10 Things I’m Grateful for this Year that Most Folks Take for Granted

Do you ever stop and think about just how good you have it?

The title of this story says: 10 Things I’m Grateful for, but what if I had to narrow it down to just one; would it be wrong if I said ME?

All kidding aside, I am proud of myself for reaching my 63rd birthday this past May, and being at peace in my life. When you come from a broken home and crazy ass background like mine, it’s easy to get addicted to chaos. So I’m thankful and grateful that I have finally been able to learn how to avoid confusion, and always sue for peace.

Believe me, I’m more than grateful and thankful for the simple life I have now, and the peace that I get from living this life. I believe in karma, de ja vue, and a God up above, and most definitely not in that order.

I don’t have a lot, in the way of material things (although I’m finally in a decent enough position where I could have a lot more than I do). I don’t even have close friends and family in my life right now; not geographically or otherwise.

But what I do have (“…is a unique set of skills”… Sorry, I had to go there. I‘ve watched Taken a gazillion times, specifically for that scene on the phone with the kidnapper).

No, really, what I do have is PEACE. I mean true peace; within myself, with the people I’m around, and with the inner workings of my own world (not counting the madness in the real world).

For a person like me, it’s a big deal to have this kind of peace, and I’m profoundly thankful for it. I’m at a good place and space in my life. So I’m eternally grateful to my Creator, and all the people He (or She if you prefer) put in my path, so I could arrive at the me I am now.

As you look over my list of reasons why I’m grateful, think about the things in your own life. Don’t just think generically; think about the actual people, places and things that make you happy and make your life worth living, and share a few with the readers.

My Gratitude Increased

I was just about to sit down and write the very words you’re reading right now, and I saw something outside my window. What I viewed only made me want to write what I’m writing even more. My gratitude increased, one hundred percent.

When I first peered down at the busy intersection that I have an excellent view of, I had a pretty good idea what I was seeing, so I decided to go check it out. Just in case I was right about what I saw, I made sure not to go outside unprepared.

I went outside in the back where the parking lot is, and stood on tiptoe, looking over the fence to confirm my suspicions.

I held onto the bars, and spotted the figure I’d seen from my window. It was a middle aged Latinx man, holding a sign, weaving carefully in and out of traffic.

He had on his COVID mask and his clothes were clean. He didn’t appear intoxicated or look unhoused, or anything like that. He just looked like a desperate man who was at his wits end and was prepared to do whatever it took to help his family.

I wasn’t sure what his specific issue was, because I couldn’t see the sign yet. Since he wasn’t carrying a container with a picture of a deceased loved one on it, I figured I’d been wrong about that part.

From the window, I assumed he was trying to raise money to bury someone; something I’ve witnessed people apparently being forced to do .

Although my assumption was wrong, he still clearly was in need of something, so I asked him what was going on. I hesitated on how exactly to phrase my question, but not because of any language barrier. I simply didn’t want to offend him. So I cut myself off and just asked: “What does your sign say?”

I could see he was more than happy to show it to me, so he wouldn’t have to hear himself say the words aloud. I’m sure that would have made the situation worse than it already was.

He positioned the sign so I could read it, and the first word that jumped out at me was “kids” so I didn’t need to read the rest. I didn’t even bother trying to decipher what else was scribbled on the large piece of cardboard he was holding.

I simply handed him what I was carrying in my own hand. Before going downstairs, I had located what cash I had on hand. Since I couldn’t find an envelope fast enough, I folded the money in a piece of copy paper (I always have plenty of that), and stapled it closed.

I wrote the words: “Things will be greater later” and quickly scribbled my signature butterfly on it (something I’ve been doing religiously for years, with all my personal notes).

When I handed the man the little package, he smiled gratefully and took the money out of my hand. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” His voice was full of humility.

“You’re welcome. It’s going to get better. Take care of yourself.”

After our brief exchange, I hurried and left so he wouldn’t have to see me witness his embarrassment. I climbed the three flights of stairs back to my apartment and came back inside my bedroom.

Worth A Thousand Words

I instinctively glanced out the window and I could still see him out there. For some weird reason, my heart was pounding and it wasn’t because I ran up the steps, because I didn’t. I climb those steps on a regular, sometimes multiple times a day.

I walk daily and I ride my bike, so I know my heart wasn’t pounding because of the steps, but what was it? I didn’t know, and I still don’t understand what that’s about. Perhaps I was feeling some kind of way about the thought of being a kid and in the situation his children must be living in. I remember times like that all too well.

As you can see, I finally sat down to write, but before I did, my mind told me to take a picture of the man, since he was still out there. I struggled with the idea at first. Although I’ve always had a good eye for spotting a nice candid shot, I’m way too shy about snapping photos of people on the fly like that.

I decided to go on and take the picture of this gentleman anyway. It’s the one at the top of this story.

Now, when I look at the photo, I’ll be reminded of writing this story, and of all that I have to be grateful for.

Okay guys, let’s get to my list. Keep in mind, the following is not a prioritized list, it is ALPHABETIZED.

MY GRATITUDE LIST

BIRDS — Some people might think this is a strange one, but you’d have to know my history with birds to understand . If anyone is curious, my recent “Hard to Forget” story will explain everything. Feel free to start reading this newly released Amazon short read right here on this site. I published a long excerpt in my TIPSTER publication.

CLOSURE — This particular item on my list is one that I’d have a tough time choosing between for the number one slot. Deciding to list things alphabetically was my coward’s way out, so I wouldn’t have to make the tough choices.

