Gratitude

I woke up this morning with a groggy feeling and it took me through the course of the morning and two cups of coffee to figure it out.  Birds.  I could hear the birds when I opened my eyes.  Of course, it is still too cold to have the windows open.  But, there they were outside singing and chirping away.  And, it dawned on me.  I was so grateful for the coming of spring.  It has been a long trying winter with foot after foot of snow, my cooped up kids, our numerous snow days out of school, my Mom's relapse and all of the other stuff that makes my life sticky.  So, spring and with it...gratitude.

Since beginning my study of Buddhism, I have tried to master the art of mindfulness and along with it a sense of daily gratitude for all that is right in my life:  my boys, my family's huge love for each other, my husband, my close friends, my Mom's determination to kick her addiction, even my sense of adventure.  I tend to be a pessimist  but my optimistic side reminds me that I am a work in progress.  

Being mindful of the birds and the sun coming up brought me joy today.  It also gave me the chance to remember that there is always a tomorrow.  Enjoy today but ALWAYS be grateful for another tomorrow.  If today isn't what I want it to be or my Mom has a rough patch and is tempted or my kids are moody and bickering, there is always a tomorrow.  In this case, there is spring.  A new season.  Another chance to be mindful and right with the world.  And another chance to be grateful.

And in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh...."Make today the most wonderful day of your life."