What I Have Now
Every year,
between my birthday and Thanksgiving, I make the time to organize and assess
all that I have accumulated throughout the previous year.
I reorganize
closets and bookcases, shelves and cabinets. I go through my phone and email to
organize and reconnect with folks I’ve neglected and need to say, “Thanks” to.
I rearrange
furniture to maximize its use and I wash pots and pans and blankets and linens
that have been stuffed in a closet somewhere. I organize jewelry and marvel at
things that I felt I had to have, but haven’t yet worn.
Every year,
I am amazed at the feeling of satisfaction that comes with each new discovery. I
am always warmed by the gifts I’ve received and the letters of gratitude that have
come my way.
A feeling of
satisfaction; an awareness that I have enough comes over me and I am full.
Christmas
goes by without a need to binge shop, because I know that I have enough and am
enough.
I’d like to
believe that I’m getting better at this every year; that with each assessment of
what I have,
I become more aware of what I no longer need.
This year, I
was able to see another aspect of this awareness. As I cleaned and organized, I
was able to move nebulizers, unused medications, canes and surgical boots.
You really
don’t miss the water until the well runs dry. So I’m asking you to pay
attention to the water, the wellness, the life and stuff you already possess.
Be grateful
for people who love you already. Give thanks to those who call and text and
come by to say hi.
Be thankful
for your aches and pains, because your body is still well enough to let you know
when you need to rest.
Touch the
table you dine at and give thanks that it’s still there. Turn on a light and
actually think of the folks who do the work and for the work you’ve done to pay
the bill.
Give thanks
and know that if you are reading this, you are loved.
Be you, be well, be
thankful.
Bertice Berry, PhD
Amen! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
Delete