful post on this Easter weekend, plus a reminder to be grateful!
Thanks, Sherrey. You make a good point about venting with our writing to help us to let go of the negativity thus allowing us to experience all that is good all around us! Happy Easter to you, my friend.
Once again, you and I seem to be on the same thought pattern! I re-opened my gratitude journal this week after many, many dormant months. I’m trying to make a few positive changes in my life and this notion of gratitude seemed an important place to begin. Happy Easter! Blessings!
Ah…I need to get back to journaling all that I have to be thankful for too. It makes such a difference when we focus on what we have rather than what we think we lack, doesn’t it?
Lovely post, Linda! Just before the first of the year, I felt strongly that I wanted to make this a year of gratitude. To that end, I determined to find at least one thing each day for which to be grateful. Someone asked, “What can you be grateful for when you have a really bad day?” I replied, “You can be grateful that day is over.” Here we are, three months into the year, and I’ve had no problem finding more than one thing each day. Like you, I realized that I am truly blessed, and I choose to maintain a positive attitude. We only have one life to live–far better to enjoy it than complain about it. 😉
Ha! There were a couple of days this week when I was grateful for the day to be over! And you’re right, Donna, it is a choice to remain positive.
Good for you! I love ranting, as I want my voice heard. We have to stick together. But appreciating life is good, too!
A little rant now and then is required. No doubt about it!