Sometimes I forget about gratitude. And so, whenever I remember to be grateful, I find that moment itself worthy of gratitude.
Because it’s easy to get sidetracked by all the things that aren’t working according to my plan. And when I get sidetracked, I’m left with nothing but overwhelm and restlessness.
So those moments when something reminds me to be grateful become moments of gratitude in themselves.
And the thing is, these are just random, ordinary moments. Nothing extraordinary.
Sometimes, it’s a light breeze I feel during my walk. The very fact that I noticed that gentle breeze makes me feel grateful.
It’s so easy to go about my walk without noticing the birds chirping, the dogs barking, or the children playing.
Gratitude breathes in the ordinary little moments.
The question is, am I going to notice them?
Perhaps the real challenge is to notice these little gifts on days when everything seems to demand my attention.
Today was a different kind of day.
My husband is still recovering from being unwell. He’s working, but he’s tired. So he woke up later than usual, which meant I had a busier morning, taking care of his share of the chores too.
After I got back from dropping my younger son off at school, my elder son texted me, asking me to pick him up because he wasn’t feeling well.
Off I went to get him.
With sickness going around our house, the atmosphere has been a little different.
My younger son was also complaining that he wasn’t feeling well this morning. He decided to go to school anyway. I told him to call me if he found it difficult to stay at school.
So here I am, keeping one eye on my phone, hoping he’ll feel better.
That’s what I meant by a different kind of day.
But that doesn’t make today any less meaningful than other days.
I’m grateful that I feel okay so far. Whenever I can think clearly, write with clarity, and enjoy reading my books, I feel grateful.
To me, that’s a good day.
I woke up today, as usual, at five in the morning. I sat on the couch for ten minutes, doing nothing. Then I made my tea and drank it in the quietness that only the early morning hours can offer.
Any day I get to enjoy my morning cup of tea without rushing, I feel the warmth of gratitude.
I’m also grateful that I managed to get everything done this morning without my husband’s help. I’m glad I didn’t wait for him to come downstairs before getting things started.
What makes me even more thankful is my younger son.
He wakes up around six every morning. Even on weekends.
I don’t have to wake him up or persuade him to get ready. He does everything by himself. That frees up a major part of my morning.
And it’s one less thing for me to worry about.
My elder son told me he was sorry for asking me to pick him up.
I told him there was no need to apologize.
I was simply glad that he texted me.
Of course, I want my children to go to school, learn their lessons, and complete their assignments on time. But that doesn’t mean they should have to do all those things even when they’re sick.
I want them to call me when they need my help.
Anytime.
No matter how much I enjoy my solitude, being here to take care of my family makes me feel grateful.
Of course, they can manage without me.
But regardless of how much I complain about never getting a break from them, their presence in my life makes it so much more colorful.
Perhaps that’s what gratitude is all about.
Noticing the little things that make an ordinary day worth remembering.
Even when the day doesn’t go according to plan.
Especially then.
This piece is written in response to Write Bravely November Prompt –
We often look for big reasons to be grateful and overlook the small things that make our everyday lives meaningful.
Write about five ordinary things you are grateful for today. Choose things you might usually take for granted. Perhaps it’s your morning cup of tea, sunlight through a window, a familiar voice, a favourite book or the comfort of home. Choose one of these ordinary gifts and write about why it matters to you.
