Inspired by a writing theme around: What are you most grateful for today? Why?

Practicing gratitude has been an important habit I’ve worked to build and a skill I’ve proactively tried to improve at, especially over the last 3 years (starting during the COVID-19 pandemic).  And the thing with gratitude journals and working to identify those small moments in every day life – to recognize and appreciate them – is that, it actually works.  Learning to see the world around you, and to notice and recognize the moments that bring you, even a small morsel of joy or comfort or peace, is life changing.  And those small moments compound.  It’s almost like they are yeast cells and they will multiply and expand, helping to take over your consciousness with more appreciation.

I’m a self-proclaimed optimist.  My family recently was having the discussion about how each of us sees that often-discussed glass, partially filled with liquid.  And they identified that I don’t see the glass as ½ full, I see it as ¾ full.  We all laughed, but as I sit with that idea, I can see why they feel that way.  For the most part, I do try to place my emphasis and focus on the “good.”  The things that have added more love or appreciation or wonder to my life.  And not because they are always perfect – far from it, but how, even the complicated and dirty parts can be revolutionary or beautiful, if you see them through the right lens.

I don’t think it’s that I walk around wearing rose-coloured glasses (although I do have a favourite pair of prescription sunglasses with mirrored lenses that reflect warm tones, ranging from orange or yellow to pink, depending on the light…) but more that I choose to place my thoughts, energy and emphasis on what is positive.  It’s like eating a plate of food.  Maybe the whole chickpeas aren’t your favourite, but you love the smooth hummus and tahini… so when you think back on why you love getting that entrée at your favourite Mediterranean restaurant, you retain and focus on the most delicious part.  That’s how I’m generally able to walk through life.  Not that I don’t hold and feel the difficult or painful moments, but I have an ability to discern their value relatively quickly.  Like a sieve, I’ll filter them through and release those feelings or frustrations that don’t serve me, allowing the positive, joyful, exciting moments consume me and stick to the top. (I firmly believe that there’s value in holding pain and heartbreak too, but that’s another story.)

And so, today – and most days, I’m grateful for that filter I’ve established.  This lens on life, that helps me to notice things I previously passed over, and helps me to release the frustration or annoyances that don’t serve me.