Day 242

 New adventure underway!

Day 241

My favorite time of day is early morning. I love waking up with the sun and getting my tasks under way without interruption. I can run, I can do household chores and errands, I can read or relax all while appreciating the morning daylight and sounds of nature. Alone. I can accomplish more in the wee morning hours than most people do in a full day, or at least I feel like it! What's your favorite time of day?

Day 240

 Wordless Wednesday

Day 239

I believe mornings are the most beautiful aspect of nature. While I realize "morning" is a vague description, the fact is it's all encompassing. I appreciate the fresh start of a new day and the warmth of the sun's rays brightening up the sky. I enjoy the silence of people, yet appreciate the noises of the birds chirping and squirrels chattering. All the world is not yet awake and there's still quiet and peace in these wee morning hours for you to set your intentions for the new day.

Day 238

The gift I am grateful to have received is true friendship. While I think we can all say we know many people or have a lot of acquaintances, true friends are usually not as ample. I appreciate my small "tribe" of a few, close, best friends who see and accept the truest version of myself.  

Day 237

 My weekend view.

Day 236

I ran my first 15K race today! I definitely need to learn how to fuel up properly for longer runs so I am not out of energy in the last miles. Other than that, my legs and hips held up and I am happy to have this achievement run behind me! Bring on the Turkey Trot 5K later this month! 

Day 235

 A person I am grateful for...is anyone who truly takes the time to listen.

Day 234

 A TV show that continually makes me smile is The Golden Girls! I truly believe they were ahead of their time in addressing global subject matter and knew how to do it well, with sarcasm and wit.

Day 233

The type of food I am grateful for is anything homecooked by someone else! I appreciate the work, effort and love that goes into a big family dinner with olden days recipes. It's comfort food, no matter what is served, at it's best. Yum!

Day 232

While saying others have had it worse, or yet still have it worse than you does not minimize the trials you are going through, here is some comparison for thought. I share because sometimes I forget, I am not unique. Problems are not new. War and disease are not fairytales from the past, rather we've just been lucky to not be impacted by them on such a grand scale as those before us. Acknowledge your struggles, but don't get comfortable with them. When you can, pick yourself up and keep moving. Enjoy the life you were meant to live despite, or perhaps in spite of, the circumstances around you.

Imagine you were born in 1900.

When you're 14 World War I begins and ends at 18 years old with 22 million dead.

Shortly after, a global pandemic flu called 'Spanish' kills 50 million people. You come out alive and free, you are 20 years old.

Then, at 29, you survive the global economic crisis that started with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, causing inflation, unemployment, and hunger.

At 33, the Nazis come to power.

You turn 39 when World War II starts and ends at 45. During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews die.

There will be over 60 million deaths in total.

When you're 52, the Korean War begins.

At age 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends at age 75.

A boy born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, but they have survived several wars and disasters. A boy born in 1995 and now 25 years old thinks it's the end of the world when his Amazon package takes over three days to arrive or when he doesn't get more than 15 likes for her photo posted on Facebook or Instagram.

In 2020, many of us live comfortably, have access to different sources of home entertainment, and often have more than we need. People complain about everything however, they have electricity, phone, food, hot water, and a roof over their heads.

None of this existed before. But mankind survived far more disastrous circumstances and never lost the joy of living.

Day 231

                    Based on the prompts shown, a happy memory that I am grateful for is...

Cat purrs and snuggles. This may not be the most significant memory I have, however being without pets currently, I miss the warmth and unconditional love of one. The relaxing sound of a warm purr and silly, overly invasive whiskers tickling my face, those are some of my favorite, happy memories.

 

Day 230

It's November and that time of year where you, if you haven't already, tend to focus on what you're thankful and grateful for. While I do try to practice gratitude most nights before bedtime, it doesn't always happen so I don't mind the November "push". Besides reflecting upon the things I am thankful for, I also try to "pay it forward" on a normal basis. If you struggle with either, below are some ways you can not only take care of yourself this month, but perhaps a few others too.