I love to arise while it is still dark outside because I like the experience of watching a new day begin. This photo is from my 3rd floor, looking eastward. Over the rooftops and through the trees, I see the remains of the dark of night as it slips away and then slowly there is a light. Funny and interesting how it is different each morning. Today, the pink across the sky was surrounded by a dapple of clouds which were almost purple. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the warmth of orange took over and made me feel that surge of peace and hope that greets me daily.
We have seemingly infinite options for how we can spend our waking moments. Across my entire life, I have chosen to rise with the sun in a room with big windows unencumbered with any filter to interrupt my view of how morning happens. With few exceptions, I open my eyes and immediately feel a sense of gratitude for my sight — there are so many who cannot see or see with impairment. I feel that same appreciation for my hearing as I know that many suffer from a loss of it that robs them of the rich experience of sound. I have flowers in my room that are fragrant and my attention is drawn to the aroma, I am glad to be able to smell and embrace the feelings that come from what is familiar, lovely, and inspiring. I move around in my bed and even though I have a few stiff joints, I am not crippled–for this I give thanks because so many people suffer from something that is crippling.
There are many ancient sayings about how each day holds new opportunity. It is true.
The sorrows in our life are forever in our hearts but so is the joy we have known. Our choice is here now about what we will do with today. My focus on making it good, having it be productive, making certain I am helpful to someone in some way that matters. My goals include being good to my self, to love who I am in a way that makes clear that I value this life experience and have gratitude to my parents for having brought me into the world.
Thanks giving, yes, Thanksgiving the holiday is right around the bend and it is an annual event of thank you. Why wait? Thanks giving as a way of life.
Enjoy.
