Keeping a heart of gratitude

I’m on the Gold Coast of Australia, so even though we’re in autumn right now, there is barely need for a sweater.

However, I’m consciously taking this season to slow down, cozy up and re-energize after a very full spring/summer season. As I type this I have soft jazz in the background, the birds’ chirps are harmonizing with soft rain in the courtyard, my coffee is still frothy, my husband and cats slumber upstairs and life is good.

I have often wondered what my life would have been like if I didn’t come to Australia. I think in doing that, I was attributing all of my current circumstances to the fact that I live in such a put-together place. Australia is by no means perfect, but man it’s comfy. Without really speculating on the details, I have just been grateful for the opportunity to be here.

Perhaps by now you’re sick of hearing about gratitude, but it really does create a massive shift in perspective.

There is so much I am grateful for, and I encourage you to take stock of your list of gratitude items. Maybe there’s no money in your bank account, but be grateful for what was there before, and what’s to come.

Maybe you missed an important appointment because of traffic, but be grateful that you made it home safe.

Have you been wronged lately? Did the other person run off without a care? If it was a mild case of a human doing wrong, perhaps it’s time to let it go and say thanks for the lessons learned.

There is no need to cover any sadness, anger or unpleasant situations. It’s a balancing game of being in touch with all of life’s uglies, as well as the total blessings that come our way. There is riches and growth in both.

The simple act of giving thanks is enough to get me out of bed. We live in an unfair world. Surely we all believe all humans should have a comfortable life. The reality is, not all do. So let’s use what we’ve been given wisely, no matter the season.