Gratitude Spiral: Day 307

Today, I’m grateful for yesterday’s neck massage.

I realize that getting a massage is a luxury to many, and an inaccessible impossibility for others. But after adding it to my regular self-care regimen, then missing it for about seven months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and finally enjoying one yesterday, I’ve come to believe it should be part of everyone’s routine healthcare. We’d all be in better shape for the extra blood flow to our muscles and beta endorphin to our brains. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 297

Today, I’m grateful for this simple affirmation found in my chorus music bag.

It was probably handed out one year when our chorus was preparing for our annual regional chorus competition. Going through my chorus bag recently, I pulled it out, like a rabbit out of a magic hat. What a great reminder of how to live, especially during this strange and turbulent time. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 293

Today, I’m grateful for poetry at bedtime.

Lately, the only time I sit down to read is at bedtime. I’ve been having trouble concentrating on anything that takes real critical thinking and study at the end of the day. So, recently I grabbed a book of Mary Oliver’s poetry from the shelf. What a pleasure to read a poem or two that bring a sense of freshness and satisfaction before laying down to sleep.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 290

Today, I’m grateful for a Color Street manicure, just because.

A friend of mine is one of two local women I know who have started their own Color Street businesses. They sell nail polish strips and, more importantly, bring fun and beauty into other people’s lives. I don’t normally use nail polish. I’m not the type to get regular work done on my nails. But every once in a while it can be a treat. And it’s so easy to do with these polish strips.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 229

Today, I’m grateful for air conditioning.

The temperatures in New England are pushing ninety degrees. I know the Southwestern US gets hotter. But here in New England, the humidity adds to the discomfort. We never had air conditioning in our house when I was a child. The first house my husband and I bought when we got married didn’t have a.c. either. But I’m thankful that the house we’ve lived in for the past thirty years does. It’s a blessing I try not to take for granted.

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 224

Today, I’m grateful for my electric heating pad. It takes the morning stiffness out of my back and helps to get me moving. A simple tool, but I’m very thankful for it!

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 218

Today, I’m grateful for the Carpenters Gold: Greatest Hits album.

On yet another rainy day, sitting at my computer, I decided to open iTunes. Much of the time lately, I prefer quiet, but I needed music yesterday. The first thing I saw was my recent purchase of this album full of old songs. Listening to it lifted my spirits and made life feel a little simpler for a while. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 188

Today, I’m grateful for the rocking chair on my back deck.

I’m not one to sit still for long, but some days I’ll allow myself the luxury of sitting, putting my feet up, and enjoying the moment. Having a chair out there, calling to me, is a blessing I’ll try not to overlook. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 153

Today, I’m grateful for routine.

Sometimes, “routine” can sound like a boring word or even a constrictive one. But now that most of us are spending many hours in a confined orbit due to the current pandemic, routine can be a blessing. Keeping a consistent sleep/wake schedule, meal schedule, work and play balance, can be one of the healthiest and most self-caring things we can do. And so, I’m thankful for it. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

Gratitude Spiral: Day 129

Today, I’m grateful for petroleum jelly.

I don’t know about anybody else, but days and weeks of diligent hand-washing have left my hands dry and chapped. Last night, I resorted to a trick from my childhood: I covered my hands in petroleum jelly for the night. When I was little, I’d do this and wear white gloves to bed. Last night, I put an odd pair of socks on my hands instead. And oh, how soft my hands felt this morning!

What are you grateful for today?