A Gratitude Post # 5

Sometimes, I struggle to do the things that have to be done. And, even more often, I struggle to do the things I want to do.  Today was one of those days. I have long since learned to decrease my expectations so I can do the best I can with what must be done, and what I want to do. But, today, I was able to manage to do what must be done, and most of what I wanted to do. So, this was a successful day.

I will also say that in my sports world, the Kansas City Chiefs won; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Patriots (neutral), the Red Sox and the Yankees will play a wild card game for the MLB post season.  I don't care who wins that game, but I will cheer till the end for both teams.

Isn't that really what life is about?  Not who wins or loses, but how we play the game? Isn't that what we baby boomers learned as children?  How has that lesson been lost?  Do we even teach it to our children in this day and age, or is it all about winning?  Shouldn't it be more about honest gamesmanship, good sportsmanship, respect, and more importantly, honor and dignity.  And most importantly of all, the greater good.  

Oh my gosh, I hope gratitude does not bleed over into Pollyanna-ism. I mean, wouldn't that be nice, but so unrealistic.  

So maybe this gratitude post is not as in touch with reality as it need to be, or should be, but tonight, I do not care.  I want to be optimistic and grateful at all cost. 

A Gratitude Post #2

Last night, we had some thunderstorms blow through.  This time of year, we usually need some rain, and 2021 is no exception.  The farmers worry about the rain damaging their cotton harvest, but everything else is pretty well dried out.  So, we had some solid rains, and thunder and lightning. This was a blessing.  I could see the lightning to the north, and at one point, it was right over my neighborhood.  My power never went out, and my electronics were not effected.  So, another blessing.

My work day went well, and a meeting was cancelled, which gave us all a breather.  Yet, another blessing.

I was so tired, it was difficult for me to finish my day.  I was able to leave after 8 hours, today at 4:30 PM, earlier than i have been able to leave work lately. I had hoped to get some extra things done at home tonight, but I was too tired, and slept while I watched TV and tried to read some professional materials. Well, I needed to sleep.  I am still tired, and hopefully my nap will not interfere with my sleep tonight.  

Focusing on positive thinking feels good.  I have had so many negative experiences in the last 2 and a half years, it has really been oppressive.  I realize, though, that I have become habituated at looking at the negative or the worst.  Focusing on a positive outlook makes things easier.  I know that.  I have known that for more than 40 years.  I just needed to be jolted out of my rut, so I can again focus on the positive.