Some of my earliest memories are of my dad playing his acoustic guitar and singing me to sleep – or usually singing me to silence since I’ve never cared much for sleep. Even as a little girl, I knew how special it was to have a dad wrote songs just for me. There were two songs in particular that he would rotate for bedtime, one his favorite and one mine. But both songs meant a lot to me and were major landmarks of my childhood. They felt like home, peace, and the very best parts of my father.

Do you all know how Jim Henson died? Ultimately, it was complications from pneumonia, yes. But his wife firmly believed the real reason that wonderful man is no longer with us is because he “didn’t want to be a bother.” According to his wife, his health began to deteriorate, and she wanted to take him to the hospital, but he looked at her, dying, and said, “No, I don’t want to be a bother.” Those who knew Henson have noted that as one of his common phrases. So, a man who had so much more to give departed this world so that he wouldn’t have to inconvenience anyone. Ain’t that a kick in the head?!

Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.

Maya Angelou

To say that the past two weeks have been stressful would be an extreme understatement. I’ve been fighting like crazy to remain in a place of gratefulness, but as life whips me around like a ragdoll, it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Currently, there isn’t a single aspect of my life that feels steady and grounded. Like, one wrong move in any direction could cause calamity.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie

Today marks the end of the Broken Bits: Seven Days of Gratefulness! I want to thank everyone who took this journey with me, everyone who sent in their notes of gratitude, and a special ‘THANK YOU’ to Chaunte, whose daily presence made the week less lonesome (Mitchell’s ice cream on me, next time you’re in town 😊).

This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.

Maya Angelou

Before dawn today, I wrapped my arms around a dear friend moving out of the country. I mournfully considered that I wouldn’t see her again for months, and considering the current way of the world, possibly longer. Presumably, I could never see her again! The weight of uncertainty was heavy. I could be hugging my friend for the last time.

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.

Gerald Good

Yesterday, I felt as if I spent most of my time picking others’ thorns from the skin of my emotions. The major players of my life were in the WORST moods, and no matter how I navigated, I was pierced with each interaction. Merely flesh wounds, but flesh wounds that I did not earn.

I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.

Mike Ericksen

Yesterday was a doozy! I woke to news of death. Work was quite a bit more stressful than I anticipated. I realized I might have inadvertently hurt a friend. And I laid awake half the night, pining for comfort that I can no longer possess. Doozy!

But I kept thinking about the quote from yesterday’s post, “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.”

And friends, as I started my new position, I did learn a lot. Although I worked two jobs and interacted with lots of people, in the middle of a pandemic, I didn’t get sick – and certainly didn’t die. So, yes, my emotions took a slight battering yesterday; I still walk in an obscene amount of blessings and a life of great abundance… I’m beyond grateful for that!!!

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.

Buddha

I woke to a tearful phone call because someone lost their loved one early this morning. Although my heart is breaking for everyone involved, I feel all the more appreciative for being alive and having a little more time with the beautiful humans who mean so much to me!

Today, I’m grateful for Life, Health, and Strength.
I’m grateful for having every single thing that I need.
I’m grateful for starting a new job today – a job that I really wanted.
I’m grateful for the gift of sharing in others’ joys.
And I’m grateful for the ability to be there for those who need a shoulder.
I’m grateful for being a complex, multidimensional human who can carry a heavy heart while yet bursting with gratitude!
Mostly, I’m grateful for the WONDERFUL God who thought I was worthy of creation.
-Nikita

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

Epictetus

Today, I am grateful for SLEEPING IN!!!
I’m grateful for being forced to slow down so I can re-evaluate my priorities.
I’m grateful for incredible friends who consider my health and wellbeing.
I’m grateful that I received an A+ on a paper I thought I screwed up.
And I’m SUPER grateful for the beautiful humans who are taking this journey of gratitude with me! You all are AMAZING!!!
-Nikita

This is the day which the Lord hath made; [I] will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Today, I am grateful for shelter, warmth, and safety. Even when it wasn’t ideal or comfortable, I have always had the benefit of shelter. There are so many who desperately wish for this blessing.

I am grateful for friends who messaged me early this morning, asking me to stay home if possible because they wanted me to be safe. That made me feel loved!

Finally, I’m grateful that my core group of family and friends are still above ground through the last two years of tumult. I personally know of far too many who couldn’t say the same. I feel immensely blessed! -Nikita