Usually on waking, I think of the day and its demands. Sometimes I compose written to-do lists, sometimes I just mentally tick through where I must be and at what time, and what I must accomplish while there.
For a time, twenty-five years ago, I began waking with the thought “Today is going to be an adventure.” For nearly a week the recurring thought came unbidden. When the thought withered away, I found I could consciously summon it up and still find its powers of transformation. Starting my morning with that idea—“Today is going to be an adventure”—changed my entire perspective. This view of the day being adventure altered everything from the drive to my classes in Asheville to the appearance of people around me. The day became charged with life; I saw people, even strangers, in a sort of glowing light; my waking hours truly did become more of an adventure.
And then I let go of this mantra. I let the magic slip away. I don’t know why I stopped, or when. I only know I quit waking with that thought and have only truly realized the importance of its absence as of this morning.
I woke, brewed my coffee, and for no discernable reason, began mentally listing people and things in my life I was grateful for. The more I considered these gifts, the greater became my gratitude. Here in order of importance were some of my thoughts:
Strangely, this recollection of gratitude made what looked like a tough day much easier. I guess it’s all about attitude.
So maybe I’ve found my New Year’s Resolution. Wake up, remember to be grateful, and hit the day.
What the heck. Maybe I’ll even double down and add that sense of adventure into the formula as well.
And then I let go of this mantra. I let the magic slip away. I don’t know why I stopped, or when. I only know I quit waking with that thought and have only truly realized the importance of its absence as of this morning.
I woke, brewed my coffee, and for no discernable reason, began mentally listing people and things in my life I was grateful for. The more I considered these gifts, the greater became my gratitude. Here in order of importance were some of my thoughts:
- I was grateful I woke up. I was glad I was breathing.
- I was grateful for my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. My children and their husband wives amaze me on a daily basis by the courage they show in the face of adversity, by their work ethic, and by their heart for generosity. Were she alive, their mother would take great delight in all they have accomplished, yes, but she would be even prouder of the character each of them displays when the road gets rough and the blue skies turn gray and cold.
- I was grateful for my siblings. Yesterday I had lunch with a brother and a sister. Both commented about the six of us, saying how wonderful it was that despite so many differences in matters like faith, politics, and personality, we were all still on good terms with one another.
- I was grateful for my friends. Two of them in particular recently took me to lunch and gave me wise counsel regarding my future. They have stuck by me through some tough times and have helped me with their words regarding mercy and forgiveness.
- I was grateful for the students I have taught over the years. Every Christmas I hear from a few of them, and their notes telling me of their plans and accomplishments make me happy that I had a small hand in their development.
- I was grateful I had a roof over my head and food in a refrigerator. Lots of people don’t. It reminded me to give a little more to others in whatever way I can.
- I was grateful for the life I have lived, all of it, the good and the bad. Are there regrets? Sins? Mistakes? Of course. Some of them big ones. But though I am not the fastest learner on the block, I have usually tried to rectify those mistakes, to make amends to those I have hurt, to get up and move forward again. Getting beaten down is painful, and so is getting up, but I am grateful even for the blows. They are a part of me.
Strangely, this recollection of gratitude made what looked like a tough day much easier. I guess it’s all about attitude.
So maybe I’ve found my New Year’s Resolution. Wake up, remember to be grateful, and hit the day.
What the heck. Maybe I’ll even double down and add that sense of adventure into the formula as well.