I’m in my happy place. This morning I’m going to take Ashok for a run on the river trail in Tulsa, but first I found an open coffeehouse right around the block from me. The Coffeehouse on Cherry Street seems to be a happening place at 7 AM, and I was able to snag an egg breakfast and my first sampling of a Dirty Chai. 

I took the time to meditate this morning. After last night’s news of a shooting in a hospital in Chicago and one in downtown Denver, I had a rude awakening. Looking at the news and texting with a friend, I was relieved that it was only 4 killed in Chicago and one in Denver. “Only” 4? Does it have to be double digits for it to count as a tragedy anymore? Sigh. That’s 5 people and their families who were going about their lives during the holiday season who were gunned down in a place where they should be safe. 

Michael’s lovely Christmas tree….

I woke up this morning and realized I really need to start a gratitude practice that’s more than a “when I need it” event. So, I chose a gratitude meditation that asked me to think of the things that made me feel grateful today (I used yesterday since nothing had happened yet today) and to sink myself in the feelings. I definitely felt better than I did when I went to sleep.

So I’ll start this morning with a gratitude list. And I promise myself I will do the same tonight and get into a regular practice of this. If, for some reason something happens to me during the day, I would much rather go out feeling grateful and whole rather than afraid and broken. Life is short.

• I am grateful to be among friends this week. I’ve spent many holidays alone, and they are special in their own right, but I’m really happy to be with Michael who loves me unconditionally and with Jess who always encourages me to be my best self and keep on moving.
• I am grateful for my sweet little dog. Period.
• I am grateful that I have the finances and good health to travel when I want. 
• I am grateful for a job that makes me happy. It was a long time coming, and it is no small thing to be engaged and fully utilized at work.
• I am grateful for this concept of coffeehouses. They give me a place to go and be among people no matter where I am. 
• I am grateful for my sobriety. I see so many people suffering from addiction, and it’s painful to watch. 
• Last night, Michael and I were texting about the shootings. As soon as the hopelessness started to seize my chest, the gentle music of a harp drifted up the stairs. I had seen the instrument in the living room earlier, and I am grateful that it was played in the precise moment I needed to remember that there will always be beauty and that hope is a tangible thing.

It’s daylight now, and I think I’ll go find that running trail. I’m grateful there’s no snow on the ground, and the temps will only rise today. I just need to do one more thing before I head out the door! 🙂