Gratitude

Gratitude is important for our mental health!

I am sitting by my waterfall listening to some piano music. It is worship music. I am not a religious person, but I do believe in a Creator, and I believe the Creator wants me to be grateful for all that I have.

I look up at the sky and see the seagulls soaring high above me. There are two flying in sync. They almost look like they are soaring together. As one turns, so does the other.

It’s quite beautiful to watch.

Today is a good day.

Canadians wait all year for warm weather. Today is warm, with only a few clouds in the sky. Everyone just seems happier.

The trees all have new growth on them. I never really watched the trees as a child, or even when I was busy being “Mom.” But I do now.

Nature means the world to me.

The greatest things in life do not cost anything

I’m not running around trying to fill my day with things to do. I’m taking some time to just sit and look at what the Universe has provided for me.

And I realize how much there is to be grateful for.

The trees. The birds. The water. The music. The sunshine. The gentle wind blowing against my skin.

Even the flies.

There is something about stopping and actually noticing these things that changes how I feel. Nothing in my life has necessarily changed. My problems haven’t disappeared.

But for this moment, I’m not thinking about them.

I’ve put my troubles and concerns aside. I’m not thinking about my past. I’m not thinking about my future.

I am just being.

And I am grateful.

Maybe this is what I keep reading about when people talk about self-care.

Maybe self-care isn’t always about doing something for ourselves.

Maybe sometimes it is simply giving ourselves permission to stop.

To breathe.

To notice.

To be present for the life we are actually living.

It’s just one of those days I don’t want to end.

Today, I have peace inside.

And for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Peace.