To be even aware, to be grateful.
For waking up every day feet firmly on the floor, regardless of how I feel.
That I can still run in my 6th decade alongside nature, my truest companion.
Reading as a major part of my life…still curious, still amazed at all I don’t know.
My love of words…writing…prose spawning on the page, knowing how lucky I am to enjoy it so much.
Self-control so not to kill all the people who drive me crazy with their lack of consciousness bumping into walls as they go…too often bumping into me.
Animals in my midst and their owners who kindly share them.
The breeze sweeping through my apartment making it feel as I’m sailing, the wind at my back.
That I can afford such a pretty place with sunlight and charm, it’s walls resounding with those who came before me.
Going back into a 12-step group where I’m accepted for just who I am…no more, no less knowing life will get better if I sit and listen.
My friend Ed who never lets me down, who, when I ask anything of him always cheerfully chirps…it’s my pleasure, really.
David, who feels like the brother I never had…
and Mazzilli, my lifeboat when the sea misbehaves, who I can count on without explanation, riding in like the cavalry.
The hearing I still have…the eyes of a kid, as I’m told…a healthy body still running, while my heart remains open, beating like a drum.
And to think, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
It takes my breath away, reminding me how lucky I am to be here, with all of you.
SB
……and how blessed we are to have you. Thank you.
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Oh Mick. You’re such a sweet talker over there in England. 🙂
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Just telling it like it is.
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Thanks Matey.
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Susannah, what a perfect post that sweeps away the negativity that is so pervasive that sometimes I wish a tidal wave would sweep out to sea and then off the planet entirely. In the meantime, I shall take many breaks from what is trying to my own consciousness and pray that it and the chaos that surrounds will no longer enter my field. Bless you for the reminder!
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You know Alva, when things aren’t going too well in my life, like now, I stop and take stock…it’s the only antidote for that fear and despair that shows its ugly head when you least expect it.
Thanks for writing.
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Hi Susannah,
It is indeed great to stop and take stock of how blessed we are and say thanks. I am grateful for all my blogging friends, and that includes you.
I love your succinct and to the point style, something that eludes me. More times than not you say exactly what I didn’t even know I was thinking.
Thank you! Keep going, knowing you are blessed and loved by people that don’t even know you personally, but know your heart!
Keep warm! Blessings! 🙂
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This just made me cry. Thank you for writing and reading my essays. I have found people I’ve never met understand me better than those who have known me forever. Again, thank you. I’m humbled.
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You are welcome!! All true! You have a voice that reach many hearts! 🙂
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Thank you…really, thanks…:)
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What a positive post! I am grateful to have a skinny friend in NYC who I feel I know so well yet never met.
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Touche Kate…:) I always want to say that, but never have the opportunity…lol
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Wow, thank you Susannah. That made my day. I am very grateful for you too.
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Awe. This post has brought me much humility.
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Wow! What a marvelous list of things to be thankful for! I’m going to read them again, because I admire you so much. It has been a privilege to get to know the writer-you who tells us about the compassionate-you with the heart as big as all outdoors.
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You’re very kind Anne. Gratitude bails me out of a lot of emotional scrapes. People in general never see how lucky they are. If they did their frustrations would lessen and there’d be more bounce in their step. Thank you for writing to me. Susannah
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I MUST remember to make a Susannah-list the next time I am totally frustrated with the computer. I think that might be tomorrow. I want to make the home network work and not play dead.
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Patience with technology is an ongoing skill. Like Anne Lamott says, almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. 🙂
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Good reminder to unplug myself. Thanks.
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Thank Annie. 🙂
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Your words are a beautiful breath of fresh air on this cold Wednesday morning, and the comments made it even brighter. I’m thankful to have you in my life for a multitude of reasons. Like Kate said, “I am grateful to have a skinny friend in NYC who I feel I know so well yet never met.” Now I understand how prisoners fall in love with their pen pals.
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I’m so weepy these days. I’m here sobbing like Anna Karenina, in sweats.
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And I’m thankful having you to start each morning with. I was down for the count with the flu a few days , but I’m bouncing back now. Thanks for the reminder to take stock of the good in life instead of focusing on the negative.
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I had it too. Down for the count is a perfect way to describe it. Like getting hit with a 2 by 4. Glad you’re better. Grace number 1.
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My Dear, it is we who are so blessed that you share your life with us.
Scott
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