Mountain Minute: Sick, Lost and Thankful
I've been excited for months to go on this winter's seven-week ski trip around the US and Canada. This is week two, which we now call Flu Week.
That's right, driving over from Revelstoke to Banff, we both started experiencing symptoms. It wasn't long before we were shuffling and stumbling around, moaning and wincing. To make matters worse, the temperatures outside were almost too low to measure... and we have a little, old dog to walk every four hours or so.
Argh.
Today is the first day I feel human again; I actually went on a 45-minute hike.
Okay, that's not entirely true. I followed a local photographer's blog post about the best place to take a photograph, and he said "hike down this path into the woods for five minutes". I followed his instructions, got entranced by the beauty, then (since my head is still fuzzy) proceeded to get lost for 30 minutes.
It was still fun.
Throughout this week, I've had fleeting moments of relative peace. My head stopped aching. I stopped coughing. Sometimes, I only felt better for a minute or two. But when I did, I felt grateful. VERY grateful.
I no longer took good health for granted. I no longer needed something amazing to happen for me to say a few words of thanks.
Today, it struck me that this is how I should feel every day when I read the news and the headline says something crazy such as US DECLARES WAR ON SWITZERLAND or maybe PRESIDENT RENAMES ATLANTIC OCEAN FOR HIS HAIR STYLIST.
In between all these inexplicable moments of disorder, beautiful things are still happening. Your child—or a stranger—smiles at you. Your heat works when it's cold and your AC functions when it's hot. The bus arrives on time.
With the right mindset, it's not harder to be grateful when things aren't going your way; it's easier.
Senior Business Development Director
6 小时前The great thing about a hike or dog walk is you get away from the crazy headlines and connect with nature or your pup, both being infinitely more interesting and fun than the other stuff.
Regional Chapter Coordinator at Guitars For Vets, Songwriter
1 天前I find that when I focus on the kindness or unexpected small gestures of others, the simple but glorious beauty in nature, the hugs from a grandchild, I feel gratitude and joy - something I can hold onto when life around me feels unhinged. Thanks for sharing this, Bruce! While I don't ski any longer, I live in driving distance to the Appalachians, one of my favorite places to rest and feel grounded.
Columnist and Illustrator at Intertribal Life newspaper.
5 天前So very true, regarding giving thanks to the Lord God for so many blessings we sometimes take for granted. It is only when we experience the bizarre (like winning the lottery?) do we thank Him without hesitation. Thank you so much for sharing this!
#TwinzTalk Co-Founder | "Changing the World One Interaction, One Person, at a Time" | Inspiring Personal Growth and Kindness | Encourage Helping and Celebrating Others | Childhood Cancer Advocate, SpeciaLove.org Board
5 天前“With the right mindset, it's not harder to be grateful when things aren't going your way; it's easier.” YES, Bruce! Happy to know you (both?) are feeling improved… ?? Wishing you an enjoyable rest of your trip!
Clinical Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
1 周Bruce Kasanoff, Beautiful reflection, Bruce. Practice Gratitude every day and we will feel better. I sincerely hope for your speedy recovery from the flu.