My posts have been kind of philosophical lately. It wasn’t my intention. At least not consciously. But it is the way they’ve turned out. I speak from my heart, so 
obviously, it’s how I’m feeling. And clearly, it’s something I want to share. Or need to share.
It’s like I’m taking a moment, to take stock. Of who and what I am. Maybe even checking in, if you will, to see if I should be recalibrating. Or even if I just want to. It’s something I do, from time to time. Most of the time I’m not even aware I’m doing it, until the obvious jumps out at me. Or I have a big AHA moment, or something.
Today, what’s struck me is how much I have to be grateful for. This could be top of mind right now because of a movie I saw Saturday afternoon. A documentary about a musician, with enormous talent, who was never recognized in America. But unbeknownst to him, he was a mega hit in South Africa. Imagine never knowing such a thing. Imagine never receiving a dime of the royalties he was entitled to.
I don’t want to give it all away because I am going to blog about this film. So suffice to say, it could certainly
have made me realize how lucky I am. And of course, I am reminded each and every Tuesday, when I volunteer at the hospital.
There I witness so much fear and sadness and loneliness and pain and unhappiness, it’s impossible to not sit there, counting my blessings. But that said, I think it’s good to sometimes say it out loud.
And for me, this blog IS saying it out loud.
When it comes to gratitude, I don’t think it’s the length of the list that matters. Like so many other aspects of life, it’s not about quantity. It’s about what’s really important. The BIG stuff. What truly matters.
Ain’t nothing bigger than the role my parents played, in determining ‘who’ I am. And I’m not referring to what they ‘said’ to me throughout my lifetime, although those lessons were terribly important. I’m talking about the examples they set.
Because the lives they lived, have influenced the life I lead. And while they always encouraged me to find my own path, what I’ve learned is, I have always done so WHILE following in their footsteps. To me, this is a fascinating discovery. To learn just how much of ‘me’ is actually my inheritance from them. Without my even being aware of it.
Then there’s my writing.
Let’s face it. We all have to work. We have to earn some money. We have responsibilities. People who depend on us. And sometimes, the realities of life take precedence over our dreams. We can’t always live our dreams. Sometimes we haven’t got the required marks. Sometimes we can’t afford the tuition. Or we just don’t possess the ability or talent. Sometimes we just need a job. Any job. And dreams have to go on hold. Or get tossed away. It happens all the time.
But how lucky am I? I get to do what I love to do. From the age of twelve or thirteen I knew what I wanted to do. And I got to do it. And I’m still doing it. I get to write every day. It’s hard to describe the feeling that comes over me, when I’m writing. I get lost in the words, in the idea, in the story. I lose track of time. I am at peace. I am calm. Content. Satisfied. Happy. Joyful, actually.
If that’s not something to be grateful for, I don’t know what is.
My life has been filled with love, and for that I will also be eternally grateful. Being blessed with parents, family and friends who have loved me with no asterisks. No disclaimers. They just loved me; and still do. Warts and all. When I’m good and when I’m not so good. Up days. Down days. Happy days. Moody days. When I’m right and when I’m wrong. Never any questions asked. No explanations required. No judgements made.
Yesterday Michelle, The Green Study, wrote about love and relationships. And how painful the end of a relationship is. I thought about my own experiences with love.
About the terror you feel when you realize you’re losing control. That there’s no turning back or putting on the breaks. About the insecurity you feel when you realize your heart could be broken. That you’re laying yourself bare, exposing your vulnerability. About the thrill you feel at the mere thought of him (or her), let alone when you’re together, in touching distance.
Yes, I know how that feels. Thankfully.
Yes, I have much to be thankful for. What about you?
I like the philosophical trend. Why not? I thank my lucky stars every day for who I am and what I’ve got. I’ve nothing else! 🙂
Thanks. Sometimes we get frustrated or angry or disappointed about something that is really insignificant. Good to give your head a shake.
No doubt.
On another note, have you finally got your power back?
OH yes ma’am, yesterday morning. Four days without it, and speaking to your post I’m truly grateful! 🙂
I’ll bet. That’s what made me think of it. That’s a hell of a long time. Bet you had the best shower you’ve ever had.
Thanks for the mention, Fransi! I’m glad you can feel gratitude for your own experiences. I do, too – even the awful ones. I walked away with valuable lessons. And apparently, lots of writing material!
Ditto.
Loved that Fransi – I too love the philosphical trend – I think it is important to take stock of what we have – instead of what we do not have.
I obviously know which documentary you are talking about – I grew up hearing that music and to this day know the lyrics of every song –
Amazing! – I won’t say more as you are going to write about it -!!
but you will love the music too!
Searching for sugar man, about Rodriguez. If it’s who you thought the film is at TIFF Lightbox.
Yes that is correct! Is that not who you were talking about?
Yes, that is exactly who I am talking about. Tomorrow’s blog. Go see the movie.
Yes I too have so much to be thankful for, and the trick is not to forget it. For too long anyway 🙂
Yes, the key being “for too long”.
This week we celebrate 37 years of marriage – life thus far has been very good to me – from a work point of veiw anything I’ve turned my hand to I never considered it work but a hobby so getting up to face each day never was one of – oh no not another day at the office feeling I have carried this into my retirement years (2) and my “writing” such as it is continues the hobby theme.
Happy anniversary! Many, many more.
Thank you I appreciate that.
You’re welcome.
I couldn’t agree more. An attitude of gratitude guarantees a positive beginning to every single day.
You’re right. It does. Because it puts everything in perspective; and helps us just ignore the nonsense that sidetracks us.