So Grateful....

I know it goes without saying that the year end marks the biggest time for reflection with most people. From self proclaimed resolutions to lose weight, get a new job, stop smoking, travel more, save money, buy a house. Reflecting on news of a friend or family members serious illness, news of a co-worker becoming pregnant, someone getting married, someone ending a marriage. To even broader events, such as terrorism and school shootings. The list goes on.

I guess we could say this has become a complex world that we live in. Just to be able to get an "all clear" from your doctor or to travel safely from boarder to boarder without a hiccup, well, that's telling on how we view what is the meaning of grateful in todays world. 

But I would go even further on what I want to be grateful for. While all of the big stuff can't be ignored, it's the little things that mean the most in the face of huge, life changing events. I just finished one of the most memorable books that I have ever read. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult https://www.jodipicoult.com/the-storyteller.html.  I won't go into the detail of this story. Please read it yourself.  A masterpiece, in my opinion. But what I took away from this book was a very simple, straight forward lesson. Everything we have can change in an instant. And just that simple piece of understanding can make everything else seem possible. Holding your child's hand. Eating a delicious meal. Watching a funny movie with someone you love. Staring at the sky at night and seeing a shooting star. Wearing warm clothes in the frigid weather. The things we see and do daily, but oh how we'd miss them if they were taken from us.

Tis the season to be happy with what you have and what you can give to others.

Happy Holidays and New Year!  

Peace!