Of course, we should be grateful every day. But this is the time of year when the upcoming holidays turn our attention to reflecting. As the close of the year approaches, we think about what we accomplished and/or what we should have accomplished. We think about what we did not do on our “To Do” lists. We think about our Bucket Lists. Is there anything new to add to it?
We make lists of gifts for family and friends. We make lists of those organizations to whom we will make charitable contributions. We begin to plan for trips and visits in the new year. Lucy and I make new resolutions such as being less stressed, being “more present”, and taking more time for those we care about.
It is tough sometimes to be “more present” because we now live in a world in which the internet and phones keep us constantly glue to world events. How can we not be distracted when we are deluged with updates on wars and starvation, dying children, climatic changes, tragic deaths and social dissonance.
Someone suggested that we just block it all out, and that we tune into ourselves and our lives and not be concerned about the travails of others. In principle, that may make sense but for us and our close friends, this is not possible.
Regardless of our different religious backgrounds, we are taught that a civil society cares for its neighbors. We are taught that we need a sense of community and that we need to be responsible for the well-being of each and every person, child, or culture.
Before we digress further, let’s go back to the beginning and remember that we are writing about being grateful.
Here are my brief thoughts:
I am grateful for being able to write this. I am grateful for my family and my friends. I am grateful for my health. I am grateful for laughter and joy and a beautiful sunny day. I am grateful that I can smile at someone and see them smile in return. I am grateful that I care about others. I am grateful that when I am sad, I pull myself out of it by thinking about others in need. For those of you who know me, I have had my share of illness and loss. Perhaps because of this, I am grateful for this day.
Lucy shares her thoughts:
My younger daughter recently moved home. It is the first time in a decade that we have shared daily rituals. I know it is not forever but I am grateful she has given me this gift of time together.
I am grateful that I work in an environment where my creativity is valued. I am grateful that the women for whom I work allow me to be me. I am grateful for my parents who gave me good health and an optimistic temperament. And in the darkness of an upcoming New England winter, I end as always grateful for my family.
We invite you to take the time to write what you are grateful for. The reward comes from a sense of appreciation of how lucky we are. We also realize what truly matters.
Cheers,
Lucy and Claudia