Being able to find closure with my mother last year was something I’m still grateful for this year. My mom passed away last July, but not before I was able to speak with her and say my goodbye.

In spite of the turbulent life and relationship I’ve had with my mother, I would have never been able to live with myself, had she left this world without us reconciling. Not everything got said that we may have wanted to say, but everything we needed to say was said. That was the closure I’m grateful for.

CREATIVITY — I’m thankful for my writing and the healing I get from being able to find a release. For me, there’s no better release valve. My love of art, in general is a good thing. It’s so easy to be your creative self, if you allow yourself that chance. There is no judgment or expectation in true art. Because of it, I can always find joy in the simplest things, like coloring or doing juvenile arts and crafts.

I wouldn’t say it makes me feel like a kid, because considering my past childhood, that’s not necessarily a good thing in my case. But art does make me feel happy, in a joyful kind of way, so I’d call that a win.

ENLIGHTENMENT — This without a doubt, would be my number one thing on the list, if it wasn’t done alphabetically. This is a big one for me, even bigger than finding closure with my mom. The enlightenment I’m referring to is the ability to recognize things with the mind’s eye.

This ability grounds me in the knowledge that I don’t have to be afraid of what the future holds for mankind, in spite of the sad state of affairs the world may continue to be in.

Enlightenment helps me not to be anxious, afraid, or worried, no matter how bleak the world looks. Just like I told the man in the picture today, things will be greater later. I believe that with all my heart and I’m grateful to be so enlightened.

HEALTH — I’m especially grateful for my health, more than anyone could possibly imagine. In spite of the crazy life of danger that I’ve constantly been exposed to, I’ve always been in relatively good health. More and more each day, I recognize what a blessing good health is, particularly since I started caring for my older sister.

She’s five years my senior, and has a long list of health conditions; all of which have only added to her being home bound. I constantly imagine what it must feel like to not have been out of the house except once, in more than a year. When I allow myself to entertain thoughts like that, I really start appreciating just how blessed I really am.

KIDS — I do now, and always have loved kids. Besides once working as a preschool teacher, a school cafeteria worker, and a school librarian, I was always that auntie, that neighbor, or that friend. You know the one who went around gathering up all the kids (even before I had my own), and taking them places. If I wasn’t doing something with them, it was for them.

I still have the same spirit when it comes to children, and that’s why I never run out of smiles when kids are around. I was walking in the building returning from the store earlier, and I heard someone’s child about to come busting through the door and into the hallway. I moved out the way, just in time to see a cute little chunky girl with ponytails sticking out on both sides.

“Hi!” was all she yelled, when she went flying by me, and rushed around the corner when she got to the end of the hall. It was just a simple exchange, but it filled me with joy, even though I had no idea who’s kid she was, and I doubt she recognized me as someone she knew.

But that’s the great thing about kids. I get just as much happiness from those I know, as I do from those I don’t. There’s nothing like the joy that comes from brief moments like the one we shared. I responded back with the same “Hi” and with the same childlike enthusiasm that is so contagious.

MUSIC — Music is the all-time love of my life. I can’t even begin to describe what music has been for me, done for me, and done to me. There’s not a single memory in my mind, good, bad, or ugly, that’s not connected to some song or melody. The only thing that comes anywhere near as close as having that same kind of healing effect on me is my writing.

Come to think of it, I was going to say writing is the love of my life also, but that would make me a cheat, and I’ve never been that before. Choosing between music and writing would be a tough call, because I honestly couldn’t do without either.

SENSES — If you’re a person that doesn’t thank your Maker every day for at least one of your senses, there’s something wrong with you. Even if you happen to have the misfortune of lacking one, or even two vital senses; give thanks for all the other ones you have.

Think about it. People always talk about not being able to do without their sight or hearing, and I totally understand feeling that way, because I humbly appreciate the ability to see and hear. I’m blessed to have sight and sound and I know it. As the years pass on, my sight is gradually diminishing, just like the rest of the old timers. So I appreciate that much more.

But if I couldn’t see or hear, I would like to truly believe that I would be thanking my Creator for being able to taste. Just think if you weren’t able to taste the many delicious foods you like to eat, drink, and savor.

What about the sense of feel; suppose you didn’t have that? How would you like living in a world where every single thing you touch feels just like the next, or the last thing? I’m grateful for all my senses, each and every one of them.

When I say each and every one of them, I mean my sense of humor also. I know for a fact I wouldn’t have made it this far without it. It’s not unusual for me to find myself acting silly and being able to laugh at my silliness. I love it! It’s so liberating.

SUNNY DAYS — I love sunny days the most, because they seem to beckon me and dare me to come out and play. It’s really hard for me to stay inside all day when it’s sunny outside, but don’t get me wrong; I have no problem going out for a walk or to the park on a gloomy, rainy, or overcast day. That’s the beauty of a sunny day — they make you appreciate all the other days.

WATER — Water is almost like a guilty pleasure of mine. I don’t care if it’s indoor or outdoor activities; as long as water’s involved. I’m glad to for the chance to start going back to the community pool near me, but I honestly haven’t dared to visit one yet. But I will, because I can’t wait to get back to swimming.

Until then, I have my long baths, showers, beaches, and parks with lakes, visit. I’m grateful also being able to have clean drinking water on a regular basis. This is not true of everyone in the world. I think of that, whenever I quench my thirst with a plain old cup of room temperature water.

Make Your Own List

Thank you for indulging me and allowing me to take up a bit of your time. Are there any readers out there who would care to share their own list of things they’re grateful for this year? If so, as always, I welcome you to COMMENT.

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