Ok, I admit it, I am grieving summer like a mother bird who's watching her last chick take flight. And to comfort myself, I am thinking of the past months and all of the little joys and pleasures I have been so fortunate to enjoy.
At one point in my life - I'd been laid off from my dream job and was making a go of it for a good, but low-on-personal-fulfillment employer - and I used to keep a small notebook handy: a gratitude journal. Everyday, in the stark lunchroom, on my own; feeling orphaned and hopeless, I would religiously list everything I was grateful for. Like a mantra, some of the entries were redundant and repetitious, but it was more socially acceptable than rocking in a corner and gnawing on my nails! It was comforting and kept my mood up in spite of the bland, sensory deprivation I was experiencing.
So, now I'm in a much better place, I have so much autonomy and so much opportunity, but it's still the little things that make my day - the little gems, the glimpses, the subtle richness of life. My list is an oddball mix (like the author) - experiences, tastes, textures and products too. But what ties it all together is appreciation. More and more I recognize and acknowledge that I have been blessed and that awareness of goodness on my path is in itself a great beam of providence, shining down on my unworthy head. So here's the list...
Sunsets - have they been more spectacular lately, or am I just more in tune?
Avocados - one should always have two: one ready to eat, and one just about ripe. So good for you too, so that's just a bonus!
Brow powder - "brow powder?" you say? Yes - consider life without eye brows, they frame the eyes for goodness sake! And the powder gives a much more natural enhancement vs. pencil.
Music and guitar - my teacher was so right when he said, "...just strum that guitar and enjoy the sound and the vibrations against your rib cage" - a little slice of heaven, when the sound is just right!
Frank's Red Hot Sauce.... omg, where were you earlier in my life, Frank? That stuff is just so fan-freakin-tasty!!!! Really love it on tofu stir fry and my curried chick peas... nom... nom...
Aveda Madder Root hair conditioner - keeps the fire in my reddish locks :)
Friends - my Dad always said I'd be lucky if I had one or two true friends in life - you know who they are... the ones who don't try to tell you what to do; to change you. They would be disappointed if you weren't you - and when you see them, it's like no time has passed, even if it's been years. They seem to know when you need a hug and they are your champion, cheering you on with every lame-brained idea you have and every crazy obstacle you tackle.
The list goes on and on... but you get the idea. And the friends, well, they are the constant throughout all of the tasting, trying, failing, laughing, swearing, crying, sleeping, waking, sharing, caring, failing again, falling, singing, rising, being, and loving.
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