Most people would save this post for around Thanksgiving. I contemplated it, but ultimately part of the reason I'm even writing this is because I want to be more grateful all the time, not just in the month of November. In the constant struggle between my realist nature and my desire to be optimistic, I've realized that I need to actively choose the lighter path. Every day I have a choice to give into the Dark Side or not.
I am grateful to be alive. Or as Slug from Atmosphere always says, “I'm having a great day. I’m having a great time. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be alive.” I've repeated that phrase so many times, but yet I can't recall it verbatim. Maybe this is Slug's daily affirmation? As much as I love routine and reading, I have yet to fall into a habit of having a positive mantra for each day. I do have a white board where I write a weekly quote. Most of the time it has Hip Hop lyrics written on it.
I'm grateful that I wake up every morning able to breathe. I am thankful for my cats even though sometimes I think Achilles is trying to smother me in my sleep by snuggling on my face, neck, and chest. For the most part, I am in good health. Even my chronic issues could be worse. I'm able to use all my limbs. I can walk and pick things up. I can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. I am not dying any faster than usual.
My basic needs are covered: shelter, food, water. I have more "stuff" than I need. I have a job and enough money to cover my regular bills. At this point, I feel like I'm bragging. Why am I not able to list out the things I have to be grateful about without feeling guilty? Because I can empathize with people who don't have them. There I go again, always seeing the negative side of things.
I can empathize. I can Love. I'm compassionate, kind, and thoughtful. I'm capable of thinking; sometimes logically, sometimes irrationally. I can feel fear. I know most people are trained to think Fear is a negative thing, but in some instances, it can save your life. I can Feel emotions. That in and of itself is a great thing, no matter the emotion.
There are so many options in this world. I have my basic needs covered, so I am able to spend time on entertainment and things I enjoy. I love to spectate: movies, music, sports, etc. I can imagine. I can create. I write. I read. I make jewelry. I do crafty things. I make things with my bare hands. I built half a house! I did have help in that.
There are great people in my life currently. I have a supportive partner who balances me. He does his half of everything that needs to be done. I have a best friend who is simultaneously a good and bad influence on my life. Who partakes in the fun, wild times and sticks around even when I'm vulnerable. I have a great inner circle of trustworthy people who are sharing in my personal journey. I'm very lucky to have found people who love me despite my imperfections.
I am grateful for the people who see the positive in me and help me see the good in the Universe. I'm thankful for You, not just because you are currently reading this. I do appreciate you taking the time to read my posts! Doubly so for any feedback I receive about them. Just following or subscribing is so wonderful. Thank you for the way you have touched my existence.
While I continue down my ever changing path of personal evolution, along with purposefully thinking of things more positively, I am going to continue to take stock of everything in my life. With everything else going on, gratitude is often overlooked. When I take time to think about all there is to be thankful for, I feel very fortunate. Thank you for being part of it.
Originally posted on my personal blog on 09/18/2016.
~The Overstimulated