Moments of Gratitude.
Reflect (verb) | think deeply or carefully about.
Gratitude (noun) | the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
I am the reflecting type.
If you’ve been following my blog for some time then that statement will come as no surprise to you.
I recently came upon a segment from Thoreau’s Walden. I finally read in its entirety at the beginning of last year.
The piece spoke deeply to me about existence in the present.
There were times I could not afford to sacrifice the bloom of the present moment to any work, whether of the head or hands. I love of broad margin to my life. …I sat in my doorway from sunrise till noon, rapt in a revery, amidst the pines and hickories and sumachs, in undisturbed solitude and stillness, while the birds sing around or flitted noiseless through the house, until by the sun falling in at my west window, or the noise of some traveller’s wagon on the distant highway, I was reminded of the lapse of time. I grew in those seasons like corn in the night, and they were far better than any work of the hands would have been. They were not time subtracted from my life, but so much over and above my usual allowance.
Practicing Gratitude.
One of the ways to remain in this present moment is to practice gratitude.
I am not always good at taking the moments to recognize all that I am grateful for.
On Tuesday morning as I was preparing to leave for yoga, there was a man exiting my driveway… carrying my push lawnmower to his truck. He managed to steal it and speed off before I could catch his tag number. I know enough about the truck and plates that I would recognize it. But I assume that he may be smart enough not to poop in the yard that feeds him (so I doubt he lives close by).
While I did have a hard time being fully present during yoga, it really did help me calm down and come to a place of acceptance.
My being upset about a situation that couldn’t be changed was only hurting me.
So instead, I decided to focus on what three aspects surrounding it I was grateful about. And then I documented it on my Instagram story and listed them:
- I was grateful that my son had just mowed the yard two days before so that I didn’t have to move mower buying to the top of my to-do list.
- I was grateful that replacing the mower is not a financial burden for us.
- And I was grateful that he chose to steal something outside of my garage door rather than trying to enter the home and finding that somebody was indeed home (I park in my garage so I’m assuming he thought the house was empty).
Reframing it put me in a better place.
Gratitude for You.
But I also wanted to share my gratitude for all of you.
There was an outpouring of love after I posted Monday about the loss of our dog. I have not even been able to respond to all of the heartfelt comments that you have left.
I also shared the post to my private Facebook page, which I don’t always do since I have a dedicated blog Facebook page where I share my posts and occasionally other posts that I’ve enjoyed.
The response that I received from everyone was overwhelming.
But it isn’t just in those moments that I feel gratitude for each and every one of you. It’s in those moments like where I shared about my camera dilemmas photographing the Inside of Versailles and those who had the advice to share, did so, even finding me on Twitter to share an article!
It’s in moments of everyday interaction.
So many of you who take time out of your day to share words with me.
So many of you who take time out of your day to read my words.
It makes my soul so uplifted.
Tulips.
I didn’t make it to Keukenhof when in Amsterdam (time was scarce and I didn’t think the teens would enjoy it quite as much as me). However, I did take the time to photograph the tulips displayed in the Museumplein.
I’ve read that tulips symbolize perfect love.
Some claim that different colors symbolize other things.
Whatever the case, they rank up there as some of my favorite flowers.
Flowers are often given as tokens of appreciation. So I hope you’ll accept these virtual flowers as a symbol of my gratitude for the time that you take out of your lives to pour blessings into mine.
Let your light shine!
Amy
Aw Amy, this is such a beautiful post, full of heart, gratitude and emotion. I love your positive attitude, even in the midst of sadness and tough times. I’m sorry about the robbery but love the perspective you took on it. It’s not always easy to see the positives but so worth the shift. Much love and hugs to you at this time. ❤️ xo
Thank you Miriam.
The perspective shift is more freeing. I hope that in the future I find myself shifting sooner and more often! Much love to you as well! <3
Aw, yeah, that’s nice. Tulips are my favorite, so I appreciate that even more 🙂
I love the way you reframed. It’s crucial to alter perspective and I’m so glad you had the insight to do it.
I knew you liked tulips so I was hoping you’d enjoy them. 🙂
I’m hoping with time that I’m able to shift my perspective more quickly and with more ease, but I agree that it is crucial. 🙂
For whatever reason, I haven’t seen you for ages. Sorry to read about the loss of your dog, but I’m glad to touch base again.
janet
Thank you Janet.
I’m glad to touch base again as well. 🙂
Amy
Hi Amy. I’m sorry to hear about the robbery. You definitely manged to put it in perspective though – this is something that takes me quite some time to do.
I love the photo of Amsterdam and of the tulips! I have never been to Amsterdam, and would love to visit. My sister is actually going there for the first time, in a couple of weeks, so hopefully she will take lots of photos!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. Sending you my love.
Carly
Thank you Carly.
You’ll be surprised to hear that the lawnmower was returned!
Amsterdam was wonderful and I hope to be able to return someday. I hope your sister is able to take tons of photos. I would have liked a little more sunshine, but so glad that we got to go. 🙂 -Amy
How amazing that the lawnmower was returned!! Do you know who took it?!
My sister is very excited about her visit to Amsterdam. Yes, hopefully she will have good weather – I’ve heard the weather is temperamental there! – Carly
I don’t know who took it. I think they may have been worried that I got their tag number or just felt guilty. It was the craziest thing!
The weather seems to be temperamental most places this year! 😉
Wow! That’s crazy! But great news nonetheless! – and a great story!
I am sorry to hear about the robbery Amy and it was good you were quickly able to reframe the experience. Sending you love across the miles 💖 xxx
Thank you!
You’ll be surprised to hear the mower was returned! I’m happy to learn that I can reframe my thoughts because I found it to be very helpful. Much love <3 Amy
I have just read your latest post and that is amazing news! Reframing is so helpful and a great inspiration for your kids too. Have a blessed weekend and happy Mothers Day 🌹
Wow, makes me wanna go see Amsterdam! Tulips are truly amazing!
http://www.annalovelife.com
The tulips in Amsterdam were beautiful. I hope I get to return there someday. 🙂
I am grateful for words that touch my heart. Sometimes it’s the simplest things for which we should be grateful but sometimes overlook.
Words that touch your heart and are a wonderful thing to be grateful for.
There is much beauty in the simple things. I’m learning to seek more beauty in my walks through nature, even in the tiniest things 🙂
Thought provoking quotes I needed to read today. Glad I found this post. Happy Friday and Happy Mother’s Day to you.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Friday and Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂
I’m sorry to hear of your dog. It is sad to not have them around when they’ve past on. But I enjoyed reading your outlook on the lawnmower. And your tulip images we’re gorgeous. Beautiful colors.
Thank you for your kind words. It is a strange newness with her gone, but I am glad she is not suffering any longer.
I loved getting to see the tulips. They rank up there as some of my favorite flowers 🙂
I know…if you could hug them one more time. ❤️