It’s hard to believe that we are in the back half of August, staring at the inevitability of the Autumn season just weeks away. Like most of us, we have now spent two seasons, (Spring and Summer) staying mostly at home, and I have been recording the radio show from my home.
The trips in my car are mainly to pick up groceries that are delivered to me in a parking lot, or an occasional curbside delivery of takeout to support small businesses in my neighborhood.
As we all are likely hunkered down, with the exception of our essential workers (heroes during this time of the pandemic), it has become my everyday normal routine. I am relaxed, now staying home. Upon waking up, do you find your mind feeling restless, or have you become “settled” in the comfort of your home? I see so many on social media feeling restless, and I do get it, but somehow, I am glad that I have learned to find a new peace within myself.
Yes, I am peaceful, and I am grateful.
I am glad I have my health, a roof over my head, and a place to walk outdoors and take in the beauty of a walk, a bird chirping, the sound of lawn mowers and the scent of fresh cut grass, or a whiff of the ocean air.
I’m grateful for my rose garden every day and have been more attentive to my 37 varietal English roses than ever, and it shows.
I am watching less news, and more fantasy and romance.
I am allowing myself to dream more. To become more loving and giving.
To appreciate more, a loving husband, my loving, sweet, silly goldendoodle, great friends and a family.
I am grateful for the many essential workers who work in my neighborhood who put their own safety at risk to care for my neighbors and me.
I am learning to feel complete in the simplicity of my surroundings. I have a peaceful calm in my life has right now.
I am spending less money on gas and eating out. Instead, I am trying out new recipes that I always wanted to try.
I am grateful to not have to fight the Seattle traffic. When I do go out, traffic on the road is less, and drive times are reasonable.
I am grateful for my neighbors. That friendly smile and hello when I walk outside, and the activity of children playing nearby.
I love the clucking of chickens in the neighbor’s yard, and the baying of goats across from me.
I feel blessed to have truly, everything I need.
I AM BLESSED.
In a world of so much division and angst, if you are feeling restless, I invite you to become more mindful of your surroundings. Count your blessings. Think of all the things you have to be grateful for. Open your eyes to the many gifts that the world has for you on every given day. Find new at-home hobbies. Open yourself up to exploring new ways of expressing yourself in your home environment, and plan for the Autumn season.
Above all, I recommend that you adapt an attitude of gratitude. We haven’t lost anything more than what we have gained by recognizing and appreciating the things we have taken for granted. Be good to each other.
Warmly,
