This is the time of year that many will take a step away from the hectic and frenzied routines of their typical everyday routines shift gears and get into holiday season mode. It is the perfect time to reflect. As are all special days, holidays and milestones occasions. I think these breaks from routine were born from necessity and given to us a gift to step outside ourselves enough to see how fortunate we are.

On most days, I chose to be woken by the sound of CJAD’s Andrew Carter’s voice at 6:30 am.  In the depths of sleep it is his voice in the background that signals daybreak.  I roll over to begin a new day. With a yawn, a stretch, a sigh and an” oh no, I’d rather loll in bed”, my feet eventually touch ground as I roll into an upright position and proceed to wake up the 2 youngest of my three children. Yes, I still do that even though they are far too old to depend on the disheveled alarm clock that is me.  

Off to be the first to use the bathroom. I lied, second. My husband doesn’t loll or roll around, he just gets up and gets going so he’s first one in and first one out the door. My turn quickly comes around and I spring into action with morning rituals and the occasional “are you out of bed yet? Hurry or you’ll be late!”

I still enjoy serving breakfast since we all leave the house around the same time. Well, not serve exactly. Shove the plates or bowls quickly in front of them or into their hands if there’s no time to sit and eat at home.

In the space of that time I may or may not carry the awareness of how much I have to be thankful for.
I have a loving husband to wake up with, 3 healthy children who fill my life with purpose and joy and am surrounded by the kind of love no one should ever not know. I have all the comforts of a modern lifestyle; roof overhead, bed, clean water, an endless list of a practical amenities and frivolous luxuries.

But…

Do I begin each day fully aware and intentionally expressive of my gratitude for all the simple and complex blessings that are my life? No. Usually I complain that taxes are too high, powerful people in government positions are corrupt, electrical appliances and IT gadgets are not only too expensive but they’re also designed to break 1 month before the warranty expires.  These are some of the ridiculous thoughts that fill the space in my head when really, there is far too much wonder in my life to not choose gratitude.

Just in case you are guilty of not intentionally acknowledging all that is right with you, all the blessings of love that surround you and all the amenities that make it possible for you to build the life of your choosing  please consider this your “reminder to self.”

Here’s my short list, feel free to make your own.

I am grateful for…

·         The legs that take me from place to place, the arms that wrap around my husband and children

·         Sight, sound and feeling

·         Being a woman born in the free world

·         Being given the parents that I have, my  husband, his family, my siblings, and friends

·         My independence, my creativity, my computer, my couch, the vreaths I take

·         My children. The incredible miracle that is Jamie, Sammy and Joy.  They have changed the course of my journey through life.  I am growing up along with them in the most wonderful, wacky, and wise ways because of who they are and what I am when I am being their mom, mentor, guide, coach and friend.

I am so darn grateful, I could cry.

So, all that other stuff I said about complaining?  Now that I have stepped out of my routine for a few minutes and have come to find a landing spot in my head I realize, PISH! There is absolutely nothing to complain about. I have it all!

For those of you who struggle with serious health issues, my heart goes out to you and I am sending positive vibes your way. To those who are in a state of job loss or financial ruin, I wish you a sudden turn of events so you can pay your rent and have a few dollars to spare. For those who are alone or lonely, I wish you the courage to step out into public places, force a smile and start up a conversation with someone. It will make you feel better.

The city is lit up so stop and see the light, smell the roses, and know that you are right where you belong. All is good. All is right. All is as it should be.

Shari