By saying “Yes,” to what is, and doing what I can in peaceful, yet honest ways to help in the movement to end racial injustice and police violence. By finding positive, uplifting subjects to post. By writing of gratitude. By saying “okay, yes,” to the ties in my world that bind.

Gratitude. My body, though quite old, functions reasonably well. For that I am grateful.

Thank you to the millions of people spread around the planet who join hearts in religious discipline, or none. Your energies and love, I feel this morning in a new way. I feel swept along upon a wave moving toward in the light. How lovely that acknowledgment was given me for my tiny addition to this powerful, loving movement.

A direct “I love you,” often to my children is almost automatic. But I think, personally, sometimes miss the cues, the words, little acts, that express love to me. Likewise, I often forget, am not conscious of small acts, or things I say, that are expressing my love to another. Being aware and open, recognizing love when it is given, and when it is received in one’s by actions as well as words.

After a lengthy journal conversation with myself on this subject, I draw strength from not knowing, from discomfort. I asked myself the question, ” Is gratitude merely a salve for discomfort?” And the answer came to me: “Of course, it is.” It soothes us in our place of not-knowing, as we ready ourselves for the next step in our evolution. Accepting discomfort, being grateful for it, and knowing it is a motivator towards something better gives me strength.

At dusk last evening, I opened my door, stepped onto the lane with thoughts of herons, a pair I saw a few days ago leaving the pond at twilight. Maybe, I’d see them again. When I raised my eyes, no herons, but a moon, just a sliver less than full framed perfectly between two trees. Unexpected beauty took my breath away.

Reflection upon that which we have with gratitude, points the mind and spirit toward the things that are possible for us; allows us to realize that our actions, no matter how small, when motivated by benefit for all, are acts of courage.

I wish for myself and the world an open heart that accepts and sends forth compassion. I wish for healing of spirit, soul, planet; healing from all that keeps us separate.

Cream in my coffee, sunshine in the sky, deer browsing out back. This moment is beautiful. Thank you, powers that be.

By realizing this every-day-in-your-face irritating behavior that I so readily see in the one I care for (sadly, not always with tolerance and grace) reflects my lessons. A larger “me” would be grateful for the opportunity, but I’m not quite there. Still, realizing it, I think, is a huge step in the right direction. For this creeping forward, I am thankful.

As the extraneous fades into the background, clarity arises, leaving one freer to perceive opportunity that may have been lurking beneath our nose. Changing priorities. Being truly expressive to others. While donning the protective mask, the mask of deception may fall away.

I’m really not sure, but perhaps re-posting bits of goodness happening around us. Being aware of the natural beauty around me.

The idea many people express, the thought that things will never be he same, makes me hopeful. Hopeful because they express it not in a fearful way, but with, at least, a slim ray of hope. This from some of my most conservative friends .

Gratitude softens one, enlightens, sharpens one’s perception to the many blessings surrounding us. It points and directs us toward the strength of positivity.

My sister, who knows me better than anyone. She’s always there to listen, to laugh, to point out the absurdities, to agree with and/or lessen my concerns. She laughs at my jokes. My husband, I must give an A for effort in the support category, though he doesn’t quite know how to do it. He really does try, and I am a complicated woman. ❤️

I love morning with two cups of coffee and thick cream (yes, thick cream). My mind starts rolling, I check the gratefulness site, answer the daily question, and get into my day. Night I love, also, because my husband goes to sleep early, releasing me from my care-taking. It reminds me of when the children were babies, this little patch of freedom for oneself.

Today in this life that has become increasingly manic-depressive (saddened and plummeted to despair by the friends’ losses, uplifted by the selfless acts of people from all walks of life,) I will pause often, taking deep breaths inhaling love and kindness to fill my entire body. Exhaling love and kindness through my heart.

My drawers are full of things I do not need. Who needs X number of socks and underwear? After all, I have a perfectly good washer and dryer. But there are fearful and worrisome thoughts in my head I no longer need. After all, I am supported and surrounded by love from many sources, virtual and real. I need caution and common sense in these turbulent times, that bless in a way, opening our eyes and hearts to what we do and do not need. For that I am grateful.

I am grateful for it all